Reviews

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The Proper Mental Podcast

02 Aug 2021

It seems quite strange to write about how much I enjoyed this book because obviously it's a true story about two real people's lives, but I did very much enjoy reading this book! It's a compelling read and from very early on I felt committed to reading it and wanted to know how it ended. A lot of this is down to the style of writing. The way the book is written from two perspectives (Paul and his daughter Natasha) is quite different to anything else I've read before and really adds something different to the experience. I found it to be a tough read at times, which of course I expected given the subject matter, but the way it's written and the way the story ebbs and flows through the timeline does give welcome breaks to the more challenging aspects of the story. It's a very honest book and a very brave one too and I'm really glad I read it. I had very little knowledge of PTSD and C-PTSD beforehand and now that I've read the book, I can really see how this aspect of mental health is stigmatised and misunderstood. Ultimately, it's a really good read, it's sad in places and uplifting in others, there's some humour in there too and that, combined with the style of writing, make reading it a very rewarding experience. It's a true story that reads like fiction and deals with really tough subject matter in a very honest and compassionate way. It's definitely a book I'll revisit again in the future.

Tom Davies

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Readers

You are the reason we did this, and we are grateful for every one of you.

1 March 2021

j cook

One of those books you give to others

A true story of entwined lives and the impact of mental health issues. This book tells the experience of therapy from the perspectives of the patient, the therapist and family and friends. You get your money’s worth. Partly it tells real experiences, useful to anyone in therapy, or for those supporting others. This book is also a page turner. It is entirely factual, yet it is also a drama. It’s an epic tale of other people’s lives. This is one of those books that I know I will read again someday, but also find myself buying again to help someone else.

17 March 2021

Emmy Carter

A beautifully written book

This was a beautifully written book and like stated it is a very difficult read. There aren’t many books on C-ptsd, especially first-hand accounts, so I was interested to read this. Another thing I loved was that it’s written by a father and daughter, so we get the firsthand account and the perspective of a loved one. Ultimately, it’s a story of hope, but also acknowledging the fact that the healing continues. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

25 February 2021

Amanda

The strength and resilience of Paul and Natasha’s relationship, is nothing short of inspiring!

The strength and resilience of Paul and Natasha’s relationship, a relationship which has forged itself that way to survive, is nothing short of inspiring. It’s hard not to read this and feel deeply privileged to be let in on the inside of such a vulnerable, raw, and mind-blowingly powerful story. The journey of therapy, of rebuilding yourself is immense and Paul & Natasha describe it so well. Their individual unique ways of storytelling and different viewpoints provide a delicate insight into the impact of childhood trauma and its knock-on effects and perceptions. I was drawn in from the start, on the edge of my seat, eyes wide open as if I’m witnessing something so secret and hidden from the world. Two inner worlds. One humongous journey. The kind of journey which is rarely shared. I am in awe of Paul’s courage and strength and his drive to make a difference in the world. And of Natasha’s softness and compassion. There were many moments where I couldn’t put this book down.

26 February 2021

Sara

Reading this book feels like reading parts of my own story back at me

Reading this book feels like reading parts of my own story back at me. Parts of me that I never have, and probably never will, be courageous enough to tell another living soul. The journey of therapy involves breaking down every single part of you. Rebuilding yourself again is the biggest voyage anyone can take! In this book you both write about this process so much better than I've ever been able to articulate in my own mind. Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you. From deep within my soul. Today, for the first time, I feel much less alone in that journey. And what's more for the things I can't even begin to articulate to the ones I love, I have this book. An actual, physical book, which I can hand to the one I love and say, if you want to understand me .... read this.

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