Confidence: The Secret

by Katie Piper

Britain's most inspiring young woman shares her secrets to finding deep-down resilience, strength and confidence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Kate Elizabeth "Katie" Piper (born 12 October 1983) is a philanthropist, television presenter and former model from Andover, Hampshire in England, UK. Piper had hoped to have a full-time career in the media, but in March 2008 sulphuric acid was thrown in her face. The attack, which blinded Piper in one eye, was arranged by Piper's ex-boyfriend, Daniel Lynch, and carried out by an accomplice, Stefan Sylvestre. Lynch and Sylvestre were arrested and are serving life sentences in prison for their crimes.[1]
The attack took place in north London and Piper was treated in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where the surgeons removed all the skin from her face before rebuilding it with a skin substitute and then a skin graft. The procedure was the first of its kind to be completed in a single operation.[2][3]
In 2009, Piper chose to give up her anonymity in order to increase awareness about burn victims. The Channel 4 documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face was first aired on 29 October 2009 as part of the Cutting Edge series; it has subsequently been repeated on several occasions, made available for online on-demand access, and sold internationally.
More recently, Piper has appeared in a follow-up series for Channel 4, released a best-selling autobiography, and had a regular column in weekly magazine Reveal; however, she primarily works for her charitable organisation the Katie Piper Foundation.

Reviews

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is definitely inspirational; not only for showing such firtitude, resolve, courage and demindomination but to help other people who are going through their own struggles with confidence in their lives. Brilliant book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspirational lady. If all people were like this lady, the world would be a better place indeed. Thanks for all of your inspirational stories and words Katie!

[Julia Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is so inspirational. Her positive attitude, gratitude and her work to help others is amazing.

[Brb_busyreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy, not too intense read to help any girl or woman with confidence issues. There was some tips and advice as well as different scenarios that Katie had been in that all girls could relate to. I would recommend every girl to read this and it's easily picked up and put down so can always read bits in between daily life and not worry about getting lost or forgetting what was happening with the book.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really interesting on several levels. There was the story of her acid attack and recovery but also insight as to how she felt coping with other people's reactions and how she wanted to be treated. She describes a wealth of tips on subjects applicable to everyone such as the importance of attitude, setting goals, mentoring and self awareness to name a few.

[Kelly Zilz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book Katie is so personable and this book is truly inspiring. Lots of positive messages throughout and I have no doubt that I will read it again sometime.

[Farhana Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspirational read.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Katie Piper and always have time for everything she has to say. This book was in her usual awesome vein. Wonderful and very inspiring.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving stories from Katie and her friends.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. Lots of tips and advice and the kind of book you can keep re reading.

[Sara Kindlan-Arnison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was helpful to begin your journey on developing yourself and managing anxiety.

[Joanne Tognarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really inspiring

[Shruti Bhandari-Kothari · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing, inspiration and fun read with a lot of inspirational live stories that make you thankful for all that you have

[Gill Croker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read with plenty of information and different points. Katie is inspirational and has overcome such huge hurdles.

[Toni-Joanna Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this on audiobook which was narrated by Katie. She is very inspirational and understanding. This was great to listen too as Katie has a very calm and soft voice which helped me feel relaxed and take in all the information she was speaking about.

[Sarah Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the Sarah Hurley Book Club pick for May 2017. The book is broken down into various sections such as self esteem, confidence, happiness and more and all draw on Katie’s own experiences. I’ve followed Katie’s story for years and think the work she has done with her foundation is incredible, so it was lovely to hear more of the inside story of her journey.

There is a real honesty in the book about issues we can probably all relate to such learning to say no, coping with stress in unhealthy ways, prioritising your own happiness and so much more. This feels like a book of things your mum, best friend or big sister would / should say to you and it’s one I know I will continue to dip in and out of, re-reading sections when I struggle with certain things.