Bloodletting: A Memoir of Secrets, Self-Harm & Survival by Victoria Leatham

Published by New Harbinger Publications
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Bloodletting/ -, letting/ n.
1. Phlebotomy, the act or process of letting blood or bleeding, as by opening a vein or artery.
2. Outmoded medical practice used as a cure for illnesses ranging from fevers to hysteria.

Bloodletting is an intimate glimpse into the world of Victoria Leatham as she struggles to deal with a myriad of issues including Self-harm and Depression. Victoria writes openly about her constant battle while dealing with mental illness, and how it is to live with those issues in a world where, especially where self-harm is involved, there is little understanding from those around us. In this book, the author really lays it out on the line as she shares her fears, insecurities and most shameful moments as she searches for something resembling a cure.

As someone who has - and still does - battle with self-harm issues, I was really looking forward to reading this personal account. What I found was a simultaneously heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of a strong woman, in search of something, anything, that could help her to find a sense of peace. Victoria speaks very frankly about her inability to discuss her issues with all but a precious few and also shares what it's like to live with an illness that is still, even in these times, considered a highly taboo subject. Something I hope to change by reviewing such books on my blog whenever they become available.

There are various self-help books when it comes to depression and such, but for me personally, there is just something about reading a personal account from someone who is going through this. It screams out to us that we are not alone in this battle and in doing so, makes it just that little bit more bearable to deal with. Much of this book resonated with me and while certain parts of the book were a little uncomfortable for me, I simply loved this book. It's a book that brings hope to many who practice self-harm and battle depression. Or at least, that is what it brought to me.

I would seriously recommend this book, not just to those who live with self-harm or depression, but to everyone. There is a great deal of stigma that accompanies these diseases or afflictions and that is never going to change unless people read accounts such as these and perhaps gain a little understanding.

Fabulous book. I am so in awe that the author was able to put down her experience within these pages despite how difficult that must have been.

The Good Eater: The True Story of One Man's Struggle with Binge Eating Disorder by Ron Saxen

Published by New Harbinger Publications
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Eating disorders. What comes to mind when you read those words. Most people think of eating disorders as problems which affect women and while this is true of Anorexia and Bulemia, of the 2.5 Million or so Americans who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder, 40% are male. The Good Eater is the true story of one of those men, Ron Saxen.

In this book, the author shares his life with us. He shows an honesty that will cause laughter, sadness, shock and so many more emotions. We learn of his abusive childhood, awkward teen years and various careers he pursued. The most stunning to me was his time spent as a model. Ron was approached by people asking if he was a model. After looking into it and asking around a little, he got an interview with an agency and he was signed on a one year contract instantly. He got great jobs and his future seemed so bright until his binging took over again, leading him to run away from his new life, avoid his agent and take up a new career working in a coffee shop for minimum wage.

We follow along as Ron constantly battles with his weight, his body image and self-esteem , the emotional and mental strain that goes along with this disease, his past, bad choices, destructive relationships, and more often than not, his self loathing. All of these things and more, make this a real page turner of a book.

This book was such a moving memoir. At times I found myself blown away by certain actions, or perhaps more by his honesty and vulnerability in admitting to these things. The reader can't help but feel sense of intimacy with the author as he shares his experiences with us. Binge Eating Disorder is a disease that fills the sufferer with a deep sense of shame and I am so thankful that Ron Saxen was courageous enough to deal with that, provide this incredibly informative book on the subject and let other BED sufferers know they are not alone.

Great book!

Author's website: http://www.ronsaxen.com/ (includes pictures of Ron Saxen and even a video clip of his tv appearance with Italian designer Ermenegildo Zegna)