Non-fiction book of the month: MAD GIRL by BRYONY GORDON

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Our non-fiction book choice for August is Mad Girl - journalist Bryony Gordon's memoir about a life ruled by OCD. Her funny yet sincere prose makes this as enjoyable as it is informative.

We're giving away 50 copies of Mad Girl so apply for yours now! The giveaway ends on Monday 8 August.

You don't have to win a copy to take part in the discussion - everyone is welcome to come and talk about the book here. If you're not lucky enough to bag one, you can always buy a copy.

Thank you for my copy. I really liked this book. It is very involving, extremely well-written, funny while dealing with a serious topic. My only misgiving was, having read Bryony's last book The Wrong Knickers, I knew large chunks had been recycled and given a more "serious" mental-health spin, so felt slightly cheated on that score. If you had to choose a book, go straight to Mad Girl, it's better.

But the honesty and passion made up for that. It's a book I'll definitely keep to give to my dds in a few years, because there are many lessons to be learned from it, not least how cocaine turns people into idiots, which they will take much better from Bryony than me.

I really enjoyed this book, and thank you for my copy. It's very brave of Bryony to share so much with her readers - sometimes it seemed almost too much, too sad, some scenes were very raw. Although she says it's not a self help book, I'm sure it's been a huge help for others in her situation, particularly those whose problems are undiagnosed and those without family and friends to support them, who must feel very alone. Good on her for starting the mental health support group. Apart from anything else, Mad Girl is a very well-written book, and manages to be entertaining even though the core subject is so dark. I usually leave behind books that I take to read on holiday, but heavy though it was, this one had to be squeezed back in the hand luggage, as I want to pass it on. I'm looking forward to the webchat on 4 October, and would love to know how the Mental Health Mates are getting on. Thanks again!

Wow. I've just finished this and can't believe how brave Bryony Gordon is in sharing something so painful and raw with us all. The chatty tone really 'normalised' what is often a taboo topic. I found it an inspiring read. What comes across is how many people around us must be seemingly functioning 'normally' but dealing with mental health issues and needing support.

Rudely didn't say thank you for my copy. I'm not sure this is a book I would otherwise have come across but am really glad I read it and it will be passed onto a friend.

I applaud her. Not many people are honest about their illness and their battle with depression. A very good book and I would highly recommend it. I think we all sufger from depression in our life at some point. Sharing her experience, her troubles, her anxieties Bryony simply shows us not to be ashamed of whatever we are going through!

A reminder that Bryony is joining us for an online chat and to answer your questions tomorrow evening at 9pm on this thread. Do join us!

Thank you for my copy which I have only just round to reading. I am enjoying it but can't say I love it. I swing from sympathising to irritation - but then I think that is probably realistic and what she would expect. She is completely honest and forthcoming and i really admire her for this. Just not sure if it's adding anything to my understanding or provoking any thoughts I didn't have....

WOW WHAT A BOOK! It really helps to explain mental illness with humour at Bryony's expense. Thank you for the insight.

I finished this in 2 sittings. She is v honest about her mental health issues. I now realise that ocd is not all about excessive cleaning. Well done for an informative and entertaining book!

I finally managed to read this. The cover does not match the content in my opinion, it looks like it is going to be very lighthearted. Bryony's OCD is heartbreaking, particularly when she worries she has harmed someone and obsesses over that. I foolishly thought that OCD was all repetitive hand washing and checking the front door was locked, it is much darker and more depressing than that.

As someone who is thankfully not suffering from a mental illness I have often found that people with mental illness (I have several in my life) are extremely self absorbed, and this book certainly seems to support that.

I found it quite interesting that Bryony felt much healthier with more sleep, exercise, less alcohol and healthy food. I also wonder how much a mental illness like OCD is hormone related?

Anyway, it was an interesting and eye opening read but I did find her self absorption rather off putting, she must be quite difficult to live with!