Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

best eating disorder book ever, 12 Jun 2008
i love this bookit is so so helpful, a book you go back to again and again.

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

best eating disorder book ever, 12 Jun 2008
i love this bookit is so so helpful, a book you go back to again and again.

A Godsend!, 09 Dec 2007
This book is amazing! As a sufferer of an eating disorder, I have wrestled with myself and searched for a way to express the feelings and a way to explain my actions that I experience during this stuggle. And I found it in this book. Not only will this book share the trauma of a fellow sufferer but Rachel Oakes Ash's witty humour brings relief and encouragement. I found this book so helpful that I lent it to my boyfriend to read as it said what I couldn't. This book is inspiring and a must for anyone who is looking for hope to overcome this illness.

Good Stuff, 03 Feb 2007
I read this book as recommended by a nurse, whilst in hospital, and found it helpful, I certainly admired the honesty of the the author, and the self depricating look into her attitudes and behaiours whilst being ill, which I find many sufferers of eating disorders conveniently not mention. It was most refreshing to have a change of tone from "woes me".

However I feel there was a large emphasis placed on dieting, and in my personal belief, dieting and eating disorders are quite different, although I can appreciate how a society obsessed with diet regimes can make recovery from an eating disorder very difficult.

All in all a well written book and definately worth a read.

A whirlwind of emotions, 09 Apr 2006
Rachel Oakes-Ash repeatedly emphasises in Good Girls Do Swallow that she doesn't do things by halves. Everything is taken to extremes; this book is no exception. This is no gentle introduction to the world of eating disorders - the reader is taken on a rollercoaster journey of up, down, fat, thin, binge, starve, so quickly that it's almost hard to keep track of the cycle. An exhausting book to read, let alone to live.

Oakes-Ash's opinions on society's effect on eating disorders are slipped in neatly; the book isn't over-opinionated, but she offers some very well-written views in it. This is done without disturbing or interrupting the plot, so unintrusively that it would be worth re-reading the book purely to revisit her opinions on the origins of eating disorders, society's contribution to them, & etc.

GGDS is full of dark humour, and is written from a fairly reflective perspective of someone looking back on what she's done. A subtle vein of sarcasm is present throughout the whole book, as Oakes-Ash describes and occasionally mocks her own disordered thinking and behaviour. This would possibly make the book less triggering, were it not for the fact that it just seems so fast-paced that it's easy to be caught up by it. Fast-paced not in the sense that it's a gripping story - it's not - but to read it feels restless, like your thoughts are racing. Not recommended for the emotionally fragile!

Everything about yourself you thought you had hidden, 20 Feb 2006
Rachael really brings to light everything that you feel and have ever felt about food, life, yourself and about peoples perceptions She throws a spanner in the works of every promoter of 'skinny' and by the end of the book you feel renewed and happy that life can be good even if you eat. I think it should be made educational meterial for school girls as they hit puberty. sgm.

A Fantastic Book!, 05 Dec 2004
A darkly comic look at the tragic world of eating disorders. Books on this subject often tend to lean towards melodrama, but Oakes-Ash writes in a less serious, lighter way, thst helps to make the words more accesible to the reader. Any woman who reads this, whether they have an eating disorder or not, will certaintly recognize aspects of their own personality in Rachael's story. The fact that Oakes suffered anorexia, bulimia and copulsive overeating means that the story fundementally covers all basis on the eating disorder spectrum, and provides a range of varied perspectives.

The most impressive aspect of the book is the sheer frankness of the author's writing. She is refreshingly honest, telling her story in graphic detail whilst resisting the urge to 'sugar-coat' her biography in order to make herself look better. It is this openness - this baring of the soul - that makes the reader immediately warm to Rachael, a factor which helps to make her words & her underlying message seem so much more genuine than the usual crop of 'Self-help' books that are dominating the market at the moment.

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

best eating disorder book ever, 12 Jun 2008
i love this bookit is so so helpful, a book you go back to again and again.

A Godsend!, 09 Dec 2007
This book is amazing! As a sufferer of an eating disorder, I have wrestled with myself and searched for a way to express the feelings and a way to explain my actions that I experience during this stuggle. And I found it in this book. Not only will this book share the trauma of a fellow sufferer but Rachel Oakes Ash's witty humour brings relief and encouragement. I found this book so helpful that I lent it to my boyfriend to read as it said what I couldn't. This book is inspiring and a must for anyone who is looking for hope to overcome this illness.

Good Stuff, 03 Feb 2007
I read this book as recommended by a nurse, whilst in hospital, and found it helpful, I certainly admired the honesty of the the author, and the self depricating look into her attitudes and behaiours whilst being ill, which I find many sufferers of eating disorders conveniently not mention. It was most refreshing to have a change of tone from "woes me".

However I feel there was a large emphasis placed on dieting, and in my personal belief, dieting and eating disorders are quite different, although I can appreciate how a society obsessed with diet regimes can make recovery from an eating disorder very difficult.

All in all a well written book and definately worth a read.

A whirlwind of emotions, 09 Apr 2006
Rachel Oakes-Ash repeatedly emphasises in Good Girls Do Swallow that she doesn't do things by halves. Everything is taken to extremes; this book is no exception. This is no gentle introduction to the world of eating disorders - the reader is taken on a rollercoaster journey of up, down, fat, thin, binge, starve, so quickly that it's almost hard to keep track of the cycle. An exhausting book to read, let alone to live.

