Those of us who live in Australia will remember Bronte Cullis, the young girl with anorexia whose story we followed on TV, courtesy of Ray Martin. I remember watching with a mixture of horror, sympathy and helplessness as she slowly starved herself before our very eyes. How much worse must it have been for her and her family? I remember staring at her image on television, right before her move to the clinic in Canada, and thinking “This girl is going to die!”.

Somehow, she didn’t. Somehow, she found the strength to endure, fight and come out whole.

This is her story, taken from diaries she wrote at the time, with small explanations where needed. Anorexia is a vastly misunderstood illness that is often mistakenly believed to be the sufferer’s fault. Many people believe they are doing it for attention or to manipulate or punish their parents. In fact sufferer’s are just as much victims of this terrible disease as their families and loved ones.

This is a must read for all young girls and anyone with a daughter, sister or niece.

Warning: This book is very raw and emotional and families who have been through this ordeal may find it difficult to read.

Those needing support and treatment for eating disorders should contact the Bronte Foundation at www.thebrontefoundation.com.au.