Thin Enough: My Spiritual Journey Through the Living Death of an Eating Disorder [Paperback]

Sheryle Cruse (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2005

The teen and college years are a crucial time for girls, when positive or negative views about their bodies often become manifest. Written to eating disorder sufferers who are at this critical age, Thin Enough provides hope that, through faith and trust in God, they too can rise above the living death of eating disorders and arise as God’s daughters, full of life and with a promising future.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this part memoir/part how-to, first-time author Cruse tells the agonizing story of her experiences with anorexia and bulimia—of forcing herself to get up at midnight so she could start the day with six hours of exercise, or of going for months with only diet soda and the occasional cough drop. She recounts the twisted yet somehow compelling lies that drove all of her behavior, like thinking that being overly thin equaled perfection. Cruse's recovery was a lengthy process of taking slow steps toward change, undergirded by a growing faith in a patient, graceful God. While Cruse shows admirable bravery in telling the tale, her writing is weak. The audience is unclear, and she shifts between talking to those suffering with eating disorders and addressing their families, while also trying to reach those with church experience and those who have yet to pursue faith. Cruse focuses on her own story almost to the exclusion of offering advice, and although each chapter provides lists of questions, readers may not have the guidance they need to answer them. Many of the end-of-chapter tips on dealing with eating disorders are taken straight from Web sites. But perhaps the compelling cover art, title and Cruse's candor will attract those who need the book most. (Feb.)
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About the Author

Sheryle Cruse began her journey through eating disorders when she went on her first diet as an overweight 7-year-old. She suffered through anorexia, bulimia, and yo-yo dieting until she was an 80-pound, 5’4” 19-year-old. After running the full gamut of eating disorder experiences, she found healing with the help of therapy, Christian community, and—most importantly—God's patient love. Now a poet living in Portland, Oregon, she writes of the spiritual significance of eating disorders as a way of ministering to other sufferers. Her poems have been published in several journals and newsletters. She has also written several dramatic pieces that have been performed in churches and theaters in her area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: New Hope Publishers - Arise (December 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596690038
• ISBN-13: 978-1596690035
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and full of hope, May 11, 2006

By 

Linda J. Macdonald (Gig Harbor, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thin Enough: My Spiritual Journey Through the Living Death of an Eating Disorder (Paperback)

Sheryle writes a creative, heart-rending story of her battle with anorexia and bulimia and the spiritual revelation that saved her life. She transparently shares her jagged journey from bondage to freedom in a way that those who struggle with this frightening disorder will identify with. Her questions for journaling are as good as hours of therapy. Once I started reading, I could hardly put it down. I heartily recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring., November 21, 2009

By 

Kelly - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thin Enough: My Spiritual Journey Through the Living Death of an Eating Disorder (Paperback)

For anyone struggling with an eating disorder, or struggling to recover, I highly recommend this book. The author clearly illistrates her shared struggle, but in no way glorifies her struggle. There is a journaling component to the book, which is very useful for recovery and understanding one's eating disorder. This book is extremely encouraging.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love ordering from Amazon!!, September 22, 2009

By 

Anonymous "medical researcher" (Southeast, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thin Enough: My Spiritual Journey Through the Living Death of an Eating Disorder (Paperback)

This is a very good book on ana...easy to read and understand..the problem is discussed thoroughly and the character was interesting. She used her roots in Christianity to help with her problem..although she did not rely solely on it.

I was extremely pleased with the processing of my order. Everything was done very professionally. Easy ordering and quick shipping!