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Scatter Brain: How I finally got off the ADHD rollercoaster and became the owner of a very tidy sock drawer
Some brains, through no fault of their own, pack a bag, turn the lights off and run away to the seaside the moment they are meant to be doing homework, paying bills or not putting the cat in the fridge. These are ADHD brains. I have one and believe they are as common as being left-handed, flat footed or genuinely enjoying anchovies on a pizza. Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder made my life a frustrating, maddening rollercoaster. I had very little focus except when I was hyper-focusing (and then it would always be on the wrong things), I made the same mistakes over and over again, regularly burning myself out until I was sobbing. When I finally was diagnosed in my 40s it felt like the lights had been turned on after a lifetime in the dark. Join much-loved comedian Shappi Khorsandi as she looks back on her life through the lens of ADHD and finally makes sense of the chaos. From discovering the joys of shoplifting through to finally understanding her attraction to toxic men, Scatter Brain will have you laughing (and crying) as you find out what it's really like to live a life out of control. Whether you suspect you might have ADHD or you're here to enjoy the ride, let Shappi take you on her hilarious journey of self-discovery where you just might learn something useful about yourself too!
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2023
70 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Shaparak Khorsandi
9 books155 followersShaparak "Shappi" Khorsandi (born 8 June 1973) is an Iranian-born British comedian.
The daughter of Hadi Khorsandi, her family was forced to flee from Iran to London after the Islamic Revolution following the publication of a satirical poem her father composed. The poem was perceived as being critical of the revolutionary regime. Shappi was raised without any religion.
Khorsandi graduated from the University of Winchester in 1995, with a degree in Drama, Theatre and Television, then moving onto pursue a career in comedy. In 2010, the University honoured her by awarding her an honourary doctorate.
Khorsandi was married to fellow comedian Christian Reilly, by whom she has a son named Charlie. They divorced in 2010. She lives with her son in west London near Richmond Park. Her father and brother are also stand-up comedians.
Khorsandi performs stand-up comedy, having been a noted performer at Joe Wilson's Comedy Madhouse throughout 1997. She has appeared on many BBC Radio 4 programmes, including Quote... Unquote, Loose Ends, You and Yours, Midweek, Just A Minute, The Now Show and The News Quiz, as well as BBC Television's Have I Got News For You. In July 2009 she hosted her own four-part series, Shappi Talk on BBC Radio 4, examining what it is like growing up in multi-cultural families. She also writes an occasional column for online magazine Iranian.com.
In 2007, she made her first trip to Australia and the Melbourne Comedy Festival with her show Asylum Speaker. She also appeared live on the Australia comedy talk show Rove. Later, she was nominated for best breakthrough act at the 2007 Chortle Awards. In December 2008, she appeared on the BBC stand-up television show Live at the Apollo alongside Russell Kane and Al Murray. She also made an appearance on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow on 20 June 2009, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on 26 June 2009 and 8 Out of 10 Cats on 10 July 2009.
Khorsandi's memoir, A Beginner's Guide to Acting English, was published by Ebury Press on 2 July 2009. She performed her show, The Distracted Activist, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 6–31 August 2009.
She was a panellist on Question Time in 2006, and returned on 14 January 2010. During that show, she mentioned that her political support goes to Labour. She performed on the second episode of Let's Dance for Sport Relief 2010.
In 2010, Khorsandi took part in Channel 4's Comedy Gala, a benefit show held in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, filmed live at the O2 Arena in London on 30 March. She appeared as a guest in Genius hosted by Dave Gorman on 31 October 2010. Khorsandi appeared on Channel 4's The Celebrity Bank Job in March 2012 and won £59,000 for her chosen charities.
The daughter of Hadi Khorsandi, her family was forced to flee from Iran to London after the Islamic Revolution following the publication of a satirical poem her father composed. The poem was perceived as being critical of the revolutionary regime. Shappi was raised without any religion.
