Gaining
by Aimee Liu
Published by Warner Books
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Reviewed by Ernest Dempsey
Subtitled: The truth about life after eating disorders
Gaining appears on the scene of purposeful literature on health and living with a deeper look into the roots of eating disorders. Aimee Liu offers a comprehensive roundup of the complex interplay of personality, relationships, experience, identity, self-image, and eating disorders--anorexia and bulimia. The book addresses issues related to the causes and effects of eating disorders that usually stay lurking inside vulnerable persons and cause relapse into the diseases whenever the stresses of social life strike back.
Far from a dry academic style, the author makes Gaining an account of interesting true life stories of a number of women who suffered and survived anorexia and/or bulimia. This does not make Gaining a book for women only, given the fact that 10-15% of anorexics and bulimics are men. One reason why all people, especially those who are not single, should read Gaining is the author's in-depth treatment of stress arising from relationships (parental, marital, and other social interactions) that would end up in an eating disorder.
The author audaciously criticizes the role of media and cultural ideals in distorting the self-image of people, especially women in the case of ideals of beauty and attractiveness. Her research on healthy living, without the risk of eating disorders, appears to underscore the importance of wholesome living from 'inside out' rather than living up to the sick stereotypes coming from the social environment.
With a list of helpful resources and publications on eating disorders at its end, Gaining is an informative, interesting, and important contribution to literature on healthy living; a book that has appeal for all grown up men and women who care about family and health.
Armchair Interviews says: An important view on eating disorders that affect so many.
Author Web site: http://www.AimeeLiu.net