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Unsettled: In a Hole. Climbed a Mountain. The Life of a Big Issue Man
Unsettled is an inspirational autobiography. It will make you laugh it will make you cry, but most of all it will change the way you view homeless people for ever.
111 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 14, 2013
Very interesting little book. So this publication,"The Big Issue", I was unaware of this publication but as I read I realized that the lady who sits outside the local PCC grocery store is probably selling The Big Issue or something similar. I've never spoken to her except a "hello, how are you today", I avoid anyone who looks like they are selling something. I must admit I am curious now and am going to see just what she is selling.
I had sympathy for the author and I can admire the adult he turned into, although I am saddened that his past was so painful that he can't spend more than a few hours with his children and siblings before he has to leave. He leaves all the towns he goes to as well, staying put is not something he does. But who can judge another life? I am glad that he has done all the good that he has done.
I don't know who Pete the Brush is (maybe the author himself?) but he is a talented illustrator. The poetry that the author writes is really terrific, laugh out loud funny, or very very moving. But my favorite part of the book is the letter to the author from a child at the Knowler-Hill School. You just gotta laugh!
Oh, I also read The Big Issue and thought it was a good publication. I'll be sending it on with the book.
I had sympathy for the author and I can admire the adult he turned into, although I am saddened that his past was so painful that he can't spend more than a few hours with his children and siblings before he has to leave. He leaves all the towns he goes to as well, staying put is not something he does. But who can judge another life? I am glad that he has done all the good that he has done.
I don't know who Pete the Brush is (maybe the author himself?) but he is a talented illustrator. The poetry that the author writes is really terrific, laugh out loud funny, or very very moving. But my favorite part of the book is the letter to the author from a child at the Knowler-Hill School. You just gotta laugh!
Oh, I also read The Big Issue and thought it was a good publication. I'll be sending it on with the book.
March 28, 2023
A fantastic book, both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Graham has a childhood that nobody deserves and this is what ultimately shapes his future. Numerous attempts to live what society deem to to be a “normal” life end badly, but Graham has an inspirational determination to succeed in life, so he eventually finds his own normal and becomes a success in his way and on his terms.
The reality about hostels, shelters and the Salvation Army show that not everything is not how we imagine and assume it to be, for those on the street.
“It was Friday the 23rd of December. I needed help. I turned to the organisation synonymous with homelessness. I telephoned the Salvation Army in Bristol. The other end of the phone informed me they had vacancies. Thank God. "Can I move in this evening?" I asked. Naively thinking that me being homeless and the Salvation Army having spare beds, I'd be sorted! Not quite so it seemed. Because I wasn't claiming DSS at the time, the Army wasn't guaranteed its weekly rent in the form of housing benefit.
So, if I wanted to book in, I would have to pay 'cash up front' until the benefits office re-opened after Christmas.“
I was appalled to read how a Christian charity, that claims to help the homeless, turned Graham away, two days before Christmas, for fear of losing out on the rent!
This well written and engaging book challenges the perceptions society has about homeless people and Big Issue sellers, as well as our definition of “home”.
A highly recommended read.
Graham has a childhood that nobody deserves and this is what ultimately shapes his future. Numerous attempts to live what society deem to to be a “normal” life end badly, but Graham has an inspirational determination to succeed in life, so he eventually finds his own normal and becomes a success in his way and on his terms.
The reality about hostels, shelters and the Salvation Army show that not everything is not how we imagine and assume it to be, for those on the street.
“It was Friday the 23rd of December. I needed help. I turned to the organisation synonymous with homelessness. I telephoned the Salvation Army in Bristol. The other end of the phone informed me they had vacancies. Thank God. "Can I move in this evening?" I asked. Naively thinking that me being homeless and the Salvation Army having spare beds, I'd be sorted! Not quite so it seemed. Because I wasn't claiming DSS at the time, the Army wasn't guaranteed its weekly rent in the form of housing benefit.
So, if I wanted to book in, I would have to pay 'cash up front' until the benefits office re-opened after Christmas.“
I was appalled to read how a Christian charity, that claims to help the homeless, turned Graham away, two days before Christmas, for fear of losing out on the rent!
This well written and engaging book challenges the perceptions society has about homeless people and Big Issue sellers, as well as our definition of “home”.
A highly recommended read.
January 5, 2012
Arrived safely: another book in the Favorite Book Roundabout.
At first I thought it would be an interesting book. That is, after the first chapters, in which Graham Walker describes his childhood. Despite the very sad contents, I liked these chapters the most.
When the story continued, I found it harder and harder to read, mainly because I do not understand him.
I do not judge him, but the worlds we grew up in are so totally different, that I can't imagine how damaged a grown up he has become because of his childhood. How someone would abandon his children and keep running his whole life. To me is looks like an easy way out, leaving every time that things are settling.
The drawings were great :-) and I liked part of the poems too.
At first I thought it would be an interesting book. That is, after the first chapters, in which Graham Walker describes his childhood. Despite the very sad contents, I liked these chapters the most.
When the story continued, I found it harder and harder to read, mainly because I do not understand him.
I do not judge him, but the worlds we grew up in are so totally different, that I can't imagine how damaged a grown up he has become because of his childhood. How someone would abandon his children and keep running his whole life. To me is looks like an easy way out, leaving every time that things are settling.
The drawings were great :-) and I liked part of the poems too.
December 12, 2010
Graham Walker is a homeless man who has led a very harsh life. He sells a magazine titled The Big Issue in various towns in Enlgand. In this book he tells of the people he has met along the way and the impact they have had on his life and well as the impact he has made on theirs.
November 16, 2013
I was attracted to this book because the book cover stood out on the shelf. I have learnt that we shouldn't judge each issue seller and compare them, each has their own story. It is definitely worth a read and also a eye opener.
September 27, 2011
A very sad start, but a very inspiring story.
Now I want to visit the UK just to buy a copy of The Big Issue
off Graham! :)
Thanks to bookcrossing.com for this mystery bookray.
Now I want to visit the UK just to buy a copy of The Big Issue
off Graham! :)
Thanks to bookcrossing.com for this mystery bookray.
October 5, 2014
Fine little book. Can understand why he left his children like that but also can understand people who don't understand that, as Graham knew how he turned out to be with his childhood.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews