This is a beautifully written memoir. The first chapter made me cry. The author heartbreakingly describes the death of her mother. The way she talks about her mother just took my breath away. You can REALLY feel her raw emotions and heartache on the page. After her mom died of breast cancer, the author developed an eating disorder (anorexia) as a preteen. She was hospitalized multiple times throughout her adolescence. This book is part memoir and part investigative journalism. She talks about her experience dealing with the trauma of her mother's death and trying to heal emotionally and physically with the help of medical professionals. The chapters near the end of this book tended to drag here and there, but overall, I thought this is a very eye-opening and well-documented account of a woman overcoming her eating disorder and coming to terms with her repressed grief. The author is really brave to share such a personal and sensitive time in her life. I wish her nothing but the best. She seems like a really sweet and strong person.

Journalist Mallary Tenore Tarpley turns her lens on her own experience with anorexia nervosa, exploring "the middle place" between illness and full recovery in Slip. The book is deeply researched, following her experience of developing anorexia following her mother's death from cancer and her desire to find some kind of control. It's not only thoughtful, it's full of wise insights that apply to many human conditions. Now I have to go through my galley and capture everything I highighted, which is a LOT. Highly recommend.

The topic of Slip is an important one. So often books on eating disorder recovery end as if there isn't struggle while being in recovery. I don't think this is the case for anyone.

I liked the side-by-side of personal experience and research. More books like this should be put on in the world. I don't think this book will be for everyone, but we need more books like this.

Mallary Tarpley’s memoir, Slip, chronicles her profound journey through childhood trauma following the loss of her mother, culminating in a struggle with anorexia that necessitated her hospitalization. With candor and eloquence, she delves into her experiences with eating disorders, interweaving her narratives from childhood, adolescence, and adulthood as she navigates the intricate landscape of recovery. Her background as a journalist enriches her narrative, as she integrates interviews and research from diverse stakeholders, including patients, medical professionals, and scientists. She introduces the concept of a “middle place” in the recovery journey, underscoring the notion that setbacks are integral to healing and that progress remains attainable.

Her memoir extends beyond the personal to serve as a critical resource for comprehending eating disorders, making it indispensable for individuals grappling with these issues, as well as educators and healthcare providers. Her book not only engages readers but also offers a realistic depiction of the recovery process. Through poignant reflections and an inspiring message, she motivates readers to face their challenges with hope. This work represents a significant contribution to the literature on eating disorders, providing both personal insights and academic perspectives that resonate deeply with those who have encountered similar adversities.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my review.

I really like how this book looks at the middle place of full recovery and recovering. It's such an interesting topic to learn about. Slip is a powerful account of the author's life with anorexia. I found the story to be written very well and commend Mallary for her authenticity and bravery. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was pretty good, I would definitely recommend

~This was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is a phenomenal book and an essential addition to the literature on eating disorders. The author begins each chapter describing her own struggles with anorexia- as a child, a preteen, a teen, a young adult, a wife, a mother. After her own reminiscinces she includes reasearch and facts about anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating from both decades past and current studies. Very highly recommended to academics, physicians, and those struggling with eating disorders.