5 comments about Binge Breaker!(TM): Stop Out-of-Control Eating and Lose Weight.

1. Not only did this book describe me & my behavior to a t, it also gave me specific steps to overcome my binging problem. I highly recommend this book if you have a binging problem.



2. This book was interesting and I was very enlightened. I realized that I do have a binge eating disorder and all of the advice in the book was great. However, I found that it was hard to follow and to keep on top of. Very easy to revert back to prior binge eating ways. There is still hope:

   My recommendation is The Hunger Within: A Twelve-Week Self-Guided Journey from Compulsive Eating to Recovery -- by Marilyn Migliore, Philip Ross See my review of this book...




3. I have read several books on the subject, searching for a way to break free of this. The problem is that many books adopt one of two approaches: either one designed for bulimics, which I am not, or a view that food is an addiction and certain foods must be avoided for life.
   This book takes a sensible and, most importantly, very doable approach - it doesn't ask you to monitor in written form, which can be quite a chore, but rather works on making you aware of your eating style and then overhauling it. Gradually, eating is normalized and the former binge foods are introduced - without leading to binges for me!! - so that your relationship with food slowly gravitates towards being "normal".
   All in all, a great read, the one book that changed my life!



4. This book alone will not solve your binge eating problem, so don't expect that. But it is a must-read for any person who feels uncontrollable when it comes to food. It definitely makes you wake up to realize what might be behind your binge-eating, as in the emotions behind it. It is an easy-read and you will do a lot of self-assessment. He truly gives you hope that you can get through this so you can focus on losing all the weight you want to. The key part is that he recognizes that normal diets don't work if you are a binge eater because they do not address bingeing. A+!



5. i can not review because i have not received this book yet
   
   anita rizzardo

5 comments about French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating.

1. I have done extensive reading of books in the field of eating disorders and I have never read one as good as this one. Ms. Cohen's writing style is clarity itself. She helps you to tailor make a solution for your own particular eating problem. She does not preach a single, magic solution that will automatically work for everyone. "Each person's eating disorder is as unique as a fingerprint," she says at one point. She is compassionate and recounts marvellous stories from her extensive experience in the field of eating disorders to help readers gain insights into their own individual problem. She helps you become friends with food rather than treating food as the enemy. I give the highest recommendation to this book.



2. Thank's Mary Anne. Your book "French Toast..." is a very interesting book and a manual about emotional life. I would read your e-mail (or speak with you, from your e-mail). Thank's. I have understand very much about me, now. I want your rewiew about "my review" in this web page. I'm spanish woman. I'm living near Madrid.(sima_gabe@hotmail.com)



3. Thank's Mary Anne. Your book "French Toast..." is a very interesting book and a manual about emotional life. I would read your e-mail (or speak with you, from your e-mail). Thank's. I have understand very much about me, now. I want your rewiew about "my review" in this web page. I'm spanish woman. I'm living near Madrid. (sima_gabe@hotmail.com)



4. This is a wonderful book about not just eating disorders but the pressures society puts on women (and men) to look a certain way and how no one can ever really attain that social "perfection". I had an eating disorder for several years and this book has helped me overcome many of my own demons. It is not a "quick fix" by any means but it makes you really take a look at why you have certain unhealthy behaviors when it comes to food & what you yourself can do to get to the root of the problem. I highly recommend this book for women, as we seem to have the most societal pressures to be thin. It will make you look at yourself & eating in a new light. Thank you Mary Anne Cohen.



5. A very comprehensive guide. Exceeded my expectations and gave me deeper understanding of my eating issues. A must for anyone on the road of recovery.

3 comments about The Owl Was a Baker's Daughter: Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, and the Repressed Feminine--A Psychological Study (139p).

1. I find Jungian analysis interesting however this book is the most hateful book towards women, and fat people that I have ever read. The author has the most hateful attitude towards anyone that has any weight problems. She uses all the worse stereotypes towards people in these predicaments to forward her "theories" which ignore everything scientific about the human body. I guess in Woodmans world, we are all supposed to be stick thin and if we are not, this means we are psychologically disturbed. I think this author somehow felt morally superior to the women she was writing about. The horrible thing is she had case studies about "obese women" and they averaged ONLY 160lbs! Shocking. A sad disaster of a book. A hate manifesto disguised as intellectual enterprise.



