Restoring Our Bodies, Reclaiming Our Lives: Guidance and Reflections on Recovering from Eating Disorders

Liu (Gaining: The Truth about Life After Eating Disorders) offers a compilation of letters written by an array of men and women suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binge, and other eating disorders. Liu puts each of these intimate letters into helpful contexts, so that current sufferers may learn from their peers. Contributors speak of past disorders, some lasting decades; others count an eating disorder as an ongoing struggle. With clinical notes and information on new and unique approaches, Liu's effort offers something for everyone effected by this issue, whether personally, peripherally, or professionally. About choosing a therapist, Liu urges readers to avoid adherents to current approaches that focus on diet alone, an important component to treatment, yes, but only the tip of the Eating Disorder iceberg. Liu's book isn't a guide to uncovering the psychology behind an eating disorder, but it clearly shows that relief from suffering can be found in the stories of other sufferers. (Apr.)