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Writing Well: Creative Writing and Mental Health (PDF)
by Deborah Philips Debra Penman Liz LinningtonWriting Well is a practical handbook of creative writing exercises which forms the basis of an indirect, nonconfrontational approach specifically intended for therapeutic use within the mental health field. The exercises are taken from the authors' successful practice with groups of people from a range of backgrounds in a variety of settings.
Writing Works: A Resource Handbook for Therapeutic Writing Workshops and Activities (Writing for Therapy or Personal Development)
by Gillie Bolton, Victoria Field and Kate ThompsonWriting Works is a guide for writers or therapists working with groups or individuals and is full of practical advice on everything from the equipment needed to run a session to ideas for themes, all backed up by the theory that underpins the methods explained. Practitioners contribute detailed accounts of organizing writing workshops for clients.
Writings for a Liberation Psychology
by Ignacio Martín-Baró"In your country," Ignacio Martín-Baró remarked to a North American colleague, "it's publish or perish. In ours, it's publish and perish." In November 1989 a Salvadoran death squad extinguished his eloquent voice, raised so often and so passionately against oppression in his adopted country. A Spanish-born Jesuit priest trained in psychology at the University of Chicago, Martín-Baró devoted much of his career to making psychology speak to the community as well as to the individual. This collection of his writings, the first in English translation, clarifies Martín-Baró's importance in Latin American psychology and reveals a major force in the field of social theory. Gathering essays from an array of professional journals, this volume introduces readers to the questions and concerns that shaped Martín-Baró's thinking over several decades: the psychological dimensions of political repression, the impact of violence and trauma on child development and mental health, the use of psychology for political ends, religion as a tool of ideology, and defining the "real" and the "normal" under conditions of state-sponsored violence and oppression, among others. Though grounded in the harsh realities of civil conflict in Central America, these essays have broad relevance in a world where political and social turmoil determines the conditions of daily life for so many. In them we encounter Martín-Baró's humane, impassioned voice, reaffirming the essential connections among mental health, human rights, and the struggle against injustice. His analysis of contemporary social problems, and of the failure of the social sciences to address those problems, permits us to understand not only the substance of his contribution to social thought but also his lifelong commitment to the campesinos of El Salvador.
The Writings of William James: A Comprehensive Edition (A Phoenix book)
by William JamesIn his introduction to this collection, John McDermott presents James's thinking in all its manifestations, stressing the importance of radical empiricism and placing into perspective the doctrines of pragmatism and the will to believe. The critical periods of James's life are highlighted to illuminate the development of his philosophical and psychological thought. The anthology features representive selections from The Principles of Psychology, The Will to Believe, and The Variety of Religious Experience in addition to the complete Essays in Radical Empiricism and A Pluralistic Universe. The original 1907 edition of Pragmatism is included, as well as classic selections from all of James's other major works. Of particular significance for James scholarship is the supplemented version of Ralph Barton Perry's Annotated Bibliography of the Writings of William James, with additions bringing it up to 1976.
Written and Spoken Language Development across the Lifespan: Essays in Honour of Liliana Tolchinsky (Literacy Studies #11)
by Joan Perera Melina Aparici Elisa Rosado Naymé SalasThis multidisciplinary volume offers insights on oral and written language development and how it takes place in literate societies. The volume covers topics from early to late language development, its interaction with literacy practices, including several languages, monolingual and multilingual contexts, different scripts, as well as typical and atypical development. Inspired by the work of Liliana Tolchinsky, a leading expert in language and literacy development, a group of internationally renowned scholars offers a state-of-the-art overview of current thinking in language development in literate societies in its broadest sense.Contributors offer a personal tribute to Liliana Tolchinsky in the opening section.
Written Language Disorders (Neuropsychology and Cognition #2)
by R. MalateshaJoshiAlthough anecdotal reports of loss of once-acquired reading ability was noticed in the individuals who had sustained brain damage as early as the year AD. 30, systematic enquires of alexia were not undertaken until the latter part of the nineteenth century. The two anatomo-pathological studies carried out by Dejerine in 1891 and 1892 mark the beginning of scholarly investigation of reading failure. Interestingly, the study of de velopmental reading disability also began to receive attention at about the same time when Pringle Morgan described the case of a 14-year-old boy who had great difficulty in reading and writing. Since then sporadic reports of developmental reading-writing failure began to appear in medi cal and educational journals even though such investigation went on at an unhurried pace. In the past two decades, however, the situation has changed enormously and hundreds of articles that have investigated developmental and acquired cognitive disabilities have been published. Disorders of spoken language and written language are two areas that have been extensively addressed by these articles. Those who study disorders of language come from a wide variety of backgrounds and their reports are also published in a variety of journals. The purpose of the present volume is to bring some important research findings of written language disorders together and present them in a coherent format. In Chapter 1, Joshi and Aaron challenge the validity of the notion of the putative "poor speller but good reader'.
