Stick Figure: A Diary of My Former Self

Stick Figure is Lori Gottlieb's memoir based on diary entries from her eleven-year-old self in 1978. The book chronicles her battle with anorexia during her pre-teen years through authentic journal entries that capture her perspective at the time. The narrative follows young Lori as she navigates pressures from family, friends, and society regarding food, appearance, and female expectations in late 1970s Beverly Hills. Her diary entries document her observations about adults' contradictory messages about eating and weight, along with her attempts to make sense of the rules that seem to govern women's lives. The story tracks her experiences at school, at home, and in treatment as she grapples with control, identity, and independence. Her eleven-year-old voice maintains both humor and keen insight throughout her medical challenges and family conflicts. Through a child's unfiltered lens, this memoir illuminates broader cultural issues surrounding body image, gender roles, and the complexity of growing up female in modern society. The juxtaposition of childhood innocence with serious themes creates a unique perspective on eating disorders and social pressures.

Readers found this memoir raw and authentic through its use of actual diary entries from Gottlieb's 11-year-old perspective. The unfiltered childhood voice gives insight into how eating disorders develop. What readers liked: - Honest portrayal of family dynamics - Dark humor throughout - Clear view into a young girl's thought process - Accessible writing style for teens and adults - Educational without being preachy What readers disliked: - Some found the 11-year-old voice repetitive - Parents' behavior frustrated many readers - Ending felt rushed to some - A few readers wanted more reflection from adult perspective Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ reviews) Common reader comment: "Should be required reading for parents and daughters" Several readers noted the book helped them recognize eating disorder warning signs in loved ones. Mental health professionals frequently recommend it to patients' families.

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🔹 The book is based on Lori Gottlieb's actual childhood diary entries from age 11, when she developed anorexia in the 1970s - a time when eating disorders were far less understood or discussed. 🔹 Before becoming an author, Gottlieb worked as a film and television executive at NBC, and later switched careers to become a psychotherapist and relationship counselor. 🔹 The title "Stick Figure" comes from young Lori's observation that fashion magazines only showed extremely thin models who looked like stick figures, which influenced her perception of an ideal body. 🔹 Despite the serious subject matter, the book maintains a darkly humorous tone through the authentic voice of an precocious 11-year-old who questions societal expectations about women's bodies and behavior. 🔹 The manuscript was discovered years later when adult Gottlieb found her childhood diaries while cleaning out her parents' house, leading her to share this deeply personal story that resonated with readers worldwide.