Khorsandi graduated from the University of Winchester in 1995, with a degree in Drama, Theatre and Television, then moving onto pursue a career in comedy. In 2010, the University honoured her by awarding her an honourary doctorate.
Khorsandi was married to fellow comedian Christian Reilly, by whom she has a son named Charlie. They divorced in 2010. She lives with her son in west London near Richmond Park. Her father and brother are also stand-up comedians.
Khorsandi performs stand-up comedy, having been a noted performer at Joe Wilson's Comedy Madhouse throughout 1997. She has appeared on many BBC Radio 4 programmes, including Quote... Unquote, Loose Ends, You and Yours, Midweek, Just A Minute, The Now Show and The News Quiz, as well as BBC Television's Have I Got News For You. In July 2009 she hosted her own four-part series, Shappi Talk on BBC Radio 4, examining what it is like growing up in multi-cultural families. She also writes an occasional column for online magazine Iranian.com.
In 2007, she made her first trip to Australia and the Melbourne Comedy Festival with her show Asylum Speaker. She also appeared live on the Australia comedy talk show Rove. Later, she was nominated for best breakthrough act at the 2007 Chortle Awards. In December 2008, she appeared on the BBC stand-up television show Live at the Apollo alongside Russell Kane and Al Murray. She also made an appearance on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow on 20 June 2009, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on 26 June 2009 and 8 Out of 10 Cats on 10 July 2009.
Khorsandi's memoir, A Beginner's Guide to Acting English, was published by Ebury Press on 2 July 2009. She performed her show, The Distracted Activist, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 6–31 August 2009.
She was a panellist on Question Time in 2006, and returned on 14 January 2010. During that show, she mentioned that her political support goes to Labour. She performed on the second episode of Let's Dance for Sport Relief 2010.
In 2010, Khorsandi took part in Channel 4's Comedy Gala, a benefit show held in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, filmed live at the O2 Arena in London on 30 March. She appeared as a guest in Genius hosted by Dave Gorman on 31 October 2010. Khorsandi appeared on Channel 4's The Celebrity Bank Job in March 2012 and won £59,000 for her chosen charities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 8, 2023
The other day, after I heard Shappi’s talk at the Chiswick Book Festival, I got her a drink. Now, having read her book I just want to give her a hug. Seems like life definitely would have been kinder on her had she grown up in more recent times where neurodiversity is recognised, supported and even championed. Sorry Shappi had to go through such tough, traumatic times, but well done her for rising above it and shouting about it and finding the help she needed in the end.
Probably the thing that I most took away from this book is the idea that the ‘D’ in ADHD really ought not to stand for such negative terms as ’deficit’ or ‘disorder’. It is more simply a ‘difference’. And we should accept it as just that. It’s not a superpower. Nor is it a dysfunction. It is what it is and as long as we can understand it, we can live with it.
I’ll be using this as inspiration for my fourth Cally & Jimmy book which is currently at the editing stage. In Book 1, Cally is a bit righteous and often describes her twin Jimmy (who has ADHD) as ‘annoying’. Well, to be fair to Cally, siblings are annoying, whether they have ADHD or not. And Cally loves her brother really. Luckily Jimmy is growing up in the 2020s so he gets a lot more support at school than Shappi would have had, and his family are more savvy about how ADHD affects him too, and by Book 4 Cally becomes more understanding of it all as well. As does Jimmy. (BTW Jimmy is amazing as well as annoying). So thanks, Shappi, for opening our eyes just that little bit more, with your very honest book.
Probably the thing that I most took away from this book is the idea that the ‘D’ in ADHD really ought not to stand for such negative terms as ’deficit’ or ‘disorder’. It is more simply a ‘difference’. And we should accept it as just that. It’s not a superpower. Nor is it a dysfunction. It is what it is and as long as we can understand it, we can live with it.
