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Chasing Numbers: Starve, Sleep, Repeat
Scott Ellis was a normal child, living his life, not thinking about counting calories or how his body should look. Scott joined his school’s cross country team and with practice became quite good at it. He began experimenting with diets and lived by a set of rules when it came to eating. No matter what weight he reached, he was never satisfied and felt like he needed to lose more despite all of the pain his body was going through. In 11th grade he got his license and began to socialize with friends at fast food places which caused him to gain weight. Scott put himself back on a diet by his senior year in order to lose the weight. To cope with his depression he started to drink, which made his depression severe and he became suicidal. After suffering from severe chest pains, he made the choice to go to the hospital to seek help. Scott’s journey towards recovery is winding and emotional, but ultimately uplifting and illuminating.
Scott Ellis gives readers an up close and personal look at how anorexia affects someone mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was unaware of these issues and I really appreciated the detail that was provided as I felt it made things less abstract and made them more vivid and real. I appreciated the authors candid nature throughout the book. The beginning of the story helps readers connect with him as a person first, so that you end up rooting for him throughout the entire ordeal.
Because of the brutal honesty there were times when the story was hard to read, especially when reading about how much the author was suffering with being overwhelmed with thoughts of hunger, his body constantly hurting and always being depressed. I continued reading on in hopes that the author would find peace and begin to recover. This is an emotionally heavy memoir, so be ready to take some breaks to absorb what you just read.
This book is educational for both people who suffer from anorexia and people who just want to know more about it. I learned that there is a support group out there for people who are suffering from anorexia, and there is also forums of people sharing tips and tricks to lose weight and also encouraging one another to continue on a self-destructive path. It’s shocking, but it helps open your eyes to a different world.
This emotionally stirring memoir focuses on Scott, but I would have liked to have known more about Scott’s parents and their side of the story. His parents are supportive of him once he did tell them that he was suffering from anorexia.
Chasing Numbers is a powerful story detailing the author’s battle with anorexia. I highly recommend this enlightening memoir to young readers to inform them of the dangers of anorexia and to let them know that there is more to life than trying to look like people in magazines or on TV.
Pages: 145 | ASIN: B0B8Q13Q87
You Are Not To Blame
Under the Fig Tree shares your personal story of loss and helps others cope with and prevent suicide. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The book was important to write for several reasons. Firstly, the book was written to give Anna’s art a voice. Many people, who find sharing their feelings challenging, describe their inner self by mediums such as art, writing, music and other creative avenues.
Although Anna has shown fashion designs and illustrations via BBC world service and fashion houses, her graphite work, which speaks of her emotional turmoil, is yet to be exhibited – but can now be seen in this book as an introduction into the complexities of her troubled inner world.
What is one piece of advice that has helped you the most after losing your daughter?
One piece of advice that helped me was to find an outlet for my grief was by speaking with others who had lost a child to suicide. Being alone with your grief is dangerous. You must interact with others and realise you are now part of a bigger picture.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about suicide?
A common misconception – three words – blame shame and Stigma (BSS).
These perilous internal messages that are prevalent in suicide.
You are not to blame. There is nothing shameful about your loved one taking their life.
The Stigma needs to be erased globally.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope the reader will take away the above and find meaningful ways of coping via communication whether they are suicidal thoughts or post suicide survival.
Author Links: Website | Facebook
A Powerful Self-love Movement
Reclaim the Rebel provides readers with actionable advice they can use to achieve unconditional love for their body. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As someone who struggled to like (let alone love) my body for decades and wanted a simple solution that didn’t involve a fad diet or plastic surgery, it’s my passion and life purpose to share with others the game-changing tools I used on my journey to achieving self-love, happiness and inner peace.
Wherever the reader is on their journey, it’s important to me that they feel seen and understood, I provide a safe place to discuss the challenges that many of us face, and offer an easy way through these challenges.
In writing Reclaim the Rebel, I wanted to create a powerful self-love movement that felt real (not just some trend) and also very achievable so that as many people as possible benefit from having self-love and all of the amazing ripple effects it brings.
What would you say to someone that struggles with self-love but thinks this book isn’t for them?
If you’re someone who struggles with self-love like I did, you may be feeling frustrated, demotivated and be skeptical of a book like this claiming to actually be able to help you. Maybe you’re thinking this is just one other thing that won’t work for you.
And that’s ok. It’s no surprise that you feel defeated. Whilst you’ve invested in courses, books, “goo-roos”, and you still struggle with self-love, what you haven’t got is the simple, effective tools you need to be able to consistently feel good even when you’ve been at war with your body for years.
This book has already helped others like you… so we know the tools in Reclaim the Rebel work, if you’re willing to try something different. The fact that you are reading this right now means that some part of you is ready to feel good. With Reclaim the Rebel, you’re finally in the right place.
