Being Jordan by Katie Price (John Blake Publishing, £16.99).

Labelled a tart, a man-eater and even a freak by the very red-tops that made her name, the long-awaited autobiography from the UK's most infamous glamour model tells a very different story to the "wildchild party girl" cliches that her public image might lead you to expect.

Totally compelling, the book fizzes with startling honesty about painful events in her life. She confides about an early miscarriage, she tells of her agonising decision to have an abortion and of an ill-fated suicide attempt.

The revelations prove once and for all that this outspoken, media-savvy Brighton lass is far more than just an over-hyped product of cosmetic surgery.

As a cleverly marketed vehicle for finally setting the record straight about the men in her life -- of whom there are far fewer than the rumours suggest - Jordan's autobiography is addictive from the very first page due to the searing honesty and conspicuous lack of self-pity with which she talks about her life and loves.

From racing driver Ralf Schumacher, Gladiator Ace and Posh's one-time sidekick Dane Bowers to Pop Idol Gareth Gates, footballer Dwight Yorke and fellow I'm A Celebrity star Peter Andre, Katie's narrative never fails to keep you turning the pages - and for once you hear it all from the horse's mouth which, whatever your opinion of her, makes a great read.

Katie also reveals the true reasons for her decision to undergo three breast implant operations, her rock-solid relationship with her mother and her heartbreak following the diagnosis of her son Harvey as registered blind.

The only tangible disappointment with Being Jordan are the much-touted David Beckham "revelations".

They turn out to be nothing more than him grabbing hold of her hand - but to be honest, once you've started reading you'll forget all about that and concentrate on the good stuff.

Emma Pomfret