cover image Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder

Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder

Michael A. Strober, Meg F. Schneider, . . Da Capo/Lifelong, $25 (235pp) ISBN 978-0-7382-1018-6

As the title indicates, this thorough and informative guide targets teens who are teetering on the edge of a potential eating disorder, exhibiting warning signs yet still on the brink. At this delicate and precarious point, there are preventive measures concerned parents can take, which eating disorder authority Strober and psychologist Schneider clearly delineate in a user-friendly, approachable style. The dual authorship allows for not only a variety of illustrative anecdotes, but also for both the male and female perspective on body image. The book alerts parents to signs they may not have otherwise noticed, and presents a number of realistic scenarios and suggestions for parents to counter almost any situation that may arise in regard to burgeoning eating disorders. Although some of the advice may seem forced—such as initiating more conversations about "feelings"—the book's suggestions are easily adaptable. The call for more direct communication as well as a comprehensible breakdown of the various behaviors that can indicate a potential eating problem will give readers a firm grip on the issue, its dangers and ways to step in before it's too late. Agent, Carol Mann. (Sept.)