A highly recommended book: Slip by Mallary Tenore: A Brave and Brilliant Exploration of Eating Disorders, Recovery, and Hope
I recently had the privilege of participating in a virtual conversation with author Mallary Tenore, whose new book Slip is one of the most beautifully written and deeply vulnerable explorations of eating disorders, healing, and recovery I’ve encountered.
Mallary and I first met years ago at an eating disorder conference in Washington, D.C.—the same conference where groundbreaking research on treatment approaches, family-based care, and neurobiological factors was being shared. At the time, I was serving as a Regional Clinical Director for a large behavioral health organization, and we discovered we both lived in Austin, Texas, with ties to the University of Texas. That connection has now come full circle through her remarkable book.
In Slip, Mallary shares her personal story with extraordinary honesty while weaving in current research and scientific insights about eating disorders—their development, genetic and biological influences, and the evolution of treatment over time. Her work is a rare blend of memoir and evidence-based education, helping readers understand both the lived experience and the latest advancements in the field.
As someone who has spent over 25 years working in eating disorder treatment, I was honored to be interviewed as one of the professionals Mallary consulted while writing Slip, and later to join her for a public discussion about her journey, the writing process, and the impact of her story.
You can watch that conversation here or find it archived on Texas ScholarWorks.
What stands out most to me about Slip is how beautifully it captures the truth and complexity of eating disorders—how they can serve a powerful purpose in managing emotions, even as they create profound pain; how they can become entangled with identity; and how recovery is never linear.
Mallary also highlights the importance of family and caregiver involvement when it comes to recovery—something I am particularly passionate about in my work through AK Chase Consulting, where I help caregivers, parents, and healthcare professionals navigate the challenges of treatment and support lasting recovery. Her discussion of Family-Based Treatment (FBT), alongside cutting-edge genetic and neurobiological research, reflects the direction our field is moving toward compassion, collaboration, and science-informed care.
Whether you are a clinician, parent, or individual in recovery, Slip offers deep insight and tangible hope. It breaks down stigma, dispels myths, and reminds us that eating disorders are not a choice, not a fault, and not a reflection of weakness—they are complex illnesses that require understanding, evidence-based care, and empathy.
Why I Recommend Slip
- It bridges personal story and professional knowledge seamlessly.
- It introduces current research in accessible, meaningful ways.
- It gives voice to the emotional truth of recovery while offering hope.
If you are seeking a book that deepens your understanding of eating disorder recovery, the importance of family-based care, and the power of compassion in healing, Slip is an essential read.
Slip by Mallary Tenore is available wherever books are sold.
Watch our full interview here.