Recovery-Friendly Book Club List. Books to Support Eating Disorder Recovery, Self-Acceptance, and Mental Wellness
Books to Support Eating Disorder Recovery, Self-Acceptance, and Mental Wellness
Eating Disorder Recovery & Body Image
1. Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders
by Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
A compassionate, non-triggering medical guide to understanding the physical effects of eating disorders — for all body sizes and diagnoses.
Great for those wanting to reclaim trust in their bodies. Highest level of recommendation - read during one transcontinental flight.
2. Goodbye Ed, Hello Me
by Jenni Schaefer
Part memoir, part workbook, this readable guide helps separate the “eating disorder voice” from your authentic self.
Highly recommended for teens and young adults.
3. The Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery
by Colleen Reichmann & Jennifer Rollin
Short, digestible chapters on body image, food freedom, and recovery mindset.
Perfect for group discussion and reflection.
4. Just Eat It: How to Stop Worrying About Food and Love Your Body
by Laura Thomas, PhD
A straight-talking, anti-diet book with humor and honesty.
Helpful for exploring intuitive eating in later-stage recovery.
Self-Compassion & Emotional Healing
5. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
by Dr. Kristin Neff
Backed by research, this foundational book helps shift from self-criticism to kindness — essential for eating disorder recovery.
Includes exercises, meditations, and practical tools.
6. The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown
Explores shame, vulnerability, and the courage to live authentically.
Gentle, affirming, and widely used in therapy groups. Really, all of her books are recommended, this is a great starting point.
7. The Body Is Not an Apology
by Sonya Renee Taylor
A powerful guide to radical self-love and body liberation that addresses social justice, body shame, and systemic stigma.
Inspiring for readers of all identities and sizes.
Mindfulness, Grief & Identity Work
8. Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
by Katherine May
A beautifully written reflection on life’s low seasons and how they can be times of growth.
Validating for readers in the slower, softer stages of recovery.
9. Untamed
by Glennon Doyle
A bold memoir about shedding external expectations and reclaiming one's voice, body, and power.
Good for older teens and adults exploring autonomy in recovery.
10. Radical Acceptance
by Tara Brach
Combines Buddhist principles with psychotherapy to help readers soften inner judgment and reconnect to their true self.
Best for readers ready for deep inner work and mindfulness integration. This book has had a profound effect on the lives of those around me.
Bonus: Recovery-Focused Workbooks (for Journaling or Pairing with Book Club)
The Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
The Self-Love Workbook by Shainna Ali
The Eating Disorder Recovery Journal by Cara Lisette
Tips for Running a Recovery-Friendly Book Club
Pre-screen content for potential triggers; offer opt-out chapters when needed
Set gentle reading goals (short chapters, no pressure)
Begin meetings with a check-in and grounding practice
Focus on reflection, not perfection — how did the book make you feel? What stood out?
