My Life as a Male Anorexic [Paperback]

Michael Krasnow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 1996 | ISBN-10: 1560238836 | ISBN-13: 978-1560238836 | Edition: 1

My Life as a Male Anorexic is a uniquely male point of view of anorexia nervosa. It is the autobiographical account of a young man’s ongoing struggle with anorexia. Michael shared his story as part of the featured health segment “Men Dying to be Thin” on WSVN Channel 7 News in Miami, Florida, in May 1997.

Michael Krasnow has had anorexia since 1984, and he chronicles his daily struggles, feelings, and experiences in this book. He writes in a relaxed, easygoing manner that makes the book appealing to all readers. While ignoring statistics and not pretending to be an expert on the disorder, Michael simply tells readers what his life is like and how anorexia has affected--even controlled--it. As of today, Michael has maintained his weight at 75 pounds on a 5-foot, 9-inch frame.

Anyone who suffers, or anyone who knows someone who suffers from, anorexia will learn that male anorexia is a serious problem and that there needs to be psychological and medical help for the boys and men who struggle with anorexia. As Michael begins his book, “For years, anorexia existed, but very few people knew of it. Women who suffered from it did not realize that they were not alone. Eventually, as more became known and anorexia became more publicized, a greater number of women came forward to seek help, no longer feeling that they would be considered strange or outcasts from society. Maybe with the publication of this book, more men with the problem will realize that they are not alone either, and that they do not suffer from a ‘woman’s disease.’They can come forward without worrying about embarrassment.”

Michael’s story will baffle, frustrate, sadden, and irritate readers, whether they are interested in the human side of Michael’s story, whether they are workers in the medical field--psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, mental health counselors--or whether they are teachers, coworkers, friends, or relatives of a male with anorexia. My Life as a Male Anorexic begins to shed light on the little-known or discussed problem of male anorexia nervosa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (August 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560238836
• ISBN-13: 978-1560238836
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.4 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,232,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All too true August 14, 2006

By Ziggita

Format:Paperback

This book is nothing but excellent. It is a true account of what it is like, and what one may go through with an eating disorder. It may seem ridiculous, selfish, and hard to believe for someone who has not experienced an ED, but if you have then at least one account in this book will get under your skin, give you chills, and bring back memories. It said,and depressing, but a true tale of what it is like to have anorexia. And this book proves that it is a problem in men too.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars My Life as a Male Anorexic February 23, 2000

By Jodi

Format:Paperback

This book is interesting and I think that it Krasnow provides a very unique perspective. The writing is extremely constricted and factual, but that in itself is an incredible glimpse into the mindset that anorexia can create (and that can cause someone to become anorexic). I'd definitely recommend this book to someone interested in the topic. The negatives: it's a very short read and it's quite depressing. Although I don't think it's very insightful, it does make a unique contribution to the literature because it deals with anorexia in men.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Straight Facts, Few Answers May 3, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I intend absolutely no criticism of the author when I say that this book provides the reader with few if any answers as to the source of male anorexia or effective treatment. Krasnow presents the basic facts with a clear, straightforward delivery that asks no pity and promises no redemption. Indeed, as other reviewers have noted, we mourn Krasnow as one of anorexia's ultimate victims. Still, although family, friends, or the men who are struggling with anorexia or bulimia will sympathize with this account, they will have to pose any questions elsewhere.