Bill Bryson's African Diary
10.0
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Bill Bryson goes to Kenya at the invitation of CARE International, the charity dedicated to working...
Jock MacTavish Freedom Fighter for an Independent Free Scotland
Book
Bamkirk, Scotland, the road to nowhere. No wonder the recently bereaved and angrily disenchanted...
Italy in a European Context: Research in Business, Economics, and the Environment: 2015
Donatella Strangio, Giuseppe Sancetta and Jenny Zimmer
Book
This edited collection investigates the role of Italy in pursuing the EU five targets by 2020:...
Jacquelyn Mitchard recommended A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in Books (curated)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis in Books
Oct 22, 2017
Without attributing the 2016 election results to Vance and his family himself, the author paints a picture of a total disconnect between establishments and white working class voters. From education, to opportunities in climbing the social ladder, Vance can be seen as an exception due to the lack of outreach from these institutions.
His story can appear both depressing and uplifting at the same time. From experiencing trauma through a broken home, poverty, and an abusive addict mother, to having supportive grandparents who are able to push him into believing in himself. Vance breaks the mould eventually studying at Yale and becoming a venture capitalist. But his doubts in himself are ever present.
Vance, however, also blames 'hillbilly' culture and it's encouragement of social rot. Likewise, he recounts stories about lack of work ethic, and the notion of blaming others for their own misfortune. It highlights the need for stability in families in order for upward mobility.
It is a raw, emotional portrait of growing up in and eventually out of a poor rural community riddled by drug addiction and volatility.
Born Bright
Book
Standing on the stage, i felt exposed and like an intruder. In these professional settings, my...
Reinventing Prosperity: Managing Economic Growth to Reduce Unemployment, Inequality and Climate Change
Graeme Maxton, Jorgen Randers and David Suzuki
Book
A persuasive economic argument that proves we can all live better lives in this finite world. The...
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Gustav Sonata in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Gustav's character is admirable and delicate, trying to make the best of situations for others despite having so little himself. Absolutely worth an award of some kind. The reading was well done, spoken carefully and portraying a host of emotions. Worth the read.
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Angela's Ashes (Frank McCourt, #1) in Books
Jul 2, 2019
Rent: Filmed Live On Broadway (2008)
8.0
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Set in New York City's gritty East Village, the revolutionary rock opera RENT tells the story of a...