Reviews

Secrets for the Mad by Dodie Clark

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theresagoers's review against another edition

3.0

Finished this book in one go! It is like talking to a friend, one of those that you feel comfortable talking to but at the same time you are not particularly close. You just understand each other, you have been experiencing similar situations and there is no awkwardness when opening up about the really fucked up shit you have been through. Finally, when all is out, you just sit in silence for a bit, both reflecting about the ups and downs in your life and it’s just peaceful. And after you finished your glass of wine, you just go home and in a few month you will meet again to do it all over, knowing that both of you are looking forward to it.

thereading_giant's review against another edition

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5.0

To rate this anything other than 5 stars would be impossible for it is nothing short of human. Raw and unflinching, Dodie paints us a picture of what it means to feel like a roller coaster. I felt myself pulled to her stories through the string that connects me with my past hurt and my mental illnesses. Anyone could find a part of themselves in this book.

ragecleaner's review against another edition

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5.0

Dodie's honest and emotional way of writing had me laughing, crying and thinking about my life too. I feel like everything she touches turns into art and this one is no exception. I love her and everything she does and this book will stay in my favorites. I am sure I will come back to again.

miabluu's review against another edition

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4.0

Having a bit of a fucked up mind myself, I've always connected to the way dodie thinks. This book was a beautiful, deeper insight to her thoughts that made me feel even more connected to her.
I may be biased because I love her but I don't think this was "another book by yet another YouTuber", this was more a girl telling her story.
I also enjoyed dodie's writing. It was just simple, not trying to sound pretentious, more like writing out a simple story for a friend.
I've never been a huge fan of non fiction but this is really enjoyable and I was actually able to learn a few things (thanks dodie and Dan for those recipes I'm gonna try them out)!!

promfairy's review against another edition

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3.0

as much as i loved some parts of this book, my problem with dodie's art continues to be just how pretentious she is. everything is said again and again and again with no real details being added and i understand they're traumatic and really big for her, but a memoir is not that interesting if you keep tiptoeing around the same three or four topics. the mental health advice is okay but i feel like im just agreeing because ive been worse to be better too and they wouldn't really help someone who's not doing great. the eating disorder bit is so uncomfortable there are so many unnecessary details and photos ????? she is talking about regretting posts where she's showing her body for that purpose.. while publishing the pictures... i just don't get it. worth it if you like her just for the experience, wouldn't recommend in general

ethemcd2023's review against another edition

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4.0

I love all the Dodie I can get! This book was definitely for people who know her already, but she went more in-depth about her life. It wasn't a full autobiography, and the layout was a bit strange, but I still liked it. I loved how she included her song lyrics and pictures of her - it was a very aesthetically pleasing book! There is some heavy stuff in here (depression, depersonalization, eating disorders, etc.), but also some nice stuff (recipes, a letter to her sister, tips on how to deal with things, etc.) and now I know more about one of my favorite artists.