Throwing Starfish Across the Sea: A pocket-sized care package for the parents of someone with an eating disorder

by Laura Collins, Charlotte Bevan

Two mothers share information and support to other parents facing an eating disorder in the family. One in the UK, one in the US, take an amused but very direct attitude as they share what they would tell you over a kitchen table when your son or daughter has been diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or a variant of these dangerous disorders. (Sold in aid of Charlotte's Helix, a not-for-profit international collaboration to extend the AN25K genetics initiative to the UK, in honour of the eating disorder advocacy work of Charlotte Bevan.)

Paperback

First published November 27, 2013

Reviews

[Bev Mattocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone knows about evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, it's Laura Collins and her co-author, Charlotte Bevan. Between them, these two women have moved mountains in advocating better treatment and understanding of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Both also actively offer support to other families strugging with this insidious illness, Laura being the founder of F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders), an organisation that supports families of young people struggling with eating disorders worldwide and which is respected by the world's leading eating disorder specialists, practitioners and researchers.

All royalties from this wonderful pocket-sized book go to Charlotte's Helix: Charlotte's Helix, an international collaboration seeking to bring the AN25K genetics initiative to the UK, in honor of the eating disorder advocacy work of Charlotte Bevan.

The goal of Charlotte's Helix is to add at least 1,000 DNA samples from individuals with a lifetime history of anorexia nervosa in the UK to this international genetics initiative. Under the direction of Professor Cynthia Bulik, AN25K has the ambitious goal of collecting 25,000 DNA samples in order to "crack the code" that makes some people predisposed to an eating disorder.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for anyone hoping for help when faced with an eating disorder.
It is written with humour and humility. This is a friend you do not have, a voice of experience and reason when you face the vortex, the abyss of the unknown.
The field of eating disorders is full of unsubstantiated opinion, half truths and self interest. This book is obviously written by mothers who have direct experience and no magic potion to sell. It is easy enough to read and can be skimmed in a single session, but is worth going back to for reference and for assurance that you are not alone.
With any luck there will be more and better information about this whole field. Until then, parents, carers and anyone else who cares will find that Starfish will make their lives better, not good, just much better.
Highly recommended.

[Lauren Masseron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most important book by the most important people. Charlotte and Laura are my hero's

[Mandy Robek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful guidance from a pair of moms guiding readers to advocate and accept a mental health disease.

[Wendy Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and a great starting point for parents just joining the world of eating disorders and their treatment. The book has some typos (which I plan to note for the authors since they graciously ask for improvements to be sent to them), but they pale in comparison to the wealth of information, encouragement, wisdom, and humor included within the covers. If you or someone you know is dealing with a loved one with an eating disorder (or even just suspected of having one), please get and read this book. It will change your (& hopefully your loved one's) life! This book inspires me to want to take up the mantle of eating disorder activism to change the tide and hopefully help some starfish along the way.

[Liesbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect starting point for parents who think their loved one has an eating disorder.
Honest, direct and full of warmth and understanding.
These two wonderful authors write from the heart, and base their knowledge on research and personal experience.

[Techiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any person walking beside their child who has an eating disorder. It is truthful, hopeful and precise. This little book has the potential to have a profound effect on readers.