The youngest in a family of four siblings, Bernie was an alcoholic at 14, began experimenting with heroin at 16, was anorexic at 18 and was institutionalised at the State Mental Hospital in Tanjong Rambutan at 20. She gave up drugs at 24 and later launched her brilliant advertising career only for it to be brought to an abrupt end by a tragic motor accident when she was at her peak. An astonishing story of love (or the lack of it) and courage. A must read for all parents, teachers and counsellors.