A Bold Look into Bulimia and Beyond
“Funny, frank, and visceral; an unconventional consideration of bulimia,” wrote Kirkus Reviews about Thin, and I by Andrijka Keller. Readers Favorite hailed it as “Eloquent and moving,” underscoring its raw honesty and remarkable depth. This memoir takes readers on a whirlwind journey through the eyes of a teenager wrestling with Bulimia Nervosa, Major Depressive Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder—diagnoses that Keller received when she was just 15.
From the very start, Keller’s candid style sets the tone for a narrative that is both unfiltered and deeply empathetic. She doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of mental health struggles; instead, she embraces them, sharing her story with surprising humor along the way. For anyone seeking a genuine look at the complexities of living with an eating disorder, Thin, and I offers insight, validation, and even a touch of optimism.
A Journey through Inpatient Treatment
At the heart of Keller’s memoir is her time spent in inpatient treatment—an experience that proves pivotal in her story. Having initially resisted traditional treatment, Keller recounts the power struggles with her medical team and the friendships she forged with other patients. She approaches these memories with a combination of raw honesty and dark humor, painting a picture of what it’s really like to live through an experience few can fully understand.
The choice to be transparent about her medication journey—starting with Prozac and eventually being prescribed four more medications—highlights the complexity of finding the right path to recovery. Keller’s account acknowledges that while medication can provide relief and support, it can also come with challenges that aren’t always discussed openly. This blend of perspectives shapes her memoir into a nuanced, empathetic story rather than a one-sided conversation about treatment.
Meet the Author: Andrijka Keller
Andrijka Keller first discovered her love for writing in the fifth grade, when she won a local literary contest. Ever since, she has nurtured her passion for storytelling, developing a relaxed yet engaging approach that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. Currently based in Philadelphia, Keller is pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling, further reflecting her dedication to supporting others on their mental health journeys.
When she’s not writing, Keller can be found sipping black coffee, practicing yoga, or discussing life’s mysteries with her cat. She’s also an avid reader, drawing inspiration from a wide range of authors and genres. Her debut memoir, Thin, and I, stands as a testament to her commitment to shedding light on topics that are often kept in the dark. Though her first published work is a memoir, she hints at plans to write a novel in the future, keeping her creativity and passion for storytelling alive.
Recovery, Reflection, and Moving Forward
Thin, and I dives into the messy, complicated, and often unpredictable process of recovery. Keller’s story doesn’t follow a neat, linear path; instead, it’s marked by setbacks, defiance, and eventual self-realization. She openly shares the moments when she felt close to giving up, alongside the small but significant victories that fueled her determination to heal.
By offering such a personal glimpse into her struggle with an eating disorder, Keller seeks to help others feel less alone. Whether readers are battling similar issues or simply curious about the realities of mental health recovery, her narrative serves as a source of comfort and clarity. The blend of humor—at times dark, at times laugh-out-loud funny—carries readers through heavy subject matter without diminishing the gravity of the experience.
Readers who find themselves drawn to stories of hope, survival, and self-acceptance will discover much to admire in Keller’s memoir. Her voice is refreshingly authentic, showing that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, open-mindedness, and the willingness to confront painful truths.
For those interested in exploring her work further, Thin, and I is available on Amazon. Keller’s unflinching honesty and spirited humor promise a reading experience that is as enlightening as it is emotionally gripping.
By shining a spotlight on the realities of mental health struggles and recovery, Keller challenges societal stigmas and encourages meaningful conversations about self-acceptance. Her compelling memoir stands as both a powerful personal testimony and a beacon of hope for readers navigating their own journeys toward healing.
We had the privilege of interviewing Andrijka Keller. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi Andrijka, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi, I’m a writer and the author of Thin, and I; a memoir that chronicles my experiences with an eating disorder, treatment, and recovery. Beyond writing, I advocate for mental health awareness, particularly around eating disorders and the realities of recovery.
Please tell us about your book.
Thin, and I is a raw, unfiltered account of my teenage years spent battling an eating disorder. It captures my time in inpatient treatment, the friendships I made, the power struggles with my medical team, and the deeply personal process of reclaiming my life. The book doesn’t sugarcoat anything—it’s honest, darkly humorous at times, and reflects the reality of what it’s like to be young and navigating recovery.
Please share your journey with our readers.
My struggle with an eating disorder started in my early teens, and for years, I lived in secrecy. At 16, I was admitted to an inpatient facility, where I was forced to confront my disorder head-on. Recovery wasn’t linear—there were relapses, defiance, and moments when I wanted to give up entirely. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted to get better, not for anyone else, but for myself. My journey didn’t end after treatment—it’s something I continue to navigate every day. Writing Thin was a way to process everything I went through, and I hope it helps others feel seen and understood.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Honesty with myself. I had to acknowledge that I wasn’t okay before I could even think about getting better. Finding the right people. Whether it was friends in treatment, my support system outside of it, or therapists who actually listened, surrounding myself with people who understood was crucial. Letting go of perfection. Recovery isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making progress, even when it’s messy. Writing. Putting my experiences into words helped me process emotions I didn’t know how to verbalize at the time. Focusing on small victories. Sometimes, success was just eating a meal without guilt or going a day without symptoms. Those moments built up over time.
Any message for our readers?
Recovery is possible, but it has to be something you choose for yourself. No one can force you into it. It’s not easy, and it won’t always be pretty, but life on the other side is worth it. Also, if you’re struggling, please reach out to someone. You’re not alone.
Thank you so much, Andrijka, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!