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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis in Books

Oct 22, 2017

An untold story of white working-class poverty in the US

J. D. Vance's homage to his poverty-stricken, working class roots in America is essential reading for those attempting to understand how a person like Trump can end up in power.

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.

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ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Castle of Llyr (The Chronicles of Prydain #3) in Books

Jan 18, 2018

One of the more interesting novels of the series because it did not have to deal with Arawn directly yet still progressed the storyline in that sense. Despite Eilonway being my second to last favorite character due to her annoying chatter, I still loved reading about her story and history. Alexander actually made me feel pity for both Eilonway and Archen while wanting for Taran to desperately come to terms with his feelings.

Rhun was a light-hearted addition to the cast. he was a temporary character that made me feel constantly frustrated and yet, sympathetic. The only true nuisance to the story was Glew, who must be excused by mean of insanity. I am disappointed, however, that we never find out what happens to the self-centered, simple-minded creature. I also believe that Llyan was a great addiction to the party. I love animal characters and she is just to adorable to resist. A harp loving cat? Yes, adorable.

All in all, it tends to be my favorite novel of the series because, while it still progress the plotline dealing with Arawn (even if indirectly), it gives you much greater insight to the world, Taran's growing maturity and feelings for his female companion, and Eilonway's history, even if it is destroyed. It's a nice refresher with the dramatic and action filled first two novels.

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Ginger (3 KP) rated Pinterest in Apps

Oct 18, 2018

Photo & Video, Social Networking

8.7

(242 Ratings)

App Rating

This app can keep you busy for hours. Planning weddings, vacations, your dream house, outfits for every occassion you can think of. It is seriously enjoyable. (0 more)

People often pin things that do not belong to them so your favorite recipe may vanish. (0 more)

Addiction, thy name is Pinterest!!

Love this app. You literally can disappear forever if you aren't careful. Thousands of pins, from cute animals to how sew in a zipper. One of my Besties and I have been know to do joint "shopping" trips on Pinterest. We get on the app, and IM back and forth. We have said that life would be easier if the App makers would add their own chat program. Kind of like AOLs chat rooms but private. You could talk and share a rainy day away! We have sent recipes, baby ideas, etc. back and forth. Last year we planned my niece's wedding by creating a private board where all of us could pin and write our thought about how or what would work and why. It was great, because we are all spread out across the country, and this wsy we all felt included. So yes, I am very pro Pinterest. The only thing I do not like is people stealing others(Micheal Kors, Home decorators, etc) intellectual property and either not giving credit or claiming it for themselves.

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gayga (2128 KP) created a post in Smashbomb Council

Mar 19, 2020

Perhaps we should think a little bit out of the box for this. So, as well as the usual apps, games, books etc, there could be suggestions on particular apps etc for each category

Individuals: Depends on age really. If people have issues such as depression, addiction they could be guided towards national or regional websites. If anyone feels lonely during self isolating there’s regional and national friendship and support groups on Facebook and elsewhere.

I think for all categories you could have Netflix/BBCiPlayer/etc box set recommendations and there’s a lot of shows on YouTube.

Perhaps for teens you could recommend games that wouldn’t normally play. Again, they may be afraid of current events and need support so you could recommend groups/websites for people their age to discuss their feeling.

Young families could have ideas for entertaining small children, supporting parents Recommendations for children/baby reading books. Recipe book recommendations since people who want to cook will have more time to do so or may need to cook using limited ingredients.

Couples and older families could have book recommendations. Could advise on hobby apps or websites.

I just think as well as the normal Facebook/Twitter options we could suggest items and options that people may either not have heard of or considered

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Imogen SB (4507 KP) Mar 19, 2020

This is a fantastic idea!

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gayga (2128 KP) Mar 19, 2020

I just think because we are living in extraordinary times we should be able to guide people to more practical help and services so that they are as comfortable physically and mentally as they are stimulated with media such as books, games and films etc to make life easier all round

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