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Perfection
Growing up in Singapore wasn't as easy as it seemed. It was competitive yet conservative at the same time. In this personal memoir, Debbie Lee recounts how she survived self-doubt, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide and the struggles she faced during recovery.
Debbie shares how reverse psychology and being competitive can cause emotional damage to your child. How girls should treasure their body and sexuality. How she picked herself up from the mess she was in when she was sexually abused. How she was suddenly at the top of the world and her life was perfect. How she couldn't keep up with perfection and fell. How she struggled during the lowest point of her life when she was depressed and suicidal. How she tamed her demon.
Perhaps by reading this book, you will find light in your darkness. Realize that it's not the end of the world. Or perhaps it might help you understand what depression is and how to help someone.
Debbie shares how reverse psychology and being competitive can cause emotional damage to your child. How girls should treasure their body and sexuality. How she picked herself up from the mess she was in when she was sexually abused. How she was suddenly at the top of the world and her life was perfect. How she couldn't keep up with perfection and fell. How she struggled during the lowest point of her life when she was depressed and suicidal. How she tamed her demon.
Perhaps by reading this book, you will find light in your darkness. Realize that it's not the end of the world. Or perhaps it might help you understand what depression is and how to help someone.
- GenresNonfiction
184 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 20, 2020
self-indulgent
March 6, 2017
I bought this book on 4th March 2017 at BooksActually, I read the first and second chapter on that very day and the rest in one sitting the next day 5th March. I was so hooked reading it. I think this book is good but there's some word(s) that seem a little odd in the context of the sentence. For example it is typed 'and' but the correct usage should be 'of' on page 137 I think..I'll recheck it again later which page was it..this doesn't just happen once but several times in terms of using a word oddly.
However, other than this little thing of inconvenience, I loved how the author tells her story about how she battled mental illness. I felt like I was there in her shoes, I could feel her pain and anguish, I couldn't help it but my tears fell like waterfalls and in the end I used up a lot of tissues to blow my nose. I looked like a wreck when I completed reading this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone out there especially to impressionable young girls who are still discovering about the world and her sexuality.
This book is a good advocate on what mental illness, especially depression is all about and what we can do or say (and not do or say) if we know someone who has mental illness. It's not something that we can brush under the carpet and treat it like it doesn't belong in this modern society. This book discusses depression in all its rawness, how the author coped with it and all the triggers that she needs to avoid, or try her best to ignore. I realised that Love conquers all, if there's love and lots of care, the patient will be on a faster road to recovery.
A good book, all in all.
It struck me how easily a life might be lost if one doesn't feel that anyone cares.
And how Love conquers all.
Read this, guys!
However, other than this little thing of inconvenience, I loved how the author tells her story about how she battled mental illness. I felt like I was there in her shoes, I could feel her pain and anguish, I couldn't help it but my tears fell like waterfalls and in the end I used up a lot of tissues to blow my nose. I looked like a wreck when I completed reading this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone out there especially to impressionable young girls who are still discovering about the world and her sexuality.
This book is a good advocate on what mental illness, especially depression is all about and what we can do or say (and not do or say) if we know someone who has mental illness. It's not something that we can brush under the carpet and treat it like it doesn't belong in this modern society. This book discusses depression in all its rawness, how the author coped with it and all the triggers that she needs to avoid, or try her best to ignore. I realised that Love conquers all, if there's love and lots of care, the patient will be on a faster road to recovery.
A good book, all in all.
It struck me how easily a life might be lost if one doesn't feel that anyone cares.
And how Love conquers all.
Read this, guys!
January 9, 2017
Apart from the slight grammar errors, this book is literal perfection. It opened my eyes even more to depression and anxiety such as what I should never say to a person suffering from mental illness. Apart from that, Debbie Lee made me feel a lot of things through the book. In the beginning I felt so sad for her, I wanted to be Debbie's friend so much. Then I felt anger. After that I felt happy but it quickly became annoyance because of those toxic people around her... At the end of the book, I felt happy for Debbie. When a book makes me feel that much and made me almost tear up certain times, it is a good book indeed because I could empathize the writer so, so much. Although I do not suffer from any mental illnesses, I could somehow relate to Debbie, probably because she's Singaporean and I am Singaporean too. It is really hard to talk about this book because it's something you must read to understand what I say.
A side note, if you are unable to take depressing stories, I really do not recommend this book at all.
A side note, if you are unable to take depressing stories, I really do not recommend this book at all.
August 13, 2017
This book is the author's memoir and tackles the issue of depression in a broad stroke manner. Depression is a problem which is close to the heart of our society and I applaud the author's courage to share her own experiences with depression to raise awareness.
