For Your Reading Pleasure

I once read that there are two types of people – those who talk about writing a book, and those who actually sit down and write one. While I think this is a gross overgeneralization of human personality and behaviour, I also admit that when it comes to the topic of self-publication, I’m in the former category. I love the idea of a book of my own creation out there on a library shelf somewhere, but I’m just not sure yet what I want it to say.

Part of my writer’s inertia has to do with the fact that there are already so many great books available that have meant so much to me personally and professionally through the years. Many others have gone before me to put their ideas forth in a way that has entertained, educated, and inspired me while on the path of recovery. Most of these titles are on my “Links/Favorite Reads” page here on the website, but I’d like to take this opportunity to suggest a few for your holiday reading time.

I am currently reading “Life Without Ed” by Jenni Schaefer. I love Jenni’s writing style, her humour, and how she really gets the duality of living life with an eating disorder. I am recommending this book to everyone I’m working with lately who is attempting to separate their true selves from “Ed.”

Geneen Roth is another writer whose voice has been invaluable to me and my clients. Pretty much everything she has written has been worthwhile. I like her newest book, “Women, Food, and God,” as it outlines her philosophy of intuitive eating and highlights the idea that we are looking for spiritual connection through our relationship with food. There is nothing religious at all within the pages of this book, so don’t be put off by the title. In fact, it’s not really about women either, so if you’re a man struggling with food issues, this book may speak to you as well.

James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces” got a bad rap from Oprah when she discovered that he had embellished elements of his story and passed them off as truth. She actually brought him back on her show to chastise him for lying. After I read the book and then heard all the hoopla about the so-called scandal, I couldn’t help but think that much was being made about nothing. So what if he added drama to his story? Let’s not lose sight of the fact that this very disturbed and drug-addicted person found a way out of the disaster of his life by taking full, absolute, responsibility for his behaviour. The profound importance of the message cannot be underemphasized. I loved this tale of self-discovery regardless of its veracity.

This will be my last blog post until after New Year’s. I’m off to spend the holidays with family, friends, and, hopefully, a lot of snow in the mountains. Wishing all of you a healthy, balanced, minimally stressful, and maximally positive holiday season.

With Love,

Ellen

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