This is an absolutely outstanding book which gives in depth insight into the mind set of an anorexic, how they became so and how they can be treated. I am a 25 yr old female and 9 months ago suffered a horribly severe relapse of anorexia. A literally starving skeleton I ended up in therapy. I had no idea WHY I was this and my therapist suggested a long reading list. An avid reader I began devouring these books and it was "The Golden Cage" that had my soul reeling in agony. My husband of 8 yrs. read it, as well as his parents. This book was about me. Word for word, I was a text book case. Hilde Bruch unveils the truths behind the eating disorder in an easy to read as well as sensitive manner. A little out-dated in some respects (such as insinuating that any girl who exercises for fun must have something wrong with her!) as it was written I believe in the 70's, it is still valid as to the How's and Why's behind the disorder. Believe me, in order for a beautifull, healthy young woman to put herself through starvation, obsess with food every second of the day and become a neurotic, hyper-sensitive beast, there must be something deep inside that went severly wrong. This book tells us why, as well as how we / they can be helped. If you are a parent, PLEASE, read this with an open mind and heart and above all, DO NOT BECOME ANGRY!! Most importantly, seek help not only for your child, but for yourself as well. The road to recovery is tough for everyone.

A remarkable description of the basic personality and family mechanisms involved in teenage mental disorders and their anorectic expression.