The Good Eater: The True Story of One Man's Struggle with Binge Eating Disorder by Ron Saxen

Published by New Harbinger Publications
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Eating disorders. What comes to mind when you read those words. Most people think of eating disorders as problems which affect women and while this is true of Anorexia and Bulemia, of the 2.5 Million or so Americans who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder, 40% are male. The Good Eater is the true story of one of those men, Ron Saxen.

In this book, the author shares his life with us. He shows an honesty that will cause laughter, sadness, shock and so many more emotions. We learn of his abusive childhood, awkward teen years and various careers he pursued. The most stunning to me was his time spent as a model. Ron was approached by people asking if he was a model. After looking into it and asking around a little, he got an interview with an agency and he was signed on a one year contract instantly. He got great jobs and his future seemed so bright until his binging took over again, leading him to run away from his new life, avoid his agent and take up a new career working in a coffee shop for minimum wage.

We follow along as Ron constantly battles with his weight, his body image and self-esteem , the emotional and mental strain that goes along with this disease, his past, bad choices, destructive relationships, and more often than not, his self loathing. All of these things and more, make this a real page turner of a book.

This book was such a moving memoir. At times I found myself blown away by certain actions, or perhaps more by his honesty and vulnerability in admitting to these things. The reader can't help but feel sense of intimacy with the author as he shares his experiences with us. Binge Eating Disorder is a disease that fills the sufferer with a deep sense of shame and I am so thankful that Ron Saxen was courageous enough to deal with that, provide this incredibly informative book on the subject and let other BED sufferers know they are not alone.

Great book!

Author's website: http://www.ronsaxen.com/ (includes pictures of Ron Saxen and even a video clip of his tv appearance with Italian designer Ermenegildo Zegna)