Anna Paterson - Böcker

Love of the native landscape is part of Scottish culture, but the economic demands of a devolved region (and potentially an independent nation) may put greater strains than ever on already damaged natural resources.Scotland’s Landscape reviews the role of the landscapes and cityscapes of Scotland in the context of its contemporary culture. It examines environmental issues from many points of view - from the iconic landscapes that are part of the Scottish sense of identity to actual policies formulated by the newly devolved political establishment. The juxtaposition of cultural attitudes and national policies offers a fascinating contrast between the landscape in imagination and in practical policy.Anna Paterson explores the differences between rhetoric and practice, and considers approaches and attitudes to urban and rural development in contemporary Scottish writing. Attention is then focused upon tourism and stewardship of the land, city planning and rural building, small businesses, local authorities, voluntary organisations - seen as forming a network of individuals trying to match their cultural assumptions to economic practicalities.The author asks tough questions about controversial issues. Are the National Park designations a ticket to ride for commercial tourist developments? Should Scotland's forests be used for recreation or timber production? Are cities suffering more from zoning or from poor design? Is there a contradiction between healthy countryside sports and modern sport management? Finally, she asks what might make sustainable development work in Scotland.

People living with eating disorders find it hard to take the step of choosing recovery, often because the disorder has developed as a way of `coping' with problems or stresses in the their life. This book outlines new and positive ways of dealing with eating disorders for people living with eating disorders and their families.A practical workbook written by someone who has lived with eating disorder, it provides advice and strategies to aid understanding and to help the reader to gain control of their illness. Anna Paterson leads the reader through easy-to-use therapeutic exercises, such as describing the pros and cons of an illness, writing a farewell letter to it, and using role-reversal scenarios to get a new perspective on their attitude to eating. She emphasizes the importance of taking things at your own pace and in the final section of the book provides a set of diet plans specifically designed for anorexics, bulimics and compulsive overeaters.This book will be valued by people living with eating disorders and their families, and also the psychologists and psychotherapists, counsellors, health professionals and social workers who work with them.

SPECIAL MENTION TES/NASEN BEST ACADEMIC BOOK AWARD

`Anna has written a very descriptive book of her feeling and the difficult times she went through as she struggled with anorexia. The book gives advice, recovery ideas and encouragement for those who suffer eating disorders' - International Woman

`I enjoyed her style of writing and would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in eating disorders' - Signpost

`Provides a valuable insight into how a young person with an eating disorder thinks and feels' - Contact a Family

`The style is clear and engaging and ought to reach young people who are experiencing difficulties. The level of information contained would be of equal value to the families of these young people in helping them understand the emotions of their loved ones' - Educational Psychology

Looking in the bathroom mirror for the first time since my illness had begun, I saw how I really looked. I was a walking skeleton, with my skin stretched tight over my bones. My face had become a skull, and when I smiled, it looked like I was wearing a horror mask.

Anna has suffered a serious eating disorder and, more importantly, she has recovered!

In this book she provides the reader with:

" a moving account of her experiences

" information about eating disorders

" a plan for recovery

" HOPE.

The book is intended for young people and their families, and all those who care for children at risk.

`I would recommend Running on Empty to young people suspecting they or someone they know may have an eating disorder' - Signpost

`The book is easy to read and deals with the issue of eating disorders in a matter of fact style, offering sensible advice' - Educational Psychology in Practice

`A book to recommend to any young person to increase understanding, as well as to sufferers, their families and friends' - Times Educational Supplement

WINNER OF TES/NASEN BEST ACADEMIC BOOK AWARD 2002

Running on Empty is a fictional work about three teenage girls who have some eating problems. Anna Paterson, who runs a support Internet service, has drawn on her extensive experience to explore the different effects on each girl. She describes the difficulties they face as secrets are disclosed and treatment is embarked upon.

Anna's hope is that young people who suffer from an eating disorder anorexia, bulimia or bingeing will recognise the condition, feel safer talking to someone and that the stories will provide a means of support. It is also a useful book for peers who are free of eating difficulties but who can gain insight and compassion from the book. An essential teenage read.

This is Anna's third book about eating disorders.