When I was given a copy of the book "Little Girl Crying" by Belinda Rose I was intimidated.  Not by the subject: anorexia nervosa and how the author came to complete healing through prayer.  I was intimidated by its length.  I wondered how I could squeeze in the time for this large book in the midst of my busy life.  I can honestly report that finding time was not a problem.  This book reads like a thriller but instead of "who done it?" the question in this fast-paced account of the causes and the struggle of anorexia is "how will she ever come out of it?"  In the course of 450 pages I came to a better understanding of anorexia and more.  Let me highlight three other lessons that can be learned by reading "Little Girl Crying."

First, the struggle with anorexia nervosa is a paradigm for all human struggle.  Deep down, in every human being, there is a hunger, a hunger to be loved, a longing to know that one is lovable.  Human loves can satisfy that hunger for a while but they do not ultimately fulfill us, for, as St. Augustine wrote: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."  We are made with a hunger for an infinite love that no finite, human love can satisfy.  Only God's love can because God is an infinite love by nature.  Until the author discovered this truth through contemplative prayer she continued a self-destructive cycle of binge eating and purging, always convinced that she was fat and unlovable even at 70 lbs.! Whatever one does or does not do to fill the hunger for God will fail unless God is the object of one's desire. 

Secondly, I was reminded of another book, "Legacy of the Heart: The Spiritual Advantages of a Painful Childhood" by Wayne Muller.  As a drought forces the roots of a tree to go deeper or the tree will die, so the struggles of childhood can lead one to sink deeper roots.  Deeper into what?  One's relationship with God, certainly, but also into one's relationships with others.  Belinda Rose's struggles ultimately led her into deeper relationships with her three sons, her mother, and others who struggled with psychological illnesses.  From deep pain can come, with God's saving grace, greater compassion and more joy, so much so that Rose can say, like many in 12 Step Recovery Programs, she is ultimately grateful for how her disease led her to these deeper relationships. 

Thirdly, one of the key elements of healing is forgiveness.  Past hurts can leave one bitter.  But bitter unforgiveness and resentment are the fuel that drives the engine of addictions and anorexia.  When it is not dealt with, emotional hurt festers and grows, morphing into an anger which, for those who feel vulnerable and helpless, is turned in on itself.  It's been said that resentment is like drinking from a bottle of poison and hoping that the person who hurt us will die.  As she began to deal with the painful memories that stoked her disease, Rose developed empathy.  A key moment came when she began to understand what led her father to hurt her as he had done.  She learned the truth that "hurt people hurt people."  She prayed and forgave and healed.  In time she learned to imitate Jesus in his redemptive suffering.  Jesus--totally innocent--was hurt and abused.  He suffered terribly but offered his suffering as a powerful prayer to the Father and saved the world.  Rose learned to use her sufferings for others as Jesus did. 

I highly recommend "Little Girl Crying" in order to understand anorexia nervosa and so much more.  Its lessons are universal, for hurt and the need for healing--both individually and globally--are universal.  -- Father James Kubicki, S.J. Former national director of The Apostleship of Prayer, author of A Heart On Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Little Girl Crying by Belinda Rose is a poignant memoir that follows the pain of the author and her journey towards healing. Hurt deeply and abused at home as a child, bullied in school, and raped by someone she loved and trusted, Belinda found herself pushed to the limit, shutting out the pain in her heart, something that slowly morphed into anorexia nervosa and depression. For many years, her self-esteem was almost shattered and she found herself doing things that would eventually hurt her even more. Her eating disorder became an instrument of self-destruction and left great spiritual, physical, and mental repercussions. In this book, she shares the secrets of how she finally gained inner freedom, beat death and depression, and found a reason to live. 

