Finding My Voice

Nadiya's honest, unforgettable memoir

By: Nadiya Hussain

Narrated by: Nadiya Hussain

'A revelatory honest read . . . She writes with clear-eyed insight . . . There's no doubt that the book will make an impact and enable young girls to question the boxes society places them in and to dream bigger than the previous generation thought possible.' YOU Magazine

'A tale of honesty and joy from one of Britain's most influential women . . . in this memoir, she writes openly and comfortingly about the mental health issues we all face.'

FUNNY, HEART-WRENCHING, GENEROUS AND TRUE, IN FINDING MY VOICE NADIYA HUSSAIN SHARES THE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE MADE HER THE WOMAN SHE IS TODAY.


'I am writing this for everyone who was told no. 'No, you are not rich enough. No, that is not credible. No, you can't. No, you won't. No, you are not allowed. No, that is not appropriate.

I was told, "No, you do not belong."

Finally, I am saying, "Yes, I do."'

From the moment Nadiya Hussain was born, she has been questioning her role in life. But the irony is, she never wanted to be a trailblazer. She just wanted to follow a 'normal' path. But life kept telling her 'you can't'.

And so she found her own way, beyond anything she dared to dream . . .

In this wise, witty, open-hearted book, Nadiya lets us into her life and, for the first time, shares the memories and experiences that have shaped her into the woman and role-model that she is today, alongside her personal recipes and the stories they tell.

(P) 2019 Headline Publishing Group Ltd©2019 Nadiya Hussain

Critic reviews

A tale of honesty and joy from one of Britain's most influential women . . . Unflinchingly honest ... in this memoir, she writes openly and comfortingly about the mental health issues we all face.

A revelatory honest read . . . She writes with clear-eyed insight . . . There's no doubt that the book will make an impact and enable young girls to question the boxes society places them in and to dream bigger than the previous generation thought possible. (Elizabeth Day)

Each chapter explores a different role Hussain has played in her life so far . . . this is far from a smug "you too could have it all" manual for the modern woman. It is more about Hussain's long struggle to find her place in the world.

[Finding My Voice] explores difficult issues like her anxiety and traumas of her childhood.

Her first foray into telling her life story, Finding My Voice sees Nadiya discuss life with mental health issues as someone who suffers with panic attacks.

An honest discussion of anxiety, Nadiya Hussain's book is a real comfort read.

Featuring personal recipes and childhood memories, [Nadiya] lets us into her life for the very first time. Her journey to capturing our hearts on our television screens has been far from an easy one, as she explains that this book is for everyone who has been told 'no' and had their dreams stunted by others. Pick up Finding My Voice to discover how her background shaped her to become the woman she is today.

Since winning Bake Off in 2015, Nadiya has become a TV favourite . . . Only 34, Nadiya has been through a lot and in her memoir she touches on some of the most important roles in her life . . . Each chapter begins with a poem and ends with a recipe and both offer insights into Nadiya's mind. It's a moving and funny book.

One of the most compelling autobiographies I've read . . . the most influential Asian woman in the UK, the most popular baker in Britain and the most unexpected, surprising, five-foot nothing kickass of a woman.'

Nadiya Hussain has become a household name as a cookbook writer, author and television presenter. Her memoir is the warm and inspiring tale of a young woman who felt she lacked opportunities but defied the way society tried to pigeonhole her. Also delving into Nadiya's issues with anxiety, it is an honest and uplifting autobiography.

Finding My Voice is courageous; she's written with unflinching honesty about her upbringing . . . This is no banal celeb memoir; it's Nadiya tackling her life - the light as well as dark - head on . . . It's a brave book, but then Nadiya has already broken many moulds.

Honest and absorbing

A fascinating from-the-heart memoir

Raw and revealing . . . She is disarmingly funny

A beautiful memoir

I have loved Nadiya since bake off. I loved this memoir. Her perspective and self reflection is beautiful, empowering, and something I strive for. She has the ability to share the flaws of the people around her but also share their beauty and their strength. She recognizes their human weaknesses and also gives them grace.

I wanted so much more

Nadiyah, loved you reading me your story, your rich deep and beautiful story that depicted a life lived round the corner of so many of us that we were blind to. You are brave, funny, kind and fierce! Your a beautiful Muslim female role model, and I adore your cooking ...... write more! And do it quickly! So haven’t had my fill of your words, stories or humor!
الله يوفقك حبيبتي!!!!

Enjoyed it thoroughly

I really enjoyed this memoir. It shows us who Nadiya actually is under all the makeup and lights. The chapters are all incredibly engaging and interesting. I loved learning about her family’s dynamic and how the expectations from them and her culture shaped her into who she is today.

Nadiya you are amazing

If you ever read this Nadiya (or anyone who knows you personally) please know or pass on how grateful I am that you wrote this book. I am even more grateful that you put it out into the world so I could read it. Thank you for being you and for putting yourself out there. Thank you for writing. Sending you lots of love from me, a fan in the USA. Wishing you lots of travel, family love, and more job/earner adventures.

Unexpected

This has been on my TBR for years. Finally gave it a listen instead of reading the physical copy.

Nadiya recounts her journey from being someone’s daughter to becoming a wife and mother. Her dreams were not taken seriously by those who shirked have encouraged her to soar. Being born a woman with a darker complexion created an environment within her community of disdain. She’s the rebel with a cause who fought back against the stereotypes while embracing aspects of her faith that no one else in her immediate family valued. She is a woman who stood her ground and actively looked beyond the expected paths of a Bangladeshi woman. From employment to marriage Nadiya has set her own rules to build a life that is satisfying to her.