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Room to Grow: An Appetite for Life
Tracey Gold was well known to television audiences in the 80s as the wholesome teenage sister on the long-running series Growing Pains. She co-starred for seven years alongside Kirk Cameron as brainy sister Carol Seaver in a picture-perfect American family. A working actress since the age of 4, she was a pretty and professional young star with a limitless future. But behind the smiles Tracey was fighting the battle of her life. Ten years have passed since photos of the shockingly thin Tracey faced us from the cover of one of People's bestselling issues ever. "I always knew there'd come a day in the future, when I was far away from the media glare, when I'd have the proper time and perspective to process all I went through. Now there are many trained experts in the field of anorexia and eating disorders; and there are a lot of girls who struggle with it. I have the knowledge and the experience. I want this book to be something girls can turn to for help; something they can pick up and hold, a source of comfort and encouragement. It is for every sister, daughter, or friend whose life has been touched by anorexia nervosa. My celebrity has provided me a forum from which I can help others."
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this quick little memoir. This book chronicles Tracey's life from childhood through 2004. Growing up, her father was not present until her mom remarried Harry Gold. He became her father and he was wonderful to her and her little sister, Missy. Her parents seemed to be stage parents for sure and got both girls into acting very young. Tracey did movies of the week and was working a lot, but supposedly enjoying it. Her mom suffered from an eating disorder and during her teens, Tracey did as well. She recovered for awhile then relapsed and got so bad she had to be hospitalized multiple times. She met her husband, Roby, through Growing Pains and his loyalty and strength for her was so great. I am so happy to see that they are still married in 2019. Through a lot of therapy, Tracey is now recovered from anorexia and bulimia. The whole book she talks only about anorexia, despite displaying quite a few bulimic tendencies. One little complaint with this book were that she seemed to make recovery seem easier than it probably was. She had her first son and it just clicked that it was over. She was walking a thin line in writing this book between not wanting to give others who are suffering ideas by providing too many details and then being too vague that we didn't get enough of her story, so I can't really fault her too much, but I would've liked to know more detail about recovery. The one thing that I really didn't like was in the end she put a lot of weight on mother/daughter relationships and stressed how thankful she didn't have a girl with her first 2 kids because of the potential to screw up girls. While I completely agree, I think eating disorders and extreme issues like that will pass to a child regardless of gender and putting the pressure solely on moms of girls is not fair or justified. Regardless of gender, our kids watch us and see so much more than we think and those prone to addictive personalities and the disease will internalize that regardless of gender. Overall, I really liked reading her story and now feel like going to binge all 7 seasons of Growing Pains.
May 17, 2020
Extremely short book covering her young career and dealing with anorexia. There's not enough in it about either. The book was written too soon, when she was too young. She even admits near the end that she was too young to write a memoir, and she certainly now needs to write something almost 20 years later with much more detail. Not counting photo pages it's about 160 half-pages with lots of white space, so more of a booklet.
This is a tough book to rate because it's very shallow and she does a poor job self-analyzing. The origins of her disease seem obvious to the reader--her mother had it for decades (while Tracey had it) and Tracey's obsession seemed to happen right after a car accident in her early teens that seemed to mess her up. Right after that accident she left for a movie shoot and returned months later to a new home she knew nothing about--her parents had moved her family to a new house and she was devastated at giving up her old favorite bedroom. All of these were seeds of her wanting to take control and rebel against them through food.
It didn't help that the Growing Pains producers and writers started to mock her slight weight gain. That was the trigger.
If you want details about Growing Pains you won't find much here. She certainly slams Kirk Cameron for his faith and pressure to keep the show clean. Ironic that she never turns to faith at all in her struggles but instead delivers the message that she can only save herself.
There's surprisingly little about show business, considering her dad was a big name agent and her siblings were also performers. She never dated and stayed home when she wasn't working. She idealizes her family, claiming how wonderful it was, but it sounds like she turned it into a nightmare based on some of the odd actions of her parents.
Ultimately she needs much more detail and analysis about her life. She says up front that she doesn't want to give too much information that could encourage people to become anorexic, but she doesn't use the opportunity to truly explain the disease or what led to it. She certainly has had "room to grow" in the decades since, now it's time to get a better memoir from her.
