Paper Thin

by Terri Robert

Jennifer Jo was fifteen years old when she and her family were forced to confront the fact that she was starving herself to death. In this bravely honest and harrowing narrative, JJ’s mother gives telling insights into understanding and dealing with a severely anorexic child. Author Terri Robert speaks to all parents as she admits to the maternal complacency that blinded her to JJ’s dire condition. After all, her daughter was a good student who didn’t get into trouble. When a school counselor and JJ’s best friend forced intervention, Terri, her husband and son began the emotionally charged journey that would empower them to help JJ in recovery. Poignant excerpts from JJ’s journal and revealing poetry offers both parents and the young adult an illuminating glimpse into the psychological factors that contribute to a disease that afflicts so many adolescents. A gripping account of a modern extended family coping with a baffling, life- threatening illness.

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2004