Scorpions: A Memoir
Tuppence Middleton
Feb 2025 · Random House
5.0star
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208
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About this ebook
'A skilful, poetic and bleakly funny account of coping with a lifelong condition' – THE GUARDIAN
‘Absolutely extraordinary writing.’ – JAMES O'BRIEN
'So fantastic' – CHRIS EVANS
'Candid and compelling. A must-read.' – BRYONY GORDON
'Brilliantly readable.' – PATRICK MCGRATH
My mind is full of scorpions. A cerebral itch, impossible to scratch. I know these creatures well, but they know me better. They answer to another name, this nest of scorpions, the writhing black mass that lives inside my head...
For as long as Tuppence Middleton can remember, she has struggled with obsessive thoughts and compulsions. She visualises her OCD as scorpions inhabiting her mind, something to be hidden that impacts her life daily:
‘Absolutely extraordinary writing.’ – JAMES O'BRIEN
'So fantastic' – CHRIS EVANS
'Candid and compelling. A must-read.' – BRYONY GORDON
'Brilliantly readable.' – PATRICK MCGRATH
My mind is full of scorpions. A cerebral itch, impossible to scratch. I know these creatures well, but they know me better. They answer to another name, this nest of scorpions, the writhing black mass that lives inside my head...
For as long as Tuppence Middleton can remember, she has struggled with obsessive thoughts and compulsions. She visualises her OCD as scorpions inhabiting her mind, something to be hidden that impacts her life daily:
- Have I killed my cat?
- When was the last time that person in front of me vomited?
- How many people have touched this door handle since it was cleaned?
- Should I tap the outside of the airplane to save my loved ones from harm?
Often used as a shorthand for tidiness or as the punchline of a joke, OCD is one of society’s most misunderstood disorders and it’s rarely spoken about with such honesty and openness.
In this beautifully written, moving and often darkly funny memoir, Tuppence recounts what it feels like to share your mind with a nest of scorpions.
'A fantastic memoir . . . Scorpions is intensely personal, yet somehow manages to be universal' – JOHN ROBINS
'There isn’t a page that won’t leave you with greater understanding and empathy' – JANET ELLIS
'Brilliantly immersive, funny, and brave' – LISA OWENS
Ratings and reviews
5.0
1 review
M S
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March 1, 2025
When I say no book has ever spoken to me like this one, I really do mean it. So many of my own experiences (and not just directly with OCD) aren't only similar to the authors, they are identical; I found myself nodding vigorously, unable to put the book down at bedtime and frequently pointing frantically at the pages whilst explaining parts to my ever so patient partner. Every aspect of Tuppence's story is told with a gentle vulnerability, it's beautifully written, intelligent yet unpretentious, thoroughly researched, incredibly personal and genuinely had me cackling out loud - often. Scorpions has instantly become that one book I want everybody to read and upon finishing the ebook, I immediately purchased the audiobook version. Content warning - this book describes details of the author's own OCD rituals and mentions vomiting throughout.
About the author
Tuppence Middleton is a British actor and writer working in film, television and theatre. She grew up in Somerset, South West England and has lived with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) since the age of 11. Tuppence now lives in London with her partner and daughter. Scorpions is her first book.
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