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Running Like China
Most of the time we don't notice the darkness... not until we're in the thick of it. It was like that for Sophie Hardcastle, as the joy she'd always known disappeared. She was constantly tired, with no energy, no motivation and no sense of enjoyment for anything. Her hours became empty. And then, the month before she turned seventeen, that emptiness filled with an intense, unbearable sadness that made her scream and tear her skin.
In this brave, bold and beautifully told memoir, Sophie lays bare her story of mental illness - of a teenage girl using drugs, alcohol and sex in an attempt to fix herself; of her family's anguish and her loss of self. It is a courageous and hopeful story of adaptation, learning to accept and of ultimately realising that no matter how deep you have sunk, the surface is always within reach.
In this brave, bold and beautifully told memoir, Sophie lays bare her story of mental illness - of a teenage girl using drugs, alcohol and sex in an attempt to fix herself; of her family's anguish and her loss of self. It is a courageous and hopeful story of adaptation, learning to accept and of ultimately realising that no matter how deep you have sunk, the surface is always within reach.
273 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
13 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Hardcastle
5 books166 followersSophie Hardcastle is now known at Dylin Hardcastle. They are an author, artist, screenwriter and scholar.
They are the author of Below Deck (2020), Breathing Under Water (2016) and Running like China (2015). They are the co-writer, co-director and co-creator of Cloudy River, which premiered at Mardi Gras Film Festival in 2020 and was acquired by SBS On Demand.
You can find their new novel, A Language of Limbs under their new author Goodreads profile - Dylin Hardcastle
They are the author of Below Deck (2020), Breathing Under Water (2016) and Running like China (2015). They are the co-writer, co-director and co-creator of Cloudy River, which premiered at Mardi Gras Film Festival in 2020 and was acquired by SBS On Demand.
You can find their new novel, A Language of Limbs under their new author Goodreads profile - Dylin Hardcastle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 21, 2016
This was a beautifully written memoir that was so brutally honest about Sophie's struggles with Bipolar. It was very insightful and moving, bringing me to tears on more than one occasion. Stories like these are so important. For the people going through the same or similar situations, it lets them know that they are not alone, despite how lonely they feel. And for those that know someone dealing with mental illness, it sheds light on the difficulties that person may face, and helps them understand and empathise.
The writing itself was filled with colourful imagery and some wonderful metaphors, linking in many of her experiences with the ocean - something that is a huge part of her life and her self. At times, some of the extended metaphors seemed a tad excessive, or were explained when the intention was already clear. But aside from that I think it was a very powerful tool.
The writing itself was filled with colourful imagery and some wonderful metaphors, linking in many of her experiences with the ocean - something that is a huge part of her life and her self. At times, some of the extended metaphors seemed a tad excessive, or were explained when the intention was already clear. But aside from that I think it was a very powerful tool.
October 6, 2016
Ok so I am biased and should not be rating or reviewing Running Like China really because it's all about our family, my daughter and four years of very difficult times. However I do love this book.
When Sophie first told me she was writing a memoir I braced myself for the expose of all the ugly and horrible details. The dismembering of everyone and everything around us. When I picked up her first manuscript, I read it in one sitting and went through two boxes of tissues in the process. When I finished it, I was emotionally drained, but strangely uplifted. I loved her beautiful prose which was almost poetic in describing the harrowing journey we had found ourselves on. Her descriptions of the people, not naming names or pointing fingers, just telling it like it was. It was truthful and honest.
It's interesting because these were the two sentiments we tried hardest to hold onto while living in the maelstrom of her illness. They shine through the darkness of the story and give light and insight where before there was none.
I am very proud that Sophie was able to share her story and it has been so well received. I know it helps people suffering from mental illness, supporting those with mental health issues and working with people who are affected by depression, anxiety and all of the facets of the mental illness in its many forms.