The Written World: Studies in Literate Thought and Action (Springer Series in Language and Communication #23)
by RogerSäljö
Wrong: Why experts* keep failing us--and how to know when not to trust them *Scientists, finance wizards, doctors, relationship gurus, celebrity CEOs, high-powered consultants, health officials and more
by David H. FreedmanOur investments are devastated, obesity is epidemic, test scores are in decline, blue-chip companies circle the drain, and popular medications turn out to be ineffective and even dangerous. What happened? Didn't we listen to the scientists, economists and other experts who promised us that if we followed their advice all would be well? Actually, those experts are a big reason we're in this mess. And, according to acclaimed business and science writer David H. Freedman, such expert counsel usually turns out to be wrong -- often wildly so. Wrong reveals the dangerously distorted ways experts come up with their advice, and why the most heavily flawed conclusions end up getting the most attention-all the more so in the online era. But there's hope: Wrong spells out the means by which every individual and organization can do a better job of unearthing the crucial bits of right within a vast avalanche of misleading pronouncements.
Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault: Stranger Rape, Acquaintance Rape, and Intra-familial Child Sexual Assaults
by Matthew Barry JohnsonIn Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault, Matthew Barry Johnson introduces new directions in wrongful conviction research and understanding. Citing Innocence Project and National Registry of Exoneration data, the book identifies sexual assault as the predominant offense type associated with confirmed wrongful convictions in the US. Johnson outlines the differential risk of wrongful conviction associated with stranger rape, acquaintance rape, and intra-familial child sexual abuse. He also introduces new terms and concepts such as "black box" investigation, illustrating the lack of transparency in the production of prosecution evidence; a four-part stranger rape thesis; and the "moral outrage - moral correction" process that results in cognitive and emotional factors that interfere with the evaluation of criminal evidence. The book also includes chapters on racial bias in rape prosecution, and the relationship of serial sex offending to wrongful conviction. Citing both foundational and newly-introduced conviction research, Johnson illustrates unexamined aspects of well-known wrongful conviction cases (i.e. The Central Park Five, Steve Avery, Ronald Cotton, The Norfolk Four) and presents the lessons from lesser known wrongful convictions. Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault provides valuable new perspectives and insight for psychologists, defense lawyers, prosecutors, crime investigators, and social justice scholars.
Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault: Stranger Rape, Acquaintance Rape, and Intra-familial Child Sexual Assaults
by Matthew Barry JohnsonIn Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault, Matthew Barry Johnson introduces new directions in wrongful conviction research and understanding. Citing Innocence Project and National Registry of Exoneration data, the book identifies sexual assault as the predominant offense type associated with confirmed wrongful convictions in the US. Johnson outlines the differential risk of wrongful conviction associated with stranger rape, acquaintance rape, and intra-familial child sexual abuse. He also introduces new terms and concepts such as "black box" investigation, illustrating the lack of transparency in the production of prosecution evidence; a four-part stranger rape thesis; and the "moral outrage - moral correction" process that results in cognitive and emotional factors that interfere with the evaluation of criminal evidence. The book also includes chapters on racial bias in rape prosecution, and the relationship of serial sex offending to wrongful conviction. Citing both foundational and newly-introduced conviction research, Johnson illustrates unexamined aspects of well-known wrongful conviction cases (i.e. The Central Park Five, Steve Avery, Ronald Cotton, The Norfolk Four) and presents the lessons from lesser known wrongful convictions. Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault provides valuable new perspectives and insight for psychologists, defense lawyers, prosecutors, crime investigators, and social justice scholars.