Oakes-Ash's opinions on society's effect on eating disorders are slipped in neatly; the book isn't over-opinionated, but she offers some very well-written views in it. This is done without disturbing or interrupting the plot, so unintrusively that it would be worth re-reading the book purely to revisit her opinions on the origins of eating disorders, society's contribution to them, & etc.

GGDS is full of dark humour, and is written from a fairly reflective perspective of someone looking back on what she's done. A subtle vein of sarcasm is present throughout the whole book, as Oakes-Ash describes and occasionally mocks her own disordered thinking and behaviour. This would possibly make the book less triggering, were it not for the fact that it just seems so fast-paced that it's easy to be caught up by it. Fast-paced not in the sense that it's a gripping story - it's not - but to read it feels restless, like your thoughts are racing. Not recommended for the emotionally fragile!

Everything about yourself you thought you had hidden, 20 Feb 2006
Rachael really brings to light everything that you feel and have ever felt about food, life, yourself and about peoples perceptions She throws a spanner in the works of every promoter of 'skinny' and by the end of the book you feel renewed and happy that life can be good even if you eat. I think it should be made educational meterial for school girls as they hit puberty. sgm.

A Fantastic Book!, 05 Dec 2004
A darkly comic look at the tragic world of eating disorders. Books on this subject often tend to lean towards melodrama, but Oakes-Ash writes in a less serious, lighter way, thst helps to make the words more accesible to the reader. Any woman who reads this, whether they have an eating disorder or not, will certaintly recognize aspects of their own personality in Rachael's story. The fact that Oakes suffered anorexia, bulimia and copulsive overeating means that the story fundementally covers all basis on the eating disorder spectrum, and provides a range of varied perspectives.

The most impressive aspect of the book is the sheer frankness of the author's writing. She is refreshingly honest, telling her story in graphic detail whilst resisting the urge to 'sugar-coat' her biography in order to make herself look better. It is this openness - this baring of the soul - that makes the reader immediately warm to Rachael, a factor which helps to make her words & her underlying message seem so much more genuine than the usual crop of 'Self-help' books that are dominating the market at the moment.

wow,!!!amazing and inspirational...., 28 Jun 2007
This book is truely fantastic and Katie has shown this evil illness can be won, throughout her ups and downs she has shared with us her AMAZINGLY inspiring account in which has helped me greatly and gave life in recovery antoher chance, Thank you Katie, .... This book is a must read, its an honest account and heart walming true story to what life is like with an ED...

Katie, you deserve to be free.

Inspirational, 24 Mar 2007
I came upon this book when researching a play I'm writing about Anorexia. It has been truly inspirational and I was amazed at the maturity of the writing. Katie Metcalfe is definitely a name to watch out for in the future. The book was informative, educational, moving and entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Katie does it again., 07 Dec 2006
This is Katies second book. She gives an honest and very open account of the horror that is anorexia. Read this to open your eyes to the demon that might lurk in your family. For professionals this book gives an inside account to what goes on insides someones head and how family sytems are destroyed. For the individual that has or is being affected by the 'Stranger in the Family' there is hope and light out there that can help to heal yourself and those around you. Powerful stuff.

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

best eating disorder book ever, 12 Jun 2008
i love this bookit is so so helpful, a book you go back to again and again.

A Godsend!, 09 Dec 2007
This book is amazing! As a sufferer of an eating disorder, I have wrestled with myself and searched for a way to express the feelings and a way to explain my actions that I experience during this stuggle. And I found it in this book. Not only will this book share the trauma of a fellow sufferer but Rachel Oakes Ash's witty humour brings relief and encouragement. I found this book so helpful that I lent it to my boyfriend to read as it said what I couldn't. This book is inspiring and a must for anyone who is looking for hope to overcome this illness.

Good Stuff, 03 Feb 2007
I read this book as recommended by a nurse, whilst in hospital, and found it helpful, I certainly admired the honesty of the the author, and the self depricating look into her attitudes and behaiours whilst being ill, which I find many sufferers of eating disorders conveniently not mention. It was most refreshing to have a change of tone from "woes me".

However I feel there was a large emphasis placed on dieting, and in my personal belief, dieting and eating disorders are quite different, although I can appreciate how a society obsessed with diet regimes can make recovery from an eating disorder very difficult.

All in all a well written book and definately worth a read.

A whirlwind of emotions, 09 Apr 2006
Rachel Oakes-Ash repeatedly emphasises in Good Girls Do Swallow that she doesn't do things by halves. Everything is taken to extremes; this book is no exception. This is no gentle introduction to the world of eating disorders - the reader is taken on a rollercoaster journey of up, down, fat, thin, binge, starve, so quickly that it's almost hard to keep track of the cycle. An exhausting book to read, let alone to live.

Oakes-Ash's opinions on society's effect on eating disorders are slipped in neatly; the book isn't over-opinionated, but she offers some very well-written views in it. This is done without disturbing or interrupting the plot, so unintrusively that it would be worth re-reading the book purely to revisit her opinions on the origins of eating disorders, society's contribution to them, & etc.

GGDS is full of dark humour, and is written from a fairly reflective perspective of someone looking back on what she's done. A subtle vein of sarcasm is present throughout the whole book, as Oakes-Ash describes and occasionally mocks her own disordered thinking and behaviour. This would possibly make the book less triggering, were it not for the fact that it just seems so fast-paced that it's easy to be caught up by it. Fast-paced not in the sense that it's a gripping story - it's not - but to read it feels restless, like your thoughts are racing. Not recommended for the emotionally fragile!

Everything about yourself you thought you had hidden, 20 Feb 2006
Rachael really brings to light everything that you feel and have ever felt about food, life, yourself and about peoples perceptions She throws a spanner in the works of every promoter of 'skinny' and by the end of the book you feel renewed and happy that life can be good even if you eat. I think it should be made educational meterial for school girls as they hit puberty. sgm.

A Fantastic Book!, 05 Dec 2004
A darkly comic look at the tragic world of eating disorders. Books on this subject often tend to lean towards melodrama, but Oakes-Ash writes in a less serious, lighter way, thst helps to make the words more accesible to the reader. Any woman who reads this, whether they have an eating disorder or not, will certaintly recognize aspects of their own personality in Rachael's story. The fact that Oakes suffered anorexia, bulimia and copulsive overeating means that the story fundementally covers all basis on the eating disorder spectrum, and provides a range of varied perspectives.

The most impressive aspect of the book is the sheer frankness of the author's writing. She is refreshingly honest, telling her story in graphic detail whilst resisting the urge to 'sugar-coat' her biography in order to make herself look better. It is this openness - this baring of the soul - that makes the reader immediately warm to Rachael, a factor which helps to make her words & her underlying message seem so much more genuine than the usual crop of 'Self-help' books that are dominating the market at the moment.

wow,!!!amazing and inspirational...., 28 Jun 2007
This book is truely fantastic and Katie has shown this evil illness can be won, throughout her ups and downs she has shared with us her AMAZINGLY inspiring account in which has helped me greatly and gave life in recovery antoher chance, Thank you Katie, .... This book is a must read, its an honest account and heart walming true story to what life is like with an ED...

Katie, you deserve to be free.

Inspirational, 24 Mar 2007
I came upon this book when researching a play I'm writing about Anorexia. It has been truly inspirational and I was amazed at the maturity of the writing. Katie Metcalfe is definitely a name to watch out for in the future. The book was informative, educational, moving and entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Katie does it again., 07 Dec 2006
This is Katies second book. She gives an honest and very open account of the horror that is anorexia. Read this to open your eyes to the demon that might lurk in your family. For professionals this book gives an inside account to what goes on insides someones head and how family sytems are destroyed. For the individual that has or is being affected by the 'Stranger in the Family' there is hope and light out there that can help to heal yourself and those around you. Powerful stuff.

A gripping read for anyone who's ever been driven by a goal or had low self esteem for no apparent reason, 25 Sep 2008
The story is both delightful and harrowing, because it is full of extreme highs and extreme lows - Sey taking you with her on the gymnastics journey from child through to retiring young adult, and life beyond gymnsnatics briefly at the end. You almost feel the mental and physical pain she endures, so very descriptive and detailed is Sey. It does make you realise that, easy as it looks on TV, this sport is one of the most gruelling. After reading this book book, you'll never be able to watch gymnatics again without knowing what it took for them to get there.
I could not put this book down, I normally lose interest in a book after the first couple of chapters, or it takes me 3 months to read a chapter, but I read the whole thing, all 300* pages in 6 days!!!
The story is backed up by the many videos of young Sey on youtube. After reading the book I immediately checked footage of Sey out and witnessed how good she was. I recommend you do this before or during reading as it helps picture the people mentioned, as well as Sey herself. There is a selection of black and white photos in the book but youtube is brilliant. It shows how Sey really was a world class performer, and, although the book is very self indulgent (all about her) not once in the book does she actually acknowledge how amazing a gymnast she was, clearly even as an adult she will always be one who plays down her efforts - so see for yourself - and see how skinny she was too even though she thought she was fat!
*can't remember exact no. of pages but it's around 300.

a fascinating book, 14 Jul 2008
I was dying to read this book after hearing so much about it but it was hard to find in the u.k. so i was made up to find it here.I found jennifers story very intersesting,she talks about when she first started gymnastics right up till she gave it up.She does say a few things that are quite shocking such as girls being called fat bitches and being slapped by the coach for messing things up.However she admits that she had a bad time mainly due to the fact that she pushed herself all the time and was like that in all parts of her life anyway.I thought this book was really good especially if you like gymnastics (obviously!).

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

best eating disorder book ever, 12 Jun 2008
i love this bookit is so so helpful, a book you go back to again and again.

A Godsend!, 09 Dec 2007
This book is amazing! As a sufferer of an eating disorder, I have wrestled with myself and searched for a way to express the feelings and a way to explain my actions that I experience during this stuggle. And I found it in this book. Not only will this book share the trauma of a fellow sufferer but Rachel Oakes Ash's witty humour brings relief and encouragement. I found this book so helpful that I lent it to my boyfriend to read as it said what I couldn't. This book is inspiring and a must for anyone who is looking for hope to overcome this illness.

Good Stuff, 03 Feb 2007
I read this book as recommended by a nurse, whilst in hospital, and found it helpful, I certainly admired the honesty of the the author, and the self depricating look into her attitudes and behaiours whilst being ill, which I find many sufferers of eating disorders conveniently not mention. It was most refreshing to have a change of tone from "woes me".

