Next to Nothing: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with an Eating Disorder

by Carrie Arnold, B. Timothy Walsh

More than simple cases of dieting gone awry, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are among the most fatal of mental illnesses, responsible for more deaths each year than any other psychiatric disorder. These illnesses afflict millions of young people, especially women, all over the world.

Carrie Arnold developed anorexia as an adolescent and nearly lost her life to the disease. In Next to Nothing, she tells the story of her descent into anorexia, how and why she fell victim to this mysterious illness, and how she was able to seek help and recover after years of therapy and hard work. Now an adult, Arnold uses her own experiences to offer practical advice and guidance to young adults who have recently been diagnosed with an eating disorder, or who are at risk for developing one. Drawing on the expertise of B. Timothy Walsh, M.D., one of America's leading authorities on eating disorders, she reveals in easy-to-understand terms what is known and not known medically about anorexia and bulimia. The book covers such difficult topics as how to make sense of a diagnosis, the various psychotherapies available to those struggling with an eating disorder, psychiatric hospitalization, and how to talk about these illnesses to family and friends. The result is both a compelling memoir and a practical guide that will help to ease the isolation that an eating disorder can impose, showing young people how to manage and maintain their recovery on a daily basis.

Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, Next to Nothing will also be a valuable resource to the friends and family of those with eating disorders. It offers much-needed hope to young people, helping them to overcome these illnesses and lead productive and healthy lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Memoir, Psychology, Mental Illness, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I thought this would be more of a memoir than a self help book. The title certainly implies that.

It does do this to a certain extent, but a majority of the book focuses on treatment (which is great), but did get a bit dull. The information wasn't presented in a readable way in some instances.

I think this book could be a good resource for those suffering from an eating disorder and may even be helpful to parents/friends of someone suffering from an eating disorder. However, I felt that this book wasn't as engaging as I had hoped it would be. And it just wasn't what I was expecting.

[Mariana Rainha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5. Mais self help e informativo que história em si mas há muitos aspectos importantes e não deviam ser só as pessoas que sofrem de qualquer condição relacionada com o tema a ler mas também pessoas que são ignorantes nas EDs pois o livro especifica bem o assunto e a dificuldade das pessoas que escolhem recuperar.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal account on eating disorders and how serious and life threatning they are. This book is geared more for parents, friends, and caregivers or anyone needing knowlege on eating disorders and the cycle that comes with it.

[McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part-memoir, part educational manual, this book largely shares basic facts about what eating disorders are and how they affect the the lives of those suffering from them.
After reading a lot of similar books, revisiting many of the basics and RECOVERY!! affirmations was a little tedious, but I do think it could help others who don't have much knowledge about eating disorders. In that case, the basic facts could be very useful.
Furthermore, Arnold's personal account of her seven year struggle with multiple EDs gives some insight into its many detrimental effects on a person's life and their ability to function. For loved ones, it may help them gain understanding. And for those reading who have an eating disorder themselves, well, it's always nice to know you're not alone, and you could probably relate to at least one if not more of Arnolds' struggles.

Overall, not bad. Just not a stand-out.

[brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be helpful for an individual who is not familiar with eating disorders to read, but I found it a bit boring and mundane, as I've read several books on the topic and know every facet of the disease. I began reading this book thinking it was a memoir, only to find it was a sort of self-help for an individual with an eating disorder or for a loved one, and how they can help. Very informative, but if you know a lot about ED's, then not very interesting.

[Gato Negro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that should absolutely be read by those working with adolescent girls or those raising them. Very good information, and since it is presented by the young woman who experienced the trauma of multiple disorders, her style is less clinical than some other books on the subject.

[P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes dry, but with open, honest personal experience, and no triggering images.

[B.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone researching eating disorders. Also really helpful for the recovering or supporters of recoverees.

[Michelle Chase · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just some statistics and useful information on eating disorders and how to treat them. Not a great book, but some what informative.

[Ailen Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

great mix of personal experience and clinically relevant advice.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not to the author of this book but... At certain parts of the book it got boring. Although the story was moving.

[Leah Struhsaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, while covering an important topic, was not a first hand account as it says in the title. It read more like a self help pep talk and was very cliche and vague.

[Kia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good self-help book regarding eating disorders. Very insightful, but I just think it's a bit dry for a memoir.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goid information.

[Trelawney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastically insightful. It described ED's without glorifying or romanticizing them and it discussed recovery in a real but encouraging way. It was fascinating to read some of her thoughts because it was like reading my own. I would have to stop for a minute and reread a line, thinking, "YES! I know EXACTLY what she means!" or, "THISSS THIS THIS THIS I'M NOT CRAZY!"

It is definitely worth a read for anyone struggling with an ED, whether in recovery or not. It also may be helpful as a resource for anyone trying to help someone.

Anyway. I loved it. That is all. :)