Dana Llse Shavin writes a courageous memoir about living with a life-threatening eating disorder/anorexic.

She writes an honest compelling story sharing about her overwhelming struggles. We read about Dana's relationship with parents, her job and co-workers, her sex life, her fears, her inner thoughts, her connection with her Jewish identity, and her recovery.

Eating disorders are real -serious. My own daughter suffered for many years. Not everyone has a happy ending --but for those who do 'recover', like Dana Shavin,-- we witness their special 'glowing' beauty. Dana's contribution through this memoir is a great one...with a healthy optimistic ending.

This novel is engrossing. There was one part I was actually 'laughing' silly. There was a time in Dana's life when she didn't have much furniture.

Here is the 'funny', I related with. (I once lived in a room with no bed, myself).

"Where's your bed? Linda calls from the bedroom. I close the oven and walk around the corner to where she is standing just inside my bedroom door.
"Right there", I say, pointing to a spot on the floor against the wall on which a rectangle of blanket is folded neatly. A pillow rests on top.
"Linda just stands there looking at it. "You don't have a bed"?
"I like sleeping on the floor. It's better for my back."
"What's wrong with your back?'
"Nothing", I say. "See how the floor is helping?" I laugh.
Linda rolls her eyes.

At the end of the book, it was a treat to read "The Authors Notes". We learn that Dana is a very talented artist. I went to her website and enjoyed her paintings. www.Danashavinart.com

What a commendable story. Though it tackles a difficult subject, Ms. Shavin handles it with respect, dignity and a gritty realism that I really appreciated. I could see this book having a place in our Mother Daughter or teen book club; so many stellar opportunities for discussion and discovery. Beautifully written, Well Done.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic memoir. I really appreciated that the author didn't make this just another novel about Anorexia. It showed you how the disease unfolds and plays out and takes over your entire life. It changes your life, your relationships, your dreams and thoughts. This memoir eloquently weaved in her suffering from Anorexia without complaining about the disease, or overdoing it. She narrated her life, which happened to be controlled by Anorexia Nervosa. I learned a lot about the disease, and about myself.

This book was well-written, and showcases the struggles of someone with anorexia. It made me sad, to think of the daily life Dana when dealing with such a deadly disease.