Susan Burton (2)

This memoir is like a novel: the profile it provides of each parent, the family dynamics, her school life - I'm only a little way into the audiobook, but unexpectedly I think I'll be finishing this book.

Susan's reactions to her to things in her life often surprises me. I know I've already gained a far better understanding of food bingeing, although it is mysterious. I have my own minor bingeing and how fortunate it has never become extreme - that path is a "mind fuck", as the author declares.

The cover is so captivating and poignant and intelligent and the memoir is the same.

(Later) This is much more than a book about an eating disorder. Is it more than a memoir? an autobiography? I don't read auto/biographies, or rarely, because as I said earlier, this one reads like a novel. It drew me in.… (more)

Empty brings you into a teenager’s world of feeling out of control, as her parents struggle to keep things together, and eventually divorce. Susan finds herself struggling with anorexia and binge eating. As many teens, young women, middle aged women, older women struggle with body dysmorphia as they see photoshopped images everywhere, Susan’s story is difficult, but connections to some thoughts are evident. She is open and honest about her struggles and gives hope of breaking the cycle. As I moved more deeply into her story, I was hopeful for her to love herself. Deep, emotional read,… (more)