WTF Just Happened?: How to Make Better Decisions by Asking Yourself Better Questions
by Martin GoodyerHow great would it be to learn from other people’s mistakes rather than having to make our own? In WTF Just Happened? Martin Goodyer presents a hilarious compilation of catastrophes to help readers do just this. Drawing on his experience as a psychologist and taking the perspective of a behavioural change coach, Martin offers insights into people’s often irrational behaviour and suggests ways to avoid such behaviour ourselves. Reading this book won’t stop bad things from happening – but it can prevent you from making it worse if they do. This is not a self-help book. The self-help bit is up to you. Here’s why: self-help books are OK, but many are not great. They normally tell you to do this or that and then you’ll be fine – but real life isn’t usually that simple and good advice is only useful if you can remember to use it. Stories, on the other hand, stick with you, and these cautionary tales could help you avoid your own WTF moments. Your empathy for these unfortunate characters might just help you to see things differently and respond in a more positive way the next time life throws something unexpected at you. We all have WTF moments but, unfortunately, few of us respond well. We say and do things that we regret, and in hindsight we know we could have reacted so much better. This collection of cringeworthy stories explains why this happens and offers practical advice to prevent it happening to you. Topics covered include: how to avoid missing the point; how to avoid being embarrassed by being overheard; how to avoid being ‘good’ but not great; how to avoid getting fired; how to avoid unpleasant romantic ‘surprises’; how to avoid your darling children turning into teenage monsters; how to avoid letting yourself go; how to avoid tying the knot with the wrong person; how to avoid losing your way, and be successful despite the odds; how to avoid crushing debt; how to avoid losing your confidence and self-esteem; how to avoid letting life pass you by; how to avoid misinterpretations, mistakes and misunderstandings; how to avoid getting taken for a ride; how to avoid getting dumped all the time; how to avoid losing out at work; how to avoid getting fat; how to avoid losing when you should have won; how to avoid dealing with a bad situation badly; how to avoid getting scammed; how to avoid ‘losing it’ during a panic; how to avoid being too late; how to avoid losing your friends; how to avoid putting up with unhappiness; how to avoid saying ‘what if’ and ‘if only’; how to avoid leaving your best behind; how to avoid buying into the wrong thing; how to avoid missing an open door; how to avoid being steamrollered by circumstance; how to avoid missing out; how to avoid wishing you hadn’t given up; and finally … how to avoid being a loser. An ideal book for anyone interested in human behaviour, personal development or avoiding mistakes by learning from others’. If you only buy one book to help you handle life’s challenges, then make it this one.
Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression: The Principle of Non-Trying in the Practice of Pastoral Care
by Siroj SorajjakoolDiscover a pastoral approach to depression that combines Eastern wisdom and Western science!Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression reveals a way to break the cycle of depression, not by denying it or fighting it, but by the ancient principle of wu wei, non-trying. The bleak cycle of depression starts when people experience negativity. They turn inward to try to find self-esteem, but the negativity strips all the power of self-affirmation from them. The gap between is and ought--how they see themselves and how they want to be--is too great to bridge. The cycle known as self-regulatory perseveration means that depressed persons are caught in a desperate, fruitless search for affirmation. Instead of self-esteem, they find self-criticism and further negative thoughts. Yet they keep looking . . . and looking . . . and looking. The more they look for self-worth inside, the less they find, and the harder they try--the cycle continues. When trying simply doesn&’t work, wu wei, the principle of letting go, may help break that cycle. When trying simply doesn't work, wu wei, not-trying, may help. Wu wei is the principle of letting go. By giving up on the self-imposed and unattainable oughts and shoulds, the depressed person stops focusing on self. Wu wei breaks the cycle of negativity, allowing the depressed person to begin to heal.Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression offers a comprehensive discussion of depression, including: epidemiology of depression etiology and biological causes psychosocial theories standard treatments of the past and present pastoral care of depressed persons This important book constructs a possible approach to depressed souls weary of fighting and trying to fix themselves. Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression can bring new hope to those who most need it.
Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression: The Principle of Non-Trying in the Practice of Pastoral Care
by Siroj SorajjakoolDiscover a pastoral approach to depression that combines Eastern wisdom and Western science!Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression reveals a way to break the cycle of depression, not by denying it or fighting it, but by the ancient principle of wu wei, non-trying. The bleak cycle of depression starts when people experience negativity. They turn inward to try to find self-esteem, but the negativity strips all the power of self-affirmation from them. The gap between is and ought--how they see themselves and how they want to be--is too great to bridge. The cycle known as self-regulatory perseveration means that depressed persons are caught in a desperate, fruitless search for affirmation. Instead of self-esteem, they find self-criticism and further negative thoughts. Yet they keep looking . . . and looking . . . and looking. The more they look for self-worth inside, the less they find, and the harder they try--the cycle continues. When trying simply doesn&’t work, wu wei, the principle of letting go, may help break that cycle. When trying simply doesn't work, wu wei, not-trying, may help. Wu wei is the principle of letting go. By giving up on the self-imposed and unattainable oughts and shoulds, the depressed person stops focusing on self. Wu wei breaks the cycle of negativity, allowing the depressed person to begin to heal.Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression offers a comprehensive discussion of depression, including: epidemiology of depression etiology and biological causes psychosocial theories standard treatments of the past and present pastoral care of depressed persons This important book constructs a possible approach to depressed souls weary of fighting and trying to fix themselves. Wu Wei, Negativity, and Depression can bring new hope to those who most need it.
