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

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Manufacturer: HCI
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Customer Reviews:
Distorted: How a Mother and Daughter Unraveled the Truth, the Lies, and the Realities of an Eating Disorder by HCI

Was Not Very Helpful

The only thing I got from this book was that ultimately the person with the eating disorder is the person responsible for their own recovery. No matter how much the mother cared and tried to fix the problem, it was up to the daughter to decide to apply what she had learned, but no tips were shared on what she learned or found helpful. I have a son with an eating disorder and was looking for suggestions on what to look for in a treatment program, what works etc. None of this was addressed. It never really explained what made the daughter decide to recover and what treatment/tips she used to get to the recovery process. They did list some treatment facilities at the back of the book.
Distorted: How a Mother and Daughter Unraveled the Truth, the Lies, and the Realities of an Eating Disorder by HCI

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

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

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

Product Description

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; the other had no intentions of getting better and researched new and clever ways to hide her compulsion. Such is the distorted reality in this riveting true account of a teen caught in the grips of an eating disorder and the mother who struggled to help her break free.


Through their gripping dual narrative, Lorri and Taryn Benson take turns chronicling their unique perceptions of events once Taryn was caught in the act of her first purge. With unflinching frankness, they reveal the deceit, the guilt, the shame, and the manipulations that are inherent in this enigmatic disease, unveiling the true picture of what happens to the family dynamic once an eating disorder takes hold. Much more than a cautionary tale, Distorted illustrates the psychological factors that underline the beginning and spread of the disease, the successful and unsuccessful therapies, and the consequences the disease had on themselves and their family.


Triumphantly, the two women share what was ultimately needed to bring the truth to light, providing guidance for anyone struggling with or affected by an eating disorder. Their two stories--woven together as one powerful beacon of hope--will offer insight and comfort to families, spouses, and loved ones who feel helpless and alone.


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