Mealtimes and Milestones: A Teenager's Diary of Moving on from Anorexia

by Constance Barter

At 14, Constance Barter was admitted as an in-patient to a specialist eating disorders unit where she remained for seven months. During that time, she kept a diary which sheds light on what it means to have anorexia, how it affects your life, and how it is not just a faddy diet or attention seeking disorder.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Naomi Hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book exceedingly honest and true to the subject matter. It was not just a book about an anorexic girl and her desire to be thin but it was an insight into the deep and unsettling struggles of an anorexia sufferer. At times the book was poignant and heart-wrenching, but at other times it was a beacon of hope and strength. The reader is taken along on a journey from the bottomless pit of depression and despondency to the wonderful sky of strength, life and freedom. It was enlightening to have an insight into her own personal battle of this mental disease and it reiterated the fact that anorexia is not just a faddy, celebrity-orientated phase but a serious and destructive illness. The way the book is so candid and honest causes the reader to become emotionally involved with Constance's thoughts and feelings so that the reader is both down-hearted when Constance is struggling, and proud when she finally overcomes the illness. It is a wonderful, insightful book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and it's such an inspiration to me. Constance is my hero and this book gives me strength (and I don't care how cheesy that sounds). The only thing, maybe, is that the book focuses on her treatment as an in-patient and doesn't say too much about how her road to recovery developed after in-patient treatment.

It can be slightly triggering because she is so truthful and frank - I was reading this during my early stages, however; now, I don't find it triggering at all.

But, still, a beautiful book that provides hope for those struggling with anorexia nervosa.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an inspirational and honest story, featuring Constance’s diary of suffering with the eating disorder, anorexia. Reading the entries, we see the mental anguish of suffering with anorexia, the personal thoughts of Constance as she is admitted to hospital, her battle to regain her health, and her journey to recovery, with the help and support of her friends, family, and staff.