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Beautiful
by
Katie Piper
A harrowing but ultimately inspiring memoir of how one girl's beautiful face and spirit was destroyed after a vicious acid attack
I heard a horrible screaming sound, like an animal being slaughtered . . . then I realised it was me.
When Katie Piper was 24, her life was near perfect. Young and beautiful, she was well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model. But...more
I heard a horrible screaming sound, like an animal being slaughtered . . . then I realised it was me.
When Katie Piper was 24, her life was near perfect. Young and beautiful, she was well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model. But...more
Paperback, 314 pages
Published
September 14th 2011
by Ebury Press
(first published January 1st 2011)
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An inspirational story of courage and sheer will to live. I was in awe of how Katie got through each day after such an horrific attack.
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Inspirational!
Not usually a fan of this genre of book (as I’ve stated in many other reviews here) but, in spite of this, I found this book to be quite a satisfying and very inspirational read.
All credit to Piper that she was able to reclaim her life and selfhood after becoming victim to a devastating acid attack all cruelly arranged and set up by her evil mess of a boyfriend who had raped her just hours before.
It’s when you read books like these that you realise how simply rotten some humans can...more
Not usually a fan of this genre of book (as I’ve stated in many other reviews here) but, in spite of this, I found this book to be quite a satisfying and very inspirational read.
All credit to Piper that she was able to reclaim her life and selfhood after becoming victim to a devastating acid attack all cruelly arranged and set up by her evil mess of a boyfriend who had raped her just hours before.
It’s when you read books like these that you realise how simply rotten some humans can...more
Fantastic, heart-breaking, inspiring! I could NOT put it down.
I was vaguely familiar with Katie Piper's odyssey but after reading a couple of articles on the internet I bought the book. I pronounce this autobiography as the best of its particular type I have ever read.
Miss Piper's story is so fantastic that it reads more like a fictional account than something that really happened to a real person. For someone who absolutely relied on her beautiful appearance to make a living in British media, w...more
I was vaguely familiar with Katie Piper's odyssey but after reading a couple of articles on the internet I bought the book. I pronounce this autobiography as the best of its particular type I have ever read.
Miss Piper's story is so fantastic that it reads more like a fictional account than something that really happened to a real person. For someone who absolutely relied on her beautiful appearance to make a living in British media, w...more
Katie Piper's memoir of her journey through trauma to triumph is one of the most moving books I have ever read. She is absolutely raw on the page, exposing the darkest and lightest parts of her experience in equal measure and inviting the reader to view her very soul. It must have taken such courage to share herself so completely with the world.
But I suppose that's the thing that constantly strikes you about Katie as you read through these pages, her courage. She is tougher and stronger than I t...more
But I suppose that's the thing that constantly strikes you about Katie as you read through these pages, her courage. She is tougher and stronger than I t...more
“I’d never really thought much about God before. Mum and Dad weren’t religious, and I’d never gone to church or read the Bible, but I tried to take some comfort in Alice’s faith. For the first time in my life, I prayed to a God I’d never really believed in. ‘Please help me. Please give me strength. Please show me a way to get through this.’”
‘Everything’s going to be okay,’ a voice in my head said. ‘Your journey’s just begun. You’ll get through this.’
“For the very first time since Danny had rippe...more
‘Everything’s going to be okay,’ a voice in my head said. ‘Your journey’s just begun. You’ll get through this.’
“For the very first time since Danny had rippe...more
I had watched her documentary and then bought the book. This woman is truly amazing and inspirational to all people. She explains about her boyfriend who she met on Facebook started to get abusive towards her, raping her and attacking her in hotel room, then getting some-one to chuck acid into her face. It is amazing and shows her strength of how she was a model and TV presenter with her life pretty much made and set out for her with her amazing beauty and bubbly personality then suddenly turned...more
Like the name suggests, this book and its author are completely beautiful. Katie Piper's autobiography is one of the best I have ever read.
Although she is not a professional writer and I came across a fair few spelling errors that should have been picked up by an editor, I was impressed by her clear and lucid writing. She has an important story to tell, and she tells it with the utmost bravery and honesty.
Some may find the rape and abuse scenes a bit harrowing and difficult to read. Katie's ac...more
Although she is not a professional writer and I came across a fair few spelling errors that should have been picked up by an editor, I was impressed by her clear and lucid writing. She has an important story to tell, and she tells it with the utmost bravery and honesty.
