I don’t read non fiction ever really. But was convinced by the reviews of friends to give this a go.
It was good to get some information on the women I don’t read non fiction ever really. But was convinced by the reviews of friends to give this a go.
It was good to get some information on the women who were killed by Jack the Ripper, to hear their circumstances and the struggles they went through.
The book does a good job of fleshing the women out so that they aren’t just nameless victims, but actual humans with real emotions and troubles.
I did think it started to feel a bit samey as it moved from each victim, not to sound callous, but a lot of the circumstances surrounding each woman were similar (addiction, ending up alone on the street)
Still a great thing to publish and get out there, just not 100% my thing I guess. ...more
“If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap. If you want happiness for a day - go fishing. If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune. “If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap. If you want happiness for a day - go fishing. If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime- help someone else.”
This was a great concept, but I never really do well with non fiction. I find it doesn’t grip me and I lose interest. Therefore this book took me way longer than a fiction book of the same size would have.
Despite this, I liked the ideas portrayed on this book. Small ways we can improve our happiness and wellbeing, usually revolving around our attitudes and behaviours toward other people, including strangers.
The author had obviously done his homework. There was plenty of statistics and comparisons with different countries happiness levels. Overall, a very interesting read, just a bit difficult to remain interested throughout.
“Mindfulness is about being present. Right here, right now, in this moment, and being loving and kind to yourself. Whereas our thoughts usually revolve around the future or the past, mindfulness is all about the present moment.” ...more
“Americans call them hillbillies, red necks or white trash. I call them neighbours, friends and family.”
The term Hillbilly is one that has never mea “Americans call them hillbillies, red necks or white trash. I call them neighbours, friends and family.”
The term Hillbilly is one that has never meant much to me. Living in the UK when I had heard it mentioned it was only through TV and film. I pictured trailer parks, alcoholic fathers and screaming mothers. So to read a memoir from someone of the Hillbilly background sounded interesting . I clicked want to read, then promptly forgot all about it! So when I came across it in my local charity shop for £1.50 I had to pick it up - a hardcover copy with only US or Canadian price on it I didn’t even think this copy was UK published
A fascinating insight into a culture often hidden from view. Though racially similar to middle class whites, their circumstances and mannerisms echo that of Latino immigrants and African Americans. J.D’s Home life is one rife with violence and addiction, a life cycle very few escape from.
“Our homes are a chaotic mess. We scream and yell at each other like we’re spectators at a football game. At least one member of the family uses drugs...At especially stressful times we’ll hit and punch one another, all in front of the rest of the family.A bad day is when the neighbours call the police to stop the drama.”
Despite being a memoir, it was very easy to read. I was riveted by the views held by these people and the way society attempts to help, but ultimately doesn’t even scratch the surface of a culture stuck in a rut.
“Chaos begets chaos. Instability begets instability. Welcome to family life for the American Hillbilly.”
J.D is one of few who manages to beat his circumstances and overcome values ingrained in him (taking the law into your own hands, family loyalty to the extent of violence to those who insult your relatives) and makes it to college and then law school.
A hard hitting read yet humorous at times this book has enlightened me regarding areas I’d never learned about properly before, in an honest and emotional way.
“Whenever people ask me what I’d most like to change about the white working class, I say “the feeling that our choices don’t matter.” ...more
There really isn’t anything I can add that many other reviews haven’t already done. It’s a five star read because it is important, because it is real There really isn’t anything I can add that many other reviews haven’t already done. It’s a five star read because it is important, because it is real and because the holocaust is something we should never forget. ...more
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