Dying to Please

July 15, 2009
Marriage and family therapist Rumney combines in this updated second edition research about anorexia with her experience as a recovered anorexic. Part 1 covers the etiology of anorexia, disorders that may accompany anorexia, and some attributes of anorexia (e.g., perfectionism). Part 2 addresses different therapies like psychotherapeutic modalities, experiential modalities, and psychopharmacology; there are separate chapters about therapy for families and family members, 12-step programs, and intervention. In between the clinical material, the author relates compelling insider information on the competitive nature of anorexics, their sexual identity, and how treatments for anorexia should be personalized and multifaceted. VERDICT Memoirs and clinical books about anorexia abound (see also Aimee Liu's "Gaining: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders"), but Rumney does an especially good job of combining personal anecdote with fact. Recovered and recovering anorexics will especially be drawn to the book, which was originally published in 1983.Rebecca Raszewski, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.

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