BOOK REVIEWS: Gaining
Reviewed by Laura Simpson, RN
Reprinted from Eating Disorders Recovery Today
Summer 2007 Volume 5, Number 3
©2007 Gürze Books
 GainingThe truth about life after eating disorders |
To recover? Regain? Reclaim? Get better? Many survivors of eating disorders contemplate these complex and frequently frustrating queries. During the course of an eating disorder, many sufferers also ponder the etiology or "the reason or cause" behind this devastating, walk with body shame and what seems like perpetual feelings of profoundly low self-esteem.
In Aimee Liu's new book, Gaining, Liu offers hope to those individuals who feel imprisoned in the physical, mental and emotional manifestations of their eating disorder. Liu offers much reassurance that readers can overcome, move forward, and gain great insight, new perspective, and strength to permanently sever their relationship with seriously disordered eating.
Liu explores the genetic and biological link to the development and progression of an eating disorder. She indicates, "Societal pressure, popular culture and family dysfunction do not necessarily cause an eating disorder," and that "There is also a genetic predisposition and temperament."
As Liu indicates, knowing oneself is a critical factor in sustaining recovery. The honest and intimate relationship with one's self can and will gradually lead to wholeness, a life lived fully and without self-loathing and chronic shame. Liu does not in the least minimize the intense struggles and seemingly self-sabotaging that one encounters on a daily basis. She acknowledges that perfectionism, obsessions and compulsions, shame, and a questionable sense of identity contribute to the extreme challenge of ultimately reaching recovery.
Gaining offers support and encouragement to those who are working diligently toward recovery as well as those who are struggling to maintain their illness. As Liu shares, "The struggle between who we are and who we want to be is what motivates most human beings to grow." Readers will receive the most valuable insight in trusting that life does flourish after enduring an eating disorder.
