By Paola Bassanese
In our heads, even as grown ups, we retain some of the insecurities of our teenage years. We may look well adjusted in society but may still have obsessive thoughts about ourselves and others. The original My Mad Teenage Diary is fairly different from the TV series My Mad Fat Diary and is a message of hope not just for anyone who has experienced mental health issues, but also for anyone who has ever suffered from self-doubt. Life does tend to get better. Well done Rae. What an inspiring woman, who is brave enough to talk about her struggles.
I read both Teenage Diaries after watching the tv series. I have enjoyed both the books and tv adaptations for different reasons. In the books you can witness Rae’s development as a woman, a writer and a member of society. She develops a social conscience and not just a social life after her stay in a mental hospital. Sensitive, witty and funny. The TV series adds another layer to the story by exploring the therapy that Rae has had to help her become more stable and deal with her issues. Kudos also to script writer Tom Bidwell for treating such a sensitive topic with flair. A great book that demonstrates Rae’s early potential as a writer.
Definitely worth reading.