Reviews

Secrets for the Mad by Dodie Clark

kathydubs10's review against another edition

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3.0

I felt so-so about this book. I've followed Dodie for a few years now, but I don't really know much about her, which is why I picked this up. As far as YouTuber books go, I think there are many which are written....more like books? If that makes sense? Dodie's was in the middle of the pack for me because it was more of a scrapbook of sorts, which I think was its intent. It's filled with photos, songs, poems, and reflections. One thing I will give Dodie is that her stories in this are all very raw. Knowing them now helps me understand her and her music a lot better, so I appreciate Dodie's candor and willingness to put it all in a book. That's huge. Given all that though, not my favorite. It doesn't take away from my liking Dodie at all, no one bit, but I think I expected this to be something different than what it was.

udawn's review against another edition

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5.0

I remember being super excited for this book and running to a Barnes&Noble to pick it up. After reading it, the artist that I loved so much at the time just made me find more reasons to absolutely adore her. Learning about her life and her struggles with mental illness as well as following her on her journey of building her YouTube channel... it's sad that I'm not as much as a fan of her anymore, as I rarely listen to her music now. But this book left a really big impression on me and I will continue to think of dodie highly because of it.

gracenick3's review against another edition

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4.0

As someone that deals with derealization, it was incredibly empowering to hear someone put the feelings and sensations into words-- not to mention that someone was Dodie Clark. Lovely lady and a lovely book, this books feels relatable and comforting, like a big hug for the young adult mind.

ollysmulti's review against another edition

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might pick it back up but tbf i tried reading it when i was like 15, was not prepared.

judemoon's review against another edition

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5.0

Dodie es una de mis youtubers favoritas y cuando vi que había sacado un libro no dudé ni un minuto en comprármelo. Hice bien. La forma que tiene de ver la vida y esa magia especial que se ven en sus vídeos es exactamente la misma en este ensayo. Cuenta experiencias personales de una forma literaria preciosa, y da consejos muy útiles sobre cosas que le han pasado en la vida. La edición del libro es preciosa, ya que intercala letras de canciones suyas, fotos, anécdotas y demás, y eso suma puntos. Ha cumplido todas mis expectativas. 9/10

theresagoers's review against another edition

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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