241 pg, paperback, '09

In her memoir, Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat, (August, 2009, Independent Publishers Group) author Stephanie Covington-Armstrong vividly describes her struggle as a black woman with bulimia. Her battle with an eating disorder takes a unique perspective as this disease is consistently portrayed as a white woman's problem. This insightful and moving narrative traces the background and factors that contributed to Stephanie’s eating disorder. This compelling story of heartbreak and triumph holds universal appeal for all women, regardless of race. Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat shows women who do not fit into society’s narrow standard of beauty that they are not alone.

CONTENTS:

Part One: Before
1 – A Hungry Childhood
2 – Returning Home
3 – Bed – Stuy, Brooklyn
4 – Monster in the Family
5 – Father’s Day
6 – Missing Mommy
7 – A Communist Among Us
8 – The Trouble with Puberty
9 – Tragedies

Part Two: During
10 – On My Own
11 – Losing it
12 – Hollywood, California
13 – What Goes Up Must Come Down
14 – Manorexic
15 – New York
16 – Location, Location, Location
17 – Dating For Doughnuts
18 – Resistance is Futile

Part Three: After
19 – Giving Up The Fight
20 – The Inward Journey
21 – On Solid Ground

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Stephanie Covington Armstrong is a playwright and screenwriter living in Los Angeles. She has written for Essence, Sassy, Mademoiselle, and Venice magazines, among other publications. As an eating-disorder advocate, Covington has spoken at colleges and universities throughout southern California.

REVIEWS:

“Armstrong’s perspective…will go a long way toward breaking down the myths about eating disorders that are preventing so many, many people of color from seeking the treatment they need.”
—Aimee Liu, author of Gaining: The Truth About life After Eating Disorders

“Harrowing and compelling…a long-overdue look at eating disorders among African American women…a gripping read [with] universal appeal.”
—Stephan McCauley, author of The Object of My Affection

“The sooner we…confront all of the issues—like food addiction, depression, and sexual abuse—that keep us hurting and hiding, the sooner we can begin to heal.  Armstrong’s book is the answer to millions of black women’s prayers.”
—Meri Nana-Ama Danquah, author of Willow Weep for Me; A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression

“Armstrong’s intimate account of her battles with eating disorders shatters many longstanding myths and opens space for those who have been silent for so long to speak…and be heard.”
—Jaime Pressly, actress, My Name Is Earl, and author of It’s Not Necessarily Not the Truth