Some may find the rape and abuse scenes a bit harrowing and difficult to read. Katie's ac...more
Katie Piper's story has been an influence since the day I began reading it and any time I feel as though I'm having a bad day, I remember the most horrendous day of this ladies life and suddenly nothing seems like it's so bad after all. Katie's story is similar to reading a personal diary that documents her life from naive beginnings right through to the mile stones in her recovery, it's very raw and gripping and until the point of the attack the reader is plagued with the sense that everything...more
I had heard this story mentioned on one talk-show or another, but nothing prepared me for the cold hard facts of what this poor girl has been through. As she tells her story I could feel the pressure building of my own emotions until the moment of the attack where I found myself holding my breath and letting out tiny choking sobs. Her bravery and what she goes through not only to repair the damage inflicted on her body and soul but to bring her attackers to justice is inspiration at its best. Af...more
I have always enjoyed reading beautifully written, inspirational books. But 'Beautiful' was different altogether. I did not want to put this book down. Not for a second.
As odd as it may seem; Reading books like this give me comfort. It gives me hope that no matter how screwed up our criminal justice system may be, people do pay for the pain they inflict on others. Katie's story has helped me realise that I shouldn't be living the way I am, and that one day I will finally overcome my fears.
Beauti...more
As odd as it may seem; Reading books like this give me comfort. It gives me hope that no matter how screwed up our criminal justice system may be, people do pay for the pain they inflict on others. Katie's story has helped me realise that I shouldn't be living the way I am, and that one day I will finally overcome my fears.
Beauti...more
This heart-breaking story captivated me as it portrayed how evil humans can be and that first impressions are not always what they seem. At first, what seemed like a healthy relationship, turned into a violet obsession. Danny, Katie's boyfriend, targeted what Katie held most dear- her beauty, and harmed her immeasurably. However, this novel is one of hope and fighting against the ordeal she had to face. Katie tells the audience, that even your world is crumbling down, there is hope and that you...more
So I decided to go for something non-fiction this time. This story is very very sad and I feel for poor Katie and everything she went through. The actual book itself could have been delivered a bit better. I feel like a horrible person saying it but the book and how the story was told was quite boring. Please dont feel ill of me for saying so. I couldnt imagine going through what Katie did and I admire her strength and determination. I may only have this view because I dont often read non fictio...more
I found this by chance in Bali in June last year (2012) and read it with an open heart and mind. What this beautiful girl went through was horrific to say the least yet her courage, compassion for others and her acceptance of what happened, and subsequently her struggle and determination to rebuild her life in such a positive way in order to help others like herself was quite frankly one of the most inspirational books that i have ever read. If any book makes you sit up and take a good gard look...more
As the girl said herself 'She was vain, self obsessed, and her looks had been her life' Couldn't have put it better myself love! Before the acid attack which obviously changed her life, Katie was a lucky girl who lived something of a charmed life in London. She wasn't streetwise, young for her age and was very niave. It struck me as strange that when she was in hospital and then moved back in with her parents who doted on her that she seemed to revert to a child, complete with tantrums!
With a s...more
With a s...more
Beautiful, was i sad but inspiring book. its about a grirl who was very preety and had her long life dream about to come true which was to be a modle. untile she met a man called (danny) who pretened to love her but one day her got some one to throw ACID in her face. she neeed to be rushed to hospital. the acid was so strong i burt her face and her stomach. when she saw her new reuined body she wanted to hide and cry. but she gaduley became more confident and started to start her life rolling to...more
This story broke my heart. Poor katie had a rollercoaster of a life bless her, i literally couldnt put this book down because i just had to know what happened to her and would she be okay. I love how brave she was to be so open about what happened and im so so proud of her for overcoming all of it. She is the strongest peraon i have ever known, she shows you that she went to the darkest depths of loss, pain and destruction and came out a stonger and more confidant woman. After reading her harrow...more
Whilst I like autobiographies and biographies, I'm not normally a fan of tales of woe and this is not a book I would normally buy for myself. However I was gifted it for Christmas so thought I'd give it a go.
It's very simply written though the subject matter is quite harrowing. I flew through it. Katie Piper writes with raw and youthful honesty, reflecting back on her previously shallow model/celebrity life, taking us through her journey to recovery and onwards to the creation of a charity aimed...more
It's very simply written though the subject matter is quite harrowing. I flew through it. Katie Piper writes with raw and youthful honesty, reflecting back on her previously shallow model/celebrity life, taking us through her journey to recovery and onwards to the creation of a charity aimed...more
I read this book over a day as i could not put it down. As an author Katie drew the reader in by her honesty and openness to what had happened to her. I found her to be truly inspiring to make such a positive change to other people's lives by setting up her foundation and by showing the general public that just because someone look's differently to yourself it does not give you the right to judge them or think that you can stare at them like they are a 'freak'.
It also show's her attackers that t...more
It also show's her attackers that t...more
'I heard a horrible screaming sound, like an animal being slaughtered ... then I realised it was me.'
When Katie Piper was 24, her life was near perfect. Young and beautiful, she was well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model.
But then she met Daniel Lynch on Facebook and her world quickly turned into a nightmare ...
After being held captive and brutally raped by her new boyfriend, Katie was subjected to a vicious acid attack. Within seconds, this bright and bubbly girl could feel...more
When Katie Piper was 24, her life was near perfect. Young and beautiful, she was well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model.
But then she met Daniel Lynch on Facebook and her world quickly turned into a nightmare ...
After being held captive and brutally raped by her new boyfriend, Katie was subjected to a vicious acid attack. Within seconds, this bright and bubbly girl could feel...more
This book was beautiful, as is Katie. In this day and age I didn't think much could still shock me but her story truly has; I thought the attack in the hotel room and the days before the acid attack were even more shocking than the acid attack itself. She is inspiring and strong and a role model for any young woman; I really admire her. The world would be a better place if people idolized people like Katie instead of talentless celebs like Jordan etc
I hope Katie's attackers never get released fr...more
I hope Katie's attackers never get released fr...more
I must admit, I’m not a big fan of books that people deem to be “misery memoirs” (I do not like that term). You know the kind: a parent abused their child/an outside person abused a child/drink addictions/drug addictions/etc. However, there are a few memoirs like that I’ve read. I absolutely loved “Ugly” by Constance Briscoe. It was so honest, so raw and despite being a tough read, I did like it. So when I was emailed about Katie Piper’s memoir I was intrigued. I’d read her story in one of the w...more
2 likes · like · see review
Traumatic! This was a very difficult book to read, although very readable. I read it with my eyes blurry with tears and tears running down my cheeks at some points. How any so-called human being could do to any other what was done to Katie is almost unimaginable! But she has come through it and is now stronger, an absolute inspiration, and a truly beautiful person both inside and out. She admits in the book that she still has bad days and I'm not surprised, but I'm sure they will get fewer as sh...more
I never really knew the background behind Katie's story and was quite shocked to discover the harsh facts. Her battle to overcome the physical and emotional damage the attack caused was an inspirational story and I have much admiration for her in pulling himself together after such a life changing event. The book itself however was not a literary masterpiece writen more in the style of a magazine article but it would be difficult to imagine in what other form it could be presented.
I saw Katie's documentary and have recently watched the series where she was setting up a foundation to help people with facial disfigurement. She was a very pretty girl breaking into modelling and tv presenting when an abusive boyfriend paid someone to throw acid in her face. She went through an horrendous time- but had a consultant who got her the most advanced treatment out and she flew out to other countries for treatment. She wants to make the same sort of treatment available in the UK.
1 like · like · see review
I absolutely loved this book. Katie went through such a harrowing ordeal at the hands of a vicious man and her life changed forever. To read about the everlasting impact that fateful day had on her brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Katie has shown that she is such a strong determined person by coming out on top and helping others who have had to come to terms with disfigurement through her foundation. I wish Katie all the luck in the world on her future projects and also hope t...more
Oct 11, 2012
Elaine
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Elaine by:
A colleague
Shelves:
favourite
When i started reading this book i did not know what to expect. I knew of what had happened to Katie, but never imagined how hard a journey she'd had after being so brutally attacked.
I was going through difficulties in my life but nothing I'd experienced compared to her pain. This book gave me the strength to move on & embrace life.
Everyone should read this book. It is inspiring on so many levels.
I was going through difficulties in my life but nothing I'd experienced compared to her pain. This book gave me the strength to move on & embrace life.
Everyone should read this book. It is inspiring on so many levels.
Touching story! :') I can't help but marvel at her strength and determination to overcome such an ordeal... Most girls whine after having a pimple on thier faces but Katie Piper's beauty was totally taken away, not by just a chocolate-chip-sized zit, but by an entire cup of corrosive subtance! We girls should be ashamed. This is definitely the best non-fiction book after 'Ugly' by Constance Briscoe! <3
I watched the documentary on channel 4 and then purchased the book. I really enjoyed reading it and it was very interesting to hear how she coped with her disfigurement. I couldn't put the book down, I read it in 2 days. It is hard to believe that such a cruel man would do something like that to her. She has coped very well and she is such a stronger person. Inspiration to everyone.
Apr 08, 2011
Tessa
is currently reading it
so far this book is so AMAZING i love it so much she seems so inpotant to me. So far the book is telling me about her chiled hood but during it she explains what happend to her about her boyfreind getting someone to poor acid in her face and that changed the way she looked and how she feelt.
PLEASE PLEASE dont judge this book by its cover and pick it up and READ it good
PLEASE PLEASE dont judge this book by its cover and pick it up and READ it good
I saw this woman's story on a documentary about her life after an ex boyfriend organised for someone to throw sulphuric acid into her face. Although not a classic, the story of how she coped with the terrible aftermath of this attack, her physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation, is compelling reading.
I could not put it down and read it in one afternoon.
I could not put it down and read it in one afternoon.
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“Even when you think things can never move forward and you feel so low, there's always a way out.”
—
9 people liked it
“Don't wait until there is tragedy in your life. Don't wait until you lose somebody. Don't wait until it's too late. Appreciate the beautiful people that you have in your life now.”
—
6 people liked it
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