As a fourteen-year-old psych ward patient, Harry realised he had a choice: let anorexia keep ruining his life or fight back against everything his mind told him was true.
Now twenty-two years old, Harry delicately pieces together how his mind derailed to that point, what’s happened since he made his choice, and most importantly, what it’s taught him about life and how best to live it.
Hungry to Be Happy is a story of survival against all odds, redemption from the depths of despair, and triumph over the most dangerous of bullies.
By reclaiming the space between his ears, Harry rediscovers what matters most, and through doing so, he experiences what anorexia always promised but could never deliver – happiness.
Jehan Casinader
Journalist, Television Presenter, Author
'Harry doesn't preach or offer self-help advice. He simply tells his story from start to finish. It's vivid, moving, and deeply compelling. If you've ever struggled to control the restless thoughts in your mind, you need to read this book.'
Marty Sharpe
Journalist
'I’ve read quite a few books this summer. Fiction, non-fiction, bestsellers and a couple of Booker Prize winners. None were as captivating as Averill’s book, and a good deal were not as well-written.'
Louise Ward
Wardini Books
'One of the best descriptions of a mind turning on itself that I've ever read.'
About Harry
Harry is a first-time author from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. After battling a horrific case of anorexia as a teenager, Harry went on to become head boy of his high school and has since completed a Commerce and Science degree at the University of Otago.
Now twenty-four years old, Harry’s on a mission to encourage happier lives. Whether making speeches or getting his ideas down on paper and screens, his hope is to share what his illness taught him with as many people as he can.
When he's not spreading his message, Harry loves exploring the outdoors, watching sport, playing it socially, and cramming his brain with as many books, podcasts, and useless information as time allows.