This is a tough book to rate because it's very shallow and she does a poor job self-analyzing. The origins of her disease seem obvious to the reader--her mother had it for decades (while Tracey had it) and Tracey's obsession seemed to happen right after a car accident in her early teens that seemed to mess her up. Right after that accident she left for a movie shoot and returned months later to a new home she knew nothing about--her parents had moved her family to a new house and she was devastated at giving up her old favorite bedroom. All of these were seeds of her wanting to take control and rebel against them through food.
It didn't help that the Growing Pains producers and writers started to mock her slight weight gain. That was the trigger.
If you want details about Growing Pains you won't find much here. She certainly slams Kirk Cameron for his faith and pressure to keep the show clean. Ironic that she never turns to faith at all in her struggles but instead delivers the message that she can only save herself.
There's surprisingly little about show business, considering her dad was a big name agent and her siblings were also performers. She never dated and stayed home when she wasn't working. She idealizes her family, claiming how wonderful it was, but it sounds like she turned it into a nightmare based on some of the odd actions of her parents.
Ultimately she needs much more detail and analysis about her life. She says up front that she doesn't want to give too much information that could encourage people to become anorexic, but she doesn't use the opportunity to truly explain the disease or what led to it. She certainly has had "room to grow" in the decades since, now it's time to get a better memoir from her.
February 24, 2019
This is a tough book to review. On one hand, it is written very poorly. Since there is an additional author, my guess is that Tracey had help writing this. I'm not sure what the co-writer did exactly because the book reads like a long winded blog post. There is a lot of repeated information. Despite the short length of the book, I feel like there is a lot that could be cut out because it's information that either isn't relevant or that was said before but in a slightly different way.
That being said, I also feel like Tracey kind of skipped over a lot of the "meatier" (pun intended) aspects of her story. She says in the beginning that she is intentionally not going into certain details because she does not want to give ideas to other people struggling with anorexia. I think that's a totally valid and selfless thing. However, it makes the story a bit less exciting than it actually probably was.
Those are my main criticisms. Other than that, the story is interesting. I enjoyed learning about Tracey's family and her start in the business. I also enjoyed learning about her personal relationship with her husband. There's a decent amount of "fluff" in this, but it's sweet to see how much she clearly respects and cherishes her relationships with her family.
My rating is 2/5 simply because this book should have gone to better editor. I also think it is a little more "watered down" than it needs to be, though I do respect her reasons for making it such. Still worth a read, especially since it's such a quick one.
That being said, I also feel like Tracey kind of skipped over a lot of the "meatier" (pun intended) aspects of her story. She says in the beginning that she is intentionally not going into certain details because she does not want to give ideas to other people struggling with anorexia. I think that's a totally valid and selfless thing. However, it makes the story a bit less exciting than it actually probably was.
Those are my main criticisms. Other than that, the story is interesting. I enjoyed learning about Tracey's family and her start in the business. I also enjoyed learning about her personal relationship with her husband. There's a decent amount of "fluff" in this, but it's sweet to see how much she clearly respects and cherishes her relationships with her family.
My rating is 2/5 simply because this book should have gone to better editor. I also think it is a little more "watered down" than it needs to be, though I do respect her reasons for making it such. Still worth a read, especially since it's such a quick one.
August 23, 2025
Sometimes, autobiographies and memoirs aren't really written for the audience. Sometimes, they aren't thinking, "Which stories do people want to hear, and what lessons do they need to get from this?". Sometimes, they write for themselves like a form of therapy; just trying to get it out in the open and off their chest. This one definitely feels like that. Is it an important story? Absolutely. Is it a compelling story? Sometimes. Is it a well paced and well written story? Eh. It's very repetitive, it goes by very fast and glazes over everything, and sometimes it gets really soap box (the section in the epilogue devoted to how much she loves Hillary Clinton and three pages of a bill she passed). This is very much the story of Gold's struggle with anorexia and doesn't pay much mind to anything else. It touches on Growing Pains, but it you wanted stories or behind the scenes drama, they aren't here. If you were looking for a deep, gritty look at her struggles, also not here. It's all very tame and sanitized, which I'm sure works for a certified audience, but I read memoirs to learn about different lifestyles and experiences, and this one feels almost detached. This is the kind of memoir for people who read self-help books, not for people like me who loved Tig Notaro's book that got really raw.
March 6, 2021
This was the second time I read this. It is not a very good memoir. She glosses over her struggles, her life, everything. Nothing is talked about in depth. She makes it seem like her EDs were no big deal. She was lucky, she didn't have long lasting effects from her eating disorders, but many of us do. Not all of us are as lucky or have the privilege to get that kind of treatment either. I'm donating it to the little free library asap. Because good riddance.
November 15, 2025
Very good information for those seeking help for an eating disorder. I enjoyed the information on her years spent working on “Growing Pains”. She could have given us a little more information on this topic though, if I’m being honest. This is the reason I only gave the book four stars!
March 18, 2019
3 Stars is generous for this book.
If you struggle with an eating disorder you may find it triggering. It is not written well at all.
If you struggle with an eating disorder you may find it triggering. It is not written well at all.
March 8, 2020
I know so much about eating disorder ever since. I managed to trace the same symptoms on my little sister before it's too late.
December 27, 2025
I mean, idk it was ok, but for some reason I was expecting more being her a big celebrity who went through this.
September 24, 2025
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the premiere of the classic sitcom “Growing Pains,” and many of us remember all of the media attention that actress Tracey Gold received as she sought treatment for anorexia nervosa toward the end of the show’s run. She is known as the first actress to “go public” with an eating disorder. In 2003, she told her story in “Room to Grow: An Appetite for Life.”
“My illness was never a troubled Hollywood teen actor thing,” she wrote. “They were the same pressures that are faced by every girl in America.” She said she takes full responsibility for her behavior; however, constant prodding from the show’s producers, as well as “fat jokes” from her TV brothers being a regular part of the storyline, did not help. After a doctor put her on a 500-calorie-a-day diet, she went on a downward spiral, at one point even refusing to take cough syrup when she had a cold because she considered it “eating.”
She does talk a little about growing up as a child actress, life on the set of “Growing Pains,” etc., but she does a good job of sticking to her main purpose for writing for the book. And many of us know her happy ending: In very atypical Hollywood fashion, she married the first man she dated (and yes, they’re still together) and is now a proud mom of four grown sons. Becoming a mother, in fact, is how she found true healing.
“It wasn’t about me anymore. Anorexia is a very selfish disease,” she wrote. Although she would have loved to have a girl, she wrote, “A mother’s issues about her weight will transmit to her daughter. Coming from a family of five girls, I would worry about a girl so much more. Kids learn by example, and I want to project the healthiest image I can.”
Although this book was written 22 years ago, she continues to advocate for eating disorder awareness and prevention. Her message is still just as relevant today–in fact, more so, as eating disorders increase despite “body positivity” and “body neutrality” movements.
“It was a long, hard road I traveled, a journey I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” she wrote.
“My illness was never a troubled Hollywood teen actor thing,” she wrote. “They were the same pressures that are faced by every girl in America.” She said she takes full responsibility for her behavior; however, constant prodding from the show’s producers, as well as “fat jokes” from her TV brothers being a regular part of the storyline, did not help. After a doctor put her on a 500-calorie-a-day diet, she went on a downward spiral, at one point even refusing to take cough syrup when she had a cold because she considered it “eating.”
She does talk a little about growing up as a child actress, life on the set of “Growing Pains,” etc., but she does a good job of sticking to her main purpose for writing for the book. And many of us know her happy ending: In very atypical Hollywood fashion, she married the first man she dated (and yes, they’re still together) and is now a proud mom of four grown sons. Becoming a mother, in fact, is how she found true healing.
“It wasn’t about me anymore. Anorexia is a very selfish disease,” she wrote. Although she would have loved to have a girl, she wrote, “A mother’s issues about her weight will transmit to her daughter. Coming from a family of five girls, I would worry about a girl so much more. Kids learn by example, and I want to project the healthiest image I can.”
Although this book was written 22 years ago, she continues to advocate for eating disorder awareness and prevention. Her message is still just as relevant today–in fact, more so, as eating disorders increase despite “body positivity” and “body neutrality” movements.
“It was a long, hard road I traveled, a journey I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” she wrote.
April 27, 2010
Some of Tracey's struggles mirror my own from an eating disorder world. I didn't grow up in an abusive home or have terrible trauma like some of the girls I've been to treatment with. But like Tracey, my troubles stem from being a people pleaser and always trying to be the good girl.
The book is a simple easy read, no deep sections that require you to sit back and think. I finished it in an afternoon.
There may be a couple of elements that could be triggering for people engulfed in ED. Thus it's probably better to wait a little bit into recovery to read this book. It's not a treatment manual or a how-to-recover book, but it's just a comfort to recognize that there are other people in the world who have battled ED and won.
The book is a simple easy read, no deep sections that require you to sit back and think. I finished it in an afternoon.
There may be a couple of elements that could be triggering for people engulfed in ED. Thus it's probably better to wait a little bit into recovery to read this book. It's not a treatment manual or a how-to-recover book, but it's just a comfort to recognize that there are other people in the world who have battled ED and won.
December 19, 2012
This book was a very interesting view into the eyes of an anorexic. It can be slightly triggering to those with anorexia, but Tracey tried really hard to keep this book more about her struggle and less about what she did during her illness and how she kept it hidden. But she did have to talk about those things some, so consider that if you are picking up this book.
Tracey's struggle simply broke my heart to read, and I could clearly see why she ended up where she ended up. It made me remember how I was when I was young and I could see how her thoughts and feelings could bring on such a horrible disease. Great read for those trying to understand eating disorders and what those who suffer with it go through.
Tracey's struggle simply broke my heart to read, and I could clearly see why she ended up where she ended up. It made me remember how I was when I was young and I could see how her thoughts and feelings could bring on such a horrible disease. Great read for those trying to understand eating disorders and what those who suffer with it go through.
April 7, 2016
loved this book, but then again I love Tracey Gold, she is an inspiration to me so I knew I would enjoy it for that fact. I didn't find it triggering at all, it just explained how I felt how I thought, how others around you don't understand how hard it is. its not just who is the skinniest its in you're head you have a voice telling you not what to eat and what to eat and there is a constant fear of what is wrong and what isn't. Memoirs have turned into my favourite books of all time and I can't seem to stop picking them up especially for mental illness and I feel such a connection from them, especially people that i can connect with over a book.
December 22, 2016
As a fan of Growing Pains, Tracey Gold and memoirs, I decided to check this book out. I found Tracey to be genuine and transparent. Her bravery in facing anorexia head on was inspirational. She talked about how important it was to get therapy to deal with the core issues. I found the same to be true in dealing with my struggle with anxiety. Medication always helps, but it won't fix what is the heart of your problem.
I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy biographies/memoirs but especially for those who struggle with eating disorders or have a loved one who does.
I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy biographies/memoirs but especially for those who struggle with eating disorders or have a loved one who does.
August 24, 2025
It's a short and sweet read. It's a fairly typical eating disorder memoir, and you're not likely to learn or feel anything new while reading this book, but I also found it comforting to read because of this. I have a weak spot for ed literature, and so this hit the spot in a very light, easy way, and may as well for you if you're looking to indulge in such topics for whatever reason.
August 29, 2014
This book mysteriously appeared at my mother's bedside while she was in the hospital. Whenever she would sleep, I'd read this. I knew nothing about Tracey Gold, nor did I have any particular interest in anorexia.
Let's just say it's much more well done than the cover.
Let's just say it's much more well done than the cover.
March 9, 2008
I love memoirs on Anorexia and I love Tracey Gold. If these two weren't true, though, I doubt I'd recommend this book. It's nothing extraordinary unless you're a fan.
February 9, 2009
Tracey did a good job of talking about her anerxia and also telling her story. Quick read.
June 9, 2009
Good book, fast read...I really admire Tracey Gold for being able to recover from Anorexia. She's now happily married with 4 boys and seems to be doing well.
August 24, 2009
Very fast read; read in two sittings. Nothing too exciting or enlightening about her having anorexia. Lots of photos added.
August 13, 2010
Great book written by a child star that survived anorexia. Later going on to marry her child sweetheart and had 2 boys.
July 10, 2016
candid and real
May 24, 2013
This book disappointed me. She was very vague throughout the book and it didn't seem believable at times.
September 4, 2015
this was a very short book. 110 pages and is about Tracey Gold's struggle with anorexia and her long road to recovery. This is not a behind the scenes story of TV's Growing Pains.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews