Norma_Cenva_Productions: June 2020

Hand to Mouth: The Truth About Being Poor in a Wealthy World by Linda Tirado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is hands down one of my favourite books of 2020!

I think without a doubt that EVERYONE should read it. We so! need more writings from the working-class-poor, not just in non-fiction but also in fiction. If you live in the UK you probably already know how the Benefits System penalizes the people who try to be writers, the policies that permit this, stop sp many amazing voices from being heard... But I digress.
So, yes, understandably a lot of people after reading this book will have a negative review, just look at the stats here on GoodReads alone. However, I think this kind of very polarising reaction just showcases what kind of a huge chasm there is between people who do not understand, relate or are unable to sympathize with the point of view painstakingly shared in this book. We need a conversation about this topic yes, but how do we heal this kind of lack of understanding that is plaguing so many people now. Because remember, this kind of attitude influences policy, law and general attitudes as well, it is an expression of power, and the way it is now is not helping anyone.
I will be following this Author for sure, I am interested in what else she has written and will write in the future.

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Slavic Witchcraft: Old World Conjuring Spells and Folklore by Natasha Helvin
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

What did I just read???
The Author mention at the beginning of the book her Nostalgia and this is sadly all his is - Nostalgia and nothing else. Russian Witchcraft is not the entirety of Slavic Witchcraft. As well as a Soviet-style nostalgia is not an excuse to equate a soviet-era mashup (deeply affected by constant persecution of EVERYTHING religious) to an authentic Witchcraft tradition.
Described in the book are a mix of Christo-paganism and superstitious folk tales connected to the Soviet era. Not an authentic tradition in any way...

I feel dirty after reading this, very disappointed!

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