Books Like...
"Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia" by Marya Hornbacher is a raw and brutally honest account of the author's struggles with anorexia and bulimia from a young age. Through vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling, Hornbacher takes the reader on a journey through her battles with disordered eating, hospitalizations, and attempts at recovery. The book delves deep into the day-to-day life of an individual living with an eating disorder, shedding light on the harsh realities and emotional turmoil that accompany such illnesses.
Hornbacher's writing style alternates between creative, poetic language and stark, factual accounts, effectively demystifying the romanticized notions of thinness and beauty. The memoir serves as a powerful exploration of the author's inner struggles, self-hatred, and the constant battle for a normal, healthy life. It offers a candid portrayal of the author's ongoing fight with her demons and the lasting impact of her eating disorders, making it a compelling and eye-opening read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of these illnesses.
If you liked Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Madness: A Bipolar Life' by Marya Hornbacher is a raw and intense memoir chronicling the author's struggles with bipolar disorder. The book delves into Hornbacher's manic episodes, destructive behaviors, and the impact of her illness on herself and her loved ones. The writing is vivid and descriptive, offering readers a glimpse into the chaotic world of living with mental illness. Through fragmented storytelling, the author paints a harrowing picture of her ongoing battle with bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and self-destructive tendencies.
I will not go to sleep. I won't. My parents, who are always going to bed, tell me that I can stay up if I want, but for God's sake, don't come out of my room. I am four years old and I like to stay up... - #2
Save:Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson delves into the harrowing journey of Lia, an 18-year-old battling anorexia and the aftermath of her best friend Cassie's death. The narrative unfolds through Lia's raw and honest perspective, revealing her struggles with body image, self-destructive behaviors, and the haunting presence of Cassie's ghost. The book portrays the dark realities of eating disorders, familial relationships, and the internal turmoil faced by young adults dealing with mental health issues.
As I stand up, Jennifer takes two awkward steps toward me. I wait. She is a pale, round moth, dusted with eggshell foundation, armed for the day with her banker’s briefcase, purse, and remote starter ... Portia de Rossi's memoir, "Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain," delves into her struggles with anorexia and bulimia, as well as her journey towards self-acceptance and recovery. The book offers a raw and honest account of Portia's battle with body image issues, eating disorders, and the pressure to achieve perfection in the entertainment industry. Through her detailed narrative, Portia shares her innermost thoughts, fears, and experiences, providing a glimpse into the dark realities of living with an eating disorder.
The writing style of "Unbearable Lightness" is described as brutally honest, engaging, and emotionally impactful. Portia's storytelling draws readers in, making it difficult to put the book down despite the heavy subject matter. The memoir not only highlights the author's personal struggles but also touches on broader themes of societal beauty standards, self-worth, and the impact of media portrayal on women's perceptions of themselves.
Two months ago, he just left. He had gathered evidence during the trial known as couples’ therapy (it was revealed to me during those sessions that not every woman’s idea of a fun night out was making...'The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting: The Tragedy and The Glory of Growing Up' by Evanna Lynch is a memoir that delves into the life and struggles of the actress who portrayed Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series. The book explores her journey of overcoming challenges, including battling with an eating disorder, while providing insights into her time as part of the iconic film franchise. Readers are taken on a poignant and raw journey through Lynch's experiences, from the highs of her acting career to the lows of her personal struggles, all narrated with honesty and vulnerability.
The narrative style of the book is described as powerful, authentic, and sensitive. Evanna Lynch's writing is praised for its ability to tackle heavy subjects such as mental health and eating disorders in a compelling and thought-provoking manner. Through her memoir, Lynch not only shares her own story but also sheds light on important themes like self-acceptance, resilience, and the journey towards self-love, leaving readers both moved and inspired by her words.
‘What’s rape?’ I pipe up from my spot on the floor, craning my neck around to peer at my mother. It feels like the kind of subject that warrants eye contact and careful scrutiny of her micro-expressio..."The Best Little Girl in the World" by Steven Levenkron delves into the world of anorexia, exploring the psychology and compulsions behind this complex disease. The story follows a young girl named Francesca who struggles with distorted self-image and falls into the grips of an eating disorder. is written like a fictional story but is based on accurate facts, providing insight into the mind of a teenager battling anorexia. The narrative also sheds light on the relationships and emotions of the characters involved, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's psyche and the impact of the disease on her and those around her.
- #6
Save:"Brave Girl Eating" by Harriet Brown is a powerful and insightful account of a mother's journey through her daughter's battle with anorexia. It provides a unique perspective from a parent's point of view, offering valuable insights into the daily struggles, challenges, and victories faced by families dealing with eating disorders. Through the lens of her own experience, Harriet Brown sheds light on the complexities of anorexia nervosa, the impact on family dynamics, and the relentless fight for recovery. The narrative is filled with raw emotions, honest reflections, and practical advice, making it a compelling and informative read for anyone seeking understanding and guidance in navigating the complexities of eating disorders.
My daughter Kitty stands by my bed. It’s Saturday night, close to midnight, and I’m trying—and failing—to fall asleep. Even in the dark, even before she speaks, I can tell Kitty’s worried. I sit up, t... 'Get Me Out of Here: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder' by Rachel Reiland is a raw and honest memoir detailing the author's journey of recovery from BPD. Through the author's personal experiences, readers witness the complexities of living with the disorder, from struggling with destructive behaviors and dysfunctional coping mechanisms to seeking understanding and healing through therapy. The narrative progresses from a simplistic portrayal of symptoms to a deeper exploration of innermost fears and motivations, ultimately shedding light on the relentless pursuit of love and acceptance that underlies the struggles of individuals with BPD.
As Rachel delves into her past traumas and recurring dreams, readers are confronted with the profound impact of abandonment fears and the internal struggle between vulnerability and strength. not only serves as a beacon of hope for those battling BPD but also provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder, offering a compassionate and authentic portrayal that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.
The kids had strewn toys all over the floor; disposable diapers overflowed the trash can. Crackers lay smashed on the milk-stained hardwood floor. Overloaded ash trays on every tabletop. Fast-food wra...- #8
Save:'The Center Cannot Hold' by Elyn R. Saks is a memoir that delves into the author's journey of living with schizophrenia while achieving remarkable academic and professional success. Saks recounts her experiences of battling wild hallucinations, debilitating paranoia, and violent psychotic breaks, while also highlighting the stigmatism associated with mental illness. Through her narrative, she sheds light on various treatments, the challenges she faced, and the misconceptions surrounding mental illness. The writing style is unflinchingly honest, inspiring, and offers a moving and disturbing look at the life of the mind when plagued by psychosis.
WHEN I WAS a little girl, I woke up almost every morning to a sunny day, a wide clear sky, and the blue green waves of the Atlantic Ocean nearby. This was Miami in the fifties and the early sixties—be... - #9
Save:Dr. David Adam's book, 'The Man Who Couldn't Stop,' delves into the world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through a combination of memoir, commentary, case studies, and scientific information. The author weaves his personal struggles with OCD with historical aspects of the disorder, different treatment options, and theories on its causes. Through detailed descriptions and relatable narratives, the book offers insights into the debilitating nature of OCD, shedding light on the misconceptions and trivialization of the condition in popular culture.
An Ethiopian schoolgirl called Bira once ate a wall of her house. She didn’t want to, but she found that to eat the wall was the only way to stop her thinking about it. She didn’t want to think about ... 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness' by Kay Redfield Jamison is a poignant memoir chronicling the author's struggles with bipolar disorder. Through a dual perspective of a patient and a practitioner, Jamison delves into the terrors and allure of manic depression, highlighting her battles with highs and lows, professional success, and personal relationships. The writing style is raw and poetic, offering insights into the complexities of living with mental illness while navigating through personal and professional challenges.
The book provides a unique account of bipolar disorder, blending personal narrative with clinical expertise to create a compelling and informative read. Jamison's candor, vividness, and wisdom shine through the pages, transforming the lives of readers by shedding light on the realities of mental illness and the importance of seeking treatment. It touches upon themes of courage, resilience, and the power of unconditional support in the face of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health.
I was standing with my head back, one pigtail caught between my teeth, listening to the jet overhead. The noise was loud, unusually so, which meant that it was close. My elementary school was near And...
