The Cult of Thinness

"Am I thin Enough Yet?" is a very well-written book, and I strongly recommend it to women (and men!) living in the Western World, where thinness is what defines a woman's self-worth. The author's interviews with college women are fascinating and useful in terms of showing how common subclinical levels of eating disorders are in this particular population. But if you are a therapist/scholar (e.g., eating disorders is my primary research area), or have read books on sociocultural aspects of eating disorders, this book will not add much to your knowledge.

Dr. Hesse-Biber was my professor for a course I took, and we read this book for the class. I found the book to be personal, yet objective, and very informative. Hesse-Biber clearly outlines the causes of the 'cult of thinness' and does so in an organized manner. I recommend this book to ANY woman/mother/sister/daughter, etc....I also highly recommend MEN to read this book, and for everyone to be aware that the cult of thinness is not just a woman's issue.

I found that "Am I Thin Enough" was just the thing i needed to bring my disorder out into the open. I read passages out of this book and thought, "Oh my gosh! That's what i am feeling!" I knew that others felt like this, but i had never seen it on paper. This book has helped me understand my problem and now i am seeking help. I know I can't do it on my own, but with God's help I plan to overcome my battle. I know you can too!!! Goodluck!

Hesse-Biber's book does an amazing job outlining the issues surrounding our cultures destructive preoccupation with women and weight. The combination of pre-existing literature and empirical research emphasizes how and why so many become a part of the cult of thiness. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in opening their eyes to the reality and attempt to break free from the cult.

One of the few books I have read on the preoccupation with thinness in our society which admits thinness is encouraged and being overweight is stigmatized. If you are interested in the obsession with weight and beauty you will most likely enjoy this book