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Roxane Gay recommended We Are Never Meeting in Real Life in Books (curated)
Roxane Gay recommended We Are Never Meeting in Real Life in Books (curated)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Reasons to Stay Alive in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Wonderfully honest and refreshing
Very rarely do we see such an honest glimpse of depression, a hideous and insidious condition that affects a large part of the population. However, Matt Haig's self-help book crosses over into the memoir genre, in which he speaks about his journey through the depths of his anxiety.
It is brutal at times, especially when he speaks about contemplating suicide, but it is ultimately hopeful. Although not everything will resonate with everyone, the main factors are similar across the board, and it allows you to gain insight into other's experiences of the illness. A surprisingly good read.
It is brutal at times, especially when he speaks about contemplating suicide, but it is ultimately hopeful. Although not everything will resonate with everyone, the main factors are similar across the board, and it allows you to gain insight into other's experiences of the illness. A surprisingly good read.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Psycho (1960) in Movies
Aug 9, 2017
Incredible cinematography (2 more)
Norman Bates is the ultimate villain
One of the first earl films to discuss mental illness
My favourite Hitchcock film
This Hitchcock film is astonishing for breaking boundaries. From being one of the first original horror movies, showing 'obscene' shower scenes, to discussing multiple personality disorder. From the first minute, the film is tense and the fact of what happens to the leading lady after 30 minutes is jaw-dropping. When Norman Bates is discovered, his final scene of becoming his mother is horrifying. One of the best Hitchcock films ever to have been made.
Alexis Taylor recommended Patient: The True Story of a Rare Illness in Books (curated)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Everything, Everything in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Madeline Whittier (Maddy) has SCID, an immunity disorder (think "bubble boy") that confines her to her home. Even stepping outside could kill her. Therefore, she lives alone with her Mom, limited to contact with her and her nurse, Carla. For most of her seventeen years, Maddy has been fine with this, until Olly and his family move next door. Suddenly, Maddy finds herself questioning everything about her life.
For me, this was a lovely and touching book. I fell head over heels for Maddy and Olly and their angsty, teen love. The book is fun, with the writing interspersed with Maddy's drawings and sketches (done by Yoon's husband). A scene with a bundt cake is priceless (trust me). Maddy's voice is fresh and it's interesting to "see" the world through her eyes -- as someone who hasn't been outside since she was a baby. The supporting characters are spare, due to Maddy's limited life, but I loved her nurse, Carla, and Olly. Maddy's mom is a formidable character, as well.
The book takes on a lot - Maddy's illness, domestic violence, teen love, mental illness - I think a lesser author could have easily stumbled. It's not perfect, of course, but I still found myself swept up in Maddy's life and story. It's beautiful, touching, and fun. Definitely a worthy read - one of my favorites that I read this year.
For me, this was a lovely and touching book. I fell head over heels for Maddy and Olly and their angsty, teen love. The book is fun, with the writing interspersed with Maddy's drawings and sketches (done by Yoon's husband). A scene with a bundt cake is priceless (trust me). Maddy's voice is fresh and it's interesting to "see" the world through her eyes -- as someone who hasn't been outside since she was a baby. The supporting characters are spare, due to Maddy's limited life, but I loved her nurse, Carla, and Olly. Maddy's mom is a formidable character, as well.
The book takes on a lot - Maddy's illness, domestic violence, teen love, mental illness - I think a lesser author could have easily stumbled. It's not perfect, of course, but I still found myself swept up in Maddy's life and story. It's beautiful, touching, and fun. Definitely a worthy read - one of my favorites that I read this year.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) created a poll about in TV lovers
Sep 17, 2018
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Lifted Veil in Books
Dec 21, 2018
The Lifted Veil is a novella or short story by George Eliot. The story is told by Latimer, who has just been told he has not much longer to live, and looks back on the events of his earlier life. What makes this story slightly unusual, at least taking into acount the time it was written, is that Latimer seems to suffer from some sort of illness and this may or may not be related to his ability to read the emotions and/or thoughts of other people. This ability is the lifted veil of the title. It's not a cheery, happy-ending feel-good story, but it is interesting.
Nitin Sawhney recommended Control (2005) in Movies (curated)
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Girl on the Landing in Books
Oct 7, 2020
Reading Paul Torday's novel "The Girl on the Landing" makes one want to paraphrase Joseph Heller's quote from "Catch 22" to read: "Just because you're [being treated for] paranoid [schizophrenia], doesn't mean they aren't really after you". The plot here is dark, fascinating and gives one food for thought about mental illness and if some types of disturbed states might not have some basis in the outside world. Torday knows how to grab his readers, and his style is one that makes reading his books a pleasure. You can read my full review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2013/12/21/a-girl-who-is-part-mystery-part-fantasy/