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You Are Enough: Your Guide to Body Image and Eating Disorder Recovery
A self-help guide that answers your questions about body image and disordered eating This nonfiction self-help book for young readers with disordered eating and body image problems delivers real talk about eating disorders and body image, tools and information for recovery, and suggestions for dealing with the media messages that contribute so much to disordered eating.You Are Enough answers questions • What are eating disorders?• What types of treatment are available for eating disorders?• What is anxiety?• How can you relax?• What is cognitive reframing?• Why are measurements like BMI flawed and arbitrary?• What is imposter syndrome?• How do our role models affect us?• How do you deal with body changes?. . . just to name a few.Many eating disorder books are written in a way that leaves many people out of the eating disorder conversation, and this book is written with a special eye to inclusivity, so that people of any gender, socioeconomic group, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or chronic illness can benefit. Eating disorder survivor Jen Petro-Roy draws from her own experience with anorexia, OCD, and over-exercising, as well as research and interviews with survivors and medical professionals, to deliver a toolkit for recovery, written in a easy-to-understand, conversational way.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2019
17 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Jen Petro-Roy
6 books366 followersJen Petro-Roy is the author of four middle grade books, all published by Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends: P.S. I Miss You, Good Enough, Life in the Balance, and You Are Enough. She lives in Massachusetts, where she also works as a reference librarian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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February 18, 2019This should be a staple in every library, counselor's office, and any other place that works with middle schoolers. It's about eating disorder recovery and how the road is bumpy and confusing, but in addition, it's also very much accessible for anyone struggling with our Diet Culture. Petro-Roy has a great voice and never speaks down to her audience; more, she infuses her own personal experiences of recovery with research and insight from other experts. It's exceptionally inclusive and notes upfront where the faults in inclusivity may arise. The resources and exercises throughout the book make this a powerful, life-altering resource.
November 23, 2018
Sharing out for librarians, counselors, and teachers who share books with their middle grade and young adult readers. This is a copy of my review for Petro-Roy's GOOD ENOUGH. I want my comments here to be in the spirit of companionship as the two texts are.
In February 2019, Jen Petro-Roy brings us the story of Riley Logan, a twelve-year old who goes into treatment for anorexia. Told through journal entries that span the course of two months, we see the main character observing the world through an objective lens where everyone and everything has a label vs. a name: roommates, conditions, and feelings.
The book does not bury the course of treatment in complicated metaphors or symbols making this Petro-Roy's book more like GIRL, INTERRUPTED and IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY for middle grade readers than making this age group work though plot-twists and reveals. This book is a presentation of a young girl who was sick and ends with a young girl who has a clearer sense of what "better" really means.
Familial and peer relationships are at focus in GOOD ENOUGH. What also comes clearly into view are how our not-so-thoughtful words echo inside the chambers of our hearts and our heads. A focus on personality and action statements within the book are a good mentor text for how to handle these interventions and interactions.
Art and drawing feature within the text as a means of demonstrating how we are often so ready to criticize ourselves in an attempt to beat others to it. We are married to our "Eds" and we show our greatest fidelity--and submission--in our quiet attentiveness when "they" are speaking.
Riley's one-to-one counselor, Willow, is an engaging character that Petro-Roy has written as though she is speaking to Riley and to the reader at the same time. A moment wherein Willow reaches into her desk to put something on top of it to illustrate a point is not to be missed.
I read through GOOD ENOUGH this morning. One of the features of the book that I really like is that the main characters in the book are reading models for one another. And Jen pulls titles from current graphic novels and midddle grade and young adult that are not issue-related, but, rather, an example of her careful reading into the markets to pull what young women would be reading.
Then, I flipped through YOU ARE ENOUGH (feeling like this resource is more between the author and the middle grade reader who wants/needs to know more). I know from the quick glance that Jen has done her life-work. Her survivor-work. Her, now-I'm bringing-this-to-you work. YOU ARE ENOUGH comes with over thirty pages of resource materials and references that not only show the work that the author and the publisher has done together, but the work the reader might do moving forward.
