Lies My Mirror Told Me

Book excerpt: Entertainer and national treasure Wendy Harmer tells all in her frank, fearless and funny memoir, Lies My Mirror Told Me. 'I've always believed where there's a chance, you have to take it . . . or invent it.' Wendy Harmer has had an extraordinary life. From being born with a severe facial deformity, to performing as a stand-up comedian, a national television host and then the highest paid woman in the cut-throat world of Sydney FM radio ... Wendy's tale of overcoming adversity is told with her trademark in-your-face frankness and celebrated wit. Starting life in rural Victoria, Wendy describes her childhood in remote one-teacher, one-room country schools. As her teacher father moved around the state to take up new postings, Wendy, the 'funny looking' kid often in the wrong colour school uniform, developed strategies to find new friends and fit in. When she was ten years old, her mother went missing. It wasn't until she was well into her teens that Wendy had the reconstructive facial surgery that had long promised to transform her from a 'witch' into a 'princess', but fell agonisingly short. Somehow, despite her initial setbacks and emotional turmoil, Wendy showed the strength of character to carve her own way in the world. From political journalism, she took her first tentative steps on Melbourne's tiny stages in comedy revue, then struck out as a solo performer in stand-up comedy. She would make her mark internationally before coming home to entertain Australians for four decades on stage, in print, television and broadcasting. In Lies My Mirror Told Me Wendy reflects on her life - one of the most unlikely success stories you will ever read. 'This is what a trailblazer looks like. Wendy Harmer is both the irresistible force AND the immovable object'. Andrew Denton 'Deeply moving, wise, hilarious and raucous . . . there's so much to love in this book.' Amanda Keller