What were some key ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As scary as it was to do in such a public way, it was so important for me to share my story, because there is immense power whenever we share our own experiences authentically. It helps us realise that we’re not alone with how we feel and what we experience, and most importantly creates a sense of possibility and hope.
With Reclaim the Rebel, I wanted to offer the readers hope. Hope that they CAN actually achieve self-love despite what they’ve been through in the past. From eating disorders to bullying to toxic relationships, it is 100% possible for anyone to have unconditional love for their body.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
If I could make a wish for this book, it would be that every single reader takes away the one thing they had been missing before reading Reclaim the Rebel, which means they are able to move one step forward on their journey to achieving unconditional love for their body.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
If you’re like most women, you’re probably exhausted by fad diets and the constant churn of programs promising you weight loss and total body transformation.
No matter what you do, nothing seems to work.
What the diet industry doesn’t want you to know is that, until you learn to shut up your inner critic, you’ll have a hard time getting the body you love – and sustaining it.
Stop wasting your time and money scrolling social media and the internet trying to DIY your approach to weight loss (which, let’s face it, just results in the same cycle of emotional eating and binge eating followed by restriction and calorie counting)…and actually step into the body you love with Reclaim the Rebel.
This empowering guide of game-changing tools will show you how to finally enjoy eating without guilt and glow with confidence in your favourite outfits.
Imagine never having to diet again, being at your ideal weight, waking up every morning bouncing out of bed feeling ready for the day, checking yourself out in the mirror as you get dressed and receiving tons of compliments about how happy and joyful you’ve become.
When you read Reclaim the Rebel you’ll discover:
· 12 Rebellious Acts to confidently step in the body you love – and sustain your results.
· Why that diet is costing you more than you think.
· How to prioritize your health and wellbeing even when life is busy.
· The fastest way to overcome your inner critic.
· Easy and effective tools to help you build and maintain healthy habits.
Isn’t it time you rebelled against the diet industry?! Let Reclaim the Rebel show you how to confidently step into the body you love even if you’ve been battling with it for years.
Under the Fig Tree
Under the Fig Tree is an emotionally-resonant story about suicide. Written by Rita Wright, she details how Anna M. Wright, her daughter, committed suicide after her struggle with depression, anxiety, and a panic disorder. The goal in telling Anna’s story is to aid others in dealing with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, and to verbalize and express those thoughts so the person suffering does not fall victim to the tragedy of suicide. She emphasizes the importance of not suffering in silence, believing that talking can stop a person from reaching their breaking point.
The author’s writing is gripping, authentic, and covers a relevant topic in today’s society, especially when so many people who have never had any issue with their mental health are suddenly dealing with depression and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The author does an excellent job of telling the story of her daughter in a thoughtful and compelling way without being triggering to readers. She describes her daughter as being born with a naked nerve, meaning she is a person who sees peace in death and shows an ambivalence towards life. She also describes her daughter’s career and success as a fashion designer, painting her as more than a number. Framing her as a real person who has been lost, not just a suicide statistic. She does this by crediting Anna as a writer for the book despite her passing; which was emotionally impactful for me after I realized it.
There is a foundation started in Anna’s name. The foundation focuses on people affected by suicide and those struggling with it themselves. Because Anna was an artist, art and other creative outlets are some of the ways the foundation helps support people. By allowing them to express those thoughts and feelings that Anna didn’t express.
Under the Fig Tree is a vital book for anyone that is struggling with suicide and anyone who has a loved one that is struggling with it. Potent and emotional, this is a thought-provoking book that I’m glad to have read.
Pages: 172 | ASIN: B09R4112MW
Reclaim The Rebel
Reclaim The Rebel is a no-nonsense self-help book that will leave you feeling energized as the author’s charisma and advice leaves you feeling like change is possible. This enlightening book contains a lot of great information, but what I like most is how it’s all backed up by science and the authors personal experiences. This is all designed to help readers achieve the best version of themself. In this book author Lizzy Cangro zooms in on the problems that keep us away from loving our body unconditionally. She writes with so much honesty and kindness that it’s heartening and infectious. Her writing is simple and easy to understand, and more importantly it is so relatable. Congro lays out each topic perfectly – as readers you don’t feel lost and can keep track of everything.
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone that is struggling with self-acceptance. It will give you the tools you need to reclaim your power and live an authentic life with confidence. Cangro uses simple yet powerful words and quickly gets to the core of each topic without unnecessary filler. As a reader who is more interested in enhancing the quality of life both physically and mentally, I am impressed with Cangro’s reader-centric approach to writing.
