Book Reviews/Commentary
-
“Growing Pains” Actress Tracey Gold’s Story Still Resonates: A Journey of Healing From Anorexia Nervosa
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the premiere of the classic sitcom “Growing Pains,” and many of us remember all of the media attention that actress Tracey Gold received as she sought treatment for anorexia nervosa toward the end of the show’s run. She is known as the first actress to “go public” with an…
-
Reinventing Life After 50: A Review of Dr. Kerry Burnight’s Guide
This book just hit the stores today, and as part of the early review team, I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my “open and honest review.” So here goes! Lately I have seen an explosion of books about “the second half of life.” The theme usually revolves around how it isn’t too…
-
The Challenges of Aging: Insights from Brooke Shields’ Journey
I’ve always liked Brooke Shields, but I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. Was it just going to be about her own struggles with getting older and not being able to find as much work in modeling and show business? Well, she starts out with that discussion, but it’s…
-
The Truth Behind Roxane Gay’s Journey with Body Image
When Roxane Gay she was 12 years old, she was brutally gang-raped by her boyfriend and several of his friends. This took place in a cabin in the woods in a nice, suburban neighborhood, she said, and her perpetrator came from a “nice” family. This was a trauma she kept secret, even from her family,…
-
The Impact of Karen Carpenter’s Death on Body Image Awareness
On February 4, 1983, the music world was shocked by the untimely passing of legendary singer Karen Carpenter at the age of 32. Her cause of death was reported as heart failure due to her years-long battle with anorexia nervosa. Her death was the first to put the problem of negative body image and eating…
-
Understanding Postpartum Depression: Marie Osmond’s Experience
It’s sad that it sometimes takes tabloid headlines involving high-profile celebrities to bring attention to mental health issues, but I admire Marie Osmond for being willing to share her story with the world and helping to decrease the stigma of Postpartum Depression (PPD). In 1999, just a few weeks after she gave birth to her…
-
Running as Therapy: Nita Sweeney’s Mental Health Journey
I’ll be honest: running isn’t my thing. I love exercise in general, but as many times as I’ve tried, I’ve never gotten that “runner’s high” you always hear about. After reading Nita’s book, though, I have to say I’m inspired to stay open-minded about it. Nita Sweeney has battled chronic depression and anxiety throughout her…