Because We Are Bad : OCD and a Girl Lost in Thought

''Extremely compelling'' – THE GUARDIAN
''It''s a fascinating read... Buy the book! Buy the book!'' – JO GOOD, BBC RADIO LONDON
''Searing... funny, eloquent and honest'' – PSYCHOLOGIES
''Remarkable'' – WASHINGTON POST
''A beautifully-rendered memoir'' – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

As a child, Lily Bailey knew she was bad.

By the age of 13, she had killed someone with a thought, spread untold disease, and spied upon her classmates.

Only by performing a series of secret routines could she correct her wrongdoing. But it was never enough. She had a severe case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and it came with a bizarre twist.

Anyone who wants to know about OCD, and how to fight back, should read this book.

It is ideal for anyone who liked books by fellow OCD sufferers Bryony Gordon (Mad Girl, Glorious Rock Bottom), Rose Cartwright (Pure), and David Adam (The Man Who Couldn''t Stop: The Truth About OCD).

A thrilling read, it has the pace of a TikTok bestseller and the visceral power of the best modern writing.

EXTRACT

Chapter 1: Chesbury Hospital

From the outside, Chesbury Hospital in London looks like a castle that got lost and was plonked down in the wrong place. It is long and white, with battlements and arched windows from which princesses could call down, in the chapter before they are saved.

But it’s not entirely believable. Where the portcullis should be, there are giant glass doors. Walk through them, and you could be in a five-star hotel. The man at reception wears a suit and tie and asks if he can help, like he’s going to book you a table. A glass cupboard showcases the gifts sold by reception: bath oils, rejuvenating face cream, and Green & Black’s chocolate, just in case