Reclaim the Rebel is filled with actionable information, real life examples and exercises for readers to quiet their inner negative self-talk while practicing self-love. Everyone talks about self-love these days, however reading this book feels different and empowering. There were times throughout the book that I felt like Cangro was telling my story and guiding me personally. I had so many aha moments! Another positive aspect of this book is the length of each chapter. Each chapter is concise yet fulfilling, there are no long diatribes on how to life your life, just real advice for real readers trying to live a real life.
Reclaim The Rebel: 12 Rebellious Acts to Achieve Unconditional Love for Your Body is relatable, empowering and filled with pragmatic advice that readers can put to use right away to balance their physical health and mental health. This book has the potential to change your life, and is certainly one of the most engaging self-help books I’ve read this year.
Pages: 127 | ASIN: B09KB62YYX
The Second Time Around
The Second Time Around is an educational guide for readers who are looking for a significant and meaningful relationship. Authors Louis Falik and Vera David are both practitioners in the field of psychology and, after losing their spouses to illnesses, have come together to write a book to share their experiences and knowledge.
This enlightening book is based on their own journey but can be used as a tool for anyone who has lost their significant other. The authors dive deep into many topics such as finding intimacy after losing someone, finding your self-worth, the changes we face as we get older, preparing for a new relationship, the differences in lifestyles and much more.
The authors are in the later stages of their lives so they have seen and experienced a lot and that wealth of knowledge is laid out as a roadmap for readers. Older readers will find much of their guidance and advice resonates and make sense. All the advice that is offered in the book is easily understood, pragmatic and actionable, making this a practical guide rather than theoretical ideology.
Even though much of the advice comes from losing someone and venturing out into the world afterward, I feel as though this book would be beneficial to anyone who is in the dating world. For example, I live in an era where internet ghosting is a normal thing. Someone just randomly stops communicating with you without any explanation, answers, or closure and that is usually hard to cope with and move on from. This book will help you understand intimacy and help you pick yourself back up after such disappointment.
The Second Time Around is an informative personal development book that I highly recommend to those who have suffered from loss or disappointment in their intimate lives. The author’s experiences will help readers cope, move on and develop a strong and worthwhile relationship with someone special.
Pages: 218 | ASIN: B09B4L9K21
Appreciate your children the way they are!
A Schizophrenic, Tapped & Skipped is the true story of your battle to remain hopeful in the face of overwhelming pain, fear, and destruction. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I felt called to write it. I didn’t want to expose my family, but after talking with them and praying about it, I spent many nights pouring over the horrifying situations over and over. I still can’t understand the lack of available long term care for persons with severe mental illnesses. I still care for my daughter every day. I want her to have a better quality of life. I will never give up being her advocate. I’m speaking at my local library and trying my best to do what I can. Being this vulnerable is extremely uncomfortable. My prayer is writing about the reality of loving a person with severe mental illness will reach the people who CAN bring about change.
I appreciate how candid you are in this book. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The time when my daughters were both homeless. That was such a hopeless dark time. To put myself back in that mindset in order to make it authentic was incredibly difficult.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that was very helpful?
Write with your heart. Edit with professionals. Lol.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Never give up!
Celebrate the good things in your life!
Appreciate your children the way they are!
PEOPLE WITH SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS NEED LONG TERM AFFORDABLE CARE WITHOUT A PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS. (It’s hard to pick just one)
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Finding Happiness In The Dark
Finding Happiness In The Dark is an insightful self-help book with actionable tools and pragmatic tips that will help readers find their genuine self and discover authentic happiness. The book covers issues such as depression and other mental illnesses in a raw and real way. What I found compelling was the way in which the author does not shy away from these difficult topics, but instead faces them down with information, experience, and sober guidance. Author Kenneth Liddane shares his own experiences while putting the focus on the overall human experience. The book doesn’t just focus on mental health struggles but rather on the journey we call life and the fact that we are faced with constant ups and downs.
Liddane’s knowledge and experience as a holistic counselor and mind coach shows in his writing and in his thoughtful approach to helping others. The author dives into the conscious and subconscious mind, perception, and concepts that are crucial in psychology but also crucial in understanding ourselves and the people around us. Liddane helps readers to identify obstacles, both internal and external, that effect us negatively and provides ways to overcome them.
This is an inspiring book and the author’s writing makes the text feel like you are speaking to a sympathetic life coach. I appreciated how concise this book is, wasting no time to dive deep into topics, but what I really appreciated about this book was how easy it is to understand.
The author states that the ultimate goal of this book is to provide knowledge and support so that anyone can learn to accept all aspects of themselves. Once you can accept all aspects of yourself you can gain a greater understanding of your own subconscious mind, and learn to work with it instead of against it.
Finding Happiness In The Dark is an enlightening guide that will help readers reach their full potential. This book can be a powerful tool for readers who struggle with with negative thoughts, and struggle with finding happiness.
Pages: 112 | ASIN: B09BW1LX16
LITERARY TITAN 