Getting Better BitE BitE: A Survival Kit For Sufferers Of Bulimia Nervosa And Binge Eating Disorders

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I found this poorly written as well as patronising and insensitive. The authors seem to treat readers as if they are stupid - it has the tone of a textbook for school children. It is very much in the style of psychcologist lecturing mentally ill patient. There is a poor level of detail - issues are glossed over with no attention given to exceptions or complexity -just primary level basics. The worst aspect of the book is its complete insensitivity to the feelings of eating disorder sufferers. For one thing, there is a weight chart right at the start of the book, which in itself focuses attention on losing weight rather than being healthy. This weight chart actually is not accurate, at least, it does not follow the BMI chart - it recommends a maximum weight lower than a BMI of 25. I found this pretty shocking. The advice given to anyone with a BMI over 24 is quite unkind, basically it says if this is you, turn to the chapter called 'Jack Spratt's Wife' (ie fat people) which has been written specially for you. Then chapter titles and section titles are flippant and cliche ridden. There is nothng I would call real and humane to hold onto. Bulemia and anorexia are jumbled into one interchangeable thing when really they are very different. The patronising way the whole book is written makes you feel bad about yourself and without hope. It makes me wonder how the authors can practise - they seem rather overconfident when they seem to have very little understanding.

My therapist recommended this book for my partner to understand my eating disorder, however I was disappointed that there is little to no information for people helping someone with this disorder. There is a chapter supposedly about the wider network of friends, family etc, but having briefly (2 paragraphs or so) discussed how parents can get involved, it goes on to address sexual relationships. Great, I thought, now some advice for my partner. But here they suddenly start writing about sexual abuse and what to do if you are afraid of sex (again, too briefly to be of any use even if fear of sex is your problem). It all seemed very disorganised and vague.

Rating:
Summary: I've converted from being a self help cynic
Review: This book is decent in the way that it helps you to gain perspective and look at your eating problems from bizarre (and sometimes helpful) angles. The authors clearly understand the eating disordered person very well, which is also a bonus. The book is filled with small steps towards recovery, including several 'tasks' to help you analyse and help yourself. Obviously, not every single exercise helps everyone, but even I found plenty to tackle. I honestly recommend this book to anyone with bulimia or binge eating - it's straight talking, sensitive and guides you through without expecting too much.