Wundt and the Philosophical Foundations of Psychology: A Reappraisal
by Saulo de AraujoThis book reassesses the seminal work of Wilhelm Wundt by discussing the history and philosophy of psychology. It traces the pioneering theorist’s intellectual development and the evolution of psychology throughout his career. The author draws on little-known sources to situate psychological concepts in Wundt’s philosophical thought and address common myths and misconceptions relating to Wundt’s ideas. The ideas presented in this book show why Wundt’s work remains relevant in this era of ongoing mind/brain debate and interest continues in the links between psychology and philosophy. Featured topics include: Theoretical and philosophical foundations of Wundt’s early work in scientific psychology. Wundt’s conception of scientific philosophy in relation to his theory of knowledge. The epistemological dimensions of Wundt’s final project in scientific psychology. Wundt and the Philosophical Foundations of Psychology is a valuable resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students in cognitive and related psychology and philosophy disciplines.
Wundt, Avenarius, and Scientific Psychology: A Debate at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
by Chiara Russo KraussThis book reconstructs the rise and fall of Wilhelm Wundt’s fortunes, focusing for the first time on the role of Richard Avenarius as catalyst for the so-called “positivist repudiation of Wundt.” Krauss specifically looks at the progressive disavowal of Wundtian ideas in the world of scientific psychology, and especially by his former pupils.This book provides important historical context and a critical discussion of the current state of research, in addition to a detailed consideration of Wundt’s and Avenarius’ systems of thought, as well as on their personal relationship. The author outlines the reception of Avenarius’ conceptions among Wundt’s pupils, such as Külpe, Münsterberg and Titchener, and among other psychologists of the time, such as Ward, James and Ebbinghaus. Finally, this book presents Wundt’s two-fold attempt to respond to the new trend through a criticism of the “materialistic” psychology, and a reformulation of his own ideas.
Xenosophia and Religion. Biographical and Statistical Paths for a Culture of Welcome: Biographical And Statistical Paths For A Culture Of Welcome
by Heinz Streib Constantin KleinThis book documents the current polarization in Germany regarding the issue of refugee immigration. It presents quantitative estimates for both xenophobia and xenophilia in the German population, including short-time changes. The book suggests a conceptual change of perspectives. It focuses not only on the pathogenic model that accounts for outcomes such as xenophobia, Islamophobia and other forms of (inter-religious) prejudice, but on a salutogenic model. In the book’s view, the salutogenic model entails xenosophia: the wisdom, creativity and inspiration that emerges from the encounter with the strange and the strange religion. The book addresses individual dispositions, which may lead to xenophobia or xenosophia, and takes into account predictors such as religiosity, religious schemata, value preferences, tolerance of complexity, and violence legitimizing norms of masculinity. A selection of case studies present typical biographical trajectories toward xenosophia.
Yabar: The Alienations of Murik Men in a Papua New Guinea Modernity
by David LipsetThis book analyses the dual alienations of a coastal group rural men, the Murik of Papua New Guinea. David Lipset argues that Murik men engage in a Bakhtinian dialogue: voicing their alienation from both their own, indigenous masculinity, as well as from the postcolonial modernity in which they find themselves adrift. Lipset analyses young men’s elusive expressions of desire in courtship narratives, marijuana discourse, and mobile phone use—in which generational tensions play out together with their disaffection from the state. He also borrows from Lacanian psychoanalysis in discussing how men’s dialogue of dual alienation appears in folk theater, in material substitutions—most notably, in the replacement of outrigger canoes by fiberglass boats—as well as in rising sea-levels, and the looming possibility of resettlement.
