The book is coming, the book is coming . . .

There seems to be some buzz building for the Aug. 24 release of my new book, Brave Girl Eating: A Family's Struggle with Anorexia. I feel honored! And I wish I had galleys to send out to everyone who wants to read it. (My publisher would like me to say instead, "I wish you would all buy it!")

So I thought I'd post a link here to the incredible book trailer a student, Shelby Haddon, made for me last spring. It uses some of the material that opens the book.

In the weeks to come I'll post short excerpts from the book. Of course I wrote the book and I want it to find an audience. But beyond that, I want it to make an audience--people who don't know much about eating disorders except what they hear on the news or in magazines. Why should they care? Because chances are, someone they know and care about has an eating disorder but isn't talking about it. People feel shame and stigma about having eating disorders, and unfortunately the secrecy around them feeds the flames of that kind of stigma.

No more secrecy. No more stigma. I believe in telling the stories, true stories. People need to know and understand and empathize with what other people are going through.

Enjoy the trailer.

Looking for young adults with anorexia

Researchers at the University of Chicago, under the direction of Dr. Daniel le Grange (pictured, left), have just won an NIH grant to study family-based treatment (FBT, also known as the Maudsley approach) in young adults. If your family lives in the Chicago area, or within driving distance, you could get free treatment if you qualify for the study. Not to mention the chance to get some of the best treatment for anorexia in the country. It's a win-win!

Here are the study parameters:

This study is a good match for you if you are:
• 18 to 25 years old
• Meet diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa
• Are prepared to participate in assessments
• Interested in cost-free psychotherapy treatment with a family member of choice

Treatment involves up to 6 months of free individual and family therapy sessions.

For more information, please contact the Participant Coordinator at 773-834-9120 or visit University of Chicago here.

Michelle Obama: Starting to get it?

Maybe so, if this story from the Christian Science Monitor is to be believed.

The First Lady goes on record saying she "tries to stay away from discussions about weight with her daughters," focusing instead on health. Though I notice she's still willing to talk about weight with the rest of our daughters. And sons.

Well, change comes slowly. Good start, Mrs. Obama! I hope you'll keep listening as well as talking. And if you've got another place at the table for your September summit on childhood obesity, please count me in. . . .



PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO/ED ZURGA