goironmo 's review for:

Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World by Lauren Fleshman

5.0

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Outstanding. I started running when I was 8, for a Brownie badge ("jogging"). I developed an eating disorder at 12, which I struggled with through my mid-20s, and which seriously curtailed my running success. I've read some other reader reviews that are critical of the ED content (saying it's a "how-to" guide). I couldn't disagree more. Lauren goes to considerable lengths to *not* make this a "how-to" manual - which as someone in my 40s in recovery, I noted and appreciated. As an author she made careful decisions on what she sensitively and thoughtfully chose to present and include about her own story (and if it hadn't been presented this way, I'd have abandoned the book). I have followed Lauren's career for many years and didn't know large parts of these struggles, both physical and mental. I'm glad she is using her platform to advocate for larger change. Her book is coming out at a time when so many others (Alison Mariella Desir, Kara Goucher) are as well, which will echo and reinforce some of the toxic behaviors that have long been present and tolerated throughout the industry. I am hopeful the disruptors will continue to force change.