Yabar: The Alienations of Murik Men in a Papua New Guinea Modernity
by David LipsetThis book analyses the dual alienations of a coastal group rural men, the Murik of Papua New Guinea. David Lipset argues that Murik men engage in a Bakhtinian dialogue: voicing their alienation from both their own, indigenous masculinity, as well as from the postcolonial modernity in which they find themselves adrift. Lipset analyses young men’s elusive expressions of desire in courtship narratives, marijuana discourse, and mobile phone use—in which generational tensions play out together with their disaffection from the state. He also borrows from Lacanian psychoanalysis in discussing how men’s dialogue of dual alienation appears in folk theater, in material substitutions—most notably, in the replacement of outrigger canoes by fiberglass boats—as well as in rising sea-levels, and the looming possibility of resettlement.
Yale Textbook of Public Psychiatry
by Selby C. Jacobs and Jeanne L. SteinerYale Textbook of Public Psychiatry is a comprehensive resource on treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and public health of persons cared for in organized, publically funded systems of care. Edited and authored by experts in public psychiatry at the Yale Department of Psychiatry, this text provides up-to-date information on clinical work in the public sector. This book will be a useful reference for professionals and students of public psychiatry, administrators, and policy makers.
Yale Textbook of Public Psychiatry
Yale Textbook of Public Psychiatry is a comprehensive resource on treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and public health of persons cared for in organized, publically funded systems of care. Edited and authored by experts in public psychiatry at the Yale Department of Psychiatry, this text provides up-to-date information on clinical work in the public sector. This book will be a useful reference for professionals and students of public psychiatry, administrators, and policy makers.
Year 2000 and Mental Retardation (Current Topics in Mental Health)
by Stanley C. PlogThe future is exciting-frightening-and demanding! As social and eco nomic change accelerates at an ever-increasing rate, we look with awe and wonder at the way in which unanticipated events impact on our lives and change the way we live. We are also frightened about how well we will adapt to the demands of a world that may be structured quite differently from the familiar environment of today. If we are to handle our own futures with some degree of skill and adap tiveness, we need to begin planning today for the dawn of the next century. Otherwise, we may find that events have overrun our capacity to cope. Those of us in the social and helping sectors of the economy have a responsibility for the future welfare of persons who are less able to look out for their own needs or to protect themselves from the vagaries of economic fluctuations or major dislocations in the social fabric of the land. The President's Committee on Mental Retardation is proud of its deci sion to look at the year 2000 and its impact on the mentally retarded. Our goals were straightforward-to understand how unfolding events can affect the lives of the mentally retarded, for good or ill, a generation from now.
The Year My Mother Came Back: A Memoir
by Alice Eve Cohen&“A riveting journey.&” —Julie Metz, author of Perfection &“A perfect book. I want to tell everyone, every mother, every daughter, to read it.&” —Abigail Thomas, bestselling author of A Three Dog LifeFor the first time in decades I&’m remembering Mom, all of her--the wonderful and terrible things about her that I&’ve cast out of my thoughts for so long. I&’m still struggling to prevent these memories from erupting from their subterranean depths. Trying to hold back the flood. I can&’t, not today. The levees break. Thirty years after her death, Alice Eve Cohen&’s mother appears to her, seemingly in the flesh, and continues to do so during the hardest year Alice has had to face: the year her youngest daughter needs a harrowing surgery, her eldest daughter decides to reunite with her birth mother, and Alice herself receives a daunting diagnosis. As it turns out, it&’s entirely possible for the people we&’ve lost to come back to us when we need them the most. Although letting her mother back into her life is not an easy thing, Alice approaches it with humor, intelligence, and honesty. What she learns is that she must revisit her childhood and allow herself to be a daughter once more in order to take care of her own girls. Understanding and forgiving her mother&’s parenting transgressions leads her to accept her own and to realize that she doesn&’t have to be perfect to be a good mother. &“Alice Eve Cohen&’s warm, witty, wise memoir is an elixir of love. It captures the struggles of every woman who ever wanted to be a better mother or daughter. Read it and weep, and laugh, and love.&” —Nancy Bachrach, author of The Center of the Universe &“Funny, painful, absurd, and heartwarming . . . Alice&’s struggle to accept her imperfect self is a loving message tomothers who struggle to live life with grace. A beautiful book.&” —Julie Metz, New York Times bestselling author of Perfection &“Cohen navigates what was a perfect storm of a year . . . What she made of this year is a book so honest, so moving, and ultimately so wise that it is a privilege to take the journey with her.&” —Abigail Thomas, bestselling author of A Three Dog Life &“I love, love, love this book. It&’s so rich, so real, and so moving . . . An astonishingly wonderful book—I was enthralled.&” —Caroline Leavitt, bestselling author of Pictures of You &“Compassionate, compelling, and told in luscious prose that practically begs you to sink in and linger, Cohen&’s imaginative story and its fascinating characters will stay with you long after you&’ve turned the last page.&” —Jessie Sholl, author of Dirty Secret
