Biting the Hand that Starves You: Inspiring Resistance to Anorexia/Bulimia

by Richard Maisel, David Epston, Ali Borden

This important book immediately draws the reader into the world of those struggling with anorexia/bulimia (a/b), whose stories, poems, and first-person accounts expose the 'voice' of these deadly problems. The authors' decade-and-a-half collaboration with 'insiders' has yielded fresh answers to these life and death How does a/b seduce and terrorize girls and women? Why is a/b successful in encouraging girls and women to unwittingly embrace their would-be murderer? How can such a murderer be exposed and thwarted? This book details a unique way of thinking and speaking about anorexia/bulimia. By having conversations with insiders in which the problem is viewed as an external influence rather than a part of the person, these therapists show how to bring the tactics of a/b into the open, expose its deceptions, break its spell, and encourage defiance of its tyrannical rule. These innovations enable insiders, professionals, and loved ones to unite against anorexia/bulimia rather than allowing a/b to pit a professional or loved one against an insider, and the insider against herself. Coercion is sidestepped in favor of practices that are collaborative, accountable and spirit-nurturing. The groundbreaking discoveries outlined in this book will provide new options, inspiration and hope, not only for those who suffer at anorexia's hands, but also for their loved ones and healthcare professionals.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Illness, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Health

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[annie ౨ৎ⋆˚｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m really impressed with the distinction the book makes with the voice of a/b (anorexia/bulimia) and the person enchanted by it. all the interviews between the therapists and patients, first hand accounts, and insights have given me a better way to express my outrage at anorexia and solidarity with whoever is suffering from its abuse. i have been told by a friend that it’s an invisible disorder, often invalidated and not understood by those who don’t experience it themselves. this book counters those misconceptions found within families, societies and mental institutions…

the only flaw, which another reviewer mentioned, is the generalization of eating disorders. we don’t get a clear distinction between anorexia and bulimia, and other eating disorders are not explored or mentioned (e.g. orthorexia). so this book, which provides a disclaimer at the beginning for this shortcoming, is great for a general understanding of mostly anorexia with some stories about bulimia, from the female perspective. that’s just something to keep in mind.

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read - explores the narrative approach to treating eating disorders. I especially appreciated the transcripts of talks with people affected by eating disorders.

The primary problem that I had with this book - and the reason that I didn't rank it higher - was its failure to differentiate between types of eating disorders. Although the criteria for anorexia and bulimia were discussed at the beginning of the book, thereafter they were treated as one and the same. Although clearly the differences between the two (not to mention other forms of eating disorders...) were not the focus, I wish they had not been lumped together as "a/b".

That said - it was a surprisingly light read for something so heavy. Again: very interesting.

[Chelsea Bunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, a valuable resource for people dealing with eating disorders