BlogHer - Writing - Comments

I don't have much to add to

SpendWiselyTexas@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:27:44 -0600

I don't have much to add to the comments above but want to tell you that you this is a beautifully written post. Since having my son, I haven't been able to stomach even the slightest hint of any type of child abuse. I am going to this movie and expect when I come home I'll be twice as overbearing and overprotective as before. I don't think I can read the book until he's much older. The images generated by books are always far more gruesome than those in the movies.

Spend Wisely Texas - Living Well and Spending Less in Texas

Great review, Nordette!

lainad — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:55:17 -0600

I read it about a month ago and promptly passed it onto some girlfriends. It was well-received here during the Toronto International Film Fest.

Here is a side story about that: My friend and I went down in the early afternoon to try and get a ticket for me for the Gala but it had been sold out for weeks. There was a lineup of young black women in the 'rush' line, and we stopped to chat with them. One had been there since 9am - the galla was at 9pm that evening - and the women were all dressed up, hair done and full makeup in the hot, sweltering sun.

My friend, who works for the festival and already had a ticket told me later that despite the theatre being only 3/4 full - they reserved seats for media and barely anyone showed up, none of the rush line got it. Why?

All of the volunteers, who were supposed to count empty seats and let the rush line in, had all left their positions to see Oprah and Mariah Carey walk the red carpet. So those ladies never got to get in. Do you see the irony in this?

What I loved is that despite the horror of what Precious went through, there was a determination that shone through. She was a victim, but didn't consider herself a victim. And if she had, it would have been okay, but she preservered through out the madness. she knew that her, ahem 'father' and her mother were wrong.

Initally, what really disturbed me was the sexual abuse by her mother, but eventually I understood - not any justification, but how it could have happened.

I recently read an interview with Lee Daniels in the NYT and I have to say....it hasn't hit here yet, but based on Daniel's interview, I have to think long and hard before I see the movie. It was a great article, but I put it down not having a favourable review about him. He seems like an opportunist and it rubbed me the wrong way.

Contributing Editor - Race, Ethnicity & Culture

Blog: Writing is Fighting: www.lainad.typepad.com

Metal Writer: Hellbound.ca and Exclaim.ca

Oh heartbreaking

Wilma Ham — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:02:13 -0600

Oh, hard to imagine that someone can come out of a childhood like that sane enough to tell the story.
Oh, hard to imagine that after telling the story she is subjected to abuse once again.
Oh, how much love is needed to undo the damage.

For me Ho'Oponopono is the only way to deal with this and I will.

Wilma Ham

www.wilmasblog.com

You definitely should read it

Denise — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:53:19 -0600

Really. Be brave. It's a wonderful book. Hard, but well worth it.

~Denise BlogHer Community Manager
Flamingo House Happenings

Reading Push

Suzanne Reisman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:24:45 -0600

Last summer, my writing teacher read our class an excerpt from "Push." It was about how the other kids were cruel to her. I could barely breathe as I listened. I wondered what it would be like to try and read the whole book. Every time I see a preview for the film, I am reduced to tears. I'll read it one day, but I'm too cowardly right now, I think.

Suzanne Reisman, Contributing Editor - Feminism & Gender Campaign for Unshaved Snatch (CUSS) & Oth

Push

Denise — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:03:12 -0600

I'm not sure when I first read Push. I know that TW and I bought it at Wild Iris so it would have been sometime after 2001. When we bought it, I did not know that it had been published at the same time as Deep End... I learned more about Push after reading it. I was compelled, after reading it, to find out more about Sapphire.

I think that might have been the moment when I got angry at Oprah and her book club. Why choose Deep End when she could have chosen Push? But, that's another story.

I don't think I am going to see the movie. I think I want to hang onto the way I feel about this story, based on my experience with the book.

~Denise BlogHer Community Manager
Flamingo House Happenings

Precious Indeed...

Lovebabz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:33:27 -0600

Great post Sister!

It is unlikely I will see this movie (too close to the bone) But it is a story that needs telling. We all ought to be haunted by the subject...not paralyzed by it.

It is nasty. And it fucks with our sensibilities, but we must push on and accept the awareness of abuse. And also revel in the fact that even in the most heinous of situations love can and often does prevail. I know the story of Precious... I am she. And I am forever grateful for the folks (angels) who stood in the gaps and rescued me.

No, I won't be seeing this movie, but I will read opinions and reviews. It is my hope that there will be a renewed interest in child abuse and exploitation of children...that we dedicate ribbons and bake sales to this effort to raise awareness. It is my hope that a Precious ceases to exist...

Be loving & Be in LOVE

I Agree

JanelaP — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:34:06 -0500

I so agree with you. Honestly, reading has helped me to continue growing and that keeps my mind health which saves me from depression and feelings of helplessness. I'm greatful to all the authors who took time to flush out their thoughts and provide me escape and entertainment.

Trudy

*Face the fear and live your dreams*

Thanks for letting me know!!

AnExtendedVacation — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:49:06 -0500

Thanks for letting me know!! I hopped over there and joined! I hope more people join us in this venture soon!!

There's now a NaNoWriMo group on BlogHer

sassymonkey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:28:41 -0500

Pookielocks started it. I want to make sure you know about it. Head on over to the NaNoWriMo BlogHer Group and introduce yourself. I'll stand on the sidelines and cheer. :)

Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.

Participating too!

domesticjoy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:55:39 -0500

Yes, I'm giving it a go this year. Hopefully will get past my 2000 word previous attempt record.

While I'd love to get to the 50,000 - my primary goal will be to try to write something, anything, every day.

Good luck with your challenge!

:) Catherine @Domestic Joy

My food and domestic blog: http://www.domesticjoy.com.au

My Nanowrimo tracker: http://www.domesticjoy.com.au/nanowrimo-tracker-template-and-some-resour...

I'm in!

domesticjoy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:51:44 -0500

... but I'm not too sure what I'm going to write about yet (and while it is bending the rules, I'm considering doing something non-fiction).

I made a simple tracking sheet today that might be helpful: http://www.domesticjoy.com.au/nanowrimo-tracker-template-and-some-resour...

Good luck!

:) Catherine @Domestic Joy My food and domestic blog: http://www.domesticjoy.com.au

Turns out that the fiance

murphyjenn78 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:31:08 -0500

Turns out that the fiance loves it...I really should give him more credit!

It's a good thing 'cause I think I'm sticking with this look for a while. It's becoming part of my identity.

i did the same thing with

murphyjenn78 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:28:39 -0500

i did the same thing with the short hair, which is whta led to the head shaving! I let it go for so long and then I freak out and well, this time I took matters into my own hands!

It Feels Wonderful in the Shower

Gena Haskett — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:10:28 -0500

I've been bald and full headed. I have to say bald is much more fun. No upkeep, freaks people out that you don't want to talk to anyway and warm water on the scalp clears the cobwebs away quicker.

Tell your intended that this has sensual opportunities and not to worry, it does grow back.

Own it like a crown and you will be fine.

Gena - Out On The Stoop