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Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Skallagrigg in Books
Jun 15, 2021
I very rarely post about books while I'm still reading them, but for this book I had to, because I felt, and still feel it is criminal that this is book is not that well known. It should be in the pantheon of novels that get read my millions each year. However, I doubt given its obscurity that this is the case.
This story is so much more than its basics of being an exploration of disability. Though as someone with a disability it did bring home to me how much my life could have been different if I had been born in a different era - but also, how far society has yet to travel. It's as much a story about the human spirit and the importance of wholeness. To be honest, there are many levels one could read this book. If one has the tearducts strong enough, I am sure it's the kind of book that a reread would give even greater insight than the first read through. I first picked this up in the early 2000's, and for various reasons never finished a complete read through until now. But it was definitely one of those books that kept calling me back, and I'm so glad it did!
If you can get hold of a copy, it really is a must read!
This story is so much more than its basics of being an exploration of disability. Though as someone with a disability it did bring home to me how much my life could have been different if I had been born in a different era - but also, how far society has yet to travel. It's as much a story about the human spirit and the importance of wholeness. To be honest, there are many levels one could read this book. If one has the tearducts strong enough, I am sure it's the kind of book that a reread would give even greater insight than the first read through. I first picked this up in the early 2000's, and for various reasons never finished a complete read through until now. But it was definitely one of those books that kept calling me back, and I'm so glad it did!
If you can get hold of a copy, it really is a must read!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Lady Chatterley's Lover in Books
Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)
Rather formulaic period novel
Another period tale of a woman with little power. She seems to run from one man to another in order for survival.
Connie Reid marries Clifford Chatterley, the scion of an aristocratic line. After a month's honeymoon, he is sent to war, and returns paralysed from the waist down, impotent. She becomes increasingly isolated after he husband becomes more and more frustrated with his disability. At which point she becomes acquainted with - wait for it - the groundskeeper/gardener. They have a tumultuous love affair as a result.
I think this was rather generic and typical of novels at the time such as Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary. Expect affairs and dramatic leading ladies.
Connie Reid marries Clifford Chatterley, the scion of an aristocratic line. After a month's honeymoon, he is sent to war, and returns paralysed from the waist down, impotent. She becomes increasingly isolated after he husband becomes more and more frustrated with his disability. At which point she becomes acquainted with - wait for it - the groundskeeper/gardener. They have a tumultuous love affair as a result.
I think this was rather generic and typical of novels at the time such as Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary. Expect affairs and dramatic leading ladies.
A book written to attempt to address disability and the exclusion of wheelchair users but feels more of a slap in the face rather than supportive in its tone. Firstly, Where am I coming from with this statement. I have grown up around wheelchair users and those with a wide range of disabilities, both physical, mental and learning. The choice of an outdated invalid chair rather than a modern, brightly coloured sports chair was the first thing that jumped out at me, and possibly someone without my close association with this area would think this my first overreaction, however, when this book is aimed at inclusion, this image is not in line with that thought. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Roxy the Raccoon: A Truth & Tails Story in Books
Apr 10, 2018
A book written to attempt to address disability and the exclusion of wheelchair users but feels more of a slap in the face rather than supportive in its tone. Firstly, Where am I coming from with this statement. I have grown up around wheelchair users and those with a wide range of disabilities, both physical, mental and learning. The choice of an outdated invalid chair rather than a modern, brightly coloured sports chair was the first thing that jumped out at me, and possibly someone without my close association with this area would think this my first overreaction, however, when this book is aimed at inclusion, this image is not in line with that thought. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Google Maps - GPS Navigation in Apps
Nov 4, 2017
Essential app, but still needs a little work
This is the most important app on my phone - especially for walking routes and using public transport. My only gripe is the fact it still lacks in terms of disability access - a general issue across the UK. So as a 'local guide' I've begun manually uploading the information.
While walking, I tend to have Google Maps reciting the directions to me through my ear phones. A lot of the time it stops and I keep wondering if the app has switched off. No doubt, it beats all competition in terms of navigation, but it needs to update quicker. And Google needs to stop telling me to 'add an image' to places. I'm not taking a picture of a shop like a weirdo.
While walking, I tend to have Google Maps reciting the directions to me through my ear phones. A lot of the time it stops and I keep wondering if the app has switched off. No doubt, it beats all competition in terms of navigation, but it needs to update quicker. And Google needs to stop telling me to 'add an image' to places. I'm not taking a picture of a shop like a weirdo.
Chloe (514 KP) rated Me Before You (2016) in Movies
Jan 26, 2019
Do you dare to disagree?
