You Are Not Alone (I and II) Book Reviews
Eating Disorder Misery and Recovery Captured, by Andrea Roe, Author
Oct 5, 2009
Andrea Roe, the author of You Are Not Alone, Volumes I and II, created a collection of stories from various people who once suffered from disordered eating. Through the stories, poems and artwork, the reader catches a glimpse inside the psyche and emotional realms of disordered eating sufferers before and during recovery.
These books are not tools for disordered eating sufferers to find the means to indulge an eating disorder. Additionally, there is a caution, because some of the subject matter was written by survivors of various forms of trauma. Care is warranted. These books may not be suitable to read by someone who has suffered trauma and has not sought out help to confront the issue(s) and begin the healing process.
Defying Time
From the ancient world to the present world, women and men have been subjected to the tyranny of disordered eating. Eating disorders have been around for centuries from the ancient Roman, Egyptian and Chinese cultures to the early Christian cultures on through the ages.
It is speculated that many factors contributed to the creation of an eating disorder condition throughout documented history. Prior centuries, however, were not privileged to support networks and literary tools for help and understanding.
Andrea's Journey Her Creative Catalyst
Reflecting upon her own journey from disordered eating into recovery, Andrea sought to create a tool encouraging healing and a network of support, thus breaking the isolation dynamic peculiar to eating disorders. No one has to be alone, feel isolated or ashamed, though these are emotions common to disordered eating sufferers.
The Stories of You Are Not Alone (I and II)
These books are fantastic resources for family and friends of a disordered eating sufferer, if they wish to gain insight into the dynamics of the oppressor.
Jenni Shaefer (contributor, Divorcing Ed, Breaking Up With Your Eating Disorder) for instance, likens her eating disorder as, being married to an abusive spouse. "Just as a battered wife is afraid to leave her husband, I was afraid to leave my eating disorder behind."[1]
The Poetry
Like arrows speeding towards their bulls-eyes, the poems hit their marks as the contributing poets capture the mental, emotional and physical anguish of their eating disorders.
From contributor, Liz Hardy, Angel Wings, "Black tears on the outside help heals what lies on the inside."[2]
The Skeleton, from contributor Theresa Grimsley, portrays the disordered eating voice, "And I knew that the skeleton hated me for being healthy, yet yearned for exactly that."[3]
The Artwork
Striking pictures of women in the throes of their eating disorders as well as in recovery move the reader to reflect upon the multidimensional aspects of the eating disorder spectrum as well as the societal/cultural factors that influence the development of disordered eating.
Andrea specifically chose the covers for the two books. The first spoke to her shame before recovery and the second spoke to her freedom in recovery.
For disordered eating therapists, both of these volumes would be useful therapeutic tools. For the therapists seeking information regarding eating disorders, these are valuable additions to the counseling library.
An excellent companion CD produced by Shannon Cutts is available with the second volume.
When Andrea is not passionately engaged in eating disorder support groups and workshops, she is scrap booking and just recently settling into a new home. She lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her beloved husband, Brandon and three cats.
Source
[1,2,3]. Andrea Roe, You Are Not Alone Volume II, April Dew Publishing, Inc., 202-15388 24 Ave.,Surrey BC., V4A 212, 2009. pgs. 16,17,77.
Volume I ISBN 1412096170, Trafford Publishing, 2006.
Volume II ISBN 978-0-9783090-3-9.
 |
 |
