Yes, "Kessa" DOES exist, and it IS out there! It just takes some looking for. I was lucky enough to find a copy through my local library's Inter-Library Loan System. If your library has something similar, I suggest trying to find it through that.
As you probably know, "Kessa" is the sequel to "The Best Little Girl in the World", Stephen Leverkron's (in)famous story about Francesca Louise Dietrich (aka Kessa), a girl who is hospitalized for severe anorexia. BLGITW ends with Kessa's impending release from the hospital. As anyone with an eating disorders knows, this is often the first step down the long and difficult road to recovery. "Kessa" acknowledges this, as it depicts the troubled girl's struggle to get her life back.
The best thing this book has going for it is the development of the Kessa's character. Unlike BLGITW, where Kessa is little more than anorexia incarnate, we get to see aspects of her personality other than the eating disorder. We see all her hopes, her passions, her fears, and her opinions that DONT revolve around food as well as some of her interactions with others; in short, she has depth. I found myself relating very easily to her on a very intimate & human level.
Granted, the book has it's flaws. For example, the storyline will often randomly flash back to recount past events, with awkard and often confusing results. There are lots of other characters, very few of which are well-developed, if at all. Levenkron makes a few feeble attempts to inject some social commentary outside his area of expertise (namely racism & segregation) that fail to do justice & perhaps even minimize these important subjects. There is also too much dialouge between Kessa & her therapist. While some of this is interesting, it goes a bit too far; waxes a bit too theoretical to hold my interest. Perhaps worst of all, there is a tragic event injected into the plot that I don't think was dealt with well at all. (I won't say any more to avoid spoiling the story, though). Also, let's face it: this is not noble-prize winning literature; hence it is no longer in publication. Still, the book is an engaging, even adicting read -- I literally couldn't put it down, and finished all 247 pages in a couple hours.
Well, good luck finding this book -- I think you'll find it's well worth the time & effort it takes to find it*
*but not worth the 90 bucks or whatever they're asking for it here -- keep looking; go to a rare or used book store, I promise you, you WILL find it!

I have read Best Little Girl In The World By Steven Levenkron and loved it. I Really want to purchase Kessa but can't find it anywhere and I have been looking for a long time. If you know how or where I can purchase, please let me know! Thank you. rainyday@webcombo.net

I have suffered from anorexia for eight years--I read Steven Levenkron's The Best Little Girl in the World, and then happened to stumble across a used copy of Kessa. I HIGHLY recommend ANYONE whether they are suffering from an eating disorder or not, or if you have read TBLGITW, PLEASE read Kessa, too! I was so encouraged--reading Kessa has showed me that recovery from a serious eating disorder is truly possible. Steven Levenkron really knows his stuff--if you get a chance, I would also suggest you pick up his Anatomy of Anorexia.

This book was had lots of examples of his patients in it and the different types. Steven Levenkron explained anorexia very simply yet well. It is good for both readers who know about the disorder and people who are new to it. It is very comprehensive and breaks up the aspects of anorexia into different sections that are easier to manage.

Brilliant, elegantly written and insightful, Anatomy of Anorexia
by Steven Levenkron offers a panoramic view beyond most medical treatises and personal accounts on Anorexia. For parents, the medical community and laypersons seeking to understand this seemingly unfathomable condition, this book sheds light on the ever present and haunting question, "Why would a seemingly healthy child or young adult purposely starve?" If you're searching for answers to the poignant questions surrounding this disorder, Anatomy of Anorexia provides more than clues and theories. This book reveals a path that may very well lead to the light at the end of the dark tunnel for patients, families and caregivers dealing with this wrenching and heart breaking disorder. This is an invaluble guide that fills a need not completely met by other books on anorexia nervosa. I agree with a previous reviewer that this book may not be suitable reading for some sufferers of anorexia. The knowledge within could prove to be a two-edged sword for the patient who hasn't fully embraced the long journey to recovery.

I've been teaching young adults on the college level for a couple of years now, and in that short amount of time, several of my female students have confided that they've struggled with eating disorders. This book helped me to understand what they went through, and it therefore has my unequivocal recommendation.

The strength of this book is that its author has written such a clear, easy-to-understand dissection the anatomy of anorexia. Levenkron analyzes factors contributing to anorexia; its effects on victims, their families, and friends; and several treatments. He uses explanations and case-study examples to demystify a disease that often seems inexplicable, making this a useful book for anyone who wants a clearer picture of anorexia.

Readers will come to understand the mental nature of anorexia as Levenkron does: as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This concept is critical for family members and friends of anorexics to understand, for, as Levenkron states, it is impossible for anyone but a professional to cure an anorexic.

His major point: that the longer anorexia goes untreated, the more it strengthens its grasp on its victims, underscoring the need for *professional* help as early as possible. Therefore, if you think someone you know has an eating disorder, don't understand why, and don't know what to do about it, then this book is for you.

