Chronicling her life from age fifteen to twenty-two, aspiring writer Lisa Messinger captured on paper the evolution of her eating disorder, from its development to its eventual treatment. Interspersed throughout this fascinating story, eating-disorder expert and psychotherapist Merle Cantor Goldberg provides insights into Lisa’s struggle and ultimate victory. Lisa tells of her unwavering need to excel in school and in her career. She also describes her compulsion to record every calorie consumed, every pound gained and lost, as her obsession took control of her life. While Lisa’s journey offers a unique view of the nature of eating disorders, Ms. Goldberg helps identify the causes and signs of the problem, as well as the paths toward recovery. My Thin Excuse can make a crucial difference in the lives of all who suffer from this dangerous disorder.

Hopeful, hilarious musings and serious advice for new teachers from the formerly anonymous blogger behind Love, Teach. Every teacher will tell you the first years are the hardest, and even the most confident of the pack sometimes ask themselves, Am I cut out for this? Kelly Treleaven, the teacher and once-anonymous blogger behind Love, Teach, wants you to know that you're not alone, and that yes, she has cried under her desk, too. Treleaven's blog has become a sensation in the education world, known for its heartfelt, high-spirited dispatches straight from the trenches and its practical advice. In Treleaven's debut book, she gives rookie teachers the advice she wishes she'd had when she started out in a large district in Houston. From logistical questions like how to prep and organize a classroom, to deeper issues like how to build relationships with students, navigate administration, and avoid burnout, Love, Teach is an essential book for anyone working in education today or considering the profession. With raw feeling, humor, and a razor-sharp perspective, Love, Teach supports teachers in their fight for a better future, and helps them celebrate the victories, large and small.