Running On Empty: A Diary of Anorexia and Recovery

Rating:
Summary: Riveting Read
Review: Arnold gives a first-rate narration of this harrowing disease. A must-read for any sufferer of an eating-disorder.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling, Excellent!
Review: Having a family member with anorexia, I found this book to be a realistic look into the world of Eating Disorders. The author takes us back to her younger years where her struggles first began, to her rapid spiral downward in college and the dangerous situations she faced. We get to see the distorted thoughts and huge emotional swings she experienced as well as what helped her to finally reach out for recovery.

I think this book is extremely helpful in understanding the complicated issues that are part of an Eating Disorder. I recommend it for both the person struggling as well as their family and friends.

Rating:
Summary: A truthful, thorough and authentic account.
Review: Having read MANY books on the subject of anorexia, this one hit hardest and closest to home. It was not written to shock or glorify the "sturm und drang" of it all, it is an honest, heartfelt account of what happened. Without being a "trigger manual", it is a shockingly honest account of the "things we do". I recognized myself in many of the pages...sometimes laughing, sometimes crying at the things we will do to perpetuate our disorders and eventually get better. Yes, the mental argument of the Diet Soda. Very well done Ms. Arnold!

Rating:
Summary: Intelligent
Review: I came to this book knowing little of eating disorders, and in that I seem to differ from all the previous reviewers. This book is one intellectual's look at the eating disorder that nearly took her life away. Have no doubt of the books intellectualism, Arnold ability to objectively analyze the situation she finds herself in pervades the book. She does not seek pity for her suffering or a parade for her recovery, but simply understanding. Understanding for both herself, and for people such as myself that really have no idea what eating disorders can do.

This book is very approachable. Fortunately, Arnold has written her analysis in a simple, straightforward way making it very approachable. The book is of moderate length, making it an easily digestible book. The only troubles I had with the book were the horrors that I'm learning are the truth of an eating disorder. But those only serve to strengthen the tale.

To say it simply, if you too would like to begin to understand, this book is a great place to start.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Book
Review: I found "Running on Empty" to be an honest, painful, and insightful account of what it is like to suffer with anorexia and ultimately find recovery. The author takes us on an incredible journey into her life dealing with her ED and her innermost thoughts and struggles. It is invaluable for sufferers who will understand that they are not alone and for families who want to understand and help their loved one. I highly recommend the book.

Rating:
Summary: Running on Empty
Review: I found this to be an extra ordinary piece of work. Much heart and soul has gone into this book. It certainly helped me more fully understand the depth of this disease and how it could take over the mind of anyone. Ms. Arnold is a very lucky person to have recognized the destruction that can be caused by this terrible infliction before it was too late. Kudos to her!

Rating:
Summary: Very honest and hopeful
Review: I really enjoyed this book - it's the first book I've read in a long time that I couldn't put down. I've read lots (and I mean lots!) of books about eating disorders and this was one of the most honest works I've read. It's real, straight-forward and at times raw with honesty. Nothing is held back here. It depicts eating disorders for what they really are and does not glamorize them. Ms. Arnold writes fluidly and and with meaning. I found this book to be hopeful and inspiring and full of good insight. Excellent read.

Rating:
Summary: Read Marya Hornbacker's "Wasted" instead.
Review: Not wasting anymore than I need to on this book, I leave you with its ultimate summary: contrived.

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money
Review: There's nothing new in this book you haven't read before. The author seems self absorbed in her attempt to intellectualize her illness and recovery. There are better books out there if you want to read this type tale.