Although I understand that I should be less critical given the purpose of why this book was written, I do not agree with certain advice (not the ones relating to depression since I'm not in the position to comment but those on issues like what you want to do in life) given by the author. As she has pointed out, she is still on the road to recovery at the time of writing. Hence, I don't believe it is appropriate to give advice to the vulnerable ones out there on making decisions of what you should do with your life since it risks sending the wrong message. Hmmm... certain patterns of events here also makes me doubtful which I shall not elaborate.
My main fuss with this book is the apparent lack of checks for grammatical errors. The book is plagued with numerous errors of such. I have to refrain from marking them with a red pen. I believe it is only right that the editor or whoever in charge does a proper job with the grammar and clerical checks - this also being a form of respect to the author and the reader who picked this book and paid at the counter.
Although I understand that I should be less critical given the purpose of why this book was written, I do not agree with certain advice (not the ones relating to depression since I'm not in the position to comment but those on issues like what you want to do in life) given by the author. As she has pointed out, she is still on the road to recovery at the time of writing. Hence, I don't believe it is appropriate to give advice to the vulnerable ones out there on making decisions of what you should do with your life since it risks sending the wrong message. Hmmm... certain patterns of events here also makes me doubtful which I shall not elaborate.
My main fuss with this book is the apparent lack of checks for grammatical errors. The book is plagued with numerous errors of such. I have to refrain from marking them with a red pen. I believe it is only right that the editor or whoever in charge does a proper job with the grammar and clerical checks - this also being a form of respect to the author and the reader who picked this book and paid at the counter.
February 5, 2020
A short memoir by a born-and-bred local depicting her struggles with growing up in the competitive Singapore, with an unconstructive Asian mom, and her battle with depression. This book was written simply, exactly like reading a diary of a growing teen. We see her struggling academically (as many Singaporean children do, one point or another, due to the intense cultural need to score As or admit into a good school all the time), pressures from her mother, a teenage love affair gone wrong when there was no one she could talk to or help her rationalise what was going on around her.
Whilst this was not a literary masterpiece (agreeing with the general critique of the numerous grammatical errors), it brings awareness to the oft hush-hush topic of mental illnesses locally and the common stressors unique to SG our teenagers face. There are definitely other similar content online and copious discussion on the (sometimes) toxic Asian/Singaporean parent already, but we are not poorer for the addition of one more source.
Whilst this was not a literary masterpiece (agreeing with the general critique of the numerous grammatical errors), it brings awareness to the oft hush-hush topic of mental illnesses locally and the common stressors unique to SG our teenagers face. There are definitely other similar content online and copious discussion on the (sometimes) toxic Asian/Singaporean parent already, but we are not poorer for the addition of one more source.
February 16, 2020
I kinda wish I hadn’t read this book but I’m also quite glad that I did. I believe this memoir is more recommended to those who are close with people who have a mental disorder(s), so they would understand what their loved ones are going through a little bit better. Though it has nice illustrations, it’s hard to read as it is very honest and raw. I had to keep pausing every few pages because it’s pretty emotionally draining for me. If you still wish to read this book there’s a HUGE TRIGGER WARNING for sexual abuse, suicide, depression, and anxiety. Debbie did write recommendations on how to get through some of the issues she faced though I wouldn’t recommend others to simply adopt them as what works for Debbie may not work for you. But the most important thing is, Debbie got through it! Anyway, kudos to those who are trying their best to push through the minute, the hour, the day, the week, the month, the year; please just keep going! We’re glad you’re still around! Let’s work on getting better!
August 17, 2017
I rarely give review for a book, but this is like reading Debbie's own journal. She gives every details from moment to moment, how she loves someone, how her family plays important role in her life, and how a man destroys her yet she's staying with him for a long time, how her life changes and how it breaks her apart all over again. She allows us to get to know more and more about her ups and downs...through fiction. Thank you for that. Thank you for writing it so honestly.
May 12, 2019
This is actually one of the first SingLit books that I have read (excluding Mr Midnight and Mr Mystery books lmao) and it was not bad. I relate to quite a few things that the author talks about, like falling for anyone is nice to you, and the emotional and mental abuse in a relationship. From the book, I got to understand what depression and anxiety is on a deeper level, though I don't think I can ever fully understand it because I have never gotten through it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
The writing is juvenile with simple sentence structures which lack personality and plenty of typos to make you wonder why you spent a dime on it. The memoir is very indulgent, like a diary of a 13-year-old, and the author gives amateur advice to readers as if she's the writer of a trashy thought catalog column.
November 14, 2021
Painful and sad, yet hopeful and assuring.
This is the book for all who feels alone, especially girls who feel like they don’t have a voice, and for all who are going through some traumatic and awkward.
Debbie is brave to share her story and I am grateful to be able to reflect and seek solace in the simplest of words, through her painful experiences but strong conviction.
This is the book for all who feels alone, especially girls who feel like they don’t have a voice, and for all who are going through some traumatic and awkward.
Debbie is brave to share her story and I am grateful to be able to reflect and seek solace in the simplest of words, through her painful experiences but strong conviction.
September 16, 2017
A story with a lot of heart that was sadly let down by the quality of the writing. Beautiful illustrations.
May 12, 2019
Not really what I expected, but still a good read overall. It gives me more insight as to what depression is and what people can do when dealing with people who are struggling with depression.
August 20, 2019
A simple yet honest account on depression which shows the underlying attitudes and stressors of Singaporeans revolving around this still taboo topic.
October 22, 2019
Great book to understand on how people suffer from mental illness, and how we need to be more understanding of their condition.
January 26, 2020
Recovery is a bumpy journey. Hang on there and you will reach the end of the tunnel!
July 15, 2020
A very sad book
Depression is not a joke
We share the same song
Depression is not a joke
We share the same song
August 6, 2022
A heartfelt honest book. Thank you author, for sharing.
January 16, 2017
I give this book a 3.5stars.
When i initially started on the book, i find that it was very depressing. That was what i said to my girl and told her that i wouldn't finish the book.
I was appalled by Debbie's mum actions. The school counsellor was the worst. Never tell a girl that she asked for it.
After finishing the book, i totally agree with Debbie that mental illness is something that is like a taboo amongst the general population. People do not talk about it and avoid having a conversation.
The patients must be willing to share and on e there are enough sharing, this will become a common illness like flu. With more knowledge people will not avoid and maybe there they would be more accepting. Do you agree?
When i initially started on the book, i find that it was very depressing. That was what i said to my girl and told her that i wouldn't finish the book.
I was appalled by Debbie's mum actions. The school counsellor was the worst. Never tell a girl that she asked for it.
After finishing the book, i totally agree with Debbie that mental illness is something that is like a taboo amongst the general population. People do not talk about it and avoid having a conversation.
The patients must be willing to share and on e there are enough sharing, this will become a common illness like flu. With more knowledge people will not avoid and maybe there they would be more accepting. Do you agree?
March 15, 2017
A very raw but real encounter of a girl's struggles in modern society. I found myself sucked into the author's mind palace and I was hooked. A great book to better awareness and understanding of how we could be hurting others so much and what we may make them go through.
February 20, 2017
This was a very honest and raw memoir. I felt that I could relate to Debbie's story on a much personal level as she's a local author - the environment we grew up in and the similar struggles we faced, such as stereotypical parents and school life were pretty much the same.
That being said, I felt that I was reading a part of my life being printed on the pages of the book. The way I feel throughout the times of struggles, anxiety, depression and even the slight hint of an eating disorder.
That being said, I felt that I was reading a part of my life being printed on the pages of the book. The way I feel throughout the times of struggles, anxiety, depression and even the slight hint of an eating disorder.
March 28, 2017
An autobiography of her struggle through depression, Debbie Lee's book Perfection is a heartwarming read. Her simple narration is peppered with beautiful illustrations of herself and the characters in her story, showcasing her natural aptitude for artwork, which becomes a core part of her story into her schoolwork and career. She also lets us in on her first relationship, and the sexual and emotional abuse that she had gone through while being with her first boyfriend. All in all, it was a refreshing read, filled with many moments while riled up my emotions; I felt real empathy for her character. If there is only one fault of the book, it is that there are many grammatical errors and some spelling errors in the prose, though it can be easily overlooked by the sheer honesty that comes through in the work.
May 3, 2017
As already briefly mentioned in other reviews, the book could've been edited better - there were numerous grammatical/spelling errors and awkward sentences - which made it a slightly bumpy read.
That aside, this is a very raw, brave memoir which takes you into the deepest, darkest thoughts and real-life experiences of the writer. It sheds light onto the intricacies of depression and mental illness, an oft misunderstood condition rarely discussed openly.
The way it's written also shows the vulnerability of the writer, making her feel close and relatable. You can't help but root for her to the very end, and hope that she finds her peace in this chaotic world.
That aside, this is a very raw, brave memoir which takes you into the deepest, darkest thoughts and real-life experiences of the writer. It sheds light onto the intricacies of depression and mental illness, an oft misunderstood condition rarely discussed openly.
The way it's written also shows the vulnerability of the writer, making her feel close and relatable. You can't help but root for her to the very end, and hope that she finds her peace in this chaotic world.
January 4, 2019
More people should read this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews