I don't agree with Renfrew's treatment. Wth would you force someone with an eating disorder to eat junk food? These girls and women need to learn proper ways of eating. And I understand why they don't allow exercise, but because they aren't allowed they get the fat belly and that isn't
Healthy. Eveything in moderation and it isn't being taught at renfrew. The stories of the girls are similar in many ways. I hope they all succeed in bettering their lives. ( )

The most triggering book I have ever read. I was up intil 4 in the morning last night reading and re-reading this book, flipping through the pages looking at the pictures, and planning how I was going to be just like these girls. Sick, isn't it?
I was frightened a bit by some of the older women. They seemed so pathetic. That could be my future, I guess, but I was less afraid of such a grim future than I was inspired by these beautiful, thin girls.
I really want to see the film now. If the book was so triggering, I can hardly imagine what the film must be like. I'm going to order it on amazon today.
( )

As well-designed and engaging as this book and documentary may be, it is completely lacking in insight as to the disorder portrayed and the treatment displayed.

Eating disorders are not about being "thin" nor is treatment about "thinness." This poetic treatment lacks commentary but takes a point of view regardless and it is tragically wrong.

Those looking for insight or information about eating disorders will not only be disappointed but actively misled. If you want to understand this mental illness seek evidence. The despair and horror of this portrayal is not accurate and not helpful. In fact, it probably does a great deal of harm to patients and their families who see this, not to mention those portrayed.

If ED could write a documentary to promote its aims of destroying the life of patients, to mislead the public, to discourage seeking treatment, and to nourish nothing but despair, this is it.

Yes, I feel that strongly about it. I don't know if the writer/documentarian understood they were being used, but in fact I believe she was, by ED. ( )

This stunning collection of photographs and journal entries, with commentary from the photographer and other experts, is a compelling look inside the world of eating disorders and their treatment. Set in the Renfrew treatment center in Florida, these photos and journal entries are a companion to the documentary of the same name.
The book gives more insight into the backgrounds of the women seen in the documentary, their lives and their recovery journeys. The book also shows older patients, patients of diverse ethnicities, and even one compulsive eating patient, none of which are featured in the film. There are no easy answers or happy endings in the book or the film, but both are an honest and stark look at the devastating effects of eating disorders. There is no judgment for or against the particular treatment center, Greenfield is there as an observer. The patients open up to her probably more than they do their therapists, and it is insightful to read their journals and the candid interviews. I would recommend this to anyone interested in researching or treating eating disorders, or for anyone who has suffered from one or has a loved one who has. ( )

I first fell in love with the "Thin" documentary featured on HBO and was thrilled to find out that a book was published too! ( )