2. Marion Goodman is one of the foremost Jungian Analysts in the world. I have found ALL of her books, including "Owl Was A Baker's Daughter" to be exceptionally compassionate towards women. She has great reserves of empathy and profoundly subtle insights into feminine psychology. This book explores a very painful aspect of many women's lives, and the exploration is undertaken with scrupulous honesty, integrity and wisdom.



3. Woodman wrote about eating disorders before they were vogue. Her personal insights through her own eating disorder and those of ther clients offer a deep look into these disorders. If you don't buy the Jungian perspective don't buy this book. But if you do you will find it well worth the price.

4 comments about Getting Out of B.E.D.: Overcoming Binge-Eating Disorder One Day at a Time.

1. The author of this wonderful book has written a resource with outstanding truth and clarity. This gem of a book takes the mystery out of BED and body image. I am confident this book will be of help not only to those facing the challenges of BED, but also has the potential to help family, friends, and professionals understand the complexities of this eating disorder. Well done!



2. I really loved this book. Megan Bartlett has thought about this issue and shared her story with a great deal of honesty and bravery. Reading this book has helped me feel more open about my own story-- and therefore has helped me greatly to see myself in a sober light. I really recomend this book to people who need some clarity on BED and body image! I should add that the author is obviously well versed in psychology, this isn't a mere memoir. It includes tips and techniques to help you in your own struggles. Buy it!



3. Reading this book was as if the author had read my own thoughts and written them down. Her insights and suggestions were very helpful. She does a great job of citing her resources so you can go and find more information. She had some awesome suggestions/tools for overcoming B.E.D. If you think you suffer from B.E.D. it is my opinion that this should be the first book you read before going any further.



4. This is a good book if you want to understand how it is to have BED, or if you feel you are the only one on earth suffering from this (you're not).
   But in my opinion this book falls short on the recovery aspect for the readers. She bases her suggestions on Fairburn's Overcoming Binge Eating. Do yourself a favor and buy Fairburn's book for an in-depth review both of binge eating problems and a whole detailed self help plan supported by several scientific studies.
   Finally, I have to critique Bartlett's decision to point out her weight in an eating disorder book. Why?

3 comments about Breaking Free from Compulsive Overeating (Breaking Free Series).

1. This book gives general information on overeating, tells you why the bible says it's a sin, and then says the only way to get better is to accept Jesus Christ as your savior and listen to worship CDs when you feel like eating.



2. If you want to exchange the worship of food for the worship of Jesus, then this is your dream book. The chapters are full of specially composed prayers deemed suitable for compulsive overeaters, together with Biblical examples of the values of eating. Be warned that in the introduction you are going to come across the following paragraph, which sets the tone of the book. I quote:
   
   "Food does not have to rule your life...Self-control is possible when the Holy Spirit lives within you...It comes as you surrender your life to God, walk in His ways and allow His Spirit to direct you. As the Spirit leads you, He will renew your mind, take control of your emotions and bring your will into obedience."
   
   So this is where I've been going wrong. If giving yourself over to Jesus works for you then I'm truly glad. I'm afraid this book just made me head for the chocolates -yes, naturally, the whole box!



3. I thought this book was a wonderful addition to the huge arsenal of books written to help those struggling with compulsive eating and weight control issues. And, from a clinical standpoint, her ideas really do work. I will be recommending it to my patients who follow the Christian faith journey.
   
   For the record, the book is written for the Christian niche, which is very sizeable market worldwide. It seems that her faith-based approach is offensive to some as reflected in the other reviews; and, because her faith approach differs from theirs, they clearly don't appreciate what Dr. Mintle is saying in her helpful book.
   
   Interestingly, their response to their not understanding is to react in an angry manner. Maybe it would be more helpful to consider taking the pathway of acceptance and tolerance rather than hatred and rejection. And, perhaps these negative attitudes are saying something about what might be keeping them trapped in their own weight issues?
   
   The truth can set you free, but it might have to hurt a little bit first.

5 comments about Starved: Mercy for Eating Disorders.

1. WOW, what an awesome book that addresses one of the biggest issues of our society! This book brings insight into what behaviors that I can watch for in my developing girls. I have recommended this book to several of my friends. Get this book, it will give you hope that there is more than recovery...there is freedom!



2. If you are battling with an eating disorder or know someone who is you need to read this book! The stories of changed lives are so inspiring and the book is so practical in laying out the steps to freedom. This book is full of hope and healing!



