Grade 6-Up-- Joining a growing number of publications on the subject, Sonder's text states that within each person there is a physical or biological eater, and a psychological eater. It is the later, he claims, that moves an individual toward eating disorder behavior. Declaring that hatred of the body represents a primary reason for such disorders, he discusses childhood traumas, personality traits, and environmental stresses that may contribute to destructive habits. He traces the evolution of the ideal female body, and addresses the societal images of physical beauty. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are specifically examined, including a listing of the danger signals of each. A final chapter suggests places to secure help. Nardo's Eating Disorders (Lucent, 1991) is similar in scope and treatment, and is illustrated. An additional useful overview.
- Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High School, TX
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. Although Sonder does define the major eating disorders--anorexia nervosa and bulimia--and briefly discusses their treatment, this work will be most useful for the information it provides about the psychology of eating disorders, popular culture's influence on body image, research on obesity and problem eating, and the hazards of dieting. The material is presented clearly, concisely, and in a nonjudgmental, impersonal manner that will make it particularly appropriate for student research. Unlike Kolodny's When Food's a Foe (1987) and Maloney and Kranz's Straight Talk about Eating Disorders (1991), Sonder's informational text does not include case studies or examples of teens with eating problems. A glossary, detailed source notes, and an extensive bibliography of adult and young adult resources are included. Chris Sherman
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