However I feel there was a large emphasis placed on dieting, and in my personal belief, dieting and eating disorders are quite different, although I can appreciate how a society obsessed with diet regimes can make recovery from an eating disorder very difficult.

All in all a well written book and definately worth a read.

A whirlwind of emotions, 09 Apr 2006
Rachel Oakes-Ash repeatedly emphasises in Good Girls Do Swallow that she doesn't do things by halves. Everything is taken to extremes; this book is no exception. This is no gentle introduction to the world of eating disorders - the reader is taken on a rollercoaster journey of up, down, fat, thin, binge, starve, so quickly that it's almost hard to keep track of the cycle. An exhausting book to read, let alone to live.

Oakes-Ash's opinions on society's effect on eating disorders are slipped in neatly; the book isn't over-opinionated, but she offers some very well-written views in it. This is done without disturbing or interrupting the plot, so unintrusively that it would be worth re-reading the book purely to revisit her opinions on the origins of eating disorders, society's contribution to them, & etc.

GGDS is full of dark humour, and is written from a fairly reflective perspective of someone looking back on what she's done. A subtle vein of sarcasm is present throughout the whole book, as Oakes-Ash describes and occasionally mocks her own disordered thinking and behaviour. This would possibly make the book less triggering, were it not for the fact that it just seems so fast-paced that it's easy to be caught up by it. Fast-paced not in the sense that it's a gripping story - it's not - but to read it feels restless, like your thoughts are racing. Not recommended for the emotionally fragile!

Everything about yourself you thought you had hidden, 20 Feb 2006
Rachael really brings to light everything that you feel and have ever felt about food, life, yourself and about peoples perceptions She throws a spanner in the works of every promoter of 'skinny' and by the end of the book you feel renewed and happy that life can be good even if you eat. I think it should be made educational meterial for school girls as they hit puberty. sgm.

A Fantastic Book!, 05 Dec 2004
A darkly comic look at the tragic world of eating disorders. Books on this subject often tend to lean towards melodrama, but Oakes-Ash writes in a less serious, lighter way, thst helps to make the words more accesible to the reader. Any woman who reads this, whether they have an eating disorder or not, will certaintly recognize aspects of their own personality in Rachael's story. The fact that Oakes suffered anorexia, bulimia and copulsive overeating means that the story fundementally covers all basis on the eating disorder spectrum, and provides a range of varied perspectives.

The most impressive aspect of the book is the sheer frankness of the author's writing. She is refreshingly honest, telling her story in graphic detail whilst resisting the urge to 'sugar-coat' her biography in order to make herself look better. It is this openness - this baring of the soul - that makes the reader immediately warm to Rachael, a factor which helps to make her words & her underlying message seem so much more genuine than the usual crop of 'Self-help' books that are dominating the market at the moment.

wow,!!!amazing and inspirational...., 28 Jun 2007
This book is truely fantastic and Katie has shown this evil illness can be won, throughout her ups and downs she has shared with us her AMAZINGLY inspiring account in which has helped me greatly and gave life in recovery antoher chance, Thank you Katie, .... This book is a must read, its an honest account and heart walming true story to what life is like with an ED...

Katie, you deserve to be free.

Inspirational, 24 Mar 2007
I came upon this book when researching a play I'm writing about Anorexia. It has been truly inspirational and I was amazed at the maturity of the writing. Katie Metcalfe is definitely a name to watch out for in the future. The book was informative, educational, moving and entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Katie does it again., 07 Dec 2006
This is Katies second book. She gives an honest and very open account of the horror that is anorexia. Read this to open your eyes to the demon that might lurk in your family. For professionals this book gives an inside account to what goes on insides someones head and how family sytems are destroyed. For the individual that has or is being affected by the 'Stranger in the Family' there is hope and light out there that can help to heal yourself and those around you. Powerful stuff.

A gripping read for anyone who's ever been driven by a goal or had low self esteem for no apparent reason, 25 Sep 2008
The story is both delightful and harrowing, because it is full of extreme highs and extreme lows - Sey taking you with her on the gymnastics journey from child through to retiring young adult, and life beyond gymnsnatics briefly at the end. You almost feel the mental and physical pain she endures, so very descriptive and detailed is Sey. It does make you realise that, easy as it looks on TV, this sport is one of the most gruelling. After reading this book book, you'll never be able to watch gymnatics again without knowing what it took for them to get there.
I could not put this book down, I normally lose interest in a book after the first couple of chapters, or it takes me 3 months to read a chapter, but I read the whole thing, all 300* pages in 6 days!!!
The story is backed up by the many videos of young Sey on youtube. After reading the book I immediately checked footage of Sey out and witnessed how good she was. I recommend you do this before or during reading as it helps picture the people mentioned, as well as Sey herself. There is a selection of black and white photos in the book but youtube is brilliant. It shows how Sey really was a world class performer, and, although the book is very self indulgent (all about her) not once in the book does she actually acknowledge how amazing a gymnast she was, clearly even as an adult she will always be one who plays down her efforts - so see for yourself - and see how skinny she was too even though she thought she was fat!
*can't remember exact no. of pages but it's around 300.

a fascinating book, 14 Jul 2008
I was dying to read this book after hearing so much about it but it was hard to find in the u.k. so i was made up to find it here.I found jennifers story very intersesting,she talks about when she first started gymnastics right up till she gave it up.She does say a few things that are quite shocking such as girls being called fat bitches and being slapped by the coach for messing things up.However she admits that she had a bad time mainly due to the fact that she pushed herself all the time and was like that in all parts of her life anyway.I thought this book was really good especially if you like gymnastics (obviously!).

