Here's a sneak peek at the cover, advance praise, and summary of my book, Stable Weight: A Memoir of Hunger, Horses, and Hope, which is available March 2, 2021, from Hopewell Publications.
Advance Praise
“Stable Weight is a beautiful description of courage and persistence . . . a testament to finding hope in connection and strength in relying on that connection.”
--Jilian Lampert, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., L.D., F.A.E.D., Chief Strategy Officer for The Emily Program
“Whalen's melodic prose [brings] fresh insight into the connectivity between seemingly unlike things. [She] tells the truth about falling away and sparking back to life again . . .”
--Barrie Jean Borich, author of Apocalypse, Darling and Body Geographic; editor of Slag Glass City
“Stable Weight illustrates the way horses mirror our own emotions, helping us to overcome trauma, become more mindful, and live in the present.”
--Tom & Liz McCadden, owners and trainers of Seventh Farm Riding School
“. . . a how-to of female self-empowerment. Whalen has a deep understanding of what can paralyze us as women, yet how, with help from the equine fleet of foot, we can soar.”
--Leanne Zainer, literature professor and horse trainer
“This is a moving, lyrical memoir of heart and determination.”
--Gail Folkins, award-winning author of Light in the Trees
“Stable Weight is intimate and touching. Lisa Whalen’s voice is lyrical and honest, poetic and poignant. . . .Women everywhere will relate to the issues Lisa faces, such as body image and low self-esteem. Further, they will be inspired to search for their own path toward healing.”
--Marni Freedman, Co-founder and Programming Director for The San Diego Writers Festival; Programming Director for the San Diego Memoir Association (SDMA); author of the award-winning Amazon bestseller Permission to Roar
Summary
A lifetime of trying to be perfect lands Lisa Whalen in the psych ward at age 29. Eating-disorder treatment sets her on a path toward health, but her progress stalls until she meets 10 special horses. They teach her to face her fears, trust her intuition, live in the moment, and love her body. A story of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of human-animal bonds, Stable Weight illustrates that what matters isn’t whether we fall, but that we rise. Available with purchase: free book club guide, educator’s guide, lesson plans, and assignments appropriate for high school and up.
Author Photo and Bio
Lisa Whalen’s writing has also appeared in An Introvert in an Extrovert World; The Simpsons’ Beloved Springfield; Introvert, Dear; and Adanna, among other publications. She has a Ph.D. in postsecondary and adult education and an M.A. in creative and critical writing. She teaches composition, creative writing, literature, and journalism at North Hennepin Community College, where she was selected Minnesota College Faculty Association Educator of the Year in 2019. In her spare time, she is an equestrian and volunteer for the Animal Humane Society. Follow her on social media @LisaIrishWhalen.