A new feminist classic--now in paper!



Based on in-depth life history interviews with African-American, Latina, and white women-both lesbian and heterosexual-this book chronicles the effects of racism, sexism, acculturation, and sexual abuse on women’s bodies and eating patterns.





“A wonderful book: gripping, creative and profoundly humane. In lucid prose Thompson offers an original explanation for women’s eating problems. She argues that many women turn to food-bingeing, dieting, purging, or starving- as a sensible means of coping with physical and psychic ‘atrocities’ deriving from ‘racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, the stress of acculturation, and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.’” Women’s Review of Books



“Surprising and alarming. . . . Thompson urges a second look at our national obsession with weight and proffers theories and practices that could save the lives of women of all colors and sexual orientations.” Lambda Book Report



“Thompson breaks new ground and offers hope for the multitudes of women who have swallowed their pain.” Evelyn C. White, Editor, The Black Women's Health Book