Pure

Who it's for

Intrusive sexual or taboo thoughts are among the most hidden OCD experiences, because people fear the thoughts say something about who they are.

Feelings it meets

• OCD
• Living With Mental Illness
• Shame

What it is

Rose Cartwright's memoir of a decade living with 'Pure O,' a misunderstood form of OCD built around intrusive sexual thoughts, through years of misdiagnosis and treatments that didn't work, told with candour and humour.

Where to find it

Paperback, ebook and audiobook (Audible) from major retailers; libraries via OverDrive/Libby.

Before you start

Heads up: Distressing intrusive sexual thoughts.

Age: Not rated (adult memoir; suggested 18+)

There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2