In February 2019, Jen Petro-Roy brings us the story of Riley Logan, a twelve-year old who goes into treatment for anorexia. Told through journal entries that span the course of two months, we see the main character observing the world through an objective lens where everyone and everything has a label vs. a name: roommates, conditions, and feelings.
The book does not bury the course of treatment in complicated metaphors or symbols making this Petro-Roy's book more like GIRL, INTERRUPTED and IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY for middle grade readers than making this age group work though plot-twists and reveals. This book is a presentation of a young girl who was sick and ends with a young girl who has a clearer sense of what "better" really means.
Familial and peer relationships are at focus in GOOD ENOUGH. What also comes clearly into view are how our not-so-thoughtful words echo inside the chambers of our hearts and our heads. A focus on personality and action statements within the book are a good mentor text for how to handle these interventions and interactions.
Art and drawing feature within the text as a means of demonstrating how we are often so ready to criticize ourselves in an attempt to beat others to it. We are married to our "Eds" and we show our greatest fidelity--and submission--in our quiet attentiveness when "they" are speaking.
Riley's one-to-one counselor, Willow, is an engaging character that Petro-Roy has written as though she is speaking to Riley and to the reader at the same time. A moment wherein Willow reaches into her desk to put something on top of it to illustrate a point is not to be missed.
I read through GOOD ENOUGH this morning. One of the features of the book that I really like is that the main characters in the book are reading models for one another. And Jen pulls titles from current graphic novels and midddle grade and young adult that are not issue-related, but, rather, an example of her careful reading into the markets to pull what young women would be reading.
Then, I flipped through YOU ARE ENOUGH (feeling like this resource is more between the author and the middle grade reader who wants/needs to know more). I know from the quick glance that Jen has done her life-work. Her survivor-work. Her, now-I'm bringing-this-to-you work. YOU ARE ENOUGH comes with over thirty pages of resource materials and references that not only show the work that the author and the publisher has done together, but the work the reader might do moving forward.
January 13, 2019
This excellent guide to eating disorders and recovery is a must-purchase for library shelves. Written from Jen's experience and a TON of research, YOU ARE ENOUGH remains relateable and approachable in its language and inclusivity. This is a guide that is relevant to teens' experiences and never talks down to them. Jen is free about sharing her own experiences, while constantly assuring the reader that her experiences do not stand for everyone's experiences.
This book explores eating disorders and what to expect if you begin treatment for an eating disorder, but it also deals with body image, gender issues, and more. This is an excellent book to have on hand for tweens and teens who might need the information, but it's also a great choice for readers interested in body image. There are a ton of resources in the back matter, from helpful organizations to places to seek scholarships for treatment.
This is a much-needed book superbly done.
This book explores eating disorders and what to expect if you begin treatment for an eating disorder, but it also deals with body image, gender issues, and more. This is an excellent book to have on hand for tweens and teens who might need the information, but it's also a great choice for readers interested in body image. There are a ton of resources in the back matter, from helpful organizations to places to seek scholarships for treatment.
This is a much-needed book superbly done.
July 11, 2019
Essentially a self-help book for tweens about body image, I'd recommend for ages 10-15. I appreciate how intentional the book is about the language they use, it is really trying to provide an intersectional view of body image and eating disorders.
August 6, 2020
This book is a 3.5 for me, and I would suggest that all middle grade and high school libraries add it to their collection. Not only does the author write honestly from her own experience with perfectionism and eating disorders, but the book offers many helpful resources and exercises to help readers with the recovery process. Part of that, of course, is recognizing that "You are enough," as the title reminds readers and that perfection is impossible. The chapters are short but contain nuggets of gold that can help anyone dealing with self-esteem issues and not just those dealing with how their bodies look and their issues with food. (Maybe that's everyone.) The book explains what eating disorders are, types of treatment, and then delves into underlying issues such as impostor syndrome, BMI, the influence of the media, anxiety, the role of family, and positive ways to deal with challenges. I felt empowered with every word I read and really liked the exercises and how Petro-Roy seemed determined to help readers see that they are so much more than their bodies. The fact that she refrained from being too specific about how much she exercised or limited her foods or weighed was an excellent decision since she knows her audience, many of whom are competitive enough to try to outdo what she might have done before she was in recovery. The only thing I wished as I read this helpful book was that someone like her would write one for those of us whose eating disorder has taken us in a very different direction to the point that we've packed on far too many pounds so that our quality of life has been affected. This book could function as a life coach for many as it states the facts, demystifies some assumptions, and gently encourages readers to think beyond their bodies.
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March 5, 2020This book is truly one of a kind. It’s written so if you feel like skipping a part that doesn’t apply to you, it won’t affect anything you read elsewhere in the book. This book covers everything you need to know about recovering from multiple types of eating disorders, and ways you can stop feeling self conscious about your body. I don’t have an eating disorder, but I do have a severe lack of self confidence. After reading this book, I believe that I can change the way I think about myself and be comfortable doing so because there were multiple exercises given in the book to help you do so. The author did an amazing job using her past experiences in a way to help the reader with their own life no matter what their situation is. I recommend this book to anyone struggling from eating disorders or lacking self confidence about their body. It will help, I promise.
June 20, 2022
This was my first step into body image literature and frankly it was highly disappointing. The first hand insight into eating disorders such as anorexia was interesting though I found it lacking in detail. However, the ignorance that eating too much and being obese are problematic too is borderline dangerous for some who would believe in similar literature instead of their doctors.
April 19, 2019
Jen Petro-Roy understands eating disorders and anxiety and reaches out to the middle grade reader with practical and realistic advice, research and personal anecdotes. This book could not possibly be more inclusive and accessible. Petro-Roy goes out of her way to reach out to every possible individual with an eating disorder and even has a chapter dedicated to the language she uses in the book to be “as clear and welcoming as possible.” The entire book is welcoming, from the language Petro-Roy uses, to her compassionate but un-sugarcoated advice and anecdotes. Even the font used in the book and the way in which the resources are organized is welcome and appealing.
Although I don’t currently have an eating disorder (I believe I did have one in college), I do have OCD and anxiety. I could really relate to the personal stories and advice in this book. A lot of what Petro-Roy writes about eating disorders could also ring true to someone with OCD and anxiety. I really appreciate her honesty and message of self-acceptance. Petro-Roy really drives home the point that “you are enough” just as you are. I plan on adding this book to my middle school classroom library, as I know there are many teens and preteens who can benefit from it.
Although I don’t currently have an eating disorder (I believe I did have one in college), I do have OCD and anxiety. I could really relate to the personal stories and advice in this book. A lot of what Petro-Roy writes about eating disorders could also ring true to someone with OCD and anxiety. I really appreciate her honesty and message of self-acceptance. Petro-Roy really drives home the point that “you are enough” just as you are. I plan on adding this book to my middle school classroom library, as I know there are many teens and preteens who can benefit from it.
April 3, 2019
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and the author for providing #Collabookation with an ARC to review.
You Are Enough is a book geared toward teenagers struggling with disordered eating or an unhealthy self-concept. However, this book spoke to me in all the best ways. I think many people who grew up during the 70s and 80s have some ingrained ideas about what people 'should' look like. I bought into these ideas for a long time, accepting the privilege of fitting into the mold until I had my second child. I have spent the last twenty years yo-yo dieting, working out, and speaking negatively to myself.
This book saw me, acknowledged me, affirmed me, and helped me find the voice that allows me to have choices. I hope that parents, teachers, and anyone who knows a child who may struggle with body perception will want the same for their children: acknowledgement, affirmation, and help.
This book, and it's fictional companion, should definitely be on some parent-child book club lists. Lots to talk about and bring out into the open so that all people may be allowed to love themselves just as they are.
You Are Enough is a book geared toward teenagers struggling with disordered eating or an unhealthy self-concept. However, this book spoke to me in all the best ways. I think many people who grew up during the 70s and 80s have some ingrained ideas about what people 'should' look like. I bought into these ideas for a long time, accepting the privilege of fitting into the mold until I had my second child. I have spent the last twenty years yo-yo dieting, working out, and speaking negatively to myself.