I wish this book was around when she was in hospital, because then there were few words, no colour in her art and no writing that had her voice. She was disconnected from everyone and everything that she loved. I desperately wanted to understand what she was thinking and Running Like China is just that.
I am so looking forward to reading the novels she produces. Her unique voice, ability to write beautiful prose while weaving characters and storylines together is truly a gift. Breathing underwater, her first novel, published this year, is testament to this.
I love that book too but don't start me!
When Sophie first told me she was writing a memoir I braced myself for the expose of all the ugly and horrible details. The dismembering of everyone and everything around us. When I picked up her first manuscript, I read it in one sitting and went through two boxes of tissues in the process. When I finished it, I was emotionally drained, but strangely uplifted. I loved her beautiful prose which was almost poetic in describing the harrowing journey we had found ourselves on. Her descriptions of the people, not naming names or pointing fingers, just telling it like it was. It was truthful and honest.
It's interesting because these were the two sentiments we tried hardest to hold onto while living in the maelstrom of her illness. They shine through the darkness of the story and give light and insight where before there was none.
I am very proud that Sophie was able to share her story and it has been so well received. I know it helps people suffering from mental illness, supporting those with mental health issues and working with people who are affected by depression, anxiety and all of the facets of the mental illness in its many forms.
I wish this book was around when she was in hospital, because then there were few words, no colour in her art and no writing that had her voice. She was disconnected from everyone and everything that she loved. I desperately wanted to understand what she was thinking and Running Like China is just that.
I am so looking forward to reading the novels she produces. Her unique voice, ability to write beautiful prose while weaving characters and storylines together is truly a gift. Breathing underwater, her first novel, published this year, is testament to this.
I love that book too but don't start me!
September 10, 2015
Running Like China is a memoir of a young woman in Australia, that held my attention all the way through. Her book is a gift of herself - her story to each and every reader. Her hope is that it will help others who are experiencing the depths of mental illness that may lead to suicide. That it will encourage them to hang in there in the down times and to remember all there is to live for.
It is a very moving, articulate, insightful piece of writing and it gave me some understanding of what it can be like for someone living with bi polar 1 disorder. I was astounded and in awe at her experience. I stand and admire her strength, courage, wisdom and intelligence, and passion for life. Her passion for writing.
I loved how she shared about those who were there for her, her family, a few close friends, a boy with ice blue eyes, a school counsellor, a white bearded psychiatrist. And for some reason a surf maker -"the coffee -coloured, coffee scented man with shorts as short as the seventies", who helped her back to the enjoyment of something important to her.
I wondered about those who do not have such support, and those who for some reason are unable to give that support. It is obviously very difficult for family and friends to hang in there with a person suffering with such a disability. It is painfully distressing. This book may not always reach those who have bi polar when they need it, but if this book gives an understanding to family and friends of the person, then it has achieved so much. I came away realising support is so important.
It cut at my heart that some of her peers in their ignorant youthfulness said horrible things about her on social media. We live in an age where petty gossip and drama can be blown up hugely. With such cruel results.
I was saddened by the misdiagnosis to begin with that I think caused much suffering in the beginning. Drugs that weren't helping and had terrible side-effects. Of course bi polar is a chemical imbalance and when the right drugs are used and the person can underscore that with responsible living then drugs are another support for the person.
I feel inadequate in responding to this book. It is powerful, it is important reading. Read it. It's one I know I will pick up again and reread.
It is a very moving, articulate, insightful piece of writing and it gave me some understanding of what it can be like for someone living with bi polar 1 disorder. I was astounded and in awe at her experience. I stand and admire her strength, courage, wisdom and intelligence, and passion for life. Her passion for writing.
I loved how she shared about those who were there for her, her family, a few close friends, a boy with ice blue eyes, a school counsellor, a white bearded psychiatrist. And for some reason a surf maker -"the coffee -coloured, coffee scented man with shorts as short as the seventies", who helped her back to the enjoyment of something important to her.
