Katriona O'Sullivan grew up in a family defined by poverty, chaos and addiction but a few individuals reached out to her and equipped her with the means to rebuild her life. It's an amazing story. 

Katriona's dad was an alcoholic, her mum a drug addict. They couldn't live with each other, but they couldn't live apart. They had five children who were often without food and proper clothing. Drugs were bought and sold in the house. There was abuse and abandonment.

From a very young age, though, Katriona knew she was worth more. She was determined to break away from the life her parents modelled. It wasn't for her.

Nevertheless at fifteen she was a single mother and homeless. Battling through, she eventually found somewhere to live, raised her son and secured a place at university. 

Now, with a PhD in psychology she works at Maynooth University, and is married with three children.

She has made it her life's goal to improve access to education for working-class girls like her and her initiatives have gained international acclaim.

This is an incredible book. It's written in a very fluid, conversational style which is quick and easy to read despite its troubling and sometimes disturbing content. It's sad and challenging, but the overriding message of this book is hope, that nothing is ever lost, that a life can be changed for the better - and that we might all play a part in that, no matter how small.

Katriona was determined and persevered. She was ultimately aware of her own worth, her value and potential, but she might never have realised it if it wasn't for the mentors and teachers who put her on the right path. And it was this which particularly spoke to me, and my friend.

There was the primary school teacher who taught Katriona how to wash before the start of each day at school, even washing her clothes for her. Another teacher gave Katriona books to read. A social worker, a nurse and the university admissions tutor - they all went the extra mile to help Katriona practically but also emotionally, showing her how to keep trying, not to give up. 

On finishing the book I discovered that Katriona has written a second book 'Hungry' which will be published in April. In this, she looks at how trauma, class and gender shape the way women see themselves - and how society teaches them to measure their value.

She has a hugely inspiring and challenging story and a powerful message for us as individuals and a society. Incredible. Do read it!