We’re thrilled to be celebrating Dona Sakar’s second release this week, SHRINK TO FIT .
The story of a teen who decides to lose weight to fit into her mother’s glittery world of modeling, this bold new book deals with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia--something Dona says she had to research to fully comprehend and portray.
I don’t have much personal experience with eating disorders, either, but I will never forget a conversation I had around a swimming pool years ago, when I offered a friend-of-a-friend some snacks. She had an easy laugh and was in the entertainment business, and so when she waved her hand and said, quite flippantly, that she only ate orange food, I cracked up. I remember thinking how creative that response was (maybe she wrote comedy?), and how limited it would be if in fact true. I mean, oranges, carrots, maybe peaches and cheddar cheese...
Some years later, I learned that teen actress Susan Dey had had a problem like that for real.
At points during the filming of The Partridge Family, she apparently ate only carrots--and members of the cast have gone on record saying her skin turned orange from all the beta carotene.
Which brought me back to the girl by the pool, and the wonder if her comment WAS a joke. And since she said it to me--practically a stranger--maybe she said it to others. Not for a laugh, but for help? And if so, I hope that someone with more knowledge or experience with eating disorders took her seriously, and her problems to heart, and gave her the attention and direction she needed.
Our society has a much clearer grasp today on eating disorders--their manifestations, and how all-encompassing they can be to those suffering. I applaud Dona for tackling these important issues in SHRINK TO FIT, and encourage everyone to buy a copy.
Tina
Tina Ferraro
How to Hook a Hottie - Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Finalist, National Reader’s Choice Award
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3 comments:
Hi Tina,
I too applaud Dona for writing a book on this topic. Years ago, a friend of mine wrote a book titled PERK, about a girl with bulemia. My friend, in fact, did suffer from the disease and she spoke at many schools on this topic. Through her I learned a great deal about eating disorders. Those calling out for help should never be ignored.
I'm looking foward to Dona's book.
Janie
Great post, Tina. When someone brings up the topic of eating disorders, I always think of Karen Carpenter. Her death was so tragic, especially since she brought some much joy to so many peoples lives.
Wow, I never would have known that was an indication of an eating disorder. (I would have just thought it was like saying, "I'm on the grapefruit diet" or something.) Who knows how many of those warning flags have been missed.
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