Belinda Rose's book is a gift for readers who have suffered abuse in any form and those who have lost their sense of dignity due to what others have made them suffer. In this book, she teaches meaningful lessons to readers, including the strength of faith -- in God and in self -- and how to transition from suicidal thoughts to a healthy experience of self-love. I have always had respect for people who have the courage to look straight into their wounds, but when someone strips their soul before readers, it is an act of courage that can't be ignored, and Belinda Rose has shown in this writing that she has that courage. She shares a message of hope in a language that is accessible. Little Girl Crying might be the story of one woman, but it reflects the pain that is buried in many souls that suffer in silence. This book will not only encourage readers who have been hurt and abused to embrace healing, but will show them how not to hold themselves responsible for the crimes of others. I just loved it; the book is inspiring and filled with insight

Reviewed By Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Little Girl Crying by Belinda Rose is a gripping tale of abuse and one woman's struggle with anorexia nervosa and the prayer that saved her life. Bullied at school, abused at home, and raped by someone she absolutely trusted, little Belinda found her world crumbling, and for almost four decades she found herself torn between destroying her life and fighting for survival. Her disdain for life led to an eating disorder that seemed incurable, but how she redeemed herself is the story that will inspire many readers. 

It takes a lot of courage to tell a story like this one and Belinda Rose has more than that courage. In her memoir, she shares a message that millions of women, abused daily, will want to share. Little Girl Crying will bring tears to your eyes and move you to feel the plight of the author. Belinda Rose explores different layers of the story -- emotional, spiritual, and psychological. I love the way she writes about her spiritual connection, which is one of the major factors that led to her healing. Themes of spirituality, family, and social issues are skillfully explored in this narrative.  

Belinda Rose writes with grace and simplicity and in a voice that will undoubtedly arrest the attention of readers. While the book explores the deep pain resulting from abuse, it also shows readers that they can overcome complex problems and learn to see themselves not from the eyes of those who hurt them, but from their relationship with someone who loves them just as they are. It is a moving story with powerful lessons of survival and healing.

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Little Girl Crying is a combination of non fiction faith writing and true life story penned by author Belinda Rose, self-tagged: 'My life-long struggle with anorexia nervosa and the prayer that saved my life'. Written in the form of an enhanced memoir, the volume contains personal poetry, illustrations and Bible verses which accompany the writing to tell Belinda's harrowing story of a life lived suffering with anorexia and depression. Abused and bullied as a young person, Belinda turned to self hatred and an eating disorder through severe depression, suffering for 38 years before the voice of God gave her a lifesaving realization that finally allowed her to recover. Overall, it makes for an inspirational read of faith over suffering.

Coming from a time when anorexia was a less well-known condition, author Belinda Rose makes it clear that she was at a point beyond human help for the worst parts of her suffering. Her descriptions of her hospitalization are highly emotive reading, and I believe that knowing the story comes from a place of recovery from the start really helps readers to deal with the hardest realities of the work. Belinda Rose writes well and with great enthusiasm for her faith and her new life, offering hope and help through the great inclusions and reflections added to the text of her memoir. I particularly enjoyed her poetry, sometimes bittersweet and sometimes inspirational, but always moving. Overall, Little Girl Crying is a superb memoir that any fan of harrowing inspirational stories will find powerful and uplifting. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Belinda Rose is an inspirational author, poet, and creative. She overcame a nearly forty year battle with anorexia nervosa, bulimia and deep depression through the healing and transformative power of contemplative prayer. Near death multiple times, her story of survival is a testimony to the power of God's unfailing love and amazing grace. Amid an abusive childhood, she felt a deep devotion to Jesus, where He soon became her dearest friend and lifeline. Through God's grace she was drawn to contemplative prayer, of which she has been a long-time practitioner. Belinda attributes the true miracle of her healing to the power of experiencing God in this deep, meditative prayer. As a Christian Contemplative, she believes it is by resting in God in the silence - the journey within - that sets God's divine action to work within us to allow true healing of the wounded heart, mind and soul to occur.

She is the author of the vibrant online prayer community Illustrated Devotions, a prayer ministry where she shares daily prayers and devotions, and offers intercessory prayer for those in need. Through her ministry she seeks to inspire and encourage those who suffer by ultimately leading them into a deeper intimacy with God through prayer.

Belinda Rose is devoted to her Catholic faith, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Eucharistic Adoration. When she isn't writing, Belinda loves spending quiet time in nature and adores animals of every kind. Born and raised in the Midwest, she still lives there with her husband and three sons. Together they enjoy the companionship of their five cocker spaniels, three cats and Buster the parrot.To become a part of her devotional community, visit her Facebook fan page at facebook.com/illustrateddevotionsBelinda's devotional writings and art-prayers can be found at belindarose.com --This text refers to the paperback edition.