Have you ever heard the saying, "Thinner is the winner"? I would bet that most people haven't. That's because it's the personal saying of a young dancer named Francesca Dietrich. Francesca has always been quiet, mild mannered, and academically Successful. But, when pressure starts building up to lose weight at dance, and the deafening silence of being ignored at home becomes overwhelming, a new person emerges. Her name is Kessa. She's the new and improved version of Francesca, she's an anorexic. She starts slipping down dramatically, in weight and grades, and also into an obsessive eray of rituals centered around weight loss. If you like books about psychological disorders, and books that you can learn a great deal form, then this book is for you. But, those with a weak stomach beware; the sad truth about this disease is quite sickening.

I first read this book about a year ago and have continued to read it on and off since then. The account of anorexia, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder it presents certainly makes for an interesting read. However, I feel that the book is somewhat a typical eating-disorders story. The usual characters (passive mother, bullying alcoholic father, helpful non-judgemental therapist) are present, and the book does not offer a deep or honest enough glimpse into 15-year old Kessa's head, nor does it offer any hint of Kessa's personality pre or post-disorder. I also found it odd that Kessa was hospitalized when her weight hovered around 71 lbs; with a starting weight of 98 lbs on a 5' 4" frame, surely she would have been hospitalized before such a fatal weight was reached. Finally, a 15-year-old is not representative of the eating-disordered population. This book is ideal for junior-high anorexia sufferes, but a more realistic and captivating portrait of the diseas! ! e can be found in the recent Wasted by Marya Hornbacher.

Once you get past the author's ego and blatant attempt at self praise, this is a really good book.
While reading this book, you must note that it takes place in 1978. Anorexia was a new disease. Kessa didn't know what we know now and the people around her didn't know what we know now about Anorexia. Dr. Levenkron had to present an extreme case because anorexia was so rare in those days. Kessa's case is a 'text book' case because there were hardly any cases in 1978 anyway.
The ending of the book makes her recovery seem simple, but that is not the actaul ending of Francesca's story. To learn about her recovery you would have to read a book title "Kessa".
The only problem I really had with this book is the way Levenkron makes Kessa seem like a hero. In the beginning of the book you almost want Kessa to trick her parents and you are proud of her when she refuses her food. If the reader wasn't aware of the fact that Anorexia Nervosa is a disease they would be cheering Kessa on and cursing her parents and doctor.
Other than a few small problems, this book is my favorite book and Dr. Levenkron is my hero.

all of levenkron books are very in insightful on the art of self-injury.Cutting is the first book i've ever read that actually had something to say;and the stories that are in it are 98-99% true for most self-mutilators.so,i'd really recommend this book over most others,to those suffering from this disorder or for those who know someone suffering from the disorder.

Wether you're reading this to understand yourself, a friend or family member, or, like me, researching the subject, this book is a fantastic entry into understanding the mental causes of self-mutilation. The author is right about how cutters are viewed. When I told friends I was reading and researching self-mutilations, the conversations changed quickly to the most surface-level benality they could come up with on the spot.

Mostly, this book is very informative. I would have liked to hear less case studies (...) and more of the reasons why a person turns to cutting, what psycholocical catalysts there are.

If you choose to read this book, be prepared to get odd looks -- you'll be venturing into territory no one like to acknowledge.

I was working on my Masters in Psychology when I was introduced to my first self- mutilator. I had worked in the state mental institute for 3 years, yet had not come across anything like the young girl sitting before me. I was scared, she was my client and none of my supervisors knew how to handle her. However, with a little compassion, patience, a will that would not let me give up on her, and this book, I was able to establish the 'relationship' Levenkron states is necessary for a counselor to establish with a patient. My endeavor was successful and I followed everything he said to do. Now, inspired by him I am working on getting into a doctorate program- my goal- to work with self-mutilators. Levenkron can be a little egocentric, but he is truly a master at what he does. He cares and genuine patient concern is very rare. I admire him tremendously and of all the self-mutilation books I have read, this one is by far the best and was the most helpful. Much thanks and appreciation to Levenkron for sharing his insight.

When you've struggled with cutting for over two years without the advice or help of anyone or anything, this book seems like a gift sent from above. Cutting is a serious and important issue that has not been dealt with directly until recently. Although Levenkrom's novel is a bit glossed over, a variety of the main character's emotions were familiar to me. The feelings of dissociation and shame that the main character felt were particularly close to my own struggle. I enjoyed reading a book about cutting that was not merely technical terms. Parts of the book were certainly hard to believe, such as the relationship between the girl and her shrink, Sandy. I do pride Levenkrom on embracing difficult issues that have not been explored. I would advise reading "The Best Little Girl in the World" if you enjoyed this book. Both are easy to read, entertaining novels. However, if you're looking for something with more solid information I would go for a more factual book such as "Bright Red Scream," or Levenkrom's non-fiction self-mutilation book.