Pulling at all your emotions..., 03 Oct 2008
This is an unusual acheivement, by turns hilarious and utterly tragic. The hilarity is supplied by Debbie (D.A.) Barham in many excerpts of published articles and personal e-mails. I think that her wit made her a worthy successor to Peter Cook; every bit as unique and uncompromising. Debbie's tragedy - an exceptionally gifted woman destroyed by anorexia - breaks your heart. The reader is steered, from chapter to chapter, between experiencing helpless laughter at Debbie's laser-beam wit and horrified sadness at her disintegration.

Peter Barham clearly tried to understand his daughter's anorexia, and conveys his own helplessness as he and Debbie's step-mother tried to help her. There are also powerful testimonies by many of Debbie's work-colleagues on how they became aware of her illness and attempted numerous interventions.

Debbie's own references to her eating disorder punctuate many of her articles, often with startling cruelty. We get to know her complex personality and her brilliant, sometimes savage wit. As I savour Debbie's dazzling comic talent throughout the book, I remember reading Clive James's moving tribute to her in 2003 and sorely wish she was still here. Thankfully, many of her articles for the Independent can be found online (highly recommended)

This is an extremely moving book that pulls at your emotions. While I admire Peter Barham's strength in telling the whole story (as far as he was able to) I think that a further (perhaps more suitable) tribute to Debbie Barham - and one that she would appreciate - would be a published collection of all her major articles including a compendium of all her finest gags. God bless, and Cheers, Debs.

A clumsy attempt at self-redemption from the father who never knew her., 26 Sep 2007
Deborah would not have wanted this. Making money from Deborah's death at the expense of her dignity, intelligence and strength. After years of combating stereotypes and preconceived ideas about young women.. her memory has been permanently tainted by this sentimentalised, one-sided, tabloid portrayal of a woman who was in reality so much more. This book is cheap and unworthy of the association.

Compellingly readable, 10 Sep 2007
I have to admit, after just finishing this book, that I agree in part with all previous reviews, in that it is a fascinating story about a hugely talented girl who accomplished so much at such a surprisingly young age, but it also explores issues regarding anorexia which perhaps have not been properly researched.

I knew very little about anorexia and very little about Deborah Barham before reading this book. As a memoir and tribute to his daughter, I think Peter Barham has produced a moving account of her short life, revealing his regret about his lack of involvement in it, the bittersweet memories of what time they did spend together and perhaps more importantly a comprehensive account of her career with plenty of humourous examples thrown in for good measure.

I don't think it is foremost a book about anorexia and I did feel (as previous reviews have mentioned) that the disease was almost credited to some extent as being the driving force behind her creativity and work-driven existence. I'm not sure that necessarily sends out a particularly helpful message about eating disorders and left me fealing a little bit uneasy.

All in all though, I'm glad I read this book and learnt something of the person whose comedy writings, unbeknown to me, I had been appreciating for years.

Whatever you say..., 10 Jul 2007
Despite what people are saying about Mr Barham not being allowed to write the book- well- firstly, it's HIS daughter- I'd want my daughter to be remembered too!
Secondly, you cannot force a person to go into hospital, and I believe that the father makes it perfectly clear in this book the love he feels for her.

Truth be told- if you are looking for a 'warts and all' book about the persons deepest thoughts and feelings, you will not find it here.

What you will find is a heartfelt account by a father written a daughter he lost contact with. You will find the effects upon the family. You will read about the love left behind.

Although at places somewhat hard to read, and maybe a little heavy going, he lays clear his love for her, shows how hard it is to live with someone with this illness, and does (contrary to belief) not sentimentalize such tragic illnesses. His pain became evident with each page, as it his raw affection for the girl she used to be, and the girl she became.

Debbie Barham will not be forgotten, her stubborn character and sharp wit immortalized in the words of her grieving father.

Read it for a different take on the usual books one finds on the shelves. Read it for the experience.

totally confused me, 20 Feb 2007
The invisible girl is a story that totally confused me and I believe should not have been written about anorexia or the death of some one who had the disease unless they truly know what they write. It is not a frilly funny artistic nor exciting disease. But rather a hell hole of emotions, crippling, and fed by a rash decision that escalate to unprecedented conclusions of mass proportions
Anorexics are emotionally disturbed people who starve them selves because food intake is about the only thing they can control. Not eating is a blanket that covers some times a multitude of other problems too painful for the sufferer to deal with. It's a pity her father was not involved in her life as diligently as he was in writing this book. I am a survivor of anorexia and bulimia and self harming so know I little what I say. This disease takes all rational thoughts and reasoning's and leaves the sufferer locked within their own confinement. I believe if the subject of eating disorders are to be written then those who have walked its mile should take the first step. Debs was a tortured soul who was allowed to indulge in her own quagmire of emotions and SOME ONE should have taken her reigns and drove her carriage while she passengered for a while. This book is not what some have portrayed and the truth is Debs was given permission to play devils advocate loosing her life along the way. Much more could have been done to save her she could have been sectioned under the mental health etc. I know if my daughter tried to kill herself by means of slow suicide, she would succeed only after exhausting me into submission. AND THEN SOME!
S Wallace author-a house full of whispers

Not Well Written, 07 Oct 2008
I don't think this book is well written. I disliked being told by the protagonist at the end that her experience with anorexia was by no means severe. The confession made me feel cheated.

