I don’t know if reading this book as a teen (in the early 90’s) helped me understand myself and the fact that I had/have an eating disorder, or if it possibly reinforced my ED.
I still struggle today, as a 30’s-something mother and wife, with food in every aspect. Sometimes I think back to reading this book and wonder if I should love it (for letting me know I wasn’t alone) or hate it (for letting me know I wasn’t alone).
I gave this book a 5-star rating because I feel that the issue of ED and young girls is something important to understand and discuss. With the following considerations:
PARENTS: I would suggest not allowing your child to read it without supervision. However, DO read it with your child and give them the opportunity to talk to you openly about their feelings.
This is also a good read for parents who have or might suspect they have a child with an ED - it will help them understand what it really does feel like to be ‘that kid’.
One more bit of advice: EDs aren’t truly about food/body image, they are about the level of CONTROL one can gain over a certain aspect of one’s life… especially if they are feeling powerless or inadequate in other aspects.
The Best Little Girl on the World - My Review on Amazon.com
2008/04/25 20:16
[...] My issues with food (i.e. my ED). I’m trying to break out of this shell and talk/write about it more, but I still rarely do. [...]