Your Own Kind of Girl

A Memoir

By: Clare Bowditch

Narrated by: Clare Bowditch

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning singer and actress Clare Bowditch confronts her inner critic in this no-holds-barred memoir.

This is the story I promised myself, aged 21, that I would one day be brave enough - and well enough - to write.

Clare Bowditch has always had a knack for telling stories. Through her music and performing, this beloved Australian artist has touched hundreds of thousands of lives. But what of the stories she used to tell herself? That 'real life' begins only once you're thin or beautiful, that good things happen only to other people.

Your Own Kind of Girl reveals a childhood punctuated by grief, anxiety and compulsion and tells how these forces shaped Clare's life for better and for worse. This is a heartbreaking, wise and at times playful memoir. Clare's own story told raw and as it happened. A reminder that even on the darkest of nights, victory is closer than it seems.

With startling candour, Clare lays bare her truth in the hope that doing so will inspire anyone who's ever done battle with their inner critic. This is the work of a woman who has found her true power - and wants to pass it on.

Happiness, we discover, is possible only when we take charge of the stories we tell ourselves.

©2019 Clare Bowditch (P)2019 Story Baker Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"The words that kept coming to me over and over again as I read this book were authenticity and decency. Clare Bowditch made me feel how wonderful and difficult and amazing it is to be a human." (Leigh Sales)

"Brutal at times but funny as f**k. This book will change a lot of lives for the better." (Bernard Fanning)

"Reading this book felt as intimate as having a long, heart-breakingly vulnerable yet hilarious conversation with Clare by a fire with wine in hand. It is a celebration of the human struggle, how we can learn to befriend (and say "f**k off" to) our demons, and ultimately write our own story. There is so much hope in this book." (Missy Higgins)

An exceptional book

Wow. This book was incredible. Well written, warm, human, inspiring. It's like a hug for your soul.

Quick review

I didn’t full expect to like this book, I was just giving it a go. They author is good, very expressive and warm. The book is fairly well written, at times a little annoying, mostly in small ways, bit gushey about the husband. I thought it was an excellent treatment of anxiety and of how it works. The reference to Claire Weekes is great, an excellent support to anyone with anxiety. In short, if you need a little boost, and hope, this book is a good place to start.

Story of Mental Health

I am not from Australia, so I had never heard of the author. But her story of her struggle for mental health touched my heart and informed me of some methods to try.

Excellent read

This book had me interested from the beginning. I could share Clare’s joys and sorrows. It takes courage to write about a very real and sensitive subject matter. I would highly recommend this book. It is very inspiring and I felt like celebrating with Clare.

Depression deprived in depth.

Narration: It was very good because it felt as though somebody was sitting there and telling me her story (a long, long, long story). It did not feel read. That was the best part.

This book should have been edited because there were times it felt repetitive and tedious.
It was much too long.

Still, she describes depression as few people have been able to do. It was a deep and long depression.

Her love life was interesting, but again there was just too much of it. Too many details, especially about her former long-term boyfriend.

The other thread has to do with realizing her dream of a career as a songwriter/singer.

I think you must be in the right frame of mind to enjoy this one. I cannot encourage anybody to read it.

A Guide to the Real You

Even though you may not be having a nervous
breakdown, you will find help here.

An Interesting Life

This was a interesting incite into a troubled life. It is inspiring and keeps you turning the pages. I like her music and personality. A good book.

Great listen

I love Claire, her story, her voice. I so enjoyed this book! Anxiety and that inner voice, how we can relate. Thank you for sharing Claire.

One of the best reads Ive had this year

Just really felt like i was listening to a real authentic voice, and realised how rare that felt.

unexpectedly amazing

soothing delightful voice to listen to. I could hear her smile. Gave me another glimpse of hope in this world. loved every word