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Brown tells the story of her familyโs battle with anorexia, the โdemonโ that suddenly possesses her bright, pretty daughter, Kitty. Brown is alternately an introspective and anguished parent and a fierce advocate for the Maudsley approach, a family-based therapy that focuses on restoring the patient to physical health before fully dealing with the psychological challenges he or she faces. Brown carefully amasses facts about anorexia and the effects of starvation in between bouts at the dinner table as Kitty refuses to eat and, occasionally, hides her food. The standoffs are emotionally draining for the entire family, including Kittyโs younger sister, Emma, whom Brown worries is also at risk for the disease. At the crux of Brownโs affecting and informative memoir is the idea that anorexia can happen to any family and that it can be defeated through determination and love, even though Brown recognizes that permanent success can be elusive. In the end, she knows that all any family can do is try, and that her eldest daughter will not be left to fight her demon alone. --Katherine Boyle
Review
โHarriet Brown is an intelligent, elegant writer and this book offers both solace and useful information for families struggling with eating disorders.โ (Audrey Niffenegger )
โWhat sets this book apart is the authorโs incorporation of clinical research findings from the field of eating disorders into the story of one familyโs struggle . . . [A] compelling story of family strength and an inspiring story for all of us committed to treating individuals with eating disorders.โ (Evelyn Attia, MD, Director, Center for Eating Disorders, Columbia University Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medical College )
โAs a woman who once knew the grip of a life-controlling eating disorder, I held my breath reading Harriet Brownโs story. As a mother of daughters, I wept for her. Then cheered.โ (Joyce Maynard )
โOne of the most up to date, relevant and honest accounts of one familyโs battle with the life threatening challenges of anorexia. Brown has masterfully woven science, history and heart throughout this compelling and tender story. Brave Girl Eating was fortunate to have one brave family.โ (Lynn S. Grefe, Chief Executive Officer, National Eating Disorders Association )