I wondered about those who do not have such support, and those who for some reason are unable to give that support. It is obviously very difficult for family and friends to hang in there with a person suffering with such a disability. It is painfully distressing. This book may not always reach those who have bi polar when they need it, but if this book gives an understanding to family and friends of the person, then it has achieved so much. I came away realising support is so important.
It cut at my heart that some of her peers in their ignorant youthfulness said horrible things about her on social media. We live in an age where petty gossip and drama can be blown up hugely. With such cruel results.
I was saddened by the misdiagnosis to begin with that I think caused much suffering in the beginning. Drugs that weren't helping and had terrible side-effects. Of course bi polar is a chemical imbalance and when the right drugs are used and the person can underscore that with responsible living then drugs are another support for the person.
I feel inadequate in responding to this book. It is powerful, it is important reading. Read it. It's one I know I will pick up again and reread.
July 3, 2016
THIS BOOK HAS SERIOUSLY SAVED MY LIFE.
I originally found out about running like China through Sjana Earp, and I couldn't wait to read it after she semi reviewed it. This book follows Sophie Hardcastle's battle with bipolar disorder. Her journey through thick dark clouds and blissful moments of sunshine is incredibly inspirational. I have read this book about 3 times and it has honestly changed my life. Sophie has become my biggest inspiration, her beautiful words and creative imagery is what makes this book more then the rest.
From someone who suffers from mental illness I can't thank sophie enough for finding the courage to write this book. Whenever I'm feeling down and need something to help push me through I open this book and read her inspiring words of experience and wisdom. I recommend this book to everyone, please read it.
I originally found out about running like China through Sjana Earp, and I couldn't wait to read it after she semi reviewed it. This book follows Sophie Hardcastle's battle with bipolar disorder. Her journey through thick dark clouds and blissful moments of sunshine is incredibly inspirational. I have read this book about 3 times and it has honestly changed my life. Sophie has become my biggest inspiration, her beautiful words and creative imagery is what makes this book more then the rest.
From someone who suffers from mental illness I can't thank sophie enough for finding the courage to write this book. Whenever I'm feeling down and need something to help push me through I open this book and read her inspiring words of experience and wisdom. I recommend this book to everyone, please read it.
September 24, 2016
Sophie Hardcastle truly is a gifted writer, from the way she looks at the world to the way the words flow across the pages. This book was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking and written with such intense honesty. An eye and heart opening account of mental illness. I highly recommend this as a must read.
July 1, 2020
"Raw" and "truly honest" get overused when describing memoirs, particularly those surrounding mental illness, but this book really is both of those things. Sophie writes damn well about bloody hard things, explaining her experiences in ways that are accessible and understandable yet beautiful.
One of many quotes that stayed with me:
"I like to think a person with a mental illness is like a person listening to a song through headphones. Their lips are moving because they're mouthing the lyrics. Their fingertips tap their desk, and their feet shuffle on the carpet because they can feel the rhythm.
But those movements don't make sense to someone watching.
They can't understand it because they can't hear the song that's playing.
Does that make the music in the person's ears any less real?"
One of many quotes that stayed with me:
"I like to think a person with a mental illness is like a person listening to a song through headphones. Their lips are moving because they're mouthing the lyrics. Their fingertips tap their desk, and their feet shuffle on the carpet because they can feel the rhythm.
But those movements don't make sense to someone watching.
They can't understand it because they can't hear the song that's playing.
Does that make the music in the person's ears any less real?"
April 1, 2017
Such a beautifully written memoir. Although Sophie discusses very dark times in her life, the book is written with hope and encouragement to anyone struggling with mental illness. Sophie's writing is descriptive and poetic, and her pain is translated across the page. Sometimes hard to read but worth it, I devoured this in a few hours and would recomend to anyone struggling with or impacted by mental health issues.
