Believarexic by J.J. Johnson

Jennifer finds the strength to face her eating disorder. At the beginning of Believarexic, Jennifer's family is in denial, so embarrassed by her illness that she has to force them to admit her into an Eating Disorder Unit. 

But when she gets there, it’s a nightmare. There are weird friendships and rivalries and toxic nurses who bully her. Jennifer is starving, confused and alone, and recovery seems impossible. But she finds the strength and self respect to see it through, and she makes some amazing friends. 

The serious topic is lightened by humour, although it can be a bit dark! And the writing is realistic, helped by the fact that it is a fictionalised memoir of the author’s experience. I inhaled it.

“Buddha said, ‘Life is suffering.’

Life is suffering.

It makes me strangely happy to think this. Because if the only guarantee in life is suffering, it means that any moment of happiness or joy is a total bonus. Because joy and happiness aren't guaranteed.”

This is a book for anyone struggling with #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #eatingdisorders #anorexia #bulimia #alcoholabuse #alcoholism 

Video review here