Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday Salon - In Search of Adam by Caroline Smailes

The Sunday Salon.comIt's been a long, busy day today. One of those days where I would have really benefitted by curling up with a good book, but it wasn't to be. We finished moving furniture around in our computer room, finally moved my youngest son into his own room, cooking, cleaning, etc. A typical Sunday without a moment's rest.

And even if I had the time to read a book today, I probably wouldn't. Have you ever read one of those books where it was just so powerful and moving that you're left still mulling it over days later and don't have the concentration to pick up another book? I finished one of those books this week.

This week, I read In Search of Adam by Caroline Smailes. I've read Caroline's blog for awhile, and she's funny and interesting and I adore my Black Boxes widget so much, that of course, I had to read her books eventually. I'm ashamed now that I waited as long as I have to get started!

Especially after I watched this video (see below) that she posted on her blog about self harm, which is a topic that is handled incredibly well within In Search of Adam.

The content of the film is aimed at professionals, at therapists, MH workers, doctors, A&E staff and others. The act of self harming is often hidden and this film offers voice, removing the taboo and bringing real people into focus.

I may have mentioned it briefly in the past, but I'll say it again now. For a few years there, I was in a very bad place and used a lot of unhealthy ways in which to cope including self harm. Though it never went far enough that I would need to seek medical help for myself, I believe this is an issue that people need to be more aware of and hopefully this DVD will open some eyes and raise a lot of money!

I have a copy of Caroline Smailes's latest book, Black Boxes as well, which I'm now even more excited to read!

4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for reading Adam. After your comment on my blog (the self harm post), I knew that you'd understand what I was trying to do within Adam and why it needed to be written.

    So, many many thanks. You've made me smile x

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  2. Oh, yes! I've had that experience with a book. It's just so thought provoking or moving or powerful that I just can't bring myself to start on the next book right away, sometimes for a couple of days. And even when I do finally start another book, that book is still with me. The ones that touch us personally are the ones that make the strongest impressions on us, I've found.

    Now I'm really curious about In Search of Adam. In my work, I come across a lot of children and teens who harm themselves by cutting or burning. It seems like more and more kids are doing it--or perhaps it's just that people are speaking out about it more. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!

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  3. This book is already on the tbr list. It's good to know that it's a good one.

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  4. petunia - I suggest you bump it up your list!

    literary feline - what is it you do? And I do think it's been a taboo subject for such a long time, it definately needs more attention and compassion.

    caroline - No really, thank you!

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