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Don't Stop Believin'
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With candor, humor, and warmth, legendary musician, actress, activist, and icon Olivia Newton-John...
Olivia Newton-John cancer memoir music film health
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Outrun in Books
Sep 23, 2017
An important read, but a little haphazard
Dealing with an addiction is no mean feat, it's an illness as Amy Liptrot explains in this memoir where she battles alcoholism. Some of the incidents are truly horrifying, not because of 'what she does to herself', but more so what the illness does to her and as a result her life spirals downwards. And while that part I can truly engage with, the random long explanations about her newfound passions for astronomy, sea and bird life seems to go off in a tangent.
You can definitely recognise her addictive personality manifesting in new hobbies, and obsessing in the same way. And at least that's healthier, but as a reader, I seemed to lose concentration on her rural lifestyle. Very good insight into mental health and addiction though.
You can definitely recognise her addictive personality manifesting in new hobbies, and obsessing in the same way. And at least that's healthier, but as a reader, I seemed to lose concentration on her rural lifestyle. Very good insight into mental health and addiction though.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses (2015) in Movies
Oct 25, 2017 (Updated Oct 25, 2017)
How mass hysteria and inverted cultural beliefs become fatal
Once more, Netflix has showcased another harrowing documentary, this time set in New Zealand.
In the heart of Maori culture, lies the belief of Makatu, a curse or demon, that can allegedly be 'exorcised'. A poor young mother, Janet Moses, who either had mental health issues or was seemingly depressed, was confronted by her large family attempting to help her. Unfortunately their misguided deeply held beliefs included holding her down and plying water into her for days on end in a bid to rid her of a demon. And while they believed they they were assisting her, she eventually died after five days.
And of course a court case ensued about culpability. A truly terrible instance of dogmatic beliefs, cabin fever, and hysteria.
In the heart of Maori culture, lies the belief of Makatu, a curse or demon, that can allegedly be 'exorcised'. A poor young mother, Janet Moses, who either had mental health issues or was seemingly depressed, was confronted by her large family attempting to help her. Unfortunately their misguided deeply held beliefs included holding her down and plying water into her for days on end in a bid to rid her of a demon. And while they believed they they were assisting her, she eventually died after five days.
And of course a court case ensued about culpability. A truly terrible instance of dogmatic beliefs, cabin fever, and hysteria.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) in Movies
Aug 1, 2017
Incredible depiction of book (1 more)
Gregory Peck at his finest
Incredibly moving, beautiful film
Very rarely does a film do absolute justice to its original book, but To Kill A Mockingbird exceeds expectations. Gregory Peck was so brilliantly casted as Atticus Finch, the moral figure of society, that you can only envision him while reading the book. The film, set after the Great Depression, is shot in black and white and is beautifully crafted.
The characters of Scout, Jem and Dill are fundamental to the storyline, showing how innocence is lost after being exposed to the discrimination of adults - in this case, an innocent black man accused of raping a young white girl, and a man with mental health issues being stigmatised by his community. A true classic in every sense.
The characters of Scout, Jem and Dill are fundamental to the storyline, showing how innocence is lost after being exposed to the discrimination of adults - in this case, an innocent black man accused of raping a young white girl, and a man with mental health issues being stigmatised by his community. A true classic in every sense.
This book could not have come at a better time. As newly diagnosed with diabetes II, my doctor told me that I needed to closely follow a low sugar and low carb diet. Who knew that a combo like this would not only help me to start shedding pounds, but also improve my health (my energy level has increased) and well-being. Elviira’s book has helped me to look at the foods that I have been eating and find healthier more satisfying alternatives. I like that the recipes are easy to follow and mostly uses items that I can find at the local grocer. This is not a diet, but a lifestyle change that is good for you!
I received an ebook copy from NetGally in exchange for a fair review.
I received an ebook copy from NetGally in exchange for a fair review.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Mar 2, 2018
A fantastic and bittersweet insight into the NHS
Adam Kay's memoir of his time as a junior doctor is hilarious, stomach churning and tragic at the same time. In this, he discusses the inhumane conditions health professionals are faced with working ridiculously long hours for minimal pay. All the while celebrating the importance of accessible treatment for everyone, as well as the rather disconcerting cases that arise on a day to day basis.
However, while there are many funny moments of things being stuck in unusual places, it's his last case where a mother dies that strikes me most. Watching life and death is traumatic and there are no support systems for doctors to deal with these issues. But Kay does a wonderful job of bringing his experiences alive.
However, while there are many funny moments of things being stuck in unusual places, it's his last case where a mother dies that strikes me most. Watching life and death is traumatic and there are no support systems for doctors to deal with these issues. But Kay does a wonderful job of bringing his experiences alive.
This book could not have come at a better time. As newly diagnosed with diabetes II, my doctor told me that I needed to closely follow a low sugar and low carb diet. Who knew that a combo like this would not only help me to start shedding pounds, but also improve my health (my energy level has increased) and well-being. Elviira’s book has helped me to look at the foods that I have been eating and find healthier more satisfying alternatives. I like that the recipes are easy to follow and mostly uses items that I can find at the local grocer. This is not a diet, but a lifestyle change that is good for you!
I received an ebook copy from NetGally in exchange for a fair review.
I received an ebook copy from NetGally in exchange for a fair review.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Grandparent's Book in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I borrowed this book from the library for my mum and dad to read but i thought I would read it too so we could all talk about it. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book, it is packed full of information for not just grandparents but parents as well. It has sections which answer some probing questions you might have (questions that real people in real situations have asked the author)which I found very helpful. The book covers pretty much everything you would need to know about the child-parent-grandparent relationship, I can't actually think of anything that it might have missed...very thorough. It covers everything from emotions, relationships, financial aid, education, health issues and many other useful topics. I highly recommend this book to all grandparents.
Steve Lewer (13 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Nov 29, 2019
Forget the hype and controversy, and look at what's on the screen
Alot has been said about the storyline, the meaning, and the depiction of mental health and society, but this really overlooks a truly phenomenal piece of acting from Joaquin Phoenix, who is always value and exciting to watch. It's a seriously impressive turn from an actor already hugely respected, but in this he really does something special. From his contorted physicality, to his powerful striding, his smile behind broken eyes, moments of inspired spontaneity that in other films just wouldn't work, he creates a character that is heartbreaking, terrifying, and utterly human. Throw in some of the best cinematography you'll see in a long time, and a sombre score throughout, and this film becomes an absolutely astonishing piece of work.