I’ll be using this as inspiration for my fourth Cally & Jimmy book which is currently at the editing stage. In Book 1, Cally is a bit righteous and often describes her twin Jimmy (who has ADHD) as ‘annoying’. Well, to be fair to Cally, siblings are annoying, whether they have ADHD or not. And Cally loves her brother really. Luckily Jimmy is growing up in the 2020s so he gets a lot more support at school than Shappi would have had, and his family are more savvy about how ADHD affects him too, and by Book 4 Cally becomes more understanding of it all as well. As does Jimmy. (BTW Jimmy is amazing as well as annoying). So thanks, Shappi, for opening our eyes just that little bit more, with your very honest book.
May 29, 2024
Honestly the 2 is mostly my fault for being adhd and never reading the blurb before reading a book but I wasn't expecting it to be a full on autobiography based on the title. I thought I would actually find out what practical tools were used so I can hopefully have a tidy sock drawer one day but anyway. Also because there were no chapters or dividers whatsoever in the audiobook that also added to my not great experience.
I finished the book because her life story was interesting and read in a digestible way though I had no idea who she was before starting. I found the writing a little repetitive at times and a bit "therapist prescribed diary entry" sounding at times but it was not at all bad - i just didn't get what I wanted out of it based on the title ... the sock drawer literally wasn't mentioned until the last few pages 😭
I finished the book because her life story was interesting and read in a digestible way though I had no idea who she was before starting. I found the writing a little repetitive at times and a bit "therapist prescribed diary entry" sounding at times but it was not at all bad - i just didn't get what I wanted out of it based on the title ... the sock drawer literally wasn't mentioned until the last few pages 😭
April 27, 2024
I saw Shaparak's comedy show a few years ago and would never have guessed the difficulties she was having - caused partly by then undiagnosed ADHD. This description of her personal experience is a good read and has helped me learn a lot about the condition.
May 8, 2025
A heartfelt, powerful listen – thank you, Shaparak!
I had the privilege of hearing Shaparak speak at the Amelia Centre in Tunbridge Wells, and listening to Scatter Brain on Audible has only deepened my admiration for her. I’ve rarely heard anyone describe the experience of ADHD with such clarity, honesty, and warmth. As a neurodivergent occupational therapist who wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood, I felt deeply seen.
What stood out to me most—and what I’ll carry into my personal life and work with young people—is the powerful reminder that rest is an activity. Wow. Yes, it is. And how easily we forget that in a world that demands constant productivity.
Shaparak’s reflections on self-kindness, rewriting internal narratives, and meeting your own needs without shame are brilliant. This book isn’t just insightful—it’s empowering. It made me laugh and feel understood. Thank you, Shapi, for your courage and compassion.
I had the privilege of hearing Shaparak speak at the Amelia Centre in Tunbridge Wells, and listening to Scatter Brain on Audible has only deepened my admiration for her. I’ve rarely heard anyone describe the experience of ADHD with such clarity, honesty, and warmth. As a neurodivergent occupational therapist who wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood, I felt deeply seen.
What stood out to me most—and what I’ll carry into my personal life and work with young people—is the powerful reminder that rest is an activity. Wow. Yes, it is. And how easily we forget that in a world that demands constant productivity.
Shaparak’s reflections on self-kindness, rewriting internal narratives, and meeting your own needs without shame are brilliant. This book isn’t just insightful—it’s empowering. It made me laugh and feel understood. Thank you, Shapi, for your courage and compassion.
April 5, 2026
I learned about this on a book related podcast and I have since realised that almost every recommendation I've gotten from that source has been incredibly disappointing and almost certainly not for me at all.
Khorsandi is a name I'm vaguely aware of, from many moons ago, and if memory serves me correctly she was one of those people who when they came on the TV I'd swear aloud and promptly turn the channel. But I still gave this a shot and although it had its briefly interesting moments I couldn't possibly recommend this to anyone.
July 1, 2025
More of an autobiography than self help book but still an interesting read and surprising I related to a few things in it!