Self-absorbed , 28 Jul 2008
I only got to about 1/3 of the way through this book as, quite frankly, I couldn't stand Grace. As much as I admire anyone who's able to come through an illness such as anorexia, I found her annoying, and found it hard to sympathise or relate to her in any way. To me, this was just another story of the beautiful, clever, popular girl who is never satisfied. Talking of how she always had to achieve perfection, which, for many years, she found easy, made me just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself. I'm probably just being harsh, and maybe I should've finished the book before making a judgement, but personally there's plenty of other books like this, with more desirable characters.


Amazing book, 14 Jul 2008
I really recommend this book it really easy to get into and amazing story of what grace went through with her eatting problems. I love this book and had read it with in a week if you want a good book to read this is one for you.

A factual and informative account, 08 Apr 2008
'Thin' is very different from what I was expecting. I have read a lot of different memoirs over the years dealing with differing aspects of people's lives and it's nice when you come along different ones along the way. This is one of them. It reads as a cross between research, autobiography and reference but with a young woman's emotion in there for good measure.

I think this was published in hard back just before turning 30, so what a milestone that would've been. There is only one criticism of the book that I have and that's at times you don't really get to see the harshness of the reality of society - I can imagine her friends being accepting of her but she never discusses how people responded to her for example on holiday in her swimsuit.

It is extremely well written and I was actually able to sit and read it in one sitting, I do confess to skipping the playscripts as I didn't like those bits which is why I have given it 4 stars instead of 5. As I haven't had any personal involvement with eating disorders I can't confirm how accurate it is, all I can say is I found it interesting and informative.

Just a small FYI, 10 Feb 2008
I'm in the process of reading this book, but I just wanted to add, for anyone who doesn't know, that this book is the same as 'A Shape Of My Own' (in hardcover). I always find that other peoples reviews help me to choose my books, and there are 12 other reviews on the hardcover version... I too shall write one when I am done, but so far I am halfway through and I'm loving it!

From understanding, now hope. , 05 Sep 2008
I am a counsellor and 'Perfect' is one of the most informative and totally honest books on anorexia that I have read. This book does not back away from reality, and through that reality there is hope for all anorexics. If you are anorexic read this book, if you are a parent or sibling of an anorexic read this book.

Emily Halban, congratulations, it took courage to write this book and you have courage by the bucketful! Kerry x


Perfect, 27 Apr 2008
A beautifully written book. Perfect is a moving and informative read. I am certain that this book will help many people affected by anorexia but Perfect will also touch a far greater audience than just those who have a connection to anorexia drawing on the importance of communication.


Deeply moving..., 24 Apr 2008
An unmissable read....I found this to be a deeply moving and shocking book - shocking because it gives a rare insight into the mind of someone afflicted by anorexia, who is clearly intelligent, articulate and all-too aware of the enormity of her disease (this absolutely dispels any myth that anorexia is about size zero-style vanity) - and moving because of Halban's painfully honest and intimate account of her deep sadness, struggle and ultimate success. I found myself sharing so many of the same thoughts as Halban about the desire to please and finding the freedom not to be `perfect'. The voices of her family and loved ones at the end of the book - about their struggle with the disease she had - was a brilliant end to a fascinating account.

A Poignant, Insightful and Inspiring Account, 04 Apr 2008
Emily Halban writes a poignant, insightful and inspiring account of her struggle with an illness whose causes are so difficult to pin down and whose physical and psychological repercussions are so wide ranging. The book first touches the reader as a personal narrative of unfailing courage and goes on to expand on themes of much wider scope. We learn how quickly a state of equilibrium is lost and yet how difficult it is in retrospect to say exactly when it was lost, but also how precarious situations of apparent stability are and how Herculean the task of reconstructing them can be. This book will prove to be a truly moving and instructive account to all who have struggled with illness or have been near someone who has.

best eating disorder book ever, 12 Jun 2008
i love this bookit is so so helpful, a book you go back to again and again.

A Godsend!, 09 Dec 2007
This book is amazing! As a sufferer of an eating disorder, I have wrestled with myself and searched for a way to express the feelings and a way to explain my actions that I experience during this stuggle. And I found it in this book. Not only will this book share the trauma of a fellow sufferer but Rachel Oakes Ash's witty humour brings relief and encouragement. I found this book so helpful that I lent it to my boyfriend to read as it said what I couldn't. This book is inspiring and a must for anyone who is looking for hope to overcome this illness.

Good Stuff, 03 Feb 2007
I read this book as recommended by a nurse, whilst in hospital, and found it helpful, I certainly admired the honesty of the the author, and the self depricating look into her attitudes and behaiours whilst being ill, which I find many sufferers of eating disorders conveniently not mention. It was most refreshing to have a change of tone from "woes me".

However I feel there was a large emphasis placed on dieting, and in my personal belief, dieting and eating disorders are quite different, although I can appreciate how a society obsessed with diet regimes can make recovery from an eating disorder very difficult.

All in all a well written book and definately worth a read.

