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Bite Back: A compassionate guide to navigating eating disorders
‘If you’d asked me at 10 what my plans were for the next few years, fighting an eating disorder would not have made the list.’
Gen’s early teenage years were the hardest of her life. Struggling with anorexia and poor mental health, she spent time in and out of hospitals and clinics, which also had a huge impact on her family.
But with treatment and support, Gen was able to turn her life around, changing her behaviours and attitude toward food and her body. As well as sharing the insights from Gen's own lived experience and challenging stereotypes around eating disorders, Bite Back
· Practical tips and activities from Gen and her team that helped with recovery
· Answers to frequently asked questions about the cause and treatment of eating disorders
· Advice on how you can support a loved one going through it.
‘I hope my story helps you feel seen, that it inspires you and is a reminder that there is a beautiful life waiting for you. Keep fighting.’
Gen’s early teenage years were the hardest of her life. Struggling with anorexia and poor mental health, she spent time in and out of hospitals and clinics, which also had a huge impact on her family.
But with treatment and support, Gen was able to turn her life around, changing her behaviours and attitude toward food and her body. As well as sharing the insights from Gen's own lived experience and challenging stereotypes around eating disorders, Bite Back
· Practical tips and activities from Gen and her team that helped with recovery
· Answers to frequently asked questions about the cause and treatment of eating disorders
· Advice on how you can support a loved one going through it.
‘I hope my story helps you feel seen, that it inspires you and is a reminder that there is a beautiful life waiting for you. Keep fighting.’
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2023
14 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 2, 2023
I wish this book had been around when I was younger, because it made me feel really seen and validated, and would have been helpful to share with my whānau when I was in the thick of it. Thanks so much for sharing your story Gen.
August 11, 2023
This is an insightful, well considered foray into eating disorder recovery.
It starts with Genevieve’s own experiences of developing anorexia and ocd as a teenager. It is not overly triggering, though there is description of her hospital experiences that may be difficult for some (so avoid it if that will trigger you).The book follows her journey to recovery, including steps and exercises that helped her. I found the exercises really helpful, in that they remind you of your values and what you want in life outside of being sick.
There is a section targeting loved ones of those with an eating disorders including what to say and what not to say and how to be supportive. I’ve marked the pages and intend on getting my mum to read them because I feel like she often doesn’t feel confident in her ability to help me. The book acknowledges that some things are more helpful than others but also reminds the reader that they are not to blame for their self or loved one getting sick.
The final section is a collection of recovery stories from a range of different people. The selection is generally quite diverse, though I found the anorexia diagnosis may have been slightly over represented considering only a small number of ED sufferers have anorexia. This is only a minor criticism though and I did really enjoy the book. It is a positive addition to the recovery literature.
August 20, 2023
I really rate non-fiction 5 stars, but this is deserving of this. Will no doubt really help someone else (and their loved ones) who is going through their own journey.
March 15, 2025
‘Bite Back’ by Genevieve Mora is a conscientiously crafted, eye-opening book that delves into the intense themes of self-worth and identity. The book explores Mora's challenging journey as she navigates daily life whilst grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder and an eating disorder. It follows her experiences both inside and outside hospital and psychiatric wards as she struggles to balance school and societal expectations.
From the very first page, I was hooked into the complexities of her story. Blending memoir with self-help, the book offers a deeply personal yet universally inspiring narrative, following her journey from childhood to the present. Her writing resonates with readers, encouraging them to find strength amid personal struggles while emphasising the power of self-love and support. As we navigate the twists of her life, we are reminded of the unseen battles others may be facing and the profound impact of kindness and understanding.
Throughout the book, Mora continuously reinforces the idea that everyone’s story is different, and you should not have to feel the need to compare your sickness to others. She reminds readers that each person faces their own challenges, and the weight of feeling inadequate is already difficult enough. This reassurance helps readers confide in the idea that they are never truly alone and support is always available when needed.
The most captivating part about Mora’s story is how she continues to empower people to find strength and accept themselves. After spending most of her life battling mental illness, she co-founded an organisation called ‘Voices of Hope’ with the intent of helping those with similar struggles. She aims to use her lived experience to show people that recovery is possible and there is no shame in having a mental illness. She is also the co-creator of ‘Love your Kite’, a global eating disorder resource app and speaks about her journey regularly on her social media pages.
Having dealt with struggles around food, I found comfort in immersing myself in her story, knowing that I am not alone in these experiences. Mora’s honest and raw storytelling allowed me, and undoubtedly many other readers, to find a sense of reassurance and hope.
Overall, Genevieve Mora’s ‘Bite Back’ is an inspirational and captivating read that explores self acceptance and identity. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in her story, or the struggles surrounding mental health. Genevieve’s journey, filled with personal struggles and moments of resilience, is both reflective and inspiring. The book engages readers of all ages, offering a powerful message of hope, strength, and the importance of seeking support.
From the very first page, I was hooked into the complexities of her story. Blending memoir with self-help, the book offers a deeply personal yet universally inspiring narrative, following her journey from childhood to the present. Her writing resonates with readers, encouraging them to find strength amid personal struggles while emphasising the power of self-love and support. As we navigate the twists of her life, we are reminded of the unseen battles others may be facing and the profound impact of kindness and understanding.
Throughout the book, Mora continuously reinforces the idea that everyone’s story is different, and you should not have to feel the need to compare your sickness to others. She reminds readers that each person faces their own challenges, and the weight of feeling inadequate is already difficult enough. This reassurance helps readers confide in the idea that they are never truly alone and support is always available when needed.
The most captivating part about Mora’s story is how she continues to empower people to find strength and accept themselves. After spending most of her life battling mental illness, she co-founded an organisation called ‘Voices of Hope’ with the intent of helping those with similar struggles. She aims to use her lived experience to show people that recovery is possible and there is no shame in having a mental illness. She is also the co-creator of ‘Love your Kite’, a global eating disorder resource app and speaks about her journey regularly on her social media pages.
Having dealt with struggles around food, I found comfort in immersing myself in her story, knowing that I am not alone in these experiences. Mora’s honest and raw storytelling allowed me, and undoubtedly many other readers, to find a sense of reassurance and hope.
Overall, Genevieve Mora’s ‘Bite Back’ is an inspirational and captivating read that explores self acceptance and identity. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in her story, or the struggles surrounding mental health. Genevieve’s journey, filled with personal struggles and moments of resilience, is both reflective and inspiring. The book engages readers of all ages, offering a powerful message of hope, strength, and the importance of seeking support.
August 10, 2025
Thoughts:
• Good stuff. I found this quite helpful as a clinician. I really value lived experience stories, and Genevieve Mora is incredibly insightful, compassionate, and tactful. I can't speak to how this may land with readers who are currently struggling with disordered eating (the author also notes that each person's mileage may vary) but it's worth saying there's no mention of specific measurements or restriction foods and compensatory behaviours aren't discussed in too much detail, although other things may be a bit confronting for some. As usual, these ramblings are my thoughts only and it's up to you to decide whether or not this book is suitable for you :)
• The first part outlines the author's journey with AN (and OCD), the second part contains helpful suggestions for those supporting individuals with eating disorders, and finally there's a selection of recovery stories from a range of people. AN is quite heavily represented in Part 3, but there are also contributions from individuals who struggled with BN, BED, and OSFED. Mostly paediatric/child & adolescent based (fair enough).
• Pretty nuanced, acknowledging that circumstances differ and some families encounter more barriers to accessing appropriate treatment. Lately I've been curious about the accessibility of a certain gold-standard outpatient intervention, there's some more thinking for me to do here.
• I liked the consistent emphasis on externalising the illness. It's also mentioned that eating disorders are anosognosic and egosyntonic, both very helpful for carers to understand.
Some quotes I highlighted:
• "Reading the two pages of notes from this meeting is so fascinating to me. As a 'well' person, I perceive this meeting so differently now to how I did in the moment. My illness convinced me that everyone was working against me and that no one cared, but these notes show the exact opposite."
• "... placing blame detracts from the fact that recovery must be the number-one priority and all energy must go towards that. Energy and time spent placing blame is energy wasted."
• Good stuff. I found this quite helpful as a clinician. I really value lived experience stories, and Genevieve Mora is incredibly insightful, compassionate, and tactful. I can't speak to how this may land with readers who are currently struggling with disordered eating (the author also notes that each person's mileage may vary) but it's worth saying there's no mention of specific measurements or restriction foods and compensatory behaviours aren't discussed in too much detail, although other things may be a bit confronting for some. As usual, these ramblings are my thoughts only and it's up to you to decide whether or not this book is suitable for you :)
• The first part outlines the author's journey with AN (and OCD), the second part contains helpful suggestions for those supporting individuals with eating disorders, and finally there's a selection of recovery stories from a range of people. AN is quite heavily represented in Part 3, but there are also contributions from individuals who struggled with BN, BED, and OSFED. Mostly paediatric/child & adolescent based (fair enough).
• Pretty nuanced, acknowledging that circumstances differ and some families encounter more barriers to accessing appropriate treatment. Lately I've been curious about the accessibility of a certain gold-standard outpatient intervention, there's some more thinking for me to do here.
• I liked the consistent emphasis on externalising the illness. It's also mentioned that eating disorders are anosognosic and egosyntonic, both very helpful for carers to understand.
Some quotes I highlighted:
• "Reading the two pages of notes from this meeting is so fascinating to me. As a 'well' person, I perceive this meeting so differently now to how I did in the moment. My illness convinced me that everyone was working against me and that no one cared, but these notes show the exact opposite."
• "... placing blame detracts from the fact that recovery must be the number-one priority and all energy must go towards that. Energy and time spent placing blame is energy wasted."
January 4, 2024
I’m not going to say too much about this book because it has personal relevance to me but it is an outstanding work of hope and practicality. The author suffered severely from eating disorders as a teenager and, with a lot of help was able to fight back. Her story is important but more important to me is the information she gives to the other people affected by this disease - family and friends. Her practical suggestions followed by the personal stories of survivors left me with real hope and determination. Thank you.
June 20, 2024
A really great read if you want to learn more about eating disorders and why people struggle with their relationship with food. I found this book very educational. This is a kiwi author, well written and inspirational.
April 4, 2024
so important to me and I know I’m going to look back and be glad I recovered one day ❤️🩹 thank you for writing this
June 27, 2025
What an incredible human! Opening up to your struggles to help others, the vulnerability is inspiring.
August 26, 2025
So so grateful for this book and for Gen and others’ brave vulnerability to share their stories and lived experiences. It has been so impactful and helpful, a hope filled book!
July 4, 2023
Where do I even start?? 'Bite Back' by Genevieve Mora is a must-read. Whether you're someone fighting an eating disorder or other mental health issues, a carer, or honestly, just anyone wanting to gain more knowledge about eating disorders, OCD and mental health.
Reading about Genevieve's story, reading about her struggles, the battles she fought and won with her mental health, and how she ultimately overcame them all with the support of those around her and her own strength, was powerful. There is so much within this book that will absolutely be the key to helping others who are struggling.
While 'Bite Back' is about Genevieve's fight with OCD and anorexia nervosa, throughout the entire book, there is so much hope. Readers can feel that hope that Genevieve held onto, and hopefully, they can feel it within themselves, too. It's obvious just how much effort, love and hope went into every single page, to share her story but also to share hope, hope for recovery and a better life.
There are practical tips and advice, as well as other lived experience accounts of people with eating disorders. As well as this, in part three of 'Bite Back', we read the personal stories of those who have fought with eating disorders, and we learn about their experiences, from the lowest points to where they are now, recovered, and living a life free of an eating disorder.
I can't recommend this book enough. It's going to be immensely helpful to many people struggling, and it's going to save lives. There is always hope, and this book shows just that.
Reading about Genevieve's story, reading about her struggles, the battles she fought and won with her mental health, and how she ultimately overcame them all with the support of those around her and her own strength, was powerful. There is so much within this book that will absolutely be the key to helping others who are struggling.
While 'Bite Back' is about Genevieve's fight with OCD and anorexia nervosa, throughout the entire book, there is so much hope. Readers can feel that hope that Genevieve held onto, and hopefully, they can feel it within themselves, too. It's obvious just how much effort, love and hope went into every single page, to share her story but also to share hope, hope for recovery and a better life.
There are practical tips and advice, as well as other lived experience accounts of people with eating disorders. As well as this, in part three of 'Bite Back', we read the personal stories of those who have fought with eating disorders, and we learn about their experiences, from the lowest points to where they are now, recovered, and living a life free of an eating disorder.
I can't recommend this book enough. It's going to be immensely helpful to many people struggling, and it's going to save lives. There is always hope, and this book shows just that.
October 3, 2024
Part memoir. Part factual information. Part inspiring stories from other survivors of eating disorders. It took me a while to read this properly (rather than just skimming) but I thoroughly enjoyed it and even learnt some new things!
July 10, 2023
This book is just what younger Madison needed. It’s amazing to be able to read a book written about eating disorders by someone who truly understands what it is like to battle one. Gen’s story is incredible.
April 7, 2025
Bought this at the ANZAED conf where i saw Gen. This book will be a great resource to teens entering ED treatment to know they are not alone.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews