The Body Myth: Adult Women and the Pressure to Be Perfect

Thank you for writing this book! I have struggled with compulsive eating (although I would not call it that, this book does) for most of my life. In the 1980s, feminist Robin Morgan called the power and provenance derived from men, and based on the ability to attract men/smaller body size, "abstract power" -- as opposed to "real power", the power derived from a woman's being physically strong and able to provide for herself. While there are flaws to that theory, I see it in practice. Every single day, even at my job. And I work in the medical public relations field. A field where those guys could and should know better! Yes, big news!?! This sexist, size-ist garbage does not diminish with advancing age. I spent, off and on, only a tiny fraction of my life at a normative size (including now, this time for the longest stretch ever). By virtue of large bone structure, I am a size 12 (spent part of my young adulthood in a size 44 dress). I practice moderate calorie restriction and exercise vigorously about five times a week to maintain this size. I haven't yet internalized anything long enough to be able to comport myself wisely and supremely unselfconciously at a buffet in Atlantic City, for instance. Thank you, Dr. Maine and Mr. Kelly. You have the spirit of Everest-scaling mountaineers as I have never before seen in such authors on this topic!! As a result of reading your book, I feel that I have only twenty minutes' worth of Knowledge. And not the kind of "knowledge" you get from a Weight Watchers meeting (or any other bunch of self-righteous diet dweebs who think they alone have the right answer). I am 51 years old. I am looking forward to your sequel and to seeing this book become a best-seller especially among us baby boomers.

This book very clearly and concisely explains why women in society are increasingly pressurised by the media to conform to a very narrow definition of feminine beauty. It is well-written and has excellent advice on how to counter the messages a woman is not considered a woman unless she is white, heterosexual and middle-class. The book does not blame women for feeling insecure but holds the media and society responsible. The authors argue that women are in fact diverse and they all come in different shapes, sizes and ethnicities. It is positive and includes some cases studies. This book is different in that it focuses on adult and mature women. Highly recommended and well worth the purchase price.

This is one of the best books on eating disorders/body issues I have ever read. It is one of the few books that really "understands" what it's like for women to struggle with body/eating issues. What makes this book especially unique is that it is geared towards adults. Most books on this topic focus on teenagers and at the oldest, college students. This book addresses the unique experiences and perspectives of adult women and their struggles. The book is more then just information - it offers a great deal of food for thought and thinking/writing activities to help women overcome their issues. The book not only expresses a true understanding about eating disorders, but it offers the reader much opportunity for insight, change and hope through the words and exercises. This book is at the top of my recommendation book for anyone dealing with eating/body issues and those that want to understand why women struggle.

What a tremendous book. All of us with mothers, wives, daughters and friends who are female need to read this book. This is a revealing glimpse into the world of body image that all women inhabit. Buy it, read it, give it to your wife or daughter,and talk to them about it.

Ever looked in the mirror and been unhappy with what you saw? Odds are, if you're female, you have. Ever since Twiggy came on the scene, it's been common knowledge that the worship of unhealthily underweight celebrities and models in our society is leading to a self-esteem crisis among our teenage girls. But this book is the first real resource for adult women on this topic. Ms. Maine explains the reasons behind the body image crisis in our culture and offers adult women a new, more accepting way to look at the female form. I learned about the effects of the family's expectations on women's perception of themselves, as well as the science behind female nutrition--what a woman's body really needs. I recommend this book because it's relevant to all women, and because it shows that a healthy woman, not a malnourished woman, is truly beautiful.