Customer Reviews

Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery

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Reading this book evokes the feeling of talking to a concerned and supportive friend about anorexia. The authors don't throw out harsh statistics or Freudian theories, and there are no disturbingly graphic depictions of binging or purging. Instead, the reader is treated with affection and respect. It is assumed that anorexia develops as a method of coping, and the reader receives suggestions for new ways to deal with feelings. This book gives the reader a feeling of hope and self-reliance, and avoids shaming language. The authors give helpful, practical methods of overcoming anorexia and learning to love oneself.

I have had anorexia for 11 years. I am now 24 and am in treatment. Hall and Ostroff's book helped me to understand that I was not alone, and that I was in charge. Most importantly, and the most difficult issue to deal with is that anorexia teaches you things about yourself. I strongly recommend this book to someone who does not know where to start. No, once you read it, you will not be cured but at least you will have explored what you are most afraid of--letting go of the control and the selfdestructive coping strategies. I read the book within the first week of group therapy and came the next week with photocopies of certain sections that were very helpful for the rest of the members. This book helps you want to get rid of the anorexic thoughts. You will be much happier while on the road of recovery. Letting go of the obsessive thoughts that come with anorexia was the best thing I have ever done.

Hall advises, "The first step in recovery from anorexia is simply to choose life." Echoing that decision in her own epiphany, Ostroff observes that women she knew who had recovered had in common that "they accepted who they were. They knew how to herald their successes, be patient with their flaws, and gentle with their pain." From these compassionate insights into the turning point in one of the most enigmatic disorders of our day, these two survivors chart the path to healing in this extraordinarily helpful book. Straight answers to common questions about anorexia and practical advice on all aspects of the recovery process sandwich a frank personal account in a well-balanced presentation of fact, support, and guidance.

I found of particular value two chapters speaking straight to the anorectic: one section devoted to what has worked for many others who have won the battle; and another section on how to remain committed to recovery. Concrete ideas, exercises, and insights are given, all written in the language of those familiar with the territory, sharing a love and hope that is nothing short of nutrition for the starving heart. I feel I can give no greater praise for this book than to acknowledge that it will save and change many lives.

I've read 3 other books on this topic and found this to be the easiest to read and very inspirational. Short chapters, pick-up and read as much or as little in one sitting. Practical, real life examples of dealing with the complexities of an eating disorder. Not sugar coated, yet it does not dwell in the depths of dispair. Encouraging, hopeful, realistic. I consider this a must read for anyone dealing with an eating disorder, their friends, and family included. I am a mom to a recovering daughter.

I wasn't sure if this book would be helpful, but it is by far one of the best books on eating disorders that I have found. There is a checklist to see if you are in danger of becoming anorexic, and also steps to recover that are very useful and encouraging.

This book is not only a wonderful resource for sufferers of anorexia. But it is also a resource for thier family and friends. The book explains anorexia, tells Monika Ostroff's personal story, and has a special chapter for family and loved ones. Everyone who suffers from anorexia or has a spouse, family member, or friend with anorexia, should read this book.

This book was required for a college course I took and the book really helped me to jump into the shoes of a person with anorexia nervosa. I highly recommend this book to a person with or without the disorder.

It is regrettable that the orthodox medical establishment fails to acknowledge that many modern ailments are caused by deficiency of one or more essential nutrients. This is the case with anorexia which very commonly is due to deficiency of the essential mineral zinc. People who are seriously deficient in zinc tend to lose almost complete interest in food and often find eating to be repulsive. When such people are given adequate daily supplementation with zinc their interest in eating usually returns and their anorexia -- if present -- disappears.

It is true that many cases of anorexia start out as a result of deliberate food deprivation -- generally as an attempt to lose weight. But when such food deprivation results in a severe deficiency of zinc, it becomes involuntary and requires zinc supplementation to be overcome. I realize that many -- perhaps most -- people reading this will not believe that anorexia can be successfully treated by supplementation with zinc, but such success has been achieved many times by people willing to try it. Incidentally, zinc is an essential cofactor for more enzymes than any mineral other than magnesium. Deficiency of zinc and/or magnesium is a major cause of many modern ailments which are regarded as difficult to treat when, in fact, they are quite readily treated by appropriate supplementation.