Customer Reviews

Counting Bones

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

To say that Counting Bones is merely horrible is, I think, extremely generous. If I could rate this book in black holes rather than stars, I'd give it 5. I'm an avid reader, and I've never found a book to be so bad that it was unreadable - until now.
This book seems to have missed a crucial step on the way to the printing press: a little thing called 'editing'. Nor does the author bother to employ that pesky device called 'narrative'. This leaves the reader with absolutely no clue as to what is going on. This book is essentially straight diary entries, with no explaination as to who anyone is, or what connexion they may possibly have to the author. Ms Bahret tries to convince the reader that her writing is beautiful (by including a segment on how beautiful her writing is!) However, I'm just not convinced.
Further, this book offers absolutely no insight to one suffering from an eating disorder or the people who love them. If you or someone you know has anorexia or bulimia, do not read this book. It will not teach you anything, or help you in any way.
I'm happy that the author was able to overcome her problems. However, it strikes me that she has traded one obsession for another - The Lord God & his son Jesus Christ. Granted, too much God is unlikely to kill her, but it does seem that she's only stepped out of one prison and straight into another. I'm not bashing God here. There's nothing wrong with religion - unless it borders on mania. It seems like the author has turned her religion into a crutch, much like her eating disorder. She all but says: 'the devil made me do it. But don't worry, God saved me'. Yet I didn't notice that she actually took the step of accepting responsibility for either her own faults or her own virtues. Any positive strides she made were attributed to God, and any mistakes were laid on the shoulder of . . . yes, you guessed it: Satan. I dislike the message this may send to people who currently have an eating disorder: just enslave yourself to the author's cult, and it will all go away (We may as well encourage these girls to develope a good solid marijuana habit. I makes you hungry, and you never have to face your problems).
Contrarily, this book could make a vulnerable person feel very badly about themselves - especially if they do believe in God - because the author suggests that her cure was brought about by her acceptance of her religion (essentially, she was healed as a reward for her faith). Well, what if you believe with all your heart, but you are not healed? Does that mean that God loves you less than Michelle J Bahret? The fact of the matter is that statistics for the efficacy of faith healing in Anorexia and bulimia have never been documented, and it is unfair to suggest that a maniacal belief in God could possibly be more effective than eating.

I read a lot of books on eating disorders and mental illness, and "Counting Bones" by Michelle Bahret is by FAR the worst book I've ever read in this category.

It is incredibly boring, filled more with trite inspirational quotes than anything resembling memoir. It is from a born-again Christian point of view, with myriad Bible quotes. If you're not an evangelical Christian, you will be bored to tears. I can't speak for Christians, but I don't expect they will much enjoy this book, either.

This book is published by an independent Christian company. Clearly all the real publishing houses immediately trashed the manuscript. You should, too.

Better anorexia books that deal with Christianity:
"Diary of an Anorexic Girl," by Morgan McKensie
"Slim to None," by Jennifer Hendricks

Better anorexia books in general:
"Wasted," by Marya Hornbacher
"Stick Figure: Diary of My Former Self," by Lori Gottlieb
"Life-Size," by Jenefer Shute (fiction)

"The Passion of Alice," by Stephanie Grant (fiction)
"Hunger Point," by Jillian Medoff

Avoid "Counting Bones" at all costs.

Michelle Bahret's diary of her journey through anorexia stirred my heart immensely, and showed me how much I didn't know about the disease and its causes.
It has given me much insight as to how to approach those who suffer the emotional and physical pain (and heartache) that stems from abuse. It (abuse) can be verbal, physical, and/or the lack of a family's love that can turn an individual inward to control their life the best way they know how.
My only regret about this book is that, even though Michelle is a Christian, she could've elaborated in more depth about her walk with God and Jesus, and how the Holy Spirit lead her to Victory. What an overcomer!!!

I was compelled to read Michelle's book after meeting her and hearing her story. Once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down. She is truly a gifted writer!
"Counting Bones" is a book that will enlighten you of the struggles someone with eating disorders has. Michelle's journal takes you through her daily thoughts and challenges as she searches for solutions to her problems. She ultimately finds the peace and hope she has been searching for, in a loving God who created her and loves her.
This book is very helpful for anyone going through similar struggles with eating disorders or abuse. It is also valuable and informative for all of us to read so that we can help and better understand others, that are going through the same problems that are so very prevalent these days.

Michelle Bahret has written from the "inside out" with this important book. She gave a refreshingly honest glimpse into the mind and soul of someone struggling with a killer... eating disorders.

Her honest portrayal of a person struggling with family dysfunction, her own rebellion and anger issues, and her final surrender to Christ as her ultimate answer and victory was forthright and illuminating. Committed secularists will no-doubt turn their noses up at this book, because it is so gut-wrenchingly honest and open about the Christian gospel. The post-modernist control-freak will disdain Michelle's bold proclamation that Jesus Christ is the ONLY viable answer to the human condition of brokenness. So, what else is new?

On the other hand, there will be many who will find in this book a beacon of hope, and find victory!

Michelle's description of her abuse and eating disorder are deeply affecting. She takes us into that weird world where everything is warped by her addiction. We agonize with her as scheme after scheme fails to free her from the monster that has her life. It seems one step forward, only to fall two steps backward. Our sympathy is aroused for anyone thus ensnared.

At last, Christ sets her free! But will it only be a tempory
release, or will she slide back into an even darker despair?

Yes, she still struggled for a while, but she didn't fight alone anymore. And so a great message is given to those who find Christ as their strength;keep on growing in your understanding of Him and His grace! Some miracles are instant and complete, others take a little longer!

Thanks to Michelle for allowing light into a dark dungeon! May her fellow sufferers find the glorious escape that she did!

Dennis Clough

This is not a book you look for; it's a book that finds you. The cover opens the window to the author's life. The words within are her voice. If you could sit across from Michelle Bahret and look at the word pictures of her life you would find it hard to believe they are one in the same. Those who searching for a pathway to peace in the midst of raging storms will find comfort, wisdom, life and health. They will identify with her tears and cry out for her victory. They will, more importantly, find and come to know the author and finisher of this author's life. She is unashamed of her faith in her Lord Jesus . You would be too of the person who rescued you from certain death and has never left you alone since.
Don't put this book down based on the form it is written in. Read it because it is real life and is true. Read it and give it to someone you know who need to be given hope. Then contact Michelle.She will meet with you and share her new book of life called Living My Dreams.
Ken Gnemi

This book is truly an inspiration for those that have battled with an eating disorder, as well as their families. One cannot
deny God's love for us when reading Michele's diary writings on the battle that lead to the victory thanks to Jesus in her life.
A true testimony!