I'm a dormant cutter who was practicing for awhile because I would get so flipped out over something and so upset that all of a sudden I couldn't feel anymore and I would have to cut myself in order to feel again. This book I read before I really got into cutting and it helped me understand the feelings that I was having. Eventually I stopped because of one of my friends, but it wasn't easy. I stopped in a very similar way to the main character, so I can easily appreciate why she did it, I can also appreciate her reluctance in group therapy(I refuse to go to any sort of therapy) I am a big fan of this book, mostly because it's easy for people who do not suffer from this illness to understand. Now, whether or not they're getting the entire story about why we do the things we do is a completely different story. I believe strongly that had my mother read this book she might have been able to figure out I was cutting before I stopped. The therapist was what gave me the original inspiration for going into therapy in the first place. And the therapist my mother sent me to was my motivation for leaving therapy. The characters were definately believable, I'm a lot like the skater/straight A student/perfect kid/cutter. Or at least outwardly I am. It would have been nice had he managed to give an accurate portrayal of the disease and it's symptoms, I'd like for people to read this so they can understand what we're thinking when we do this sort of thing, even if this isn't exactly what happens. I do think that her last cutting is a bit...unbelievable, since most don't do that sort of thing in that situation, but I'm not going to spoil the ending so that's all I'll say. If you don't suffer from this disease, read it. It might help you understand it a little bit better.

A great book and an easy read. I like this one more than Levenkron's, Best Little Girl in the World, because Katie's family was a mother who was abusive at times and neglectful. It didn't have a candy coated perfect little village for Katie's environment as seen in Levenkron's first fiction book. Her mother had poor coping skills and did try, but in trying was losing her temper and becoming abusive. Showing the attempts at intervention by those outside of the home, helped to educate the reader in the need to but yourself out for someone else, because you really can save a person's life. Abuse is insidious and young people don't need to always be removed from the parent if there is intervention, stress management classes and somebody checking up on the situation. It ended well and was not graphic or gross as some of the books on eating disorders have been. It depicts measures of success and how people view their own lives and the reality of their perspective.

A parent's anguish in watching one's child suffer with OCD is on-going, tempered by glimmers of hope and a steadfast belief that, some day and some how, the disorder will be conquered. As a parent, that anguish is underscored with self doubt, guilt and the ever nagging questions about what one did, or didn't do, that might have caused the OCD to develop. We know now that OCD is a complex condition involving brain chemistry, heredity, exposure to streptococus bacteria and other factors. But, in this book, Levenkron claims OCD is caused by what he calls "underparenting". At the beginning of Chapter Two, Levenkron says: "A decrease in obsessive-compulsive disorders depends upon an increase in proper parental nurturing. Such a decrease requires men and women, who are ready for long-term commitment as parents, putting the good of their children first ..." As a parent who HAS nurtured and loved her child, who HAS made personal choices to put her child first, only to see him develop OCD, I felt Levenkron's comment was like a knife through the heart. Every therapist I've talked to has assured me there was nothing I did, or didn't do, to cause my son's OCD. I threw Levenkron's outdated and misleading book in the recycling bin where it, hopefully, will go on to a new and more productive life as a paper towel.

As someone who has suffered from OCD and eating disorders, and who has also lived with someone who had OCD, I found this book to be very valuable. I can see where parents might take offense in cases where there is a strong biochemical predisposition. But the reality is that much of what Levenkron says about children who have had to play the role of the parent (underparenting) is completely true. The repetive behaviors and thoughts help to create a structure and order to the world that we did not experience as children. That is not to say that his theory is an exclusive explanation of this disorder. It will apply or be "true" for some cases and not for others. It is definitely worth considering, especially if you are somone afflicted with this disorder to any degree. And remember, people thought Levenkron was way off with his nuturant-authoritative approach described in his ground breaking book, Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa, and now it is practically a classic.

This book has not only helped me to understand my own disorder but to also try to overcome it. I can see how parents find this book offensive but really they read the book as a parent not as a caring person trying to understand. Yes a chemical imbalance can help to have caused OCD but underparenting can also play a big role. It frustrates me to hear parents say they had nothing to do with their child's disorder because right now i'm struggling with my parents because they still blame me for the things i had to go through and are still trying to change all I am even the part of me that is not controlled by my disorder rather than try to change themselves as well which has only made matters worse. Yes it may hurt a parent to hear they had a part in their child's disorder but it also hurts the child to be blamed for something they don't really understand themselves. But once you can see that you must change as well you can greatly help your child and make them feel loved rather than blamed. Steven Levenkron's books have gotten me through so much, he not only helped me understand my self-mutilation and help me through the recovery process in the book cutting but has also stopped my anorexia before i had severe medical problems, this book on OCD has helped me have a greater understanding of what i'm going through because none of my counselors or even during my hospitalization did anyone bother to look at the full picture and explain to me what's going on. I strongly advice you to read this book, it can open your eyes and help you see the full picture.

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