Because We Are Bad
OCD and a Girl Lost in Thought
by Lily Bailey
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Pub Date 12 Mar 2018 | Archive Date 30 Jun 2020
Canbury Press | Canbury Press Ltd
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Description
Washington Post top 50 non-fiction book of 2018
'Extremely compelling' - The Guardian
As a child, Lily Bailey knew she was bad.
By the age of 13, she had killed someone with a thought, spread untold disease, and spied upon her classmates.
Only by performing a series of secret routines could she correct her wrongdoing. But it was never enough. She had a severe case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and it came with a bizarre twist.
This mental health memoir lights up the workings of the mind like Mark Haddon or Matt Haig.
Anyone who wants to know about OCD, and how to fight back, should read this book. Immerse yourself in a new world.
'Model and journalist Bailey offers an authentic and stunning account of her struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in this beautifully-rendered memoir.'
- Publishers Weekly
'This powerful memoir depicts obsessive-compulsive disorder not as the almost-charming hang-up seen in popular culture but as a hellscape of tortured routines, phobias and guilt.'
- Washington Post
'Extremely compelling'
- The Guardian
'Searing... funny, eloquent and honest'
- Psychologies
'Often as chilling as Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, but also full of so much inner and external turbulence that it reminded me at times of The Bourne Identity and Memento. Because We Are Bad is an intense heart-rending roller coaster of a book...'
- Huffpost UK
'A harrowingly honest memoir of profound psychological struggle. In her courageous book, the author offers compelling insight into the pain and destructive power of OCD as well as the resilience of a young woman determined to beat the odds.'
- Kirkus Reviews
Advance Praise
'A powerful memoir depicts obsessive-compulsive disorder not as the almost-charming hang-up seen in popular culture but as a hellscape of tortured routines, phobias and guilt.'
- 50 Notable Works of Non-fiction in 2018, Washington Post
'Model and journalist Bailey offers an authentic and stunning account of her struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in this beautifully-rendered memoir.'
- Publishers Weekly
'Extremely compelling'
- The Guardian
'Searing... funny, eloquent and honest'
- Psychologies
'Often as chilling as Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, but also full of so much inner and external turbulence that it reminded me at times of The Bourne Identity and Memento. An intense heart-rending roller coaster of a book...'
- Huffpost UK
'A harrowingly honest memoir of profound psychological struggle. In her courageous book, the author offers compelling insight into the pain and destructive power of OCD as well as the resilience of a young woman determined to beat the odds.'
- Kirkus
'I laughed, I cried. I could not put this book down. Intensely moving with flashes of black humour.'
- Rosanna Greenstreet, freelance journalist
'A fascinating read. It's brilliantly written; I felt inside your head.'
- Ray D'Arcy Show, RTE Radio 1
'Because We Are Bad is an emotional, challenging read. Lily takes us deep into the heart of the illness but she is also a deft writer, and even the darkest moments are peppered with wit and wry observations.'
- James Lloyd, OCD-UK
'It's a fascinating read... Buy the book! Buy the book!'
- Jo Good, BBC Radio London
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780993040740 |
| PRICE | £7.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 256 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Abby S, Reviewer
A raw heart wrenching look at a young woman suffering from a psychological disorder OCD.This is not an easy disease to live with cope with.Lily Bailey .Lily is a strong young woman who admits her struggles her coping she has a very funny dark sense of humor.A look at an illness most of us know very little about and will now understand through Lily Baileys daily existence. Highly recommend! Thanks #netgalley #canburypress
Paul T, Reviewer
This is the true story of someone with severe OCD, covering her life from a young child to adulthood. It tells the tale of how the ‘illness’ took hold, what chaos and trauma it caused not only to the author but to her parents and those who surrounded her.
This book draws you into her world to the point of almost feeling claustrophobically real. It describes so vividly - as strange as it is to say - in real time how OCD compels her to act and what the effect it has on her.
It plunges into the depths of what OCD did to her, but without giving the storyline away, how she learns, eventually to cope.
It is utterly compelling and heart wrenching, I personally found it harrowing in parts. But there are laugh out loud moments as well. Sometimes you’re frustrated to hell with her; sometimes willing her on. Either way, you feel for her.
If the author happens to read this - I sincerely hope you don’t think I’m being patronising here. This is a brave, honest warts and all book. Not only a good read but if you are, or someone else you know is, suffering with OCD it will give you very useful insights.
Joanna P, Reviewer
Lily Bailey writes with brutal honesty about living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This misunderstood mental health problem is about thoughts and compulsions (actions you must take) that take over your life.
We hear about how Lily surrenders her days - and to sone extent her personality - to her repetitive compulsions , such as making lists of supposed misdemeanours she’s committed.
We get an insight into the trauma of living like this, and it’s painful to witness.
But this is also an uplifting tale of Lily’s fight to take back the life she wants.
I found if illuminating, inspiring and devastating. Highly recommended.
Cen R, Reviewer
An emotional read. This book gives you an idea of the life Lilly has when dealing with her psychological disorder OCD.
This is a condition that has very little or nothing is ever talked about. It’s like a taboo subject.
Highly recommended
Thank you to both NetGalley and Canbury Press Ltd for my eARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review
Elaine T, Reviewer
What a courageous book giving us a rare insight into the life and daily battles of somebody with OCD. Written with heart-wrenching honesty and, at times, a wry humour, Lily Bailey has done a great job of letting us into her inner world and her daily battles with herself and her obsessions. Despite its difficult subject matter Lily’s determination to fight to overcome her obsessions is inspirational.
A gem of a book offering a deep understanding of this horrible illness for all of us and particularly useful for anybody trying to understand a loved one with OCD.
S B, Reviewer
A heart felt read about the true life struggles of Lily Bailey dealing with her psychological disorder OCD.
The book is well written and emotionally draining you feel her pain and struggles bye the end you're rooting for her to have a happy ending.
Highly recommended
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