A whirlwind of emotions, 09 Apr 2006
Rachel Oakes-Ash repeatedly emphasises in Good Girls Do Swallow that she doesn't do things by halves. Everything is taken to extremes; this book is no exception. This is no gentle introduction to the world of eating disorders - the reader is taken on a rollercoaster journey of up, down, fat, thin, binge, starve, so quickly that it's almost hard to keep track of the cycle. An exhausting book to read, let alone to live.

Oakes-Ash's opinions on society's effect on eating disorders are slipped in neatly; the book isn't over-opinionated, but she offers some very well-written views in it. This is done without disturbing or interrupting the plot, so unintrusively that it would be worth re-reading the book purely to revisit her opinions on the origins of eating disorders, society's contribution to them, & etc.

GGDS is full of dark humour, and is written from a fairly reflective perspective of someone looking back on what she's done. A subtle vein of sarcasm is present throughout the whole book, as Oakes-Ash describes and occasionally mocks her own disordered thinking and behaviour. This would possibly make the book less triggering, were it not for the fact that it just seems so fast-paced that it's easy to be caught up by it. Fast-paced not in the sense that it's a gripping story - it's not - but to read it feels restless, like your thoughts are racing. Not recommended for the emotionally fragile!

Everything about yourself you thought you had hidden, 20 Feb 2006
Rachael really brings to light everything that you feel and have ever felt about food, life, yourself and about peoples perceptions She throws a spanner in the works of every promoter of 'skinny' and by the end of the book you feel renewed and happy that life can be good even if you eat. I think it should be made educational meterial for school girls as they hit puberty. sgm.

A Fantastic Book!, 05 Dec 2004
A darkly comic look at the tragic world of eating disorders. Books on this subject often tend to lean towards melodrama, but Oakes-Ash writes in a less serious, lighter way, thst helps to make the words more accesible to the reader. Any woman who reads this, whether they have an eating disorder or not, will certaintly recognize aspects of their own personality in Rachael's story. The fact that Oakes suffered anorexia, bulimia and copulsive overeating means that the story fundementally covers all basis on the eating disorder spectrum, and provides a range of varied perspectives.

The most impressive aspect of the book is the sheer frankness of the author's writing. She is refreshingly honest, telling her story in graphic detail whilst resisting the urge to 'sugar-coat' her biography in order to make herself look better. It is this openness - this baring of the soul - that makes the reader immediately warm to Rachael, a factor which helps to make her words & her underlying message seem so much more genuine than the usual crop of 'Self-help' books that are dominating the market at the moment.

wow,!!!amazing and inspirational...., 28 Jun 2007
This book is truely fantastic and Katie has shown this evil illness can be won, throughout her ups and downs she has shared with us her AMAZINGLY inspiring account in which has helped me greatly and gave life in recovery antoher chance, Thank you Katie, .... This book is a must read, its an honest account and heart walming true story to what life is like with an ED...

Katie, you deserve to be free.

Inspirational, 24 Mar 2007
I came upon this book when researching a play I'm writing about Anorexia. It has been truly inspirational and I was amazed at the maturity of the writing. Katie Metcalfe is definitely a name to watch out for in the future. The book was informative, educational, moving and entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Katie does it again., 07 Dec 2006
This is Katies second book. She gives an honest and very open account of the horror that is anorexia. Read this to open your eyes to the demon that might lurk in your family. For professionals this book gives an inside account to what goes on insides someones head and how family sytems are destroyed. For the individual that has or is being affected by the 'Stranger in the Family' there is hope and light out there that can help to heal yourself and those around you. Powerful stuff.

A gripping read for anyone who's ever been driven by a goal or had low self esteem for no apparent reason, 25 Sep 2008
The story is both delightful and harrowing, because it is full of extreme highs and extreme lows - Sey taking you with her on the gymnastics journey from child through to retiring young adult, and life beyond gymnsnatics briefly at the end. You almost feel the mental and physical pain she endures, so very descriptive and detailed is Sey. It does make you realise that, easy as it looks on TV, this sport is one of the most gruelling. After reading this book book, you'll never be able to watch gymnatics again without knowing what it took for them to get there.
I could not put this book down, I normally lose interest in a book after the first couple of chapters, or it takes me 3 months to read a chapter, but I read the whole thing, all 300* pages in 6 days!!!
The story is backed up by the many videos of young Sey on youtube. After reading the book I immediately checked footage of Sey out and witnessed how good she was. I recommend you do this before or during reading as it helps picture the people mentioned, as well as Sey herself. There is a selection of black and white photos in the book but youtube is brilliant. It shows how Sey really was a world class performer, and, although the book is very self indulgent (all about her) not once in the book does she actually acknowledge how amazing a gymnast she was, clearly even as an adult she will always be one who plays down her efforts - so see for yourself - and see how skinny she was too even though she thought she was fat!
*can't remember exact no. of pages but it's around 300.

a fascinating book, 14 Jul 2008
I was dying to read this book after hearing so much about it but it was hard to find in the u.k. so i was made up to find it here.I found jennifers story very intersesting,she talks about when she first started gymnastics right up till she gave it up.She does say a few things that are quite shocking such as girls being called fat bitches and being slapped by the coach for messing things up.However she admits that she had a bad time mainly due to the fact that she pushed herself all the time and was like that in all parts of her life anyway.I thought this book was really good especially if you like gymnastics (obviously!).

