The Librarians' Q&A: with author and presenter Katie Piper - Peters
Sorry, but you already have a basket with that name. Please use something else.

BACK TO NEWS

The Librarians' Q&A: with bestselling author, presenter and campaigner Katie Piper

Author Janice Hallett interview for public librarians

May 29th 2025

Like you, our librarians love to get the latest on upcoming new titles, as well as dive into the minds of our favourite authors. Introducing The Librarians' Q&A, our regular news feature where librarians ask the questions!
This time we hear from international bestselling author, inspirational speaker, TV presenter and charity campaigner Katie Piper about her new book, Still Beautiful, a reflection on the journey of aging. Back in 2010, Katie shared her remarkable story in a Channel 4 documentary called 'Katie: My Beautiful Face', which was watched by over 3.5 million viewers and nominated for a BAFTA.

Katie Piper| Author

Katie Piper OBE is an international bestselling author, inspirational speaker, TV presenter and charity campaigner. She is a regular panellist on ITV's Loose Women and a presenter for BBC Radio 2. Katie shared her remarkable story in a Channel 4 documentary called 'Katie: My Beautiful Face', which was watched by over 3.5 million viewers and nominated for a BAFTA in 2010.

Your new book Still Beautiful was published on 5 June. Can you share a bit about it and how you came to write it?

Still Beautiful is a deeply personal book that reflects on the journey of ageing—something we all do from the moment we’re born, but which can carry so much stigma, especially for women.

As someone who’s had to redefine beauty in the face of trauma, I’ve long challenged surface-level ideas of what it means to be beautiful. This book is about embracing ageing as a powerful, liberating process rather than something to be feared or resisted. I felt compelled to write it once I turned 40 because I wanted to add a new voice to the conversation—one that celebrates wisdom, resilience, and authenticity.

It’s not a self-help manual, but rather a gentle, honest reflection on life’s transitions and how we remain beautiful through all of them.

 

Many people will not consider you ‘old’ at all – why do you think it’s important that we start thinking about ageing and perhaps challenging some of the stereotypes around ageing before we hit whatever age someone decides to consider us ‘old’?

 

That’s exactly the point—ageing isn’t something that suddenly happens to you at a certain number. It’s a continuous process, and yet society often treats it like a cliff we fall off.

I think it’s important to challenge these stereotypes early because the narrative around ageing influences how we value ourselves and others, how we plan our lives, and how we treat people as they grow older. If we wait until we’re labeled “old” to start having these conversations, we’ve already internalised too much of the fear and shame that can come with it.

Let’s reframe ageing as a sign of experience, of strength, and even privilege—because not everyone gets the chance to grow older.

 

What do you hope your readers take away from the book? What would be your dream for the impact this book might have in the hands of readers?

I hope readers come away feeling empowered, seen, and more at peace with the natural changes that come with time.

My dream is that Still Beautiful acts like a companion—reassuring people that they are not alone in their feelings or fears about ageing, beauty and taking up space and reminding them that their worth is not diminished by a changing body, grey hair, or new life stages. If this book helps even one person feel more self-accepting, more compassionate towards themselves, or more joyful about what lies ahead, then I’ll feel I’ve achieved something meaningful.

Lastly, what role have libraries played in your life and why do you think they are so important in today’s world?

Libraries have always been a place of safety, knowledge, and equality for me.

Growing up, they were one of the first spaces where I felt truly free to explore ideas and learn without judgment or cost. Today, libraries are more vital than ever.

They’re not just about books—they’re community hubs, warm spaces, places for connection and quiet reflection. In a world that often feels fast paced and transactional, libraries offer something rare: accessibility, dignity, and hope. I’m so grateful for what they represent and the role they continue to play in changing lives.

Still Beautiful

Age is a gift not everybody is given... When a life-threatening acid-attack left Katie Piper physically and visibly scarred at just 24, her approach to ageing was irrevocably changed: she now sees each passing year as a reminder of the privilege of being alive.

Over a decade on from sharing her story for the first time, Katie reflects on what it means to age well within a world that has too often made women feel irrelevant or invisible for going through the natural ageing process.

From how to know your worth to how to take up space in a society that tells you to be small, this book will help you cultivate a confidence you can depend on and find the real beauty in getting older.

 

Discover our Q&A with Author Mike Gayle 
Back to news and blog...

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our cookies information for more details.

More Info