My Friend Fox

(Hardback)

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Tender, wise, and deeply true. Andrew Denton

Do not be deceived by the size of this book. It is big in all the ways that matter. Sydney Morning Herald

Blazingly beautiful and devastating. I wept but felt less alone as a human. I want everyone to read this book! Favel Parrett, author of Past the Shallowsand There Was Still Love

The fox sits on the outer waiting for me to discover him because at the moment, I am on the outer too. He watches me. Can you see him Hes clever at hiding.

Just like fox, Heidi has lived on the outer. The official record of her life has been her mental health record:Primary diagnosis Schizoaffective; Comorbidity Major depression, juvenile autism,and not her own memories. This is the living, breathingversion of Heidis mental health file that psych wards, doctors, mental health staff or rehab workers know little about or worse, use as evidence of diagnoses. This isHeidis account of what happened, shadowed by the story of a fox who knows he'll never belong.

Part parable, part memoir, My Friend Foxis a story that might be familiar to some searching everywhere to finally feel at home. With fox as her guide, Heidi comes to know how to live authentically, and venture into a future of her own making.

A literary memoir about the the wonder, the humour, and the realities that exist beyond what is printed in a mental health file. Alongside Heidis beautifully lyrical words are her exquisite line drawings, making MyFriend Foxa book to be read, treasured, and gifted.

Praise forMy Friend Fox
a thoroughly real and stunningly evocative retelling of her life. Books+Publishing

My Friend Fox is a beautiful memoir about experiencing diverse mental health. Heidi Everett is generous and gentle in sharing her story in order to demand a better mental health system for all. Carly Findlay, author ofSay Helloand editor ofGrowing Up Disabled in Australia

With breathtakingly original prose, Heidi Everett gently guides the reader through the complexities of living with mental illness. Humorous, heartfelt and humane,My Friend Foxis a deeply moving and essentialread. Fiona Murphy, author ofThe Shape of Sound

A raw and harrowing glimpse into life lived on the precipice, My Friend Fox boldly rips the facade from our sanitised perception of mental health treatment. And yet it is also tender and beautiful, with wisps of fable sprouting through the cracks; radiant art hewn from the darkness of the abyss. Bram Presser, author of The Book of Dirt

If ever there was an authentic voice for survival from mental distress, then this is it. As painful as Heidi Everetts story is, it is told in the most inventive and magical way. Her use of language and imagery is that of poet who constantly surprises and startles. Creativity and imagination are the soul food that nourish Heidi back to sanity. As does her dog Tigger, her inseparable companion with whom she shares her life and struggles. This is a most wonderful book from a most wonderful writer. Sandy Jeffs, author ofFlying with Paper Wings

This book is a story of reclamation, resilience and resistance. Heidi reclaims her story from the mental health industry that has defined her based on diagnoses and rewrites it as her own, rich, important experience which holds lessons for us all. My Friend Fox is an evocative and emotive memoir from an outstandingly talented writer. A must read for anyone who has ever felt on the outer. Jax Jacki Brown, disability activist and writer

Reviews

The book holds the reader tenderly by the hand whilst at the same time looking you dead in the eye. -- Michael McGirr * Sydney Morning Herald *
Heidi Everett's words and drawings show readers the world she inhabits with a beauty and simple honesty that moved me - and will many readers - to tears. -- Corinna Hente * Herald Sun *
Charming, heartfelt, tender and inventive... * Courier Mail *
keenly observed * The West Australian *
no ordinary memoir * The Weekend Australian *
A treasured favourite among publishers, this is a literary memoir about the wonder, humour, and realities that come with a mental health journey. -- Maggie Zhou * Refinery29 Australia *
Everetts book is about holding true to the will to survive, and in finding purpose and meaning in an often cruel and painful world * The Big Issue *
a beautifully written memoir poignant, harrowing in parts, funny, and keenly observed. -- Elspeth McLean * Otago Daily Times *

Author Bio

Heidi Everett is an artist, creative workshop facilitator, mental health recovery advocate, social impact facilitator, and projects and events innovator in Melbourne, Australia. My Friend Fox is her first book.