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neenor's review against another edition
5.0
Four stars for the book itself, five stars because of what it means.
I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and I’ve had it since I was 10 years old. In some ways I’m lucky, because I got diagnosed and treated early, and a lot of my obsessions and compulsions are the ones commonly talked about (contamination, checking, etc.). Obsessions that aren’t so well known are the intrusive thoughts, which can often be of a violent, harmful, or sexual nature. Having these thoughts doesn’t make the person dangerous - it’s just excessive doubt and fear of the worst, which obviously causes great anxiety. Because these topics are perceived as taboo, people don’t really talk about them - and that means that when someone with OCD gets these thoughts, they don’t want to tell anyone for fear that they will be labelled as violent or a pervert or a paedophile (which they are not). Treatment is widely available and can be really helpful, but because of these fears individuals will avoid seeking help, leading to obsessions and compulsions getting worse and their quality of life rapidly deteriorating.
This needs to stop, and Pure is a step towards that change. Rose is so open about her experiences with ‘Pure O’ (OCD that commonly manifests with intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions, making it seem as if the person isn’t doing compulsions when they actually are), and I think it is fantastic that Channel 4 are turning it into a series. This message needs to get out there, and I really hope that as more people learn about this story, there will be greater awareness and acceptance of OCD, leading more individuals feeling able to safely seek help.
I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and I’ve had it since I was 10 years old. In some ways I’m lucky, because I got diagnosed and treated early, and a lot of my obsessions and compulsions are the ones commonly talked about (contamination, checking, etc.). Obsessions that aren’t so well known are the intrusive thoughts, which can often be of a violent, harmful, or sexual nature. Having these thoughts doesn’t make the person dangerous - it’s just excessive doubt and fear of the worst, which obviously causes great anxiety. Because these topics are perceived as taboo, people don’t really talk about them - and that means that when someone with OCD gets these thoughts, they don’t want to tell anyone for fear that they will be labelled as violent or a pervert or a paedophile (which they are not). Treatment is widely available and can be really helpful, but because of these fears individuals will avoid seeking help, leading to obsessions and compulsions getting worse and their quality of life rapidly deteriorating.
This needs to stop, and Pure is a step towards that change. Rose is so open about her experiences with ‘Pure O’ (OCD that commonly manifests with intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions, making it seem as if the person isn’t doing compulsions when they actually are), and I think it is fantastic that Channel 4 are turning it into a series. This message needs to get out there, and I really hope that as more people learn about this story, there will be greater awareness and acceptance of OCD, leading more individuals feeling able to safely seek help.
lifeinsilver's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Such an interesting book. Rose takes us with her through her struggles with OCD in such an informative and emotional way. I would definitely recommend this book to people looking to learn more about the experience of people with OCD.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
Moderate: Self harm and Medical trauma
mhewza's review against another edition
5.0
Compelling and insightful - would recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about OCD
steph_84's review against another edition
4.0
Omg THANK YOU ROSE for writing this book. I ordered it to be sent from England because there was nothing like it in Australia. Yes there are books about OCD, but not about Pure O and not written by young women. I had no idea it existed until it happened to me, and I wished I had a book like this. I’m so glad I now know it is out in the world.
I don’t agree completely with everything in here about OCD treatment (eg. I don’t think anxiety and OCD can necessarily be disentangled within in a person, and the treatment of each is different), but the book is bold, engaging, thought-provoking (no pun intended) and an important story to tell. I’m going to try to pass on my copy to someone else who needs it as much as I did.
I don’t agree completely with everything in here about OCD treatment (eg. I don’t think anxiety and OCD can necessarily be disentangled within in a person, and the treatment of each is different), but the book is bold, engaging, thought-provoking (no pun intended) and an important story to tell. I’m going to try to pass on my copy to someone else who needs it as much as I did.
leahjoner's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0