Your Own Kind of Girl, by Clare Bowditch

In a different kind of memoir, singer-songwriter Clare Bowditch details her long struggle for body acceptance starting from a very young age. The book has a curious overlapping structure. The first, and more substantial section, details Clare’s childhood, the slow accretion of anxiety that led to her breakdown at the age of 21 and her slow, ongoing recovery. The second goes into her relationship with music and her career, which are inextricably linked with the development of her relationship with her life partner Marty. It’s a bit odd at the start of the second section to realise that the early gigging and songwriting were happening at the same time as the increasing unwellness. But this actually works well to demonstrate that people seemingly functioning well and doing good creative work may still be touched by mental illness. In fact, of course, it can happen to anyone. Even people with supportive families, good friends and loving relationships can struggle with anxiety, eating disorders and getting help to deal with them. Imagine then how much more difficult it is for people without those things in their lives. Clare Bowditch is honest, funny and empathetic, baring her soul in the interest of helping others. Her book is an entertaining, if sometimes painful read, offering insights and resources to those who may need them.