Nourishment: Feeding My Starving Soul When My Mind and Body Betrayed Me
This unforgettable memoir chronicles the torment and challenges that plague the author. She is diagnosed with various psychological and neurological disorders by the young age of eleven years.  As a teenager, unable to cope at home with family and peers, Melissa becomes acquainted with a new-found type of therapy through her equestrian accomplishments. Soon, however, she forms a love-hate relationship with her equestrian trainer, Melanie. It is Melanie who convinces Melissa that Melissa's mother does not love her as a daughter. This unhealthy relationship coupled with Melissa's fragile system, sends Melissa into a serious bout of mental illness and anorexia nervosa.  It is pretty cool that Melissa finally admits to her family she needs outside help, and chooses her own residential treatment center for this eating disorder. Once inside of this facility, Melissa generously allows the reader to eavesdrop into the day-to-day world of those who suffer from this plight. There is nothing pretty about it. Here, she is no longer an ugly duckling among her peers, but rather an elegant swan among the other swans. Only by testing her inner strength does Melissa learn how to deal with this eating disorder. However, it seems like each time she finds success, she relapses into a spiraling motion of setbacks. What can save her? Will Melissa ultimately find the will to survive this nightmare?  This is a great read for teenagers who suffer from mental illness, peer acceptance issues, and eating disorders.(Sharon BlumbergVOYA)