Pulling at all your emotions..., 03 Oct 2008
This is an unusual acheivement, by turns hilarious and utterly tragic. The hilarity is supplied by Debbie (D.A.) Barham in many excerpts of published articles and personal e-mails. I think that her wit made her a worthy successor to Peter Cook; every bit as unique and uncompromising. Debbie's tragedy - an exceptionally gifted woman destroyed by anorexia - breaks your heart. The reader is steered, from chapter to chapter, between experiencing helpless laughter at Debbie's laser-beam wit and horrified sadness at her disintegration.

Peter Barham clearly tried to understand his daughter's anorexia, and conveys his own helplessness as he and Debbie's step-mother tried to help her. There are also powerful testimonies by many of Debbie's work-colleagues on how they became aware of her illness and attempted numerous interventions.

Debbie's own references to her eating disorder punctuate many of her articles, often with startling cruelty. We get to know her complex personality and her brilliant, sometimes savage wit. As I savour Debbie's dazzling comic talent throughout the book, I remember reading Clive James's moving tribute to her in 2003 and sorely wish she was still here. Thankfully, many of her articles for the Independent can be found online (highly recommended)

This is an extremely moving book that pulls at your emotions. While I admire Peter Barham's strength in telling the whole story (as far as he was able to) I think that a further (perhaps more suitable) tribute to Debbie Barham - and one that she would appreciate - would be a published collection of all her major articles including a compendium of all her finest gags. God bless, and Cheers, Debs.

A clumsy attempt at self-redemption from the father who never knew her., 26 Sep 2007
Deborah would not have wanted this. Making money from Deborah's death at the expense of her dignity, intelligence and strength. After years of combating stereotypes and preconceived ideas about young women.. her memory has been permanently tainted by this sentimentalised, one-sided, tabloid portrayal of a woman who was in reality so much more. This book is cheap and unworthy of the association.

Compellingly readable, 10 Sep 2007
I have to admit, after just finishing this book, that I agree in part with all previous reviews, in that it is a fascinating story about a hugely talented girl who accomplished so much at such a surprisingly young age, but it also explores issues regarding anorexia which perhaps have not been properly researched.

I knew very little about anorexia and very little about Deborah Barham before reading this book. As a memoir and tribute to his daughter, I think Peter Barham has produced a moving account of her short life, revealing his regret about his lack of involvement in it, the bittersweet memories of what time they did spend together and perhaps more importantly a comprehensive account of her career with plenty of humourous examples thrown in for good measure.

I don't think it is foremost a book about anorexia and I did feel (as previous reviews have mentioned) that the disease was almost credited to some extent as being the driving force behind her creativity and work-driven existence. I'm not sure that necessarily sends out a particularly helpful message about eating disorders and left me fealing a little bit uneasy.

All in all though, I'm glad I read this book and learnt something of the person whose comedy writings, unbeknown to me, I had been appreciating for years.

Whatever you say..., 10 Jul 2007
Despite what people are saying about Mr Barham not being allowed to write the book- well- firstly, it's HIS daughter- I'd want my daughter to be remembered too!
Secondly, you cannot force a person to go into hospital, and I believe that the father makes it perfectly clear in this book the love he feels for her.

Truth be told- if you are looking for a 'warts and all' book about the persons deepest thoughts and feelings, you will not find it here.

What you will find is a heartfelt account by a father written a daughter he lost contact with. You will find the effects upon the family. You will read about the love left behind.

Although at places somewhat hard to read, and maybe a little heavy going, he lays clear his love for her, shows how hard it is to live with someone with this illness, and does (contrary to belief) not sentimentalize such tragic illnesses. His pain became evident with each page, as it his raw affection for the girl she used to be, and the girl she became.

Debbie Barham will not be forgotten, her stubborn character and sharp wit immortalized in the words of her grieving father.

Read it for a different take on the usual books one finds on the shelves. Read it for the experience.

totally confused me, 20 Feb 2007
The invisible girl is a story that totally confused me and I believe should not have been written about anorexia or the death of some one who had the disease unless they truly know what they write. It is not a frilly funny artistic nor exciting disease. But rather a hell hole of emotions, crippling, and fed by a rash decision that escalate to unprecedented conclusions of mass proportions
Anorexics are emotionally disturbed people who starve them selves because food intake is about the only thing they can control. Not eating is a blanket that covers some times a multitude of other problems too painful for the sufferer to deal with. It's a pity her father was not involved in her life as diligently as he was in writing this book. I am a survivor of anorexia and bulimia and self harming so know I little what I say. This disease takes all rational thoughts and reasoning's and leaves the sufferer locked within their own confinement. I believe if the subject of eating disorders are to be written then those who have walked its mile should take the first step. Debs was a tortured soul who was allowed to indulge in her own quagmire of emotions and SOME ONE should have taken her reigns and drove her carriage while she passengered for a while. This book is not what some have portrayed and the truth is Debs was given permission to play devils advocate loosing her life along the way. Much more could have been done to save her she could have been sectioned under the mental health etc. I know if my daughter tried to kill herself by means of slow suicide, she would succeed only after exhausting me into submission. AND THEN SOME!
S Wallace author-a house full of whispers

very good, 11 Sep 2002
I found this interesting as Lori's age was significantly younger than those of the characters in other popular novels and autobiographies on eating disorders, and this gives the book an interesting slant. At times the 11-year-old Lori is so naive it b