3. This book is awesome! Coupled with inspiring stories of transformation, this book gives insight into the issues of eating disorders and how to live a life FREE from it's bondage. I highly recommend it!



4. This book is a great resource. A practical, spirit-filled and compassionate guide to help combat a battle with eating disorders.



5. I've read Nancy Alcorn before and she continues to share the REAL deal. This book contains real stories--it differs from your other pop culture books because the stories share answers to the tough problems, not just "learn how to live with your problems and live a functional life." Thanks for providing another resource for devestating issue of eating disorders--I know it will help many.

5 comments about Making Weight: Healing Men's Conflicts with Food, Weight, and Shape.

1. Surprise surprise! Men have bodies, too; and what they see in their own glass or mental mirrors has as deep a sociological and psychological influence as for women. Inevitably, then, habitual use of food and exercise to control the personal impulses and cultural responses could never remain a "woman's problem." What will be regretable will be how many male deaths and destroyed lives it will take before that simple point does not have to be the main theme opening a book such as this...and then pretty much the only theme of substance that the authors seem interested in fleshing out throughout the rest of their superficial treatment of the subject. Before this book, material on male eating disorders was quite rare and frequently misguided; after this book, good material on male eating disorders remains just as rare as before. With the deep experience brought to the matter by all three respectable authors, that suggests a depressing prognosis for finding any understanding out there among less knowledgeable therapists and others in a position to support recovery. Sure, the book throws a wide net in the search for causes and recognizes the core of the issue in its suggestions for recovery; but in an attempt to reach a general public audience, they have gone so light-headed that they come off like quack doctors probing any place it might maybe hurt, then handing out snake oil for the remedy. Even with gender identity running so horribly ferociously through the problem for both sexes, men who suffer and the family and support systems helping them would do better at this point to look to any of the excellent books already published for women.



2. This book offers the lay person a comprehensive guide to weight and body image issues in men and promises to be a valuable resource for men and their families. The authors make compelling arguments for how and why these problems have increased for males over the last decade. The book is directed primarily toward men "who can't stand the way they look in the mirror, and the ones who are so driven for perfection that they neglect the deeper areas of life"(p.xiv). However, it is also intended for family and friends of such men and professionals who may treat them in clinical practice. The tone and style of the book would appeal a bit more to a lay audience than a professional one, and I think would make a good "recommended reading" for a therapist to offer to a client.

   Overall, this book makes a very important contribution ... and one that you can recommend to your patients for an informative and insightful examination of men's concerns with weight and shape.




3. You'd never suspect from looking at the cover articles of men's fitness magazines at your local newsstands, but until now men had cause to feel neglected by the body dissatisfaction mavens of the academic community. In contrast to the scores of books written about women's issues about their bodies, eating disorders, and related topics, the literature addressed to males has been thin indeed. Men with eating disorders can now feel cared about too.

   Dr. Tom Holbrook's account of his own struggle with anorexia nervosa is a highlight of the book. This remarkably candid, self-revelatory story of an astute psychiatrist whose struggles permeated his medical and psychiatric training and subsequent practice is probably matchless in the annals of wounded healers.

   The last sections concern recovery, dealing with topics from basic nutritional information designed to foster realistic dietary and meal planning for gaining (or losing) weight, to psychological, social and spiritual aspects of recovery.




4. This book is a big disappointment. Offers no valuable insights for men with eating disorders. Andersen is called the leading authority on this subject but I cannot fathom why this is so. Most likely, he and the other editors/authors just wanted to be the first to publish a book like this. Unfortunately, they were not up to the task. Hopefully, someone who understands this topic more will eventually publish a more useful book on the subject.



5. While I don't aggree with everything in the book. The book provides a good overview of males with eating disorders as well as Dr. Holbrook's personal story. I think some of the low ratings are because certain chapters are hard to understand but it is overall a good book.

5 comments about A Very Hungry Girl: How I Filled Up on Life...and How You Can, Too!.

1. I was alarmed to read in a recent interview with this author that: "In fact, she believes the majority of Americans suffer from disordered eating, which involves assigning emotional labels to our food." After picking up the book it seems that she believes everyone she's ever met has a serious eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia. She also thinks that she has some magical ability to know that they were suffering by the look in their eyes - this is highly unlikely, many of the people suffering from eating disorders look very normal.
   
