Good Enough...When Losing is Winning, and Thin Enough Can Never be Achieved

Rating:
Summary: An honest account of the author's final defeat of anorexia.
Review: "Good Enough" is inspirational! I've been battling anorexia for over 20 years, and the book was instrumental in helping me begin to overcome my fear of gaining weight. In her book, Cindy shares her feelings, the physical problems that she experienced as a result of anorexia, and her struggle to beat the disorder. Most important - she WINS! All too often I read articles and books about those who are anorexic, but very few describe their defeat of the disorder. As someone who's been there, and isn't through the struggle quite yet, her book provides inspiration to take the emotional risks that must accompany recovery. I strongly recommend it to anyone who is a victim of anorexia, or someone who is closely involved with someone who is suffering.

Rating:
Summary: A Big Disappointment
Review: ...I expected this to be an inspiring, well-written book...but I was very disappointed. ...The writing sounds like that of a third-grader, and the language is dry and boring. What's more, the content is a letdown. The author doesn't really have any unique insights into the causes of her anorexia and bulimia, and frankly, to me it sounded as though she had written the book in order to whine about the terrible things people had done to her and to impress people with her incredible bravery at finally recovering. I'm sure I sound very unsympathetic here and I'm sorry about that - I have an eating disorder myself, and trust me, I know how difficult and painful it can be. And I don't mean to devalue the hard work that the author has put into recovering, and I admire her for it and hope that she continues to have a happy life. However, the whiny tone of the book is extremely annoying, and the author's absolute refusal to accept any part of the responsibilty, to acknowledge that she too had some role in developing the disorder and staying sick, is immature. For a much better-written, insightful, thoughtful account of life wiht an eating disorder, check out Marya Hornbacher's "Wasted".

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother....
Review: ...with this one. I have read many books in an attempt to understand eating disorders, and this one is not worth the time or money. The prose is terribly facile and amaturish, and the 'insights' in the book are so immature that you might think it was written by a ten year old. Although I respect her experience, it's important to note that going through a difficult experience doesn't necessarily qualify you to write about it.

Rating:
Summary: Just what I've been searching for
Review: After 3 years in recovery I was still coming up dry as I've attempted to seek out real women who have escaped from out under their eating disorder and are now living full, "normal" lives. Cynthia Bitter's personal struggle was a long one; I too have battled anorexia and bulimia for 20+ years. Reading about another adult's quest to find herself and uncover the person beneath the illness was an extremely powerful experience. Difficult to put "Good Enough" down, I feel like I really know the author. If you're feeling oversaturated by clinical books on the subject, pick up this intimate story. It's graphic, honest and inspiring.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for struggling anorexics.
Review: As a recovering anorexic, I thought this book was terrific. I felt like I could relate a lot to the author and her openness with her feelings was like she was delving into my own emotions. A bit frightening about the roller-coaster of the disease but extremely enlightening about recovery. Only problem I had was that one of the author's main eating disorders was bulimia so occasionally that was focused on a lot more than the anorexia, which is why I ordered it. All in all, however, an absolutely fabulous read.

Rating:
Summary: Cynthia's Story - a Testimony to Hope
Review: Cindy Nappa Bitter had an extreme case of bulimia. Cindy's autobiography takes us through the beginnings of her eating disorders all the way to its grimmest, darkest low, and then through her miraculous recovery. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with their own eating disorder.

Rating:
Summary: Comfort and Faithful Companion
Review: Good Enough is one of the mosy helpful books I have ever read. Just recently I was hospitalized for the second time because of anorexia and bulimia, and a suicide attempt. While I was in the hospital I read and reread this book. To read someone else's story, especiallly as beautifly written as it was, gave me hope and inspiration. I feel as though if Cindy could get better, than so can I. I am so greatful for this book. It's one of the few stories of it's kind with such a positive outcome. It is a necessity to anyone with an eating disorder. It changed my life. It also helped me realize I wasn't alone in the struggle for my life.

Rating:
Summary: Very Inspirational
Review: GOOD ENOUGH was totally inspirational for EVERYONE! It was hard to put this book down. I've never had an eating disorder but reading Cynthia's book helps you to keep the faith so we can overcome our own struggles. Sharing her battles with her honesty, I believe will certainly help others to overcome this. Cynthia - your a beautiful person inside & out. I share your beautifully written book with my family and friends.

Rating:
Summary: somewhat accurate but terribly written
Review: I find myself cringing at her style of writing. She makes it seem like an after school special by confusing hindsight with her actual thoughts at the time. Any firsthand accounts are helpful, but the book often seems contrived and made up. I know her pain all too well, but that doesn't mean that she can write.

Rating:
Summary: An inspirational read!
Review: I found this book to be a great read. I'm an eating disorder sufferer and this is one book that I was able to read that gave me hope and not the "tricks of the trade." It was not full of weight and triggers, but a story that ended in recovery. Some reviews have recommended Wasted by Marya Hornbacher; although this was a well written book, it is a horrible read for anyone that suffers from eating issues. It is full of triggers and leaves her sick at the end of the book. For a more inspirational read that leaves you with the feeling of hope, read this book.