We have included a selection of memoirs because some Christians with eating disorders have expressed that they would like to hear from others who have recovered. Note, however, that some of these memoirs contain confronting content. For example, some include experiences of trauma and abuse, discussion of suicidality, details about eating disorder thoughts and behaviours, ‘numbers’ (such as body mass index), terms such as ‘anorexic’ or ‘bulimic’, discussion of eating disorders and sin, and/or coarse language. Please consider where you are in your journey when deciding whether and how to engage with these resources.
- Breaking Free from Body Shame (Jess Connolly)
Connolly, J. (2021). Breaking Free from Body Shame: Dare to Reclaim What God has Named Good. USA: Zondervan.
This book addresses women’s struggles with body image. The author shares her struggles in this area and presents what she describes as ‘a kingdom-minded mentality’ in regard to our bodies.
- ‘A New Name’ and ‘A New Day’ (Emma Scrivener)
Scrivener, E. (2012). A New Name: Grace and Healing for Anorexia. UK: Inter-Varsity Press.
Scrivener, E. (2017). A New Day: Moving on from Hunger, Anxiety, Control, Shame, Anger and Despair. UK: Inter-Varsity Press.
In ‘A New Name’ the author shares her struggle with anorexia nervosa, her recovery journey, and the role that her Christian faith played in this journey. The sequel, ‘A New Day’, touches on and offers the author’s theological framing for struggles with eating disorders, anxiety, control, shame, self-harm, anger and despair. The author discusses that although Jesus may not immediately take our mental health struggles away, He enters into and helps us in our suffering. She also offers thoughts and questions for reflection.
- Beautiful Light (Cassandra Alane, 2024)
Alane, C. (2024). Beautiful Light: Overcoming Severe Anorexia. Australia.
In ‘Beautiful Light’ the author shares her experience of anorexia nervosa, and describes that a Christian spiritual encounter was an important turning point in her journey towards recovery. Toward the end of the book, she also offers her ‘best insights and most inspiring messages…on understanding and overcoming anorexia.’
- Love Bade Me Eat (Alys Cavanagh)
Cavanagh, A. (2026). Love Bade Me Eat: One Woman’s Encounter with Love on a Journey through Anorexia. Ark House Press.
This is a memoir of the author’s journey with anorexia nervosa, and how her relationship with ‘the Shepherd’ helped her to take steps towards recovery. It is quite confronting in parts, such as when the author discusses her experience of sexual trauma. It also includes occasional coarse language. Please consider this when you are deciding whether to read this book; if you think it could be unhelpful for you, please consider looking at some of the others on the list instead.
- Hungry for Love (Debbie Lovell)
Lovell, D. (1994). Hungry for Love. Inter-Varsity Press.
- Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders (David and Krista Dunham)
Dunham, D & K. (2021). Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders. USA: New Growth Press.
This book is written by a husband (David) and wife (Krista). David works as a Biblical counsellor, and Krista has recovered from an eating disorder (which she describes as including restrictive and compensatory behaviours). In the book, they share about their journey as a couple through the eating disorder. They offer advice both for people who are experiencing eating disorders and for those who are helping them.
