A Very Hungry Girl: How I Filled Up on Life...and How You Can, Too!

by Jessica Weiner

A Very Hungry Girl chronicles the journey of Jessica Weiner, who spent most of her life hungering to be someone else. She was so desperate to be accepted and valued that she spiraled into an eating disorder, experiencing the attendant lack of self-esteem that rules—and almost ruined—her life.

This compelling book relates Jessica's very personal story, and also captures her unique persona as she travels the country as a performer and motivational speaker listening to thousands of other people's stories. Through her work, Jessica has become the voice of her generation and speaks with a relatable and realistic point of view. Jessica's work has received national attention by The Washington Post, CNN, MTV and Teen People Magazine.

Genres: Memoir, Health, Psychology, Nonfiction

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Tracy]

In the first part of the book, the author tells her own story (so interesting and well-written). The second part is full of stories from the road and is a bit preachy. The third covers steps you can take today to help people around you with eating disorders, addictions, and depression. They aren't lofty ideas. They are very practical things a person can do today to make a difference. I would like to hang out with the author and that isn't something I typically say after reading an autobiography. I would have given the book 4 stars but really struggled through the second part of the book.

[Kirsten Dee]

this book contained three sections: one about the author, another about her fellowships, and finally a self help section. i found the self help section to be a bit fortune cookie, however the rest was enthralling. self image issues seem to run rampant in everyone, not just women...and this book definately addressed this. i do not suffer from an eating disorder, but after finishing "a very hungry girl" i feel like i can better relate to women and men alike.

[Sarah]

Wonderful! I gives me joy to know there are people like Jessica out there using their creativity, doing what they love, and changing the world at the same time. Especially for parents, present and future, books like these really help uncover the pressures on college students, teenagers, and even young ones. Honestly, times (and social pressures) change so quickly that if I am not making an effort to keep up I will have NO IDEA what it's like!

[Nikki]

The author was an acquaintance of mine from my college days. She was an amazing young woman and I can remember seeing her one-woman show in the theatre department. I knew she was headed for big things...but imagine my surprise when I saw her on a talk show recently!!!!! The book was raw and honest with great insight.

[Gato Negro]

Decent book on self acceptance but there are better ones out there. This might be a good read for middle school counselors who haven't taken a continuing ed course on girls and eating disorders and peer pressure in a long time.

[Sharon]

She's my moms cousin. We didn't know this is how she felt. We bought her book to support her. Its very good however and I it represtents me and how I feel about myself.

[Frankie]

As a former eating disorder woman I understood the body image issues whole heartedly, did get a little to preachy and somewhat self congratulatory. Good dialogue opener for anyone who is suffering

[Katrin]

Very good inspiring book!

[Christine]

I thought this was going to be about disordered eating, but it’s so much more than that. It’s an acknowledgment of pain, of shared traumas that need to be voiced. Why are we so self-critical? Can we tell the difference between actual healing and cycling through the ups and downs of emotion? This is a book that fosters conversation and changed thinking. I’d recommend processing reading this with someone who has a strong skill set for emotional health.

[Giselle]

Jess is one of the most intuitive and intelligent women I have the pleasure of knowing.
This book is more than a memoir, it's a roadmap for women (and all) filled with gumption and hunger for a creative life. But most importantly, I feel, it serves as testament to how living a life of integrity and nurturing a loving relationship with the self will build the right road for you.

Jess, I am filled with pride to call you a kindred spirit.

Eres una maravilla. xx

[Jan Tisdale]

Ophra talked about this book and thought it would help me better understand eating disorders. This is Jessica’s story.
Book helped me understand we need to be a better listener and person won’t change until they hit rock bottom.
A must read if this title interests you.

[Hannah]

Really inspiring, just what I needed! I can't wait to read her next one!

[Heidi]

Not a great book. It was distracting with the jumping around.

[Laura]

i enjoyed the stories. the inspirational self-help crap, not so much.