Secrets for the Mad: Obsessions, Confessions and Life Lessons

Down to Earth and incendiary at the same time is how I would describe this book. Reading this was a lot like a firework, Dodie lit the fuze from the ground and we watched the embers creep along in a slow burn before being blasted off to the sky, able to see everything at once and take in all that beautiful bursting, shimmering, fizzing, and as we drift back down, we are the sparks and embers twinkling the sky like stardust and landing back on the ground, scattered, grateful for our journey.I've been a fan of Dodie for a while (over a few years) and as a writer myself I was incredibly excited to receive this in the mail. I rushed to the mail room listening to the song this book is named after, only to leave, skipping along in full-on musical mode to "In The Middle" because I wanted to be stuck between these pages. I returned to my room to immediately devour this book, only pausing to walk to the dining hall for dinner, eating and reading at the same time, and then once more to walk to my friend's apartment to finish this book. I read the entirety in seven hours, and I needed every minute of those seven hours, and I wish I could have a century of it. Reading this, everything in my head about my own depression and disassociation clicked, because I could relate on such a deep, personal level with every word. This book helped me understand where I am in my life, and what I need to do to move forward, and why exactly Dodie's music has been so very important to me. I'm sharing my experience with you, person reading this review, because I hope that you will pick up this book and read it and find yourself in a way that most people cannot. And even if you don't have mental illness or don't know Dodie's music, you can still read this book and understand its contents and relate it to other people in your life.There is something for everyone here, a hybrid non-fiction piece containing anecdotes, memoirs, journal entries, illustrations, song lyrics, poems, photographs, and even recipes! Each element of the book frames everything around it, and not a bit of its contents feels out of place or missing a purpose. Dodie does an incredible job setting up her topics with narratives and lyrics and can whisk you along from one thing to the next without missing a beat. It is clear that there is an extreme amount of care and process to this book, and it is absolutely worth every moment you spend with it. So please, I insist, pick up a copy, make yourself comfortable, and read. You won't regret it. :)

ive loved dodie since i was in middle school, and finally got her book pretty recently, and im so in love. the way she writes is beautiful, and the little doodles give it so much life and meaning. im so glad i bought it! :)

I just ordered dodie’s book to give to my friend for her birthday, she LOVES her. I ordered it new and it came in perfect condition. No torn edges or marks. Plus it arrived just in time for her birthday (as expected of the delivery date)! It looks very cute :)

Such an awesome book! I’ve reread it a few times and it still tears me up! It’s funny, emotional, supportive, you name it. Dodie is so amazing ❤️❤️❤️

Read this all in 1.5 sittings (I basically moved to a comfier chair part-way through). Many things in here I have (and am) experiencing myself, and it was in a way slightly therapeutic to be able to read someone else's reactions and feelings and thoughts, as so many of them have run through my own head at one time or another.This may not be a self-help book, but I definitely feel different and in the best possible way. And that's how you know you've found an amazing book.

Dodie is one of the most skilled writers I know. (Not actually know but read books and lyrics from) Whilst reading this book, I had tears in my eyes the entire time. At some parts, these tears were let out, and on others, they turned to laughter and joy. I would especially recommend this book to people struggling with mental health issues and feeling like you're the only one who feels like this. I'm sorry that my review stinks bc I don't usually write reviews, but just know this book is fantastically written an I highly recommend it.

I love listening to Dodie’s music and watching her videos so when I heard that she wrote a book I was thrilled and quickly ordered it! It didn’t disappoint at all! I loved every one of the sections and really enjoyed the photos and song lyrics that are included as well. Her vulnerability and strength to share things that society often “keeps quiet” about is truly inspiring especially since I can relate to so many of the issues she brings up. Thank you so much for sharing your world with us, Dodie!

This is one of those books that I make it to the twentieth page out of over two hundred and I don't need to read more before I know the book will earn a special place on my shelf. Dodie, thank you. Not only is the book itself visually stunning (with the pictures, colors, drawings, visuals of all sorts), but it's honest and speaks true to not only my personal mental health struggle, but likely many other's as well. Sometimes you're teaching, sometimes you're taught, the world keeps spinning, and you survive.

Both me and my boyfriend are a big fan of Dodie and this book is no short of brilliant. With the layout, images and very personal, heartfelt story.The only issue I'd bring up, is to stay far away from this book if you are currently suffering from mental health problems.I had to put it down after reading so many chapters, due to how heavy the content got and how it started to bring out some very negative emotions in me. Dodie doesn't shy away from the nasty parts of ill mental health. And whislt I admire her bravery for making such issues known to the public, I could see it potentially triggering others.Dodie does give good tips on the matter, and there are other excellent parts to the book. But if you're looking for something to help with your depression / anxiety etc. You're better off with an author professionally trained on the subject matter. This is just one person's experience. And it's a good experience to read. Just not for everyone.(Since moved up to 5 stars as the issues are more personal than the book itself)

I have become obsessed with YouTuber books. But I have to say that Dodie's is by far the best. I get the feeling with most that I've read that they're aimed at a younger audience, and I wish I'd had them when I was younger, but Dodie has created the most relatable memoir I could ask for. She perfectly describes coming of age experiences, and it's quite comforting. She is an inspiration about how you can always learn from your experiences. I would highly recommend anyone read this book.

Absolutely loved this book! I have followed dodie's music over the years and was very excited when I saw this come out. She definitely did not disappoint. You can tell even if just from her lyrics that she is clearly a very talented writer. Her book is written in a relatable, lighthearted at times whilst also being very real, and also humerous and anecdotal way. It's is very dodieesque, and a lovely insight into her journey and encounters with her struggles of mental health, love and life over the years. Good job dodie.

The way Dodie has written this book feels so warm and inviting. The general tone makes you feel as though you are having a conversation with your sister or friend. She is very wise for her age and offers some astute life advice and I also find it very interesting to learn about the stories behind some of her amazing songs! Thank you Dodie! It's wonderful for someone to do openly talk about mental health and to be reminded you are not alone in your experiences, nor are you weird for experiencing them.

I started reading this book as soon as I got it yesterday and it's something that I can really relate to. It's already helped me think about things I'm feeling in a different way and I can't wait to read more. It's well written and a great insight in to mental health and certain conditions that not everyone knows about. Reading a book and being able to understand the struggles of the writer even a little bit is a rewarding experience and to hear the struggles of someone else really puts everything in to perspective. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest and I am feeling the effects of it already, it's making me question certain things in a good way, helping me to understand what I feel and dodie has done such a good job with this book it was definitely worth the wait. Thank you dodie for a brilliant book and something that I will use when I'm not feelin 100%. It is great and you should definitely be proud! Well done!