When I was in the midst of studying for exams, I went on a Book Depository binge and spent up. That website is definitely one of my favourites: cheap books, free delivery, what's not to love!?
So far though, only one has arrived - The autobiography Beautiful, by Katie Piper.
Basic plot outline: Katie was a model and TV presenter working in London. She started dating this guy Daniel Lynch who she met on facebook and he appeared to be great - he doted on her, was charming, attractive. But then he started being really clingy, and only two weeks into their relationship he raped, beat and threatened to hang her in a hotel room.
Lynch threatened to kill her family and friends, and he knew where she lived, so quite understandably Katie was too scared to tell police about the incident.
But, only two days later he lured her outside into an internet cafe so she could read an email he had sent her on facebook. On her way to the cafe, just outside her apartment building and in broad daylight, a man in a hooded jumper approached Katie and threw sulphuric acid all over her face.
Lynch had organised for Stefan Sylvestre to carry out the attack. Lynch was on the phone to Katie during it, listening to her screams.
Most of the book is about her recovery after the attack - the incredible amount of plastic surgery and operations to get her throat working okay again, the fear and anxiety that developed, and piecing her life back together again.
The book's very easy to read, with simple language and a logical chronological sequence. At first I was a bit put-off by the simplistic language used, and how conceited she sounds in the first few chapters, but as the book continues you're made aware that this is really setting the scene for the attack and her interpretation of it. I found that her character did grow on me as well, and not just out of sympathy either. The fact that she was once shallow, and her looks got her jobs makes you realise how much harder it was for her to deal with the attack. Sure, we're all vain to some degree, but realising how much the thought that she wasn't "beautiful" anymore impacted her really helps you to understand and appreciate how mature and selfless she was throughout her recovery.
Because of the easy language, and the relatively fast pace at which the book moves, I got through it in one night.
It is quite inspiring, and I do recommend it. Not only did it serve as a reminder as to how lucky I am, but the way that Katie handled her circumstances, and turned them into a positive experience to help others (by starting her own charity so other burn's victims can get treatment) is incredibly commendable.