   As a person who knows about this subject because of a family member's anorexia, I can tell you this author is wrong about the subject. It is a serious one and someone without a degree or credentials shouldn't be making assumptions just based on her own (disjointed) world view. The author should share her story and triumph with her body image issues but leave the rest to experts.
   
   For some reality: Research indicates that 1% of female adolecscents have anorexia, 4% of college age women have bulimia or bulimic patterns. And between 1-2% of Americans have binge eating disorders. Body Dismorphic Disorder affects about two percent of people in the U.S. and strikes males and females equally, usually before age eighteen. Sufferers are excessively concerned about appearance, body shape, body size, weight, etc. BDD is treatable and begins with an evaluation by a mental health care provider. More than half of teenaged girls are, or think they should be, on diets. About three percent of these teens go too far, becoming anorexic or bulimic. (these stats are from www.anred.com)
   
   If you know someone who is dealing with these issues, they need therapy from trained professionals not books by lecturing performance artists.



2. I am dealing with this right now. Me and my sister. This book is the first time i have seen anyone with my story. this author is telling the truth. And until you are experiencing the pain of this monster - you just won't understand. My class had to read this book for our health and science class and i am so glad we did. this helped me a ton!!



3. I just finished reading this book and I feel my life has just been changed!
   
   I have 3 friends who all struggle with low self esteem and body image issues and I am always aware of books out there that talk about this topic but not until I read this book did it all finally make sense to me.
   
   This author speaks with such heart and honesty that she feels like she is sitting right next to you. I appreciated her writing style which was easy to read, funny, and poignant.
   
   I recommend that if you want a breath of fresh air around this issue that you buy a copy of this book. And pass it on!
   
   - Parker



4. What Publisher's Weekly (whoever they are) misses, is the fact that by sharing our authentic story we liberate others with the same hidden issues. Whatever the author lacks in life experience (how old to you need to be to tell the truth anyway) she makes up for with her no holds barred authentic real voice. This book is not a self diagnosic manual and the author makes no claims that it is. What it is, is a reflection of one persons struggle with her relationship with food, and herself, and life. All of us that have gone through various versions of these things can relate to the book. As a 42 years old physician I found it as meaningful as my 20 year old daughter. That is a pretty good scope for a personal story. FYI, Nowhere does she mention "memoir" or "diagnosing others". However, her belief that there are many more people out there with unhealthy food relationships is much closer to the truth in my ten years of practice then the "offical numbers". Worth sharing with those you love that may need to reflect on their food relationships.



5. Jessica just came and spoke at my school. She was so nice, so approachable, so real! I just found out about this book and read it in one night!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't put it down! Now my entire group of friends are reading it and passing it around. Every girl can relate to Jessica's story of survival. I loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!

2 comments about Eating Disorders: Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, and the Person Within.

1. Studies today revolve around body image and ignore the emotions and thoght processes vital to understanding eating disorders. Bruch brilliantly describes what it is to suffer from these wayward thought processes, and offers an incredibly insightful and intimate look into the world of an anorexic. Excellent for those who are suffers and for those trying to understand.



2. This book accurately described the cognitive processes that lead to and are present in someone with an eating disorder. Several case histories on individuals with anorexia nervosa and obesity are present, but you won't find much information on bulimia. If you are or have suffered from anorexia or are struggling with obesity, this book will contain lots of relevent and useful information and you will understand your condition much better. And if you have suffered from any kind of eating disorder, not just the two focused upon in the text, this book will explain at least some of what's going on in your head. This book is thick but does not read like a text book. I highly recommend it.

2 comments about Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One's Eating Disorder and How You Can Help.

1. Modern society puts so much emphasis on being thin, that it can drive some down a dangerous road. "Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One's Eating Disorder and How You Can Help" is a guide to understanding the dilemmas and problems of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. With countless bits of advice and words of encouragement for recoverers, it's the ideal guide for parents and others who will have to deal with loved ones and their anxieties dealing with their weight. "Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One's Eating Disorder and How You Can Help" is deftly written and highly recommended for community library self-help collections with a focus on overcoming eating disorders.



2. What I find to be so helpful about this book is the analyzing of quotes and thoughts of eating disordered patients. It's so difficult to understand how people with eating disorders can think they are fat and have such distorted views of themselves. This book is an excellent resource because it helps me not only understand why someone with an ED thinks the way they do, but where the thoughts come from, and how I can best help them. Highly recommended!