Forgiving Ana: Personal Poems of Anorexia, Bulimia, and Manic Depression

Ana is anorexia, a cruel lover/mistress in Kim Kohlmann s mind, and Mia is the voice of bulimia. Ms. Kohlmann deals with both eating disorders, as well as bi-polar disorder. She writes also of her fibromyalgia and divorce from her Catholic husband. From psychiatric wards to mental institutions, a women s shelter to going into hiding after being stalked by an ex-lover, she writes. Unique in style, her poems vary widely in mood, tone, and structure. Though a chaotic anthology, the diversity of voices echoes the poet s tortured mind. Hers is a life of extremes, captured by stunning imagery and stark honesty. She hopes to reach out to others and give her own suffering meaning. Through the haunting and sometimes humorous verses within, Forgiving Ana demonstrates a desperate determination to live, comfortable with her body and at peace within her mind. Voicing her anguish and confusion is, at present, how Ms. Kohlmann survives.