Diary of an Eating Disorder: A Mother and Daughter Share Their Healing Journey

by Chelsea Smith, Beverly Runyon

Chelsea Smith began her war with anorexia and bulimia when she was in high school. An energetic teenager with straight A's and high goals, Chelsea seemed cheerful and content. Her outer poise, however, served only to hide her inner anguish from family and friends. In this diary, Chelsea shares the private thoughts and feelings she had over the three years she struggled to face her problem and regain control of her life. This book provides enlightening insights into the mind of a person affected with anorexia and bulimia.

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ana Centeno · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some chapters where extrenely boringgg

[Liralen · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the problems with diary-style books is that, without analysis, the events of the book can fall flat. Lack of analysis is, I think, the problem here.

The writing isn't particularly interesting and the narrator isn't particularly likeable, and I think I would have gained more from the book if she'd been able to take a step back, gather up her diaries, and write something that incorporated what she'd written in her diaries but didn't rely entirely on it.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this a 3.5 if I could, simply because Marya Hornbacher's views & descriptions seem much more realistic than this author, but she had a lot of great insight & she was a good writer.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written and edited. I found myself unsympathetic toward the author. I only finished reading because of a class assignment.

[Autumn]

Would definitely give it a read if it's something you're interested in.