Looking for a really good read? Maybe you’ve seen author Greta Gleissner on national television talking about her new memoir, Something Spectacular: The True Story of One Rockette’s Battle With Bulimia. I received a review copy and all I can say is “Wow.” We have eight copies of this powerful, interesting and well-written new book for our Appetite for Health readers. For details on how to enter, keep reading…
Yes, eating disorders are not a comfortable subject to talk about most of the time, but that doesn’t mean that they should be hidden. Indeed, giving a voice to pain is not only cathartic for the the speaker, it frequently benefits those in the audience who are also struggling and haven’t yet found their own voice.
In the United States, nearly 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, according to the National Eating Disorder Association. Millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder. The often unaddressed problem of eating disorders within the dance industry is brought to light in a very personal way through Greta Gleissner’s autobiographical account. From the beginning of her experience with bulimia in high school through her life as a professional dancer with the Radio City Rockettes and finally into recovery, the story of Gleissner’s eating disorder is not only fascinating and frightening, it provides insight into our human vulnerability and the strength of the human spirit.
Gleissner has now been in recovery from bulimia for ten years, and has a master’s degree is social work from New York University. Her struggle with an eating disorder lets her use her experience to help others. She publishes a personal blog (Life with Cake) about eating disorder reco
very, and works as a clinician in New York city.
Something Spectacular: The True Story of One Rockette’s Battle with Bulimia (Seal Press) is a profound account of one woman’s journey toward self-acceptance and recovery. I found it highly emotional and inspirational. This is a serious topic, and Gleissner’s book gives it its due while telling a good story at the same time. I highly recommend it.
Want to win a copy of Something Spectacular? We have 8 copies for AFH readers! To enter, first “Like” Appetite for Health on Facebook AND “Like” Something Spectacular on Facebook, too. Then leave us a comment below this post (not on Facebook pls) and let us know why you would like to read this book. Enter by Sunday, October 7 at midnight. Feel free to share this post on your social media!
All AFH terms and conditions apply.
working with girls and having some myself would be very interested to read
I would love to read this book because I’m a recovering anorexic/bulimic, and I would really appreciate hearing another person’s story of hope and healing.
I would love to read this book and then share with a few friends I know who have had struggles with this.
I would love to read this.. having worked extensively with dancers and other young women (including myself) that have experienced some issues with eating disorders. Plus, I mean.. I’m a librarian, I LOVE reading.
As someone who has struggled with food issues, I think this book would be very interesting. It is always inspiring to read stories of other people who have triumphed over struggles similar to mine.
It sounds like an interesting read.
I had a friend who was anorexic in high school so eating disorders have always been an interest of mine.
My mom use to be anorexic and I never understood why she would want to put her body through such pain. I would love to give this a read!
I would be greatly interested in reading this book as I battled with both bulimia and anorexia in my earlier years and well anyone that has suffered through such knows that it remains a battle for the rest of your life!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 8 WINNERS!
Sandy, Allison J, Marsha, Sarah Elizabeth, Joslyn K, Diana, Katie M, and Cynthia H. I will be sending you a personal email with information on how to claim your prize. Please check you spam filter also for the email. I will need a response from you within 48 hours after you receive my email.
Thank you for your comments and I hope the book is of help and comfort to you.
Kit