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These books and stories have been helpful guides and resources for me. Although not all of these books relate directly to Eating Disorders, they relate to feeding your soul and promoting creative expression.

If you would like to share a book, please email us at, "booksuggest" (@paysonroad.com) with the title and author. Enjoy!***

Working Against Odds: Stories of Disabled Women's Work Lives
by Mary Grimley Mason
"In this well-crafted ethnographic study of disabled women's relationship with work, Mary Grimley Mason describes the viewpoints, struggles, strategies, and triumphs of eighteen women with a range of physical and sensory impairments. She relates how each came to terms with her disability and achieved self-identity and self-sufficiency in an able-bodied world."

Although eating disorders are not considered disabilities, this is a compassionate, beautifully written book is a wonderful book is a must read for anyone struggling with a disorder. Particularly the story of a woman who suffers from so-called "invisible" disabilities is one that all of us in the eating disorder community will relate to.

French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating
by Mary Anne Cohen, Director, The New York Center for Eating Disorders
I believe everyone's eating problem is as unique as a fingerprint, and this book helps each reader to find their own path to peace and healing. Visit Mary Anne's website.Carolyn herself recovered from an eating disorder. Her passion for helping people is evident in the successful healing work she does at The Monte Nido Treatment Center in Malibu, CA, where she is the Director. This book is for patients, professionals, and families who suspect or know that an eating disorder is affecting their lives. Highly recommended to all as a comprehensive and progressive sourcebook. Other books by Carolyn Costin.

When Girls Feel Fat
by Sandra Susan Friedman
This book is outstanding. As a girl currently facing minor eating disorders, it helped trace back when my problem started developing. It does not focus only on eating disorders but on pubescent problems, and the reason girls, such as me, feel this way. This book enabled me to discover the beauty of my womanly way. It has also opened me to a healthier way of living. I am now facing my eating disorders head first. -recommended by a Friend of Payson Road

Like Mother, Like Daughter
by Debra Waterhouse
A very important book for mother's and daughters focusing on how women are influenced by their mother's relationship with food and how to break the pattern.

The Seat of the Soul
by Gary Zukov
This is an amazing book. My description probably wouldn't do it justice. This book really causes you to think about yourself in a very deep and empowering way.
- suggested by Jenn Campbell - thanks Jenn!

Women Who Run With the Wolves : Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
One of my favorites. And very to the point of all my ranting. Draws on myths, legends and fairy tales to illustrate the Jungian school of thought that a woman is not truly whole until she returns to the source of her repressed instinctual nature. The myths illustrate the idea of the "wild woman" that lives within us all and must be allowed to be free in order to be truly fulfilled.

Eating in the Light of the Moon : How Women Can Transform Their Relationship With Food Through Myths, Metaphors & Storytelling
by Anita Johnson, PhD
A wonderful wonderful book. Also utilizing mythology to help get to the route of why women have struggled with eating disorders. This is the book you should read for info and help.

Reviving Ophelia : Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls
by Mary Pipher
Mary Pipher is a genius. Her research and discoveries make so much sense and really help you see where it all began. You'll be ready this over and over again saying, oh wow, that's exactly what I went through. It's a wonderful source for understanding and invaluable for mother's of teenage daughters.

The Secret Language of Eating Disorders
by Peggy Claude-Pierre
From the founder of the incredibly successful Montreux Clinic. Whose knew approach to eating disorders has helped countless women and sufferers of eating disorders. Claude-Pierre's asserts that the common overwhelming feelings of worthlessness shared by all eating disorder victims are established at birth but more importantly, that it an be reversed. Not sure I agree entirely but it is worth checking out.

A Voice of Her Own : Women and the Journal Writing Journey
by Marlene A. Schiwy, Marion Woodman
Journal writing has been a crucial part of my recovery. This is a great how-to get started book. Definitely worth a look.

Mother and Daughter Revolution: From Good Girls to Great Women
by Debold, Wilson, and Malave
This is a great read for both mothers and daughters. Especially daughters who have suffered from eating disorders. It explains a lot and really helps each of you get into the others shoes. Wonderful healing book.

Fighting For Life: Anorexia-The Road To Recovery
by Melinda Hutchings
A compelling story about a teenager's recovery from Anorexia. The Epilogue was very honest in saying a person has to "decide" to fight this monster in order to get well. submitted by Laura

Life Prints: A Memoir of Healing and Discovery
(The Cross-Cultural Memoir Series)
by Mary Grimley Mason
This wonderful book about healing and discovery should not be missed. It's incredibly well crafted. The story is fascinating, painful and uplifting. Mary Mason, a critically acclaimed author and professor of English Literature bravely examines her own life to give an honest and revealing look at how our culture treats disabilities in particular women with disabilities.

The Patient's Voice: Experiences of Illness
by Jeanine-Young Mason, PhD
This book, although it is not about eating disorders is about compassion, listening and understanding. Written by Dr. Young-Mason who is an RN, Psychiatric Clinician, PhD. Dr. Young-Mason is the Director and Chair of the Nursing Program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her innovative approach to healing through art and compassion is in sync with Payson Road's philosophies and recovery programs. If you are a nursing student or a medical practitioner this is a must read.

Leaves of Grass
by Walt Whitman
I'm throwing this one in cause I just love Walt Whitman. Reading his poetry really inspires me by reminding me of the importance of humility before nature.

Check out the Reading Room at the Finding Stone Center for more great books.

Other Books by Carolyn Costin:

Your Dieting Daughter: Is She Dying For Attention?
Your Dieting Daughter promotes healthy alternatives to society's chorus of "thin at any cost." It represents an essential perspective-one that could literally mean the difference between life and death for females whether children, adolescents, or adults. Written by a therapist with more than 16 years experience in treating eating disorders, the book speaks directly to parents, answering the kinds of questions that they will have. It also serves as a resource for professionals, who will pick up key insights on how to work with families.

Anorexia and Bulimia: The Dieting and the Dying
Our "thin is in" culture pushes millions of adolescents and adults to extreme dieting and a horrifying number of them develop the dangerous, sometimes deadly, eating disorders of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The authors, experts in behavioral therapy and weight management, explore the complex world of eating disorders and discuss the fascinating nutritional approach that has had astonishing success in many cases. Contact the Monte Nido Center for more info on how to buy.

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***PLEASE BE ADVISED: While Payson Road includes articles, book referrals and links to sites which provide additional information on eating disorders and related topics, Payson Road does not endorse or recommend any site, product or service provided on these links. Legal Information and Disclaimer.

Website designed and administered by Sarah Mason. Website Logo and Graphics Designed by Tahara Hasan. Payson Road was created Copyright © June 2, 2000. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2005 [Payson Road]. All rights reserved. Revised: November 18, 2005 .