Scatter Brain, Shaparak Khorsandi
Scatter Brain, Shaparak Khorsandi
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Scatter Brain
How I finally got off the ADHD rollercoaster and became the owner of a very tidy sock drawer

Author: Shaparak Khorsandi

Narrator: Shaparak Khorsandi

Unabridged: 6 hr 38 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Ebury Digital

Published: 07/13/2023


Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.

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!

©2023 Shaparak Khorsandi (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Reviews

Goodreads review by Zoe on October 08, 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......more

Goodreads review by Marie on 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 any......more

Goodreads review by Lynne on 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.......more

Goodreads review by Laura on May 07, 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, hon......more

Goodreads review by Emily on July 01, 2025

More of an autobiography than self help book but still an interesting read and surprising I related to a few things in it!......more


Quotes

'Hilarious, unflinching, but most importantly, wise' Sara Pascoe

'This is an intensely personal, highly educational and very funny exploration of ADHD. In Khorsandi's own words - 'For God's sake, finish it.'' Adam Kay

'Behold ADHD in all its random, funny, debilitating, overwhelming, creative, destructive, (and brilliant) overwhelmingness. Bravo Shappi!' Rory Bremner

'A kind, helpful and hilarious guide to neurodiversity told as only Shappi can tell it - required reading for all' Jenny Eclair

'A-ISLING
D-EFINITELY
H-EARTILY
D-ESIRES YOU TO READ THIS WONDERFUL, FUNNY BOOK BY HER FRIEND SHAPPI.' Aisling Bea

'Funny, honest, with open-eyed wit and generosity' Mark Watson

'A compelling read for all scatterbrains and neurotypicals too' Konnie Huq