Distorted: How a Mother and Daughter Unraveled the Truth, the Lies, and the Realities of an Eating Disorder

By Lorri Antosz Benson and Taryn Leigh Benson

Book Overview

Mom saw a popular, happy teen, poised to revel in her high school years; her daughter saw a fat, ugly loser, and vowed to take action. One saw glimmers of hope and researched to find the best care;... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0757305946
• ISBN13: 9780757305948
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Hci
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Honest, Both sides (mother & daughter) are at times painful to hear -

But it is a true, honest glimpse at recovery from an eating disorder. We learn that recovery is not easy, and it does not occur without relapse. We learn that recovery only happens when the person wants it, is ready for it, and will work hard at obtaining it. In this true story we learn that this daughter is the only one responsible for her recovery, her mother (and family) can play a supporting role, but the mom will travel on her journey as her daughter finally recovers from her eating disorder.

I wish that I had read this book long ago.

The book that was written by Lorri and Taryn could have been written by my own family. The perfect child in the perfect family, living the perfect life. Accomplishment, performance, and achievement defining the family and its dynamic. Until something went horribly wrong. Lorri and Taryn accurately captured the horror that is an eating disorder and the depths that it can take a family to. What I particularly enjoyed about their book was that it captured Lorri's world so very well. Most books on this topic tend to focus on the clinical aspects of the disease. As another perfectionist mother, I saw in Lorri, what I ultimately learned to see in myself during my daughter's recovery...that my "plans" and my "fixes" would not be the source of my daughter's recovery. That the healing that needed to happen in her heart would ultimately be the source of her strength. And for us, like for their family, a more genuine relationship with one another and our faith, and a great faith-based treatment team helped us walk out of this dark, dark place. For those of you with daughters on the brink of this horrible disease, I encourage you to read this book, understanding that this is a realistic portrayal of the way that this disease can progress. It is not a horror story. It is honest. If you're not ready to face these facts, you are not ready to help your child get well. Definitely read this book if you are the mother of a highly gifted daughter who suffers an Eating Disorder. Lorri's journey may save you some time in the recovery process for your own child.

Distorted: Great Title, Great Book!

This was a very compelling story of a mothers true love and struggle to help her daughter overcome her eating disorder, and a daughters fight to break free of her disorder. I truly enjoyed reading this story from both of their views. Taryn grew from a young and insecure girl into a strong focused woman who realized she could beat this disorder. And Lorri's fight to keep her daughter well and her family whole. My heart ached at times for both of them. I found myself not wanting to put this book down. Great reading!