Katie Piper (Hachette Australia) 2014, 268pp, RRP $29.99
Katie Piper is widely known as the London model who was burned in an acid attack staged by her jealous ex. Or rather, she used to be. These days, Piper’s much more famous as a charity campaigner, TV Presenter and mum and, while she is a burns survivor, she doesn’t really want to dwell on that – and so she doesn’t. Piper is a relentlessly upbeat person who is all about moving forward and does it with flair, humour and winning modesty. 
To be honest, given she has already produced one book about the attack and her recovery, I did wonder exactly what she could have to say about “what Katie did next”, and how much padding there would be. But her latest life chapter – radiating her candour and sense of fun – completely drew me in, just like the documentary about her recovery post-attack had done years before.
Back on the dating scene, she fearlessly relates stories of rejection and humiliation and of those guys who just want to date someone famous. We then celebrate when she finds love in the form of a supportive partner Jamie, and their baby, Belle.
I finished the book in two days, mainly owing to Piper’s immensely absorbing/engaging personality which shines right out of the pages. Regardless of what has/hasn’t happened to her, this young woman would be an exceptional, but she’s achieved so much more than she probably ever expected for herself, and is now using all her experience to inspire many, many others.
Jenny Thompson
This title is available through Hachette Australia. Click here to purchase your copy.
