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New York Times Bestselling Author Marya Hornbacher to Speak at Appalachian State University on Oct. 28

Oct. 1, 2013. Harper Collins published Marya Horbacher’s first book when she was 23. “Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia” went on to be translated into 16 languages and became required reading in universities around the world. Hornbacher followed this success with a novel in 2005 and then with the critically acclaimed bestseller “Madness: A Bipolar Life.”

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Photo by Mark Trockman/trockstock.com

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) High Country and the Appalachian State University Counseling Center are proud to present an evening with Marya Hornbacher, Monday Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at I.G. Greer Auditorium on the ASU campus. In addition to sharing some of her own experiences, the author will speak on hope and recovery in the lives of people touched by mental illness. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that one in five Americans experiences a mental disorder in any given year.

All five of Hornbacher’s books will be available for purchase from the ASU bookstore at the event. Her novel, the “Center of Winter,” tells the story of a family devastated by suicide. Her two most recent books, “Sane: Mental Illness, Addiction and the Twelves Steps” and “Waiting: A Nonbeliever’s Higher Power” are aimed at those working through recovery.

A journalist and a poet as well, Marya pulls no punches in recounting her journey through mental illness. Her descriptions of exuberant manias, blind rages and depression can be difficult to read, but will ring true to those who have experienced or witnessed bipolar disorder unchecked. She is equally stark in portraying the ravages of an eating disorder that began when she was only nine, and the substance addiction she battled as an adult.

A member of the Creative Writing Faculty at Northwestern University, Marya is the recipient of many awards, including the ASCAP Award for music journalism. Admission to the event is free.

The ASU Counseling Center offers free counseling services and referrals to all currently-enrolled students including services specific to eating disorders. It is located in the Miles Annas Student Services building on campus. Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday 1-4 p.m. and Friday 1-3 p.m.

HAMI High Country welcomes all those whose lives have been touched by mental illness, offering support, education and advocacy. Meetings are held first Mondays of every month at 7 p.m.