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James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Black and Blue: How Racism, Drugs and Cancer Almost Destroyed Me in Books
Nov 28, 2019
Even if you hate football or Chelsea, READ THIS
Wow. What a book. Sadly because this is a sports book non football fans may ignore this book. It doesn't matter what you are into you can't deny Paul Canoville's incredible journey. The first black player for Chelsea this incredible player came in to football at a very ugly time and endured abuse of sickening racism from his own supporters. That alone would make a good book in itself but Paul lost his career, turned to drugs, suffered grief, battled with cancer, fathered children, danced to lots of music and so much more. Paul has had an incredible life and is on the other side fighting against racism and educating the kids. The man is adorable, he's made some big mistakes but he learns from them.
You can HATE football and still find this book very special indeed and it deserves to be made into a movie. Every person i have persuaded to read it has thanked me for the recommendation. It one the best sports book the year it was released and would be a contender for one of the greatest ever.
You can HATE football and still find this book very special indeed and it deserves to be made into a movie. Every person i have persuaded to read it has thanked me for the recommendation. It one the best sports book the year it was released and would be a contender for one of the greatest ever.
ClareR (6037 KP) rated This Motherless Land in Books
Nov 23, 2025
This Motherless Land is a modern day retelling based loosely on Mansfield Park. Instead of the differences between a poor working class girl and a rich upperclass family, TML shows the differences between family split between Lagos and Somerset.
Funke is by no means from a poor family in Lagos, in fact quite the opposite. Instead of ‘just’ class (as in Mansfield Park), this novel shows the attitudes and racism towards Funke, and the class they perceive her to be based on that racism, when she is sent to live with her grandparents in England. Instead of the love and support she needs and deserves, her family are detached and racist. Her cousin Liv is the only one who makes an effort, and they form a special relationship as children. But even this relationship isn’t safe, and after a misunderstanding, Funke faces more tragedy.
I loved this book. Told over three decades, I really got to know the characters (although I could have really done without ever knowing Funke’s English aunt). There are emotional highs and lows for Funke and her family. Grief and loss are central themes. I loved the cultural contrasts between Nigeria and England and the way they were described - these countries are worlds apart.
I was RAGING at some parts of this book - such was the frankly excellent writing. I was all in!!
Funke is by no means from a poor family in Lagos, in fact quite the opposite. Instead of ‘just’ class (as in Mansfield Park), this novel shows the attitudes and racism towards Funke, and the class they perceive her to be based on that racism, when she is sent to live with her grandparents in England. Instead of the love and support she needs and deserves, her family are detached and racist. Her cousin Liv is the only one who makes an effort, and they form a special relationship as children. But even this relationship isn’t safe, and after a misunderstanding, Funke faces more tragedy.
I loved this book. Told over three decades, I really got to know the characters (although I could have really done without ever knowing Funke’s English aunt). There are emotional highs and lows for Funke and her family. Grief and loss are central themes. I loved the cultural contrasts between Nigeria and England and the way they were described - these countries are worlds apart.
I was RAGING at some parts of this book - such was the frankly excellent writing. I was all in!!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Trouble with Goats and Sheep in Books
Jul 27, 2017
A nice message but gets lost in confusion
The best part of this read was the author's afterword explaining how she wanted to highlight the stigma of mental health. Unfortunately it's hard to decipher that clearly in the book with a few wishy washy themes of religion and racism, and a heavy focus on gossipping neighbours.
The 10-year-old protagonist and her friend Tilly are heroes attempting to sleuth their way into finding the missing Mrs Creasey and as much as I wanted the entire book to be from their perspective, we were lost in the haze of irritating adults. A nice idea but not quite there.
The 10-year-old protagonist and her friend Tilly are heroes attempting to sleuth their way into finding the missing Mrs Creasey and as much as I wanted the entire book to be from their perspective, we were lost in the haze of irritating adults. A nice idea but not quite there.
Sam (228 KP) rated The Hate U Give (2018) in Movies
Mar 4, 2019
Gorgeous Acting (3 more)
Wonderful Script
Lovable Characters
Emotional
A Beautiful Tale That Brings to Light the Darkened Truths
An absolutely beautiful story that sadly holds too much basis in today's world. This film tackles a lot of dangerous topics that many are too scared to address. It allows you to really get into the head of those who sadly go through these events and allows to really see the hidden racism that is spread throughout our culture. I have fallen in love with this film and truly believe that whether you actually enjoy it or not, it's a film that everyone needs to see at least once.
Stephen (210 KP) rated Await Further Instructions (2018) in Movies
Mar 10, 2019
What sounded (and looked, from the trailer) like a good film actually ended up being a complete disappointment - the film starts off quite promising, but with a combination of characters whom have nothing to like about them, and an increasingly stupid storyline, which beggars all belief towards the end of the film, this falls flat on all counts.
The film obviously aims to create the atmosphere that the movie ‘Get Out’ provides, but ends up creating a disgustingly racist scenario that leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.
Overall, this could have been a good film, but it’s inexcusable racism and ridiculous ending make it an unpleasant viewing.
The film obviously aims to create the atmosphere that the movie ‘Get Out’ provides, but ends up creating a disgustingly racist scenario that leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.
Overall, this could have been a good film, but it’s inexcusable racism and ridiculous ending make it an unpleasant viewing.
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