This book saw me, acknowledged me, affirmed me, and helped me find the voice that allows me to have choices. I hope that parents, teachers, and anyone who knows a child who may struggle with body perception will want the same for their children: acknowledgement, affirmation, and help.
This book, and it's fictional companion, should definitely be on some parent-child book club lists. Lots to talk about and bring out into the open so that all people may be allowed to love themselves just as they are.
December 12, 2022
I don't have an eating disorder, and I never have. So I don't know if I am the best qualified person to review this. I was reading it as the parent of a child with an eating disorder. Nonetheless, I will give you my take.
Overall, I fell like this is good information and if the person with the eating disorder is ready to hear it, it could be helpful. It also offered some insight for me about the thinking patterns that my daughter has attempted to explain to me, with various levels of success.
I just don't know how much of it was new. It felt like a lot of the same that we have heard in therapy and groups and treatment centers. That could be a good thing for someone who hasn't heard those things before, or who has heard them but wasn't ready for recovery.
Overall, I fell like this is good information and if the person with the eating disorder is ready to hear it, it could be helpful. It also offered some insight for me about the thinking patterns that my daughter has attempted to explain to me, with various levels of success.
I just don't know how much of it was new. It felt like a lot of the same that we have heard in therapy and groups and treatment centers. That could be a good thing for someone who hasn't heard those things before, or who has heard them but wasn't ready for recovery.
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February 18, 2019This should be a staple in every library, counselor's office, and any other place that works with middle schoolers. It's about eating disorder recovery and how the road is bumpy and confusing, but in addition, it's also very much accessible for anyone struggling with our Diet Culture. Petro-Roy has a great voice and never speaks down to her audience; more, she infuses her own personal experiences of recovery with research and insight from other experts. It's exceptionally inclusive and notes upfront where the faults in inclusivity may arise. The resources and exercises throughout the book make this a powerful, life-altering resource.
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January 25, 2019|| Self-help
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February 5, 2020
From the author of Good Enough comes a guide to understanding and discovering desirable qualities in one's self. This book isn't a fix-all manual but can easily serve as a guide to a young person (or older for that matter) struggling with self-acceptance on many levels. Jen Petro-Roy reveals raw details of herself while offering tips on understanding that You Are Enough. I feel like this is a pretty essential title for any secondary library.
March 30, 2019
YOU ARE ENOUGH is an invaluable nonfiction resource which offers a quickly referenced, detailed table of contents of the answers to any and all questions about eating disorders. It’s a great resource for anyone who is affected by an eating disorder in anyway. This needs to be on library shelves and in every counselor’s and social worker’s office.
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February 20, 2019So...I don't know. I think there's a lot of good stuff here, particularly related to anxiety and body image in general, but a lot of the science is...bad. And quoting people like Ragen Chastain feels really, really weird.
An inclusive resource to be sure, and full of up-to-date terminology about HAES and body positivity (including whatever that means to you), but the bad science gives me...a lot of pause.
An inclusive resource to be sure, and full of up-to-date terminology about HAES and body positivity (including whatever that means to you), but the bad science gives me...a lot of pause.
September 20, 2020
Non-fiction companion to 2020-2021 MSBA-nominated Good Enough, Petro-Roy offers this guide to overcoming eating disorders and developing a positive body image. This is a great book for those seeking help -- including resources and sources for scholarships, those doing research, and everyone who needs a little body positivity in their lives.
June 22, 2023
barely read a few chapters, definitely didn’t think this book would be what’s it’s about
Not for me
Not for me
December 5, 2022
Decent Advice but nothing new
This book was geared towards teenagers apparently. Maybe it's my age, but I didnt feel anything was particularly useful or new. As a 32 year old woman, I don't much care what others think of me or wht clothes are in, etc. I do feel ugly, but reading this book made me realize that doesn't mean I have a health issue in regards to my weight/food.
Do I feel fat? Yes. Am I hurting myself over it, no. Do I hate clothes shopping because nothing fits or looks good? Absolutely, but...doesn't stop me from eating what I love. Do people tell me I should exercise? Of course, but I hardly do and when I do I don't get obsessive. I realize I am not helping myself but again, it hasn't gotten to the point its a concern. Not even my old therapist took my concerns seriously 🤷♀️
Overall, decent advice, but again, I feel I've heard it all before and wouldn't be much help to me, but I hope it helps the young folks it is targeted at. Even when we feel down, you ARE enough. We all are! That is the best advice in the book, to remind us that we are enough just as we are!
We don't need to fit the same clothes, buy expensive outfits, excercise til we drop or go on diets. Most of the time, those things are more harmful and its easier to do things that make us happy and comfortable. Easier said than done, but true👍
This book was geared towards teenagers apparently. Maybe it's my age, but I didnt feel anything was particularly useful or new. As a 32 year old woman, I don't much care what others think of me or wht clothes are in, etc. I do feel ugly, but reading this book made me realize that doesn't mean I have a health issue in regards to my weight/food.
Do I feel fat? Yes. Am I hurting myself over it, no. Do I hate clothes shopping because nothing fits or looks good? Absolutely, but...doesn't stop me from eating what I love. Do people tell me I should exercise? Of course, but I hardly do and when I do I don't get obsessive. I realize I am not helping myself but again, it hasn't gotten to the point its a concern. Not even my old therapist took my concerns seriously 🤷♀️
Overall, decent advice, but again, I feel I've heard it all before and wouldn't be much help to me, but I hope it helps the young folks it is targeted at. Even when we feel down, you ARE enough. We all are! That is the best advice in the book, to remind us that we are enough just as we are!
We don't need to fit the same clothes, buy expensive outfits, excercise til we drop or go on diets. Most of the time, those things are more harmful and its easier to do things that make us happy and comfortable. Easier said than done, but true👍
November 13, 2024
Wow.
Again, like with the last book by this author, it’s written for an audience younger than me. But its subject matter is so important and meaningful, that I still read it just fine (even when I glossed over the clear sentences geared towards young teens. Guess I’m getting older).
This book means a lot, I highlighted a lot of sentences and paragraphs because they were either so well written, or so meaningful that I had to pause. This has been really helpful to read, as I’m struggling myself. Ignoring my age, I’m the target audience for this book. The amount of detail and work that clearly went into this just makes it better. The research and quotes combining with the author’s own experiences made this book feel informative but also really personal.
My favorite parts of this book were definitely when she would describe her own journey and how she personally got help. Hearing her anecdotes just made me get lost in the pages, it was so amazing and inspiring.
It’s unfortunate I’m struggling, but this book makes me think it’ll get better.
Again, like with the last book by this author, it’s written for an audience younger than me. But its subject matter is so important and meaningful, that I still read it just fine (even when I glossed over the clear sentences geared towards young teens. Guess I’m getting older).
This book means a lot, I highlighted a lot of sentences and paragraphs because they were either so well written, or so meaningful that I had to pause. This has been really helpful to read, as I’m struggling myself. Ignoring my age, I’m the target audience for this book. The amount of detail and work that clearly went into this just makes it better. The research and quotes combining with the author’s own experiences made this book feel informative but also really personal.
My favorite parts of this book were definitely when she would describe her own journey and how she personally got help. Hearing her anecdotes just made me get lost in the pages, it was so amazing and inspiring.
It’s unfortunate I’m struggling, but this book makes me think it’ll get better.
July 1, 2024
**Goodreads giveaway recipient from forever ago**
This book addresses specifically disordered eating…in a broad sense.
I may not have struggled with disordered eating, but I do think most people have a love/hate relationship with food, eating, body image (myself included). And working with teens (and soon to have teens of my own), this book has given me some tools and words to help/support/ just be there for anyone who needs it.
I especially appreciate the author’s own story (definitely makes the insights, tips, advice, encouragement much more powerful and meaningful coming from someone who’s lived it!) and the chapter of tricks to abate anxiety—that goes across the board for anyone stuck in that infinite ring of personal hell, and it has helped me.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and for your compassion and strength.
This book addresses specifically disordered eating…in a broad sense.