July 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it was an interesting and informative read in to what it is like to live your life with undiagnosed ADHD. Each chapter focuses on a different area of Shaparak's life and she writes about how ADHD impacted areas such as her relationships, friendships, work and childhood. Shaparak was not diagnosed until her 40's and I learnt a lot about ADHD through her descriptions of living with undiagnosed ADHD and the many problems that it caused her such as lack of focus, bullimia, shoplifting and relationship problems. The effects of ADHD were mainly negative but it was also interesting to read that there were a few postive effects of ADHD such as the drive it has given her. I particularly found it interesting when she was pondering the effect of ADHD upon her comedy career, ADHD made her lack focus which she felt negatively impacted her ability to be reliable and studious about her career but it also gave her impulsivity and the desire for risk which led to her chasing a comedy career to begin with.
The book is very honest snd there is a lot of self reflection, Shaparak does not shy away from telling the reader about awful situations that ADHD has led her to. I knew nothing about ADHD before reading this book other than the stereotypes peddled in the media and the situations and scenarios that Shaparak describes are eye-opening to the true seriousness of this condition. Prior to reading I thought ADHD was a lack of attention span and not being able to keep still but now I know the truly awful reality of this condition and that it can lead to compulsive risk taking, eating disorders and dangerous impulsive behaviour. I'd imagine that this book would be comforting to others with ADHD and also useful for those who have loved ones with ADHD.
If I had to be slightly critical of the book I would have liked to have read more about the diagnosis and the aftermath of being diagnosed, this is briefly covered but more depth on this section would have been better. It's possible that it is too soon after Shaparak's diagnosis for in-depth reflection on the process of gaining an ADHD diagnosis and how this has had a positive impact on the areas she wrote about earlier in the book, maybe a second book on the subject would be possible in a few years time to see how she is getting on.
I have read other books by the same author and I love her writing, she manages to write with humour and lightness but also to convey the seriousness and dark side to the condition. I look forward to her next book.
The book is very honest snd there is a lot of self reflection, Shaparak does not shy away from telling the reader about awful situations that ADHD has led her to. I knew nothing about ADHD before reading this book other than the stereotypes peddled in the media and the situations and scenarios that Shaparak describes are eye-opening to the true seriousness of this condition. Prior to reading I thought ADHD was a lack of attention span and not being able to keep still but now I know the truly awful reality of this condition and that it can lead to compulsive risk taking, eating disorders and dangerous impulsive behaviour. I'd imagine that this book would be comforting to others with ADHD and also useful for those who have loved ones with ADHD.
If I had to be slightly critical of the book I would have liked to have read more about the diagnosis and the aftermath of being diagnosed, this is briefly covered but more depth on this section would have been better. It's possible that it is too soon after Shaparak's diagnosis for in-depth reflection on the process of gaining an ADHD diagnosis and how this has had a positive impact on the areas she wrote about earlier in the book, maybe a second book on the subject would be possible in a few years time to see how she is getting on.
I have read other books by the same author and I love her writing, she manages to write with humour and lightness but also to convey the seriousness and dark side to the condition. I look forward to her next book.
March 31, 2024
I laughed, I cried, I flew into a rage of empathy
I loved this book. My experience mirrors that of Shaparak Khorsandi fairly closely and she's produced a book that's entertaining and full of wisdom. I had seen her mention her diagnosis in an interview and was mildly intrigued. I had read her previous memoir and really enjoyed it. As a person with ADHD it's not often I read a book from start to finish! However I didn't really think her experience would be so close to mine as I tend to observe that people who have the opportunity to write about their ADHD are already doing a lot better than me by virtue of having published. I assumed that either their symptoms were not as severe as mine or they had other factors that mitigated against total disaster, such as money, fame, supportive and understanding partner / family etc. I was certainly wrong in this instance and as well as feeling sad for Shaparak's experiences (and of course my own) I was inspired and learned a lot. And of course she is very funny. I would like to see more of the specifics of how she navigates ND life nowadays. I know not all tips are right for everyone but I bet she could produce an excellent collaboration with her adhd therapist for instance. The more the general population understands, the better for everyone.
I loved this book. My experience mirrors that of Shaparak Khorsandi fairly closely and she's produced a book that's entertaining and full of wisdom. I had seen her mention her diagnosis in an interview and was mildly intrigued. I had read her previous memoir and really enjoyed it. As a person with ADHD it's not often I read a book from start to finish! However I didn't really think her experience would be so close to mine as I tend to observe that people who have the opportunity to write about their ADHD are already doing a lot better than me by virtue of having published. I assumed that either their symptoms were not as severe as mine or they had other factors that mitigated against total disaster, such as money, fame, supportive and understanding partner / family etc. I was certainly wrong in this instance and as well as feeling sad for Shaparak's experiences (and of course my own) I was inspired and learned a lot. And of course she is very funny. I would like to see more of the specifics of how she navigates ND life nowadays. I know not all tips are right for everyone but I bet she could produce an excellent collaboration with her adhd therapist for instance. The more the general population understands, the better for everyone.
July 21, 2023
This book is a miracle. A bible. How is it possible that Shaparak has written my life story? From family dynamic to coping mechanisms to relationship patterns, everything I read in her book correlated with my experiences as a young woman in the dark about her ADHD brain.
Her story is expanded so beautifully and flows in such a comprehensible way - which is extremely impressive for such a scattered and chaotic timeline of events, coming out of an ADHD brain!
I simply could not and would not put it down, and I am 100% going to be rereading during the inevitable ADHD phases of overwhelm, hopelessness and loneliness. This book is being kept so safe in my possession, and I’ve already got a queue of people waiting to be lent it after my glowing and radiating review.
This book is a friend to me, and a fucking funny one too. Believe me when I say I snort-cackled at her fantastic one-liners and ADHD intrusive comedy thoughts. I feel such immense pride and love for Shaparak, I relate to her so much after this read - if she by any chance comes across this review, hi hello how are you doing? You are utterly fantastic and brilliant and so bloody strong. You’re a force of love to be reckoned with and I’d like to become friends thank you have a lovely day
Her story is expanded so beautifully and flows in such a comprehensible way - which is extremely impressive for such a scattered and chaotic timeline of events, coming out of an ADHD brain!
I simply could not and would not put it down, and I am 100% going to be rereading during the inevitable ADHD phases of overwhelm, hopelessness and loneliness. This book is being kept so safe in my possession, and I’ve already got a queue of people waiting to be lent it after my glowing and radiating review.
This book is a friend to me, and a fucking funny one too. Believe me when I say I snort-cackled at her fantastic one-liners and ADHD intrusive comedy thoughts. I feel such immense pride and love for Shaparak, I relate to her so much after this read - if she by any chance comes across this review, hi hello how are you doing? You are utterly fantastic and brilliant and so bloody strong. You’re a force of love to be reckoned with and I’d like to become friends thank you have a lovely day
January 31, 2024
In the absence of a local support group, reading honest accounts from people recently diagnosed with ADHD helps me enormously. Like so many others, I was only diagnosed during lockdown at the age of 49. Some of the accounts of those in the public eye who had sought diagnosis and treatment in later life left me feeling a bit deflated because they made it sound like everything had been positive as soon as they were 'officially' neurodivergent. My experience has been very mixed, to say the least, and I feel there is still a long way to go before I can say that things are positive or manageable. That's why I think this book is really important.
Shaparak Khorsandi opens her heart and life in this book and allows the reader to taste the desperation and chaos that characterized much of her life. The sheer immensity of the emotions she experienced are expressed in ways that are both hilarious and heart-breaking. I am so thankful that I caught an interview with Shaparak on Radio 4, talking about the book, and impulsively bought a copy. I shall be passing it on to a friend tomorrow who suspects she is neurodivergent to help her think about getting tested.
So, I would encourage everyone to read this book, especially those like the git described on p220!
Shaparak Khorsandi opens her heart and life in this book and allows the reader to taste the desperation and chaos that characterized much of her life. The sheer immensity of the emotions she experienced are expressed in ways that are both hilarious and heart-breaking. I am so thankful that I caught an interview with Shaparak on Radio 4, talking about the book, and impulsively bought a copy. I shall be passing it on to a friend tomorrow who suspects she is neurodivergent to help her think about getting tested.
So, I would encourage everyone to read this book, especially those like the git described on p220!
August 20, 2024
An incredibly raw and honest look at her life and struggles through the prism of ADHD, Khorsandi does not shy away from topics including grieving a divorce and an eating disorder, so please read with content warnings in mind.
I found it interesting how she explicitly states towards the end of the book that her ADHD is not a disability or disorder, when it’s quite clearly affected her in disabling ways throughout her life (and furthermore, is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010). ‘Disability’ needn’t be an ugly word and I got the vaguest impression of internalised ableism from these sentences.
I found it interesting how she explicitly states towards the end of the book that her ADHD is not a disability or disorder, when it’s quite clearly affected her in disabling ways throughout her life (and furthermore, is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010). ‘Disability’ needn’t be an ugly word and I got the vaguest impression of internalised ableism from these sentences.
April 28, 2025
This book ripped me raw, naked, and open. Shaparak Khorsandi speaks with such unflinching honesty and insight. As someone with ADHD I found this book painfully relatable. It is exactly what I needed at this juncture in my life and has helped me confront some of my own painful truths. You will laugh, cry, and flinch.
September 4, 2023
Enjoyed reading this for the most part, and had many 'me too' moments. Perhaps some oversharing at times but Shaparak has ADHD so to be expected really! Overall a great insight into the struggles that undiagnosed women and girls face.
November 12, 2024
I quite like Khorsandi but this was short, and still quite repetitive and outright dull by the end of it. Intended to be a light-hearted, non-academic exploration of ADHD, there were far too many CAPITAL LETTERS and exclamation marks!!!! to hammer it home that this was funny or wacky.
The idea was that those with ADHD have brains that work differently and that some aspects of how they act and react are involuntary and can't be helped, but that doesn't give them carte blanche to be horrible people. Unsurprisingly, this didn't result in a long philosophical discussion on determinism, but I'm not quite sure what the idea was, beyond saying that some people can't concentrate, or experience hypersensitivity. However, not all symptoms are unique to, nor guaranteed to be experienced by, ADHD sufferers, and even then there wasn't much discussion as to what should be done to allow for things the neurodivergent can't help doing.
That's not to say that is bad message, I just didn't think the delivery was that great. Khorsandi listed things she did that were suboptimal, and also explored some of the things she'd done to moderate her behaviour, including the calmer, but less exciting, experience of having non-alcoholic beer at a New Years Eye party, and this was an instance of practical advice and its effects evaluated honestly. But she lightly touched on aspects of the comedy scene, or writing, or socialising before discussing something else entirely, and this pattern irritated me, although the longer period about the decluttering was boring.
I expect this was meant to be a relatable layperson's guide to ADHD, shorn of boring statistics or medical terms. However it went too far the other way for me, short on factual content that could have been illustrated by anecdotes, and a lack of depth that gave me a very superficial understanding of the issue.
The idea was that those with ADHD have brains that work differently and that some aspects of how they act and react are involuntary and can't be helped, but that doesn't give them carte blanche to be horrible people. Unsurprisingly, this didn't result in a long philosophical discussion on determinism, but I'm not quite sure what the idea was, beyond saying that some people can't concentrate, or experience hypersensitivity. However, not all symptoms are unique to, nor guaranteed to be experienced by, ADHD sufferers, and even then there wasn't much discussion as to what should be done to allow for things the neurodivergent can't help doing.
That's not to say that is bad message, I just didn't think the delivery was that great. Khorsandi listed things she did that were suboptimal, and also explored some of the things she'd done to moderate her behaviour, including the calmer, but less exciting, experience of having non-alcoholic beer at a New Years Eye party, and this was an instance of practical advice and its effects evaluated honestly. But she lightly touched on aspects of the comedy scene, or writing, or socialising before discussing something else entirely, and this pattern irritated me, although the longer period about the decluttering was boring.
I expect this was meant to be a relatable layperson's guide to ADHD, shorn of boring statistics or medical terms. However it went too far the other way for me, short on factual content that could have been illustrated by anecdotes, and a lack of depth that gave me a very superficial understanding of the issue.
March 30, 2024
A hilarious and relatable memoir that everyone should read.
However, I would also preface that anyone who is neurodivergent should pick up this book, there are so many semblances of ADHD, which is one of the first times I have ever truly seen myself in a book.
This memoir follows the experience of Khorsandi from being a young girl in an ethnic household, through the years, eventually being diagnosed as an adult. All of these chapters bore a resemblance to my own childhood as a woman from a minority background with ADHD. In my experience, this book narrates the difficulty of regulating emotions and forming social connections. It made me both laugh and cry. I saw a lot of myself, especially through my struggles within the schooling system and my own communities, misunderstanding what I have. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed at seventeen, it being around three years, I am still learning a lot about my ADHD and how to regulate it in my day-to-day identity, which book narrates a great deal around.
Overall, I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars since I am eternally grateful to have a book written by a neurodiverse woman of colour.
However, I would also preface that anyone who is neurodivergent should pick up this book, there are so many semblances of ADHD, which is one of the first times I have ever truly seen myself in a book.
This memoir follows the experience of Khorsandi from being a young girl in an ethnic household, through the years, eventually being diagnosed as an adult. All of these chapters bore a resemblance to my own childhood as a woman from a minority background with ADHD. In my experience, this book narrates the difficulty of regulating emotions and forming social connections. It made me both laugh and cry. I saw a lot of myself, especially through my struggles within the schooling system and my own communities, misunderstanding what I have. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed at seventeen, it being around three years, I am still learning a lot about my ADHD and how to regulate it in my day-to-day identity, which book narrates a great deal around.
Overall, I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars since I am eternally grateful to have a book written by a neurodiverse woman of colour.
January 8, 2026
exactly what I needed, not a ‘how to live with ADHD’ book, but a lived experience. i learned so much, not only about my present relationship with ADHD, but also my past. It’s made me realise how much better i deserved from certain people, and if i’d only had read this back then, i perhaps would’ve given myself so much more grace, and maybe stood up for myself more too.
I recommend this to anyone who is ADHD curious, anyone who’s ’never felt quite right’ in this ableism-filled world.
as someone who’s always struggled reading too, this book broke the curse, the way its written is so engaging, fun and authentic, it doesn’t feel like you’re ‘studying’ at all , even tho the lesson you may learn from this book could be life changing, like they were for me :)
I recommend this to anyone who is ADHD curious, anyone who’s ’never felt quite right’ in this ableism-filled world.
as someone who’s always struggled reading too, this book broke the curse, the way its written is so engaging, fun and authentic, it doesn’t feel like you’re ‘studying’ at all , even tho the lesson you may learn from this book could be life changing, like they were for me :)
January 31, 2025
The subtitle to this book, "How I Finally Got Off the ADHD Rollercoaster and Became the Owner of a Very Tidy Sock Drawer," made me expect a practical view on how the author was overcoming ADHD. Instead, it turned out to be more of a memoir, exploring the author’s life through the lens of her ADHD diagnosis to explain events in her past. While it wasn't what I was looking for, it was amusing and brutally honest, which kept me reading to the end. It wasn’t what I was looking for, but if you go into it expecting a funny, candid, personal account rather than a self-help approach it may be worth a read.
February 10, 2025
The content is great, written in a not so great but funny and relatable style. Would definitely recommend for people who have (or suspect) ADHD, but also for people who do not have it. Living with a neurodivergence impacts a person's life in so many ways and in such depth that neurotypical people are not even aware of. This can help understand ADHD as so much more than "I can't pay attention" or "I can't stand still".
Would give a 3.5 for the writing and the repetitiveness of some bits, but its overall a very good read.
Would give a 3.5 for the writing and the repetitiveness of some bits, but its overall a very good read.
June 2, 2025
Bought this after seeing Shaparak Korsandi do a stand up show in Gloucester (which was fantastic). The book is part autobiography, part memoir, part guidebook to ADHD but I feel it doesn’t quite come off, there’s a lot of repetition of key events and it’s very scattered chronologically and thematically - which I guess makes sense really. Enjoyable enough but I don’t feel I’ve learned much about either Shappi or ADHD.M.
June 29, 2025
Shappi Khorsandi's journey to her diagnosis of ADHD in her forties was not an easy one. Having been told she was "wrong" or "too much" for her whole life, she had developed some very unhealthy coping strategies to deal with her neurodivergence and her childhood trauma. This is an honest and open account of her life and how she managed, eventually, to learn how to work with the way her brain works. A sad read at times, mostly I just wanted to give her a hug.
September 20, 2025
I didn’t realise but Shappi wrote a book I really enjoyed called ‘Nina is not ok’ and now I learn that some of it were based on her life. This makes me really sad to know as that book stayed with me for its sadness and desperation but Shappi has been so brave to admit that in this autobiography. My husband has ADHD and it helped me in understanding more about how he thinks and that it’s usual behaviour, despite it presenting differently in men and women.
September 19, 2023
Reading this book was so unbelievably cathartic for me so relatable , at times it reduced me to tears how catastrophic adhd can impact a life , my son is diagnosed, I’m undiagnosed… the descriptions of situations and scenarios where just our lives !
Funny , informative and in my opinion essential for anyone who wants to know the mind of an adhd’er !
Funny , informative and in my opinion essential for anyone who wants to know the mind of an adhd’er !
May 10, 2024
I read this book because I was in the car listening to a Jon Richardson podcast that Shappi appeared on. My best mate and I could both relate to what Shappi was saying but in different ways. This book has helped me to understand some my Adhd traits but also be more accepting of the traits of my friend that I hadn't connected to Adhd. Thank you Shappi. Great book and great story.
October 24, 2024
I first heard about Shappi on ADHD Chatter podcast and her story was incredibly, even painfully, relatable.
The book gives much detail on how undiagnosed AND unattended ADHD might manifest itself and change your life into a whirlwind of chaos, disappointment and shame. Fortunately, it’s much easier now to get the help and support we, the neurodivergent, need and Shappi is a living proof of it!
The book gives much detail on how undiagnosed AND unattended ADHD might manifest itself and change your life into a whirlwind of chaos, disappointment and shame. Fortunately, it’s much easier now to get the help and support we, the neurodivergent, need and Shappi is a living proof of it!
February 16, 2026
I can now properly focus on audiobooks thanks to ADHD medication so this was another book in my journey to understanding my own ADHD. A lot of it really hit home and I found it incredibly informative. It’s not necessarily a ‘fix your life’ manual but it helped me to understand myself more than I ever have before, and that’s far more valuable.
August 22, 2023
Loved it. Must read more by this author. Have now ordered Nina is Not OK
September 26, 2023
If your the same age as I am to Shappi You read this book and you are relating to it and wondering do I have ADHD. The school life the 20s life the adulting life. This she has done I have done. Such a good read.
October 11, 2023
As a late diagnosed adhder this was reading my story I was crying for myself. How I survived I have no idea 🤷🏼♀️ read if you have a late diagnosed adhder in your life in particular Losing my Shit chapter
July 6, 2024
This is much less a book about how she overcame difficulties with ADHD, and more about the struggles she experienced prior to diagnosis. There’s literally no information about how she keeps her sock drawer tidy. 😆 It was a good read, but not what it promised on the cover.
January 22, 2025
Wow Wow Wow! Saw Shappi a few months ago on her tour and got to meet her afterwards. This is the book I needed to read to help me understand my ADHD. Thank you Shappi for writing about your experiences and sharing it with the world!
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