Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

Poor: Grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief by Katriona O'Sullivan

2 reviews

serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

 Poor is a bloody brilliant memoir that traces the author’s path from a childhood blighted by poverty, drug addicted parents and sexual abuse to her earning a PhD, becoming an award winning lecturer, and establishing healthy family relationships, by way of teen pregnancy and homelessness. Her story made me cry, it made me rage, it made me stressed, it made me cheer, it made me think and it made me want to give Katriona a huge hug. I listened to the audio which she narrates and you can really hear her emotions as she tells her story. I was especially impressed by the way she identified those factors that helped her build a successful life for herself - two teachers (highlighting once again how important this profession can be, especially those who are willing and able to go the extra mile), a social worker who built her confidence, her father unexpectedly stepping up at a time when her life was in danger of spiralling downwards, the alternative education courses and pathways available to her, plus her own self-belief and hard work. She was also very clear about times when she felt the system let her down - particularly when she was returned to her parents’ care after time in a group home, teachers who bullied, belittled and blamed her for the actions of her parents; ditto the police. Her story really highlights the difference support, hope and meaningful opportunities can make for a person whose life got off to the roughest of starts. It saddens and maddens me that these supports and opportunities are often the first to be cut when governments are looking to trim their budgets - such a short-sighted and self-defeating approach. Highly recommended. 
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lianne_rooney's review against another edition

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dark funny hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

3.5

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