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Wrong. (Reply to this comment)
by sarahmash
I must take issue with this review. I have experienced both approaches to overeating compulsively: the 12-step approach which is based on abstinence, and Geneen Roth's approach, which is designed to break the cycle of dieting and bingeing. Guess what? Both approaches can work, and that is why I disagree with this review. It's inappropriate to decide, without much in the way of medical evidence or personal experience, that an entire body of work such as Roth's, can't work or is "mismarketed." Even a cursory examination of Geneen Roth's story defines her as a "real" compulsive overeater; one who has swung from binge eating to anorexia and back, and one who dropped more than 50 pounds after she stopped dieting and has lived at a normal weight for decades since then. Just because this reviewer applies a personal definition, having to do with trigger foods, to compulsive overeating, doesn't mean that all compulsive overeaters are the same. It's also highly inaccurate and unfair to imply that Roth's programs are all about "bringing on the brownies." The program BEGINS with the cessation of dieting, but it only succeeds with rigorous self-examination and can be a harrowing emotional journey for those of us who use food to cope with childhood trauma. There are guidelines having to do with WHY one eats, rather than what, or how much. This review is kind of a hatchet job, written without understanding of how this program really works, and it ignores the most crucial fact, which is that it does work. 12-step programs taught us to say "live and let live," so why not allow tht this approach works, at least for some? Nothing works for every alcoholic, every addict, every compulsive overeater, but if there are some who could be helped by this program, is that so bad? If a person who suffers from this destructive behavior can reach a higher level of self-awareness, so that she can move beyond white-knuckle abstinence to a true freedom, is that so wrong? It's not wrong for me. I have been able to defuse the "trigger foods" that I was abstinent from for many years in OA, and for once in my life, food is now just food. Apparently this reviewer thinks this is impossible - or perhaps she hopes that it is. Unfortunately, Roth describes this phenomenon in many of her books. When we give up dieting, many around us will be upset, judgmental, and threatened. That's a shame. This approach works, and it is a path to self-acceptance (one of many). Ms. Roth's books offer incredibly inspiring stories of transcendence and recovery, and have made the difference for many people, regardless of what the DSM or this reviewer says (or does NOT say) about their eating diseases. Let's allow everyone a chance to heal.
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Jun 12 '09
5:58 pm PDT
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addiction v. Compulsion (Reply to this comment)
by sarahb116
I haven't taken more than psych 101 but it seems to me that you are rating a book about behavioral compulsion as though it was written for those with a chemical addiction. Roth directs her advice to those who are using food to create control, a barrier from intimacy, or to continue the comfort of routine and familiarity found in past abuse. I could be wrong but it seems to me there is a difference between those who have a chemical addiction to white flour and those who have a desire to eat to blur the pain of past abuse. Your thoughts?
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Jun 07 '08
5:06 am PDT
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Great review... (Reply to this comment)
by tjolims
...excellent analysis!
Do you mind if I e-mail this to some of my psych classmates?
Thanks,
Mel
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Feb 13 '02
11:50 am PST
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Thanks (Reply to this comment)
by Lark729_89
for thoroughly analyzing this book for me.
I have several long time friends who read these type of books. I shall e-mail your review to one of them who does not get offended by talking about her weight.
Carol
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Jan 31 '02
8:38 am PST
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Re: My diet plan is simple... (Reply to this comment)
by armywife
Sounds like a great plan! Maybe I should adopt some of that into my schedule....now if I can only get those chores done! I need a book on Breaking Free from Compulsively refusing to clean the house!
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Jan 24 '02
11:10 am PST
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My diet plan is simple... (Reply to this comment)
by ginzo
A daily walk, get the necessary chores done around the house, have sex daily(I wish), and don't eat anything two hours before sleep. It works.
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Jan 24 '02
7:03 am PST
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I've seen self-help books panned before .... (Reply to this comment)
by wordwalker
But rarely does a reviewer give the Big Picture in the way you have done. Great job!
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Jan 23 '02
5:15 pm PST
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Re: great review (Reply to this comment)
by armywife
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the feedback!
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Jan 23 '02
1:52 pm PST
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great review (Reply to this comment)
by CyndiA
I have a couple of friends with eating disorders. This would be a great review to refer a friend to. TKS
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Jan 23 '02
1:25 pm PST
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