I may not have struggled with disordered eating, but I do think most people have a love/hate relationship with food, eating, body image (myself included). And working with teens (and soon to have teens of my own), this book has given me some tools and words to help/support/ just be there for anyone who needs it.
I especially appreciate the author’s own story (definitely makes the insights, tips, advice, encouragement much more powerful and meaningful coming from someone who’s lived it!) and the chapter of tricks to abate anxiety—that goes across the board for anyone stuck in that infinite ring of personal hell, and it has helped me.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and for your compassion and strength.
May 15, 2019
This is an informational book about body image and eating disorder recovery. The author had an eating disorder so her voice comes through as caring, upbeat, chatty, and concerned. Information is authentic, also because of the author's experiences. Chapters are short and positive with suggestions and tips for how to be healthy. Also gives the signs and warnings for when you need more professional help and where to get it.
The voice sounds really young, which was off-putting to me, but readers may like that.
Lots of source notes and resources at the back of the book.
Author has a companion book "Good Enough" which is a fictional book about eating disorders as well.
The voice sounds really young, which was off-putting to me, but readers may like that.
Lots of source notes and resources at the back of the book.
Author has a companion book "Good Enough" which is a fictional book about eating disorders as well.
January 24, 2020
This was a good nonfiction companion to Petro-Roy's Good Enough. I appreciated the use of inclusive language throughout. Petro-Roy was sensitive to the experiences of people who are ignored or underrepresented when discussing eating disorders (e.g., cisgender males, transgender and non-binary people, overweight individuals). I wished that there would had been a book like this one when I needed it fifteen years ago. As an adult, I found myself skimming some of the chapters because I knew the information or did not find it applicable. My favorite section was the one on information and tools for recovery. There were chapters on relaxation, assertiveness, and distress tolerance skills that I could use in my daily life. I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley.
June 10, 2021
The book does offer a lot of good strategies and information, many of which came straight from the DBT model of treatment. My main critique is that the sections on how to actually deal with certain issues seemed rushed, over-simplified, or in some cases didn't really feel like there was any suggestions at all. I read this as an adult from the mindset of looking for literature that might help teens who struggle with disordered eating. I think this book could validate their experience but ultimately anyone struggling with an ED should ideally seek treatment with a therapist.
January 27, 2020
A caring, authentic, and practical book on the process of recovering from disordered eating and/or body image disorders. Includes information specifically for young people in the LGBTQ+ community, which I thought was incredibly helpful. Also addresses the stereotypes that exist around who has eating disorders (skinny, white, female), and how that is problematic for others who need treatment but don't fit those stereotypes.
January 3, 2019
Informative and appropriate for the target audience without dumbing down any of the information. Mentions populations not often addressed in literature such as fat people, LGBTQ+ teens, and boys. Subject handled with care; author knows not to mention anything that could be misconstrued as a tip or trick to somebody with an eating disorder.
June 30, 2019
This was a powerful informational book told in a conversational tone, sort of like you are getting advice from a trusted friend. The author has lived through and is in recovery for an eating disorder. She gives an honest account of her own experiences and shares her words of wisdom in an age appropriate manner with significant research and multiple resources for further support and learning.
June 18, 2023
I was already pretty deep in my recovery when I started this book, but it was still incredibly helpful. It is very inclusive to all types of people who face eating disorders. This book is absolutely amazing and I recommend it to anyone with an ED, recovering from one, or just wants to learn more about them.
April 21, 2019
This is a great purchase for middle school and high school libraries. It is written in a kind and logical voice and provides important, accurative, and helpful information for any young person who might be dealing with an eating disorder or body image issues.
November 23, 2019
Non fiction self help around eating disorders. A VERY relevant and important topic but also very accessible to readers. Packed full of information, feels very authentic and provides much needed guidance to anyone who might be suffering from this.
March 16, 2020
This is a great book that reinforces DBT and CBT skills, and reminds the reader over and over again of their worth. My only complaint is this book can be triggering, and wouldn’t recommend this as an audiobook! If you’re reading this, remember, you ARE enough 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews