Welcome to The Trichster Diaries

 Reviewed in the United States 

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This book has really helped me understand the behaviors and mindset of someone with Trichotillomania. I’m so happy I purchased it. I read it in 3 days and couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended!

 Reviewed in the United States

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Whether you know someone living with trichotillomania or have never heard of the disorder until now, this book is a must read for all ages.

In this heartfelt, remarkably well-written biographical piece, author Barbara Lally details her own battle with the hair pulling disorder- Confusion. Anger. Frustration. Self hate. Self acceptance. Self love. Every emotion Comes into play and is unpacked and explored.

Though a fairly uncommon disorder, this book details one of the most common challenges: learning to love and accept yourself fully.

I can not recommend this book enough, but trust that I’m trying.

 Reviewed in the United States

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" You are beautiful no matter what they say. Words can't bring you down." -Christina Aguilera, Beautiful.

What a beautiful song that is and it fits this story extremely well.

The definition: Trichotillomania (pronounced trik-o-till-o-MAY-nee-uh), also referred to as “hair-pulling disorder,” is a mental disorder classified under Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders and involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, and other areas of the body, despite repeated attempts to stop or decrease hair pulling. -Psycom

How do people with Trichotillomania cope on a daily basis with this disorder? Well, one person was willing to tell us how she does it.

I have never heard of this disorder until I read this true debut story. I must say that this was very educational and I learned a lot from it. I even got so caught up in wanting to know more about Trichotillomania that I did my own research after finishing the story. I even made sure that I knew how to pronounce the word Trichotillomania by listening to it on youtube!! I was that bound and determined to learn all I could about this disorder. The story was so fascinating that I breezed right through the story within a few hours. I was so intrigued to find out more of the author's experience that I just couldn't put it down.

The story-line is unforgettable. My thoughts continue to swirl around while writing this review. There were times that I felt sorry for the author and the hard times that she went through, but that's not why she wrote this book. Lally wrote this book to educate us on a disorder that many know nothing about. There were so many lessons within this story that I am going to put them to use with my everyday life too. In fact. I have even found a new motto.

"Treat yourself like you would want to treat your friends; love, comfort, forgiveness and support yourself."

That is a fantastic statement and I highly agree with it and will be adding this to my everyday life as well. This is a remarkable story that will be with me forever and I highly recommend it!!

 Reviewed in the United States 

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Astonishing. Witty. Heartwarming. Impactful. I cannot say enough positive things about this book!

Not only do I love the author for her talented, brilliant, and beautiful mind, but I also love that the stories within are real, raw, and authentic. They're personal stories from her life growing up with Trichotillomania.

I truly loved reading this book. The stories are humorous, and interesting. The author also includes poems that correlate to each of the evolving chapters within her life. One of my favorite stories is about how she let her roommate cut her hair and accidentally chopped it off - at least she thought she did, ha! The author reels you in from start to finish; once I started I didn't want to stop.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor and a willingness to learn about the true breadth of living with, or living with someone, who has Trichotillomania. Don't read this book if you don't like to laugh because there are so many funny moments. Some stories are sad, but the sad parts are important to tell. It's an easy read for all ages. For those who are unfamiliar with, and also those who are familiar with this disorder; every second of this book is worth reading!

 Reviewed in the United States 

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The Trichster Diaries is a compelling and important book about the author’s journey to adulthood while suffering from the little known condition called trichotillomania (often shortened to trich) — the hair pulling disease.

The story of Lally’s journey is told primarily through a series of intimate and revealing story snippets, powerful poems, and sweet photos from throughout her adolescent and young adult years.

Her journey with trich begins at the age of ten where as a young girl she began to pull her eyelashes out. Through the course of the book, we learn about this disorder with a young Barb and her family as they struggle to understand what is causing her to do this. The reader also comes to see how little is known about this condition, and how isolating and shame-inducing it can be.

Lally’s prose is sterling. Her poetry is on point and quite thought-provoking — providing insight into the emotions created by having to struggle with trich. As reader, you cannot help but feel for this young woman who pulls her own hair out at often the very worst possible moments and wants nothing more than to stop doing so — except for the fact that the very act of pulling often feels right and good in the moment, and soothes anxiety — until she sees the aftermath.

This book is based on the true stories that Lally began posting on Instagram in her @thetrichsterdiaries account, and I would recommend for anyone who wants to know more about the personal struggles and challenges faced by those who suffer from trich to both follow her on Instagram, and to READ THIS BOOK!

 Reviewed in the United Kingdom 

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I love this book, I can relate, laugh and cry. Thank you for giving us with Trichotillomania a honest look at this disorder.

 Reviewed in the United States 

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Once I began reading, I could literally not stop! I have NEVER read a book that I felt has resonated with me so much on many different levels as a fellow trichster and just as an individual. If you have trichotillomania yourself, know someone that does, or are generally curious about it, I hands down recommend this book!! Inspiring, thoughtful, and raw. This book is an easy read and relatable even beyond trichotillomania. Barbara Lally, thank you incredibly much for composing this book and sharing it with the world. You are a gem.

  Reviewed in the United States 

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Absolutely love this book. Fascinating look into the life of a little girl struggling with a rare disorder and so satisfying to watch her come out the other side - not cured, but full of acceptance and grace as she grows into a woman. Beautiful poetry is weaved throughout the story and it’s just overall great quality writing. Love having this on my bookshelf! 

A Reviewed in the United States

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I adored this book. It is smart, funny, poetic, and well written. It is a good read for anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a trichster! This book also helped me recognize and come to terms with some of my own trichotillomania tendencies, and I hope it does the same for others. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author! 

 Reviewed in the United States

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I absolutely LOVED this book.
Living with Trichotillomania, myself, I'm thankful for stories like this one.
Going through hair pulling through childhood, teenage years and for some adulthood isn't easy but it's comforting knowing that we all share similarities on our journey through Trichotillomania. Never ever alone❤ Thank you Barbara for your courage and strength💪

 Reviewed in the United States 

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This book was so inspiring! A book of self acceptance and self love. I really appreciated the authors voice. I often found myself laughing as the author told stories of her life with Trich. I would recommend this book for everyone, whether you have trich or know someone with trich or just someone looking for a great example of self discovery! I learned so much! Great book!

 Reviewed in the United States 

This book is terrific. An easy to read, interesting, powerful story of empowerment and growth. The author tells her story from a worried little girl in the dark about a private personal issue that she struggles with, educates herself and through trials & tribulations and positive energy, she changes her perspective and takes ownership for self acceptance and to help others in a similar situation. She grows up and emerges as an independent  educated professional woman. This journey can apply to any emotional or physical adversity and the power to endure and come out happier, stronger and be an advocate to help others through the use of friends, family, love and mindful critical thinking. An inspiring journey from a talented honest writer!