“Compelling. A must-read for any helping professional or loved one of a
person momentarily swept up in the ‘perfect storm’ of childhood sexual
abuse, intimacy problems, and eating disorders. Thornton's memoir
reminds that there is hope and meaning after the storm.”
       

   –—Linda T. Sanford, LICSW
Author of Strong at the Broken Places and
assistant professor, Simmons College of Social Work

"A story of triumph and spiritual awakening that is bound to captivate readers. Candid, insightful, and inspirational."

—Viola Fodor, BEd, MEd
Psychotherapist, educator, and author of Desperately Seeking Self 

“A gripping account of the absolute darkness and imprisonment brought on by self-destructive behaviour. Thornton effectively illustrates the vicious cycle of an eating disorder as she spirals into the ‘hellhole’ of depression, providing valuable insights into the struggle and inner turmoil stemming from childhood sexual abuse. I commend Thornton on having the courage to share her story to help others. She is living proof that there is triumph after adversity.”

—Melinda Hutchings
Author of Fighting for Life: Anorexia—the Road to Recovery
and How to Recover from Anorexia and Other Eating Disorders
Founder of www.bodycage.com
 

“In Facing the Sunshine, Sara Jane Thornton explores her psychological journey from victim of sexual abuse, through depression and anorexia, to recovery and becoming a survivor. In her courageous story she shares the pain and horror, the progress and regressions, she experienced through the course of years of treatment. Readers will develop a deeper understanding of the cognitive state of anorexics, the application of their intelligence to the goal of starving themselves, and the value of positive reinforcement and empathy in their treatment. Sara also shares the many ways she struggled with caregivers and the challenges that professionals can expect to experience when working with patients with severe eating disorders. For these reasons alone, Facing the Sunshine is an invaluable resource for such professionals.”

—David Hirshberg, EdD
Executive Director, Germaine Lawrence School
Arlington, Massachusetts

“Thornton’s is a journey of courage and hope; her message, vitally, one of compassion. She shines a light on the catastrophic consequences not only of sexual abuse but also of inept therapeutic intervention. Thornton’s ultimate recovery with the help of skilled and empathic therapists proves the critical need for a revision of standards to ensure more humane and effective psychiatric care.”

—Aimee Liu
Author of Gaining: The Truth about Life after Eating Disorders

"Although Sara's story is startling with her frank description of a chaotic life, it is a sadly common fate to sufferers of childhood sexual abuse. Sara speaks for multitudes of women and men who have been victimized, and in turn have dysfunctional relationships, eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-mutilation, and other symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Her depiction of the insidious nature of anorexia nervosa is graphic and offers a clear picture of this life-threatening eating disorder."

—Leigh Cohn, MAT, CEDS
Editor-in-Chief, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention

“This story raises important questions about the treatment of the mentally ill and highlights grave deficiencies in the medical community, while leading us along a path of suffering, perseverance, and finally, recovery.”

—Melissa R. Gerson, LMSW
Psychotherapist and eating disorders specialist

“As we sail through life, we are met with events, people, or lessons that cause us to stop and reflect on our own life, the world around us, and who we are. As we get older, the lessons we learn have a harder time impacting our lives. Sara’s book twists the events of my life into a reality that I only can trust to Sara’s words, feelings, and struggles. How insignificant my trials and tribulations; by the first third of her book, I was searching for understanding and meaning that I could only get from her pain and suffering that she shared so honestly. I am at a loss that someone has to experience such events to teach us such a valuable lesson of perseverance once again.”

—Ernest Campagnone, EdD
Adjunct Professor, Human Services, Community College of Rhode Island