artEDition
Curated art, stories and writing
Recovery Books

I’d like to share some books that have been particularly helpful in my recovery.
Weight expectations : one man’s recovery from anorexia
Dave Chawner, 2018, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
The book is split into 6 sections, precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, relapse, action, maintenance, the stages that Dave went through and he tells the story of what was happening at each point. At the end of each section Dave give some tips to help at each of the stages.
I love the inclusion of drawings, diagrams, doodles, photographs, post-it-note style tips, stories, and music suggestions, a playlist for each section of the book. Songs to listen to while reading. Some pages are printed like they are on notebook lined paper in a more handwriting style font. The book is very funny and easy to read. I completely relate to the anecdotes about bladder weakness, and am grateful that such taboo topics are addressed.
Autism In Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum
Jennifer Cook O’Toole, 2018, Skyhorse Publishing
One chapter in this book was particularly poignant to me. In it, Jennifer discusses how autism affects her food preferences and the rituals she has around food. I completely related to this, and this prompted me to work with my Occupational Therapist to start pursuing an autism diagnosis.
Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia
Livia Sara, 2023, Live Label Free
Over the past five years the link between females with autism and eating distress has become more widely understood. Since my autism diagnosis I am trying to unpick whether certain behaviours and thought patterns are driven by autism or eating distress. I can relate to many of Liv’s experiences and I am learning from the way that Liv navigates her autistic life free from eating distress.
Diary Drawings: Mental Illness and Me
Bobby Baker, 2010, Profile Books
Bobby used drawing as a way to deal with her experience of severe mental and later physical illness. The book contains a selection of these images that offer an insight into what she was going through, the struggles she faced and the lack of understanding that society has of mental illness. I am inspired by Bobby’s honesty and the humour in her work, and find the essays in this book fascinating.
The Little Book of Resilience: How to Bounce Back from Adversity and Lead a Fulfilling Life
Matthew Johnstone, 2015, Robinson
This beautifully illustrated book offers guidance about how we can use resilience to deal with hard times. Unlike some other ‘self-help’ books, it does not sound preachy and its simplicity makes it an easy and enjoyable read. The points made are visualised in the, often humorous, illustrations. I regularly return to this book when I need a ‘pick me up’! It’s also a book I give to others who are going through tough times.
Eating disorder recovery journal
Cara Lisette author, 2022, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
In this book Cara Lissette shares creative activities and approaches that have helped her to challenge her eating disorder, stay motivated, improve body image and prevent relapses. It includes writing prompts, motivational quotes and pages for drawing. For anyone new to journalling, it is an ideal way to begin, using the prompts to encourage you to understand and reflect on your eating disorder and support your recovery.
For more listings of recovery books please visit the Toolbox section