Skinny

(Originally posted: October 3, 2009)

On average, the general opinion of anorexia and bulimia, both distressing psychological disorders, is not one that induces sympathy. The media at least characterize these individuals as selfish, attention-seeking individuals who seek to conform to current standards of beauty. This might be the case for a certain percentage of individuals with anorexia and/or bulimia, but it is certainly not true for all.

Anorexia nervosa is described as an eating disorder characterized by extremely low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia are known to control body weight most commonly by voluntary starvation, excessive exercise, or diet and diuretic pills. Bulimia nervosa on the other hand, is characterized by recurrent binge eating which is then compensated for by purging or excessive exercise and pills. Psychologists theorize that these individuals engage in these behaviors not so much because they are focused on their appearance, but due to issues of low self-esteem, self-doubt, and a feeling of losing control. Indeed, people with anorexia describe a strong sense of control and power when engaging in these behaviors, that they are able to dominate something so primal and necessary as eating.

Skinny, by Ibi Kaslik, accurately represents the downward spiral of people with anorexia. The book focuses on two sisters, Giselle and Holly, and their contrasting relationships with their father. Giselle, the eldest, is a 19-year-old medical student who by all appearances is the perfect student. Incredibly intelligent and an overachiever, she utilizes her academic abilities to mask her fears and self-doubts, particularly those involving her relationship with her father. She accepts that she is jealous of her younger 14-year-old sister Holly, the child that their father blatantly favors. Holly was born deaf in one ear and although a mediocre student, is a star athlete and popular with her classmates. Their father passes away when they are young girls, an event which sets the stage for both of the girls' development.

Even though the book focuses more on their strangled relationships with each other and their mother, it does accurately demonstrate the psychological trauma involved for those with anorexia and those living with individuals with anorexia. Kaslik describes in incredible detail Giselle's psychological and physiological disturbances, so severe that she is hospitalized numerous times. She also focuses on Holly's thoughts, on how powerless, annoyed, and responsible she feels for her older sister. And most of all, she details the love the three women have for each other.

Skinny is a quick yet thought-provoking read. I would recommend the book particularly if you're interested in understanding the point of view of someone with this distressing disorder. However, it is a heartbreaking read that should be relatable to anyone who cares deeply for family and loved ones.