Scorpions cover art

Scorpions

A Memoir

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Scorpions

By: Tuppence Middleton
Narrated by: Tuppence Middleton
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

My mind is full of scorpions. A cerebral itch, impossible to scratch. I know these creatures well, but they know me better. They answer to another name, this nest of scorpions, the writhing black mass that lives inside my head…

For as long as Tuppence Middleton can remember, she has struggled with obsessive thoughts and compulsions. She visualises her OCD as scorpions inhabiting her mind, something to be hidden that impacts her life daily:

  • Have I killed my cat?
  • When was the last time that person in front of me vomited?
  • How many people have touched this door handle since it was cleaned?
  • Should I tap the outside of the airplane to save my loved ones from harm?

Often used as a shorthand for tidiness or as the punchline of a joke, OCD is one of society’s most misunderstood disorders and it’s rarely spoken about with such honesty and openness.

Beautifully written, moving and often darkly funny, Tuppence recounts what it feels like to share your mind with a nest of scorpions.

©2025 Tuppence Middleton (P)2025 Penguin Audio Anxiety Disorders Compulsive Disorders Mental Health People with Disabilities Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Funny Memoir

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All stars
Most relevant
I was always an anxious, over worrying, scared of the dark, obsessed with the fear of death sort of child. Never feeling comfortable in my own skin. But OCD didn’t really rear its head for me until my first pregnancy, 31 years ago, when I was 23 years old. It’s been one hell of a battle ever since. It’s taken away so much from me, but it’s made me an empathetic, kind, caring human being, so I guess it’s given me plenty too.
I want to thank you for this memoir, it resonates so much with me. It really helps to not feel so isolated and alone.
My heart goes out to anyone that lives with OCD, we really are very special human beings ♥️

A fellow OCD warrior

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A really accessible account of OCD, which I was absorbed in right from the start.

So helpful to people trying to understand

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This book is a must for anyone experiencing or living with someone struggling with OCD- it like it was written by myself or my daughter.
It’s so helpful to know that you are not alone… the comparisons between the scorpions & the thoughts worked really well

Raising awareness & beautifully spoken truths

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If, like me, you have a tendency to get “value for money” with your Audible credit in terms of listening hours - ignore this and download this book immediately.
A completely fascinating, honest and hopeful insight into both the onset of OCD and living with the condition. Cleverly written and wonderfully narrated - I will definitely be buying in book form too.

Illuminating and thoughtful on a condition I knew very little about

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Having OCD tendencies myself I was curious to listen to someone else’s experiences. It gave me an understanding of her struggles. Well written and beautifully read.

A brilliant insight into OCD

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