February 7, 2017
5/5
Books are such powerful things: within those pages contain words that form sentences that become paragraphs that tell a story, a story perhaps bold, perhaps devastating, perhaps inspiring, perhaps uplifting.... Few books have I come across that are all these things, and more. Running Like China is a true story. In its quiet and meditative prose, the slowly simmering desire within me glows slightly brighter. One day I will write something, as many readers one day aspire for. I think it is a massive feat, inspiration at its greatest, to think that a nineteen year old "true blue" Aussie, whose story begins and lives on in the sea, has managed to write something so personal, deep, touching, true and just completely perfect.
My only real experience with mental health has been as a nursing student on two two week placement blocks, certainly eye opening, confronting. The second placement was the more emotionally draining of the two, because I was working with teenagers whose lives lay before them like a deck of cards haphazardly placed, in no particular discernible order. They were broken, they were beautiful, they were girls and boys with futures hazy and unknown and so I worried for them, far more than one should have. My voice may have shaken on more than one occasion. I will never forget some of them, and even now I wonder what they are doing now. Since then I have held great respect for people who have to deal with mental illness, including the person, his/her family and loved ones and the health professionals who try their hardest to fix them.
I probably would never picked this book up had I not attended the Hachette YA Book Blogger night and had she not agreed to speak in front of all of us that night. I walked in on that night convinced and determined not to walk out with any new books but I failed miserably. I could tell she was a beautiful person of strength, grace, intellect and humour, right from the first word that left her mouth, the first hesitant smile that formed on her lips. She had this air of ease with a burning intensity that flowed underneath, and I knew I could not leave without buying her book. I feel like I am rambling. I guess I just want to write, and so I am letting my fingers write before my mind has even allowed itself time to process what is being said.
I have no doubt in my mind that this book will help. In its pages it holds immense power. Running Like China is perhaps the kind of book that one day I hope to write, one that is deeply personal and full of insight and truths. (Every person has a story.) Her writing was easy to soak in, despite the heavy subject matter. I cannot wait to read more from her!!
PS. I just finished reading this in World Square shopping centre. Probably been sitting on this bench for the past two hours. I can't help feeling so at ease when I am lost in the crowd. But maybe there is someone who has spotted me from afar, thumbs flying across the screen as they tap tap tap as I rush to finish this review. If so, I am glad. If not, I am glad. Heh. Anyway, my butt is a bit sore. Not very often do I complete a book and feel compelled, like THE WORLD WILL NOT KEEP MOVING AGAIN until I voice my opinions. It is books like these that remind me why I love to read, and also, why I love to write and why I believe in the power of putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard, as per our generation).
Books are such powerful things: within those pages contain words that form sentences that become paragraphs that tell a story, a story perhaps bold, perhaps devastating, perhaps inspiring, perhaps uplifting.... Few books have I come across that are all these things, and more. Running Like China is a true story. In its quiet and meditative prose, the slowly simmering desire within me glows slightly brighter. One day I will write something, as many readers one day aspire for. I think it is a massive feat, inspiration at its greatest, to think that a nineteen year old "true blue" Aussie, whose story begins and lives on in the sea, has managed to write something so personal, deep, touching, true and just completely perfect.
My only real experience with mental health has been as a nursing student on two two week placement blocks, certainly eye opening, confronting. The second placement was the more emotionally draining of the two, because I was working with teenagers whose lives lay before them like a deck of cards haphazardly placed, in no particular discernible order. They were broken, they were beautiful, they were girls and boys with futures hazy and unknown and so I worried for them, far more than one should have. My voice may have shaken on more than one occasion. I will never forget some of them, and even now I wonder what they are doing now. Since then I have held great respect for people who have to deal with mental illness, including the person, his/her family and loved ones and the health professionals who try their hardest to fix them.
I probably would never picked this book up had I not attended the Hachette YA Book Blogger night and had she not agreed to speak in front of all of us that night. I walked in on that night convinced and determined not to walk out with any new books but I failed miserably. I could tell she was a beautiful person of strength, grace, intellect and humour, right from the first word that left her mouth, the first hesitant smile that formed on her lips. She had this air of ease with a burning intensity that flowed underneath, and I knew I could not leave without buying her book. I feel like I am rambling. I guess I just want to write, and so I am letting my fingers write before my mind has even allowed itself time to process what is being said.
I have no doubt in my mind that this book will help. In its pages it holds immense power. Running Like China is perhaps the kind of book that one day I hope to write, one that is deeply personal and full of insight and truths. (Every person has a story.) Her writing was easy to soak in, despite the heavy subject matter. I cannot wait to read more from her!!
PS. I just finished reading this in World Square shopping centre. Probably been sitting on this bench for the past two hours. I can't help feeling so at ease when I am lost in the crowd. But maybe there is someone who has spotted me from afar, thumbs flying across the screen as they tap tap tap as I rush to finish this review. If so, I am glad. If not, I am glad. Heh. Anyway, my butt is a bit sore. Not very often do I complete a book and feel compelled, like THE WORLD WILL NOT KEEP MOVING AGAIN until I voice my opinions. It is books like these that remind me why I love to read, and also, why I love to write and why I believe in the power of putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard, as per our generation).
October 1, 2015
I found this memoir quite moving and it succeeded in changing my thinking about a few things, including (not in any particular order): how families relate, what writing means when you commit to it early as opposed to later in adulthood, sisterly relationships, the implications of social media for teenagers growing up with mental illness (am non-existent when I was a teen), what fighting for someone you love can look like, how good some young-adult men are to the people around them (truly, they often get a bad rap but there're lots of good ones out there), surfing and my relationship to the ocean, running, how breaking with reality happens, how easy it is to be misdirected by an ill person when they want you to be, how hard it is for them to communicate the help they need, memoir structure.
It's written in a kind of spiral formation in terms of topic, moving through main illness-plot events chronologically in broad terms but sometimes covering a certain period again in a later chapter, but from another perspective, because the work unfolds more theme by theme (e.g. The ocean) than event by event. Often this irks me when I'm editing but here it works (possibly because editor Julia Stiles helped make it work). The writing is strongly evocative too, and grows from motifs and metaphor. There's a little repetition but I completely forgave that because it does happen, and she was nineteen or twenty when Hardcastle wrote this.
I will read her novel, which I think is coming soon.
Note: I 'read' the Bolinda Audio version of this book. I thought the author herself may have done a better version, because in person* she's more down-to-earth than the reader's kind of put-on now-I'm-reading-to-you voice suggested. She did give the characters distinct voices (but then so did Hardcastle's dialogue).
*[Full disclosure: I have not worked with this author but I have chatted to her (year or two ago) in a small group, while fixing her hair for an event. True story.]
It's written in a kind of spiral formation in terms of topic, moving through main illness-plot events chronologically in broad terms but sometimes covering a certain period again in a later chapter, but from another perspective, because the work unfolds more theme by theme (e.g. The ocean) than event by event. Often this irks me when I'm editing but here it works (possibly because editor Julia Stiles helped make it work). The writing is strongly evocative too, and grows from motifs and metaphor. There's a little repetition but I completely forgave that because it does happen, and she was nineteen or twenty when Hardcastle wrote this.
I will read her novel, which I think is coming soon.
Note: I 'read' the Bolinda Audio version of this book. I thought the author herself may have done a better version, because in person* she's more down-to-earth than the reader's kind of put-on now-I'm-reading-to-you voice suggested. She did give the characters distinct voices (but then so did Hardcastle's dialogue).
*[Full disclosure: I have not worked with this author but I have chatted to her (year or two ago) in a small group, while fixing her hair for an event. True story.]
July 4, 2018
I put off reading this book for a long time because I was afraid of seeing my own experiences in the pages and I didn't want to remember them, but I'm glad that I did. There were aspects of Sophie's experience that exactly mirror mine, but there were many more that were alien to me. I want to encourage everyone to read this memoir if they can; whether you have experience of mental illness yourself or not. If you're like me, and you feel like you need to be in a more stable frame of mind to be able approach it then that's okay; I would not have been able to read this book a month ago or six months ago or six years ago because I would not have been in the right frame of mind to separate my experiences from Sophie's, but I'm glad that I finally did. I don't remember who it was who said that 'we read to know we are not alone' but having finished this book, i know it to be true.
December 9, 2016
Wow! This is an important and beautifully written memoir about one young woman's experience with mental illness.
Not another self help book about 'how I got myself over mental illness' but rather Hardcastle chronicles the process of understanding, of coming to terms with, and of accepting mental illness as a part of her make up, to ultimately take responsibility for what she could control to help stabilise her health and not for what she couldn't control.
Written with insight and honesty, Haardcastle breaks the silence of mental illness and lays herself bare for us to understand. It is artistically and beautifully written.
A book to give hope to those suffering from mental illness and a book to help others understand - I can't recommend it highly enough.
Not another self help book about 'how I got myself over mental illness' but rather Hardcastle chronicles the process of understanding, of coming to terms with, and of accepting mental illness as a part of her make up, to ultimately take responsibility for what she could control to help stabilise her health and not for what she couldn't control.
Written with insight and honesty, Haardcastle breaks the silence of mental illness and lays herself bare for us to understand. It is artistically and beautifully written.
A book to give hope to those suffering from mental illness and a book to help others understand - I can't recommend it highly enough.
February 10, 2019
Wow. I couldn’t put this down but had to when I had to escape to regather myself. This is unbelievably good writing from a 20 year old - in many ways the best writing I’ve read and Sophie’s passion for writing being discovered at such a young age is a gift to us all. This book is her searingly honest and brutal account of her descent into (misdiagnosed) depression at the age of 15/16. Her mental illness eventually gets correctly diagnosed as bipolar. I cried, I applauded, I felt so so so much for her and family. It was very close to home in many ways - not just because Sophie went to the same high school as my daughters currently do and it based in my neighborhood but because we all now deal with people with mental illness. This is a must read for anyone who needs to understand the hell of such illnesses. It is a first hand account from a young person who has been to the edge of the cliff and dragged back into life kicking and dreaming. For the record, I’ve also read her novel written after this autobiography and it was a cracker of a story.
November 29, 2017
This is a moving memoir of what it is like to live with a mental illness and how there is beauty in everything, if you know where to look. Sophie Hardcastle was finally diagnosed with bipolar in her late teens, after several hospital admissions and testing her family to their limits. Her journey is beautifully written - one of the best descriptions of depression and manic episodes that I've come across. And while this is a pretty grim topic to read about, her story always contains hope.
November 30, 2016
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Brain on Fire by Susan Cahalan, Sybil by Flora Rita Schreiber, all amazing works about mental illness, and now Running Like China by the absolutely brilliant Sophie Hardcastle...
Where do I even start with this book? Let's start with the writing, the way the words are structured and sentences flow is like pure poetry, everything is changed from a generic description into a beautiful elegy, from describing her friends to the way she feels at her lowest points, Sophie writes so beautifully that it almost borders on being overwritten however I found all these beautiful words to be ones to cherish. Sophie talks about how her passion for all things never really came close to her passion for wanting to write and you can see why, this girl can write!!! The story is really quite heartbreaking, there have been plenty of non fiction books recounting someone's journey with mental illness however Sophie's story really resonated with me, i'm not sure if it's because she's Australian,lives in Sydney and the places and things she talks about are recognizable to me or if it's just that her personal story hits a nerve with the way that i've felt in the past, Sophie's journey to me just stands out from the pack...
The way she describes that feeling of overwhelming darkness for no good reason at the drop of a hat is so close to home, we all have those moments however living day in and day out with a mental illness is hard, Sophie isn't the type to ask for sympathy though, not once while reading this book did I feel that she got sappy or seemed to want sympathy, she just tells her story (letter) and hopes that it will help others seek help and potentially tell their story.
I'm meeting Sophie this weekend at Dymocks Sydney as she is attending the YA book meet to speak about her other book, Breathing Underwater, I can't wait to tell her just how her book made me feel and say thank you for the bravery of putting her personal lows out there for others to read and appreciate... Bravo Sophie!
This is the first book by an extremely exciting author, I hope that we get more of these beautiful words in the future... One of the greatest books about mental illness that you will ever read!
Where do I even start with this book? Let's start with the writing, the way the words are structured and sentences flow is like pure poetry, everything is changed from a generic description into a beautiful elegy, from describing her friends to the way she feels at her lowest points, Sophie writes so beautifully that it almost borders on being overwritten however I found all these beautiful words to be ones to cherish. Sophie talks about how her passion for all things never really came close to her passion for wanting to write and you can see why, this girl can write!!! The story is really quite heartbreaking, there have been plenty of non fiction books recounting someone's journey with mental illness however Sophie's story really resonated with me, i'm not sure if it's because she's Australian,lives in Sydney and the places and things she talks about are recognizable to me or if it's just that her personal story hits a nerve with the way that i've felt in the past, Sophie's journey to me just stands out from the pack...
The way she describes that feeling of overwhelming darkness for no good reason at the drop of a hat is so close to home, we all have those moments however living day in and day out with a mental illness is hard, Sophie isn't the type to ask for sympathy though, not once while reading this book did I feel that she got sappy or seemed to want sympathy, she just tells her story (letter) and hopes that it will help others seek help and potentially tell their story.
I'm meeting Sophie this weekend at Dymocks Sydney as she is attending the YA book meet to speak about her other book, Breathing Underwater, I can't wait to tell her just how her book made me feel and say thank you for the bravery of putting her personal lows out there for others to read and appreciate... Bravo Sophie!
This is the first book by an extremely exciting author, I hope that we get more of these beautiful words in the future... One of the greatest books about mental illness that you will ever read!
September 22, 2015
Running Like China is about a teenaged girl who loves surfing and writing about equally before she is suddenly struck down by some kind of mental health disorder that scraps two years out of her young life. This is her memoir where she tells all in the hope of actually giving hope to other people similarly afflicted.
As someone who is ten years older than her, I still found this memoir incredibly accessible and honest, very well written. I found myself in a bit of a trap of staying up and reading it up till the point where I could say that she was actually okay because I didn't want to put the book down halfway through one of the passages.
I quoted so many useful things, to my story, throughout the reading of this book. Of course it is amazing that her family stood by her, her mother especially researching and having her own journey of coming to terms with what was going on in her child's head, but I found the most hope in the presence of the boy with the glaciers in his eyes. There's a part of me feels like your family has to love you, no matter what. But seeing this girl, with a diagnosis of bipolar by the end of it, never the less managing to find love, and someone who will love and adore her back (it is at all points clear in his parts of this novel that he does) inspires me in a way that was separate to the rest of it.
As someone who is ten years older than her, I still found this memoir incredibly accessible and honest, very well written. I found myself in a bit of a trap of staying up and reading it up till the point where I could say that she was actually okay because I didn't want to put the book down halfway through one of the passages.
I quoted so many useful things, to my story, throughout the reading of this book. Of course it is amazing that her family stood by her, her mother especially researching and having her own journey of coming to terms with what was going on in her child's head, but I found the most hope in the presence of the boy with the glaciers in his eyes. There's a part of me feels like your family has to love you, no matter what. But seeing this girl, with a diagnosis of bipolar by the end of it, never the less managing to find love, and someone who will love and adore her back (it is at all points clear in his parts of this novel that he does) inspires me in a way that was separate to the rest of it.
January 15, 2016
An in depth insight into what it means to be struck down by mental illness during adolescence on the shores of Sydney's Northern Beaches. Sophie Hardcastle's memoir gives hope to those who may, or who have already struggled in life in this way.
July 13, 2016
A confronting and distressing story that is told with a poise that makes the writing so readable and remarkable for such a young writer. Brilliant awareness raising of mental health issues and such a raw and honest account of her battle, one I will always remember.
August 4, 2025
This book coincidentally fell into my lap during a time in my life when my mental health has been at its absolute worst. I really needed this story now more than ever and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read it. Running Like China sheds light on the raw realities of what it’s like to battle through mental health issues. It’s inspired me to understand more about my mental health issues, has taken away so much of the stigma I held towards it, has inspired me to understand the impact that poor mental health can have on the loved ones of those affected and has made me feel less alone in my own journey. What makes this story extra special is the way in which the story is delivered; so literarily beautifully, delicately and almost poetically. Sophie Hardcastle is a very talented writer which sets this story apart from being just another memoir. I would recommend this story for anyone struggling, anyone helping someone with their battle or anyone who wants to know more on the topic.
December 10, 2018
A book I have read and fallen in love with before and was able to do all over again.
Sophie has not just simply put pen to paper but she has created art with her words. The book is so beautifully written and is an incredible insight into a life lived and fought for.
Sophie has not just simply put pen to paper but she has created art with her words. The book is so beautifully written and is an incredible insight into a life lived and fought for.
January 21, 2023
I feel it uncomfortable to rate a memoir because it is someone’s life experiences that you are rating. So I don’t rate memoirs on the actually story but the writing style and the way they portrayed the events they went through instead of the actual events. But it truely is a beautiful story.
July 24, 2025
More stories should be told as transparently as this haunting teenage memoir of diagnosis with bipolar disorder, providing valuable insight into lived experience and making poignant observation of other people’s perceptions of mental illness.
August 21, 2017
A frank yet surprisingly poetic account of bipolar disorder/depression/self harm in a teen. Very sad, but also a good read.
December 30, 2018
Oh my. I am glad I read this.
August 1, 2020
I saw lots of people rave about this book so I thought I’d read it. That right there was my mistake. I found this book monotonous & boring.
September 12, 2020
Heartfelt, honest and encouraging. Weird to read as someone with bi polar who has stood at that same potential suicide spot.
December 31, 2020
A bit disjointed but interesting
November 26, 2021
Amazing simply amazing. What an Inspiring woman I'm truly grateful to read her story.
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March 23, 2017"The only way to resolve something is to get to the bottom of it, and this incredible book depicts that exactly — zooming in on every nook and cranny of her not-so-perfect life, never just breaching the surface. She addresses everything, no matter how broken, and this allows hope, a quality Sophie carries through her words of wisdom and inspiration throughout" http://www.germmagazine.com/sophie-ha...
October 3, 2024
I’ll prefix this by saying I’ve read this book before, but when I was in a MUCH better headspace, and I think reading this book at this point in my mental health journey has just made me so much more aware of the importance of good help and the relatable nature of Sophie’s journey (and the discrepancies, but we won’t go there). An honest, powerful and ultimately uplifting portrayal and memoir of mental illness by a fantastic young Australian author.
March 8, 2017
This memoir was so beautifully written and raw. Sophie writes about the highs and lows of battling mental illness. I found myself relating to her own thoughts and feelings on some of the things she was experiencing daily.
I would recommend this book for everyone, for the people who are battling mental illness to know they are not alone and for people who know of someone with mental illness to give them an understanding of what that person may be feeling
I would recommend this book for everyone, for the people who are battling mental illness to know they are not alone and for people who know of someone with mental illness to give them an understanding of what that person may be feeling
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