A Year of Living Simply: The joys of a life less complicated (Kate Humble)
by Kate Humble'Simply wonderful.' - BEN FOGLE'Kate's book has the warmth and calming effect of a log fire and a glass of wine. Unknit your brow and let go. It's a treat.' - GARETH MALONE'Kate Humble pours her enviable knowledge into attainable goals. It's a winning combination and the prize - a life in balance with nature - is definitely worth claiming.' - LUCY SIEGLE'As ever, where Kate leads, I follow. She has made me reassess and reset.' - DAN SNOW'Kate Humble's new book is a lesson in moving on from a tragedy and finding our place in the world' - WOMAN & HOME'A Year of Living Simply is timely, given that the pandemic has forced most of us, in some way to simplify our lives, whether we planned to or not. Kate wrote it before any of us were aware of the upcoming crisis, but it captures the current moment perfectly... It's not necessarily a "how to" book, more of a "why not try?" approach.' - FRANCESCA BABB, MAIL ON SUNDAY YOU'What I particularly love is her philosophy for happiness, which is the subject of her new book, A Year of Living Simply. The clue is in the title. Remember the basics. Instead of barging through the day on autopilot, really stop to think about the tiniest little things that added a moment of joy. No, of course stopping and smelling the flowers won't cure all our ills and woes. But taking the time to savour the things that bring pleasure, really being in that moment and appreciating it, can remind you that most days have moments that buoy your mood.' - JO ELVIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY YOUIf there is one thing that most of us aspire to, it is, simply, to be happy. And yet attaining happiness has become, it appears, anything but simple. Having stuff - The Latest, The Newest, The Best Yet - is all too often peddled as the sure fire route to happiness. So why then, in our consumer-driven society, is depression, stress and anxiety ever more common, affecting every strata of society and every age, even, worryingly, the very young? Why is it, when we have so much, that many of us still feel we are missing something and the rush of pleasure when we buy something new turns so quickly into a feeling of emptiness, or purposelessness, or guilt?So what is the route to real, deep, long lasting happiness? Could it be that our lives have just become overly crowded, that we've lost sight of the things - the simple things - that give a sense of achievement, a feeling of joy or excitement? That make us happy. Do we need to take a step back, reprioritise? Do we need to make our lives more simple? Kate Humble's fresh and frank exploration of a stripped-back approach to life is uplifting, engaging and inspiring - and will help us all find balance and happiness every day.
The Year of Magical Thinking (Sparknotes Literature Guide Ser.)
by null Joan DidionFrom one of America's iconic writers, a portrait of a marriage and a life – in good times and bad – that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child. A stunning book of electric honesty and passion. Several days before Christmas 2003, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion saw their only daughter, Quintana, fall ill. At first they thought it was flu, then pneumonia, then complete sceptic shock. She was put into an induced coma and placed on life support. Days later – the night before New Year’s Eve –the Dunnes were just sitting down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John suffered a massive and fatal coronary. In a second, this close, symbiotic partnership of 40 years was over. Four weeks later, their daughter pulled through. Two months after that, arriving at LA airport, she collapsed and underwent six hours of brain surgery at UCLA Medical Centre to relieve a massive hematoma. This powerful book is Didion’s ‘attempt to make sense of the weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I ever had about death, about illness … about marriage and children and memory … about the shallowness of sanity, about life itself’. The result is an exploration of an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage, and a life, in good times and bad.
A Year Straight: Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Lesbian Beauty Queen
by Elena AzzoniAfter having spent nearly her entire adult life dating women (and liking it), Elena Azzoni felt pretty secure in her sexual orientation: she’d even just been crowned Miss Lez 2007. Then, one day in yoga class, a male teacher moved in close to adjust her pose . . . and she suddenly found herself intensely-bafflingly-attracted to him. Eventually she initiated a flirtation with him; after that, there was no going back. A Year Straight is a chronicle of the hilariously disastrous year following Azzoni’s abrupt dive into the world of dating men: old enough to drink and keep her own hours, but as clueless as an adolescent when it comes to deciphering men’s words and actions, Azzoni is uniquely positioned to find herself in some ridiculously absurd scenarios. Often cringe-worthy and occasionally unbelievable, A Year Straight is a wildly entertaining look at one woman’s experiences dating a new sex-the opposite sex.