This is one of those movies. You will cry everytime you watch it and yet feel so good afterwards. If you are about to watch this for the first time your in for a surprise. Our main characters are just us struggling in life Louisa to make a living and will to come to terms with his disability a. It is amazing to watch their main priority a in life become each other. It is lovely to see how life brings together a couple that would never have met and how much of an impact they have on eachothers lives.
Please go watch this movie it is honestly amazing and then leave your own review maybe we can have a debate about it ? although I've not yet met anyone who disagrees with me on this film yet.
Please go watch this movie it is honestly amazing and then leave your own review maybe we can have a debate about it ? although I've not yet met anyone who disagrees with me on this film yet.
Melanie Caldicott (6 KP) rated Goodnight, Brian in Books
Apr 29, 2021
The concept of this book originally interested me and I found the first few chapters where the tragedy that caused Brian's disability is uncovered takes place moving. However, I quickly grew tired of Mama and found her a very manufactured, unrealistic character who was just too "perfect". Her "clever" answers in how to bring out the best in Brian and the myriad of problems the rest of the family faced seemed to serve no other purpose than to allow the author a platform from which to preach at us. This, in my opinion, was painfully unsubtle and fiction should not be used as a vehicle for moralising, but to merely describe the experiences of characters, their feelings and reactions which provoke thoughts and empathy within the reader. I did not finish this book as the sermonesque style ultimately became unbearable!
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated Child of Promise (Brides of Culdee Creek, #4) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This is so heartbreaking that it hard to believe it the final book in the series. Beth has her heart set on the priest in Grand View Though she try to be not heartbroken by it. Beth goes to medical school. She hold a heartfelt past as well.
Noah is having struggles with his faith and calling once his wife dies and his daughter has disability from her birth. Noah grandmother help with letting Beth stay with them when she has some trouble with finding a place to stay.
Can things go the way they intend or do Noah and Beth find the love and the god they need and for Noah does he stay and learn that god is there for him and he is doing what god wanted him to do. Come read this series if you enjoy it. The first is emotional though the last.
Noah is having struggles with his faith and calling once his wife dies and his daughter has disability from her birth. Noah grandmother help with letting Beth stay with them when she has some trouble with finding a place to stay.
Can things go the way they intend or do Noah and Beth find the love and the god they need and for Noah does he stay and learn that god is there for him and he is doing what god wanted him to do. Come read this series if you enjoy it. The first is emotional though the last.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Shape of Water (2017) in Movies
Mar 12, 2018 (Updated Mar 12, 2018)
Fish porn :D - not Del Toro's finest
I'm possibly in the minority when I say I didn't particularly enjoy this film though I really appreciated the themes explored such as prejudice, otherness, and boundless love. Not to mention, highlighting disability, racism and homophobia.
However, as a big fan of @Pan's Labyrinth (2006), @The Devil's Backbone (2001) and @Cronos (1994) - this felt like it had a bit of Hollywood stardust and Guillermo Del Toro seemed to dumb down his usual style i.e. turning to good versus bad.
Although Michael Shannon acted well, he was a bit of caricature of a villain. But I did like the flipside of the Soviet scientist being the hero. And at the end of it, it did appear like a non-comedic, Rated-R version of @Splash (1984). Not my cup of tea.
However, as a big fan of @Pan's Labyrinth (2006), @The Devil's Backbone (2001) and @Cronos (1994) - this felt like it had a bit of Hollywood stardust and Guillermo Del Toro seemed to dumb down his usual style i.e. turning to good versus bad.
Although Michael Shannon acted well, he was a bit of caricature of a villain. But I did like the flipside of the Soviet scientist being the hero. And at the end of it, it did appear like a non-comedic, Rated-R version of @Splash (1984). Not my cup of tea.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Uber in Apps
Nov 4, 2017 (Updated Nov 4, 2017)
Takes a while to update location, but couldn't do without
Uber, as controversial as it is, has been a bit of a lifesaver for me especially as I'm carted from appointment to appointment due to a disability. It's easy to use, and far cheaper than other services, and I really can't find a good alternative. No doubt, there are plenty of issues - some with drivers, but otherwise it's been fine.
The app itself is not bad, but it has a few technical issues including updating GPS locations. It usually takes a while to update, having to exit and re-enter the app for it to change.
Communicating with the drivers is a bit hit and miss as well. Sometimes they pick up the phone, a lot of times not - and waiting times increase while I attempt to hobble to the car despite asking them to wait in front. So it isn't without its faults - but I wouldn't change it otherwise.
The app itself is not bad, but it has a few technical issues including updating GPS locations. It usually takes a while to update, having to exit and re-enter the app for it to change.
Communicating with the drivers is a bit hit and miss as well. Sometimes they pick up the phone, a lot of times not - and waiting times increase while I attempt to hobble to the car despite asking them to wait in front. So it isn't without its faults - but I wouldn't change it otherwise.