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. :)

Got this as a gift for my friend but after reading bits of it I really want it for myself. It's beautiful designed and full of very poignant, honest, and thoughtful writing that ranges from songs followed explanations of them or experiences they were inspired by, tips on sex, cooking recipes, and little anecdotes. It both looks beautiful and is beautiful.

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.

This book is what I expected and more from her. As someone who has watched her channel for a long time now, I was very excited when she announced that she had written a book. It is entertaining but informative, providing an outlook into her journey and advice to young people in the world. It was a wonderful read, and I hope that she will consider publishing more books in the future.

I think someone said this book is like a warm hug from dodie. That’s was one of the comments that made me read it, and I got the same out of it. A bittersweet, big sisterly, hug. ❤️

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!

I’ve never felt so connected emotionally to a book until reading this wonderful creation. Dodie is an incredibly interesting and kind individual and this book is well worth the cost. It will be sticking by my side for a long time. Not only is the book interesting and well written- it is also very aesthetically pleasing to look at/skim through.

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 ❤️❤️❤️

I knew dodie because of her music, and I think she is an amazing artist. The book will most deffinetly not dissapoint. You will find experiences shes has gone through and it will make you understand soo much better her music. Even if you dont know her songs, it is a wonderfull, down to earth and honest book.

its a super heavy book at times with no real warnings about some of the more triggering content so if thats something that may affect you negatively i would definitely keep that in mind - but that being said its a lovely and relatively short read as i read the entire thing in one sitting and i never felt bored or uninterested. dodie’s way of writing is so unique and sweet and i love hearing about her life in these poetic snip-its. the book itself is super pretty too and very nice quality. id definitely give it a read :)

Si te gusta la artista puedes conocer más de ella y te da consejos sobre la vida:) Se merece más de 5 estrellas

I usually don’t like books that claims to be in the genre of self help book . But this one is unique and different it’s doesn’t criticize u and don’t ask u to change ur life , it’s basically like talking to ur friends with many life stories and life lessons

Item arrived within the first few days of the expected duration. In perfectly good condition despite it being second hand. Highly recommended!