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People Like Me
A force of nature from the day she was born, Lynn Ruane grew up in a loving home in Tallaght, West Dublin. But in her early teens things began to unravel, and she fell into a life of petty crime and chaotic drug use. By age fifteen – pregnant with her first child, no longer attending school and still reeling from a series of shocking incidents in her personal life – Lynn decided she had enough of running away from herself and set about rebuilding her life.
Inspired by her daughter, she returned to education and, with the help of some brilliant mentors, slowly began to heal the hurt of her younger years. She began campaigning on behalf of the people society had left behind by developing addiction services, becoming an activist in Trinity, and then as a senator in the chamber of the Seanad. But as the debate around consent gained pace, the lines between personal and political were redrawn, and Lynn was called to reckon with her past in a new and frightening way …
Intimate and brave, People Like Me is the exhilarating story of one woman’s journey to the brink and back, emerging as a leading light for change in Ireland and an inspiration to women everywhere.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
44 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 11, 2018
“People Like Me” definitely goes into the “important, but not good” category.
The earlier chapters and where she is discussing addiction are the strongest. It might just be because she’s had the most time to think these parts through and had people to discuss ideas with that the parts about addiction are the most coherent and really raise things up. I’d almost think that anyone working in schools or with kids or just with any vulnerable people should read People Like Me just because Ruane shows how even with the most loving parenting in the world, traumatic incident after incident not just for you but for everyone around you builds up into destructive, self-hating behaviour. She’s also really clear that having a baby isn’t a magic solution; what she needed was a positive intervention.
The chapter on the vigilantes of the late 1990s is also extremely interesting, especially with the folk mythologising about communities banding together to kick out drug dealers. She explains that these young people and their families needed help and instead they were demonised, marginalised, torn away from safety.
Things get less interesting as we get closer to today. Although she says that the austerity years made her understand what was happening to this scheme or that scheme on a political level, that doesn’t really come across. She flits through some different ways of understanding class, but in the end the insistence on being nice and positive to everyone involved in politics means that there is a lack of coherence – she discusses the problems that people in areas like Tallaght experience but doesn’t mention why it happens so it just comes across as a sad thing that occurs but that we can’t do much about because it doesn’t have a cause.
Despite all that, it’s still an important book just for the fact that it exists – and not in a condescending way but because putting it out there you start thinking through the rest of our public representatives and wondering “maybe it’s not normal that they’re all landlords”.
The earlier chapters and where she is discussing addiction are the strongest. It might just be because she’s had the most time to think these parts through and had people to discuss ideas with that the parts about addiction are the most coherent and really raise things up. I’d almost think that anyone working in schools or with kids or just with any vulnerable people should read People Like Me just because Ruane shows how even with the most loving parenting in the world, traumatic incident after incident not just for you but for everyone around you builds up into destructive, self-hating behaviour. She’s also really clear that having a baby isn’t a magic solution; what she needed was a positive intervention.
The chapter on the vigilantes of the late 1990s is also extremely interesting, especially with the folk mythologising about communities banding together to kick out drug dealers. She explains that these young people and their families needed help and instead they were demonised, marginalised, torn away from safety.
Things get less interesting as we get closer to today. Although she says that the austerity years made her understand what was happening to this scheme or that scheme on a political level, that doesn’t really come across. She flits through some different ways of understanding class, but in the end the insistence on being nice and positive to everyone involved in politics means that there is a lack of coherence – she discusses the problems that people in areas like Tallaght experience but doesn’t mention why it happens so it just comes across as a sad thing that occurs but that we can’t do much about because it doesn’t have a cause.
Despite all that, it’s still an important book just for the fact that it exists – and not in a condescending way but because putting it out there you start thinking through the rest of our public representatives and wondering “maybe it’s not normal that they’re all landlords”.
June 17, 2020
This book is often uncomfortable reading for its exposure of class prejudice and discrimination that still exists in Ireland today. In Ireland we want to believe that such discrimination doesn’t exist and was merely an import of English rule. However, Ruane’s book firmly lays such myths bare and forces us to face the devastating consequences of such upon our youth and wider society.
While this is ultimately a book about Ruane’s incredible life and achievements, my overall take away from it was just how unusual her story is and the sad realisation that were it not for her determination and a series of opportunities aligning her life could have been very different.
Having finished the book I was left with a sense of loss and disappointment when considering how many more do not have such a break or indeed those whose determination is simply broke after so much discrimination.
While this is ultimately a book about Ruane’s incredible life and achievements, my overall take away from it was just how unusual her story is and the sad realisation that were it not for her determination and a series of opportunities aligning her life could have been very different.
Having finished the book I was left with a sense of loss and disappointment when considering how many more do not have such a break or indeed those whose determination is simply broke after so much discrimination.
January 12, 2019
Not something I ordinarily would have read, but the chapters about Lynn's teenage years are especially strong and I'm glad I stuck with it.
Read
August 13, 2020Been meaning to read Lynn's book for quite some time and #LOKdown has finally afforded me the time and opportunity to do so.
Personally, Like Lynn I grew up in Tallaght and the chapters on the vigilante era are all too real, it brought back memories of corrugated metal huts in the middle of fields, of angry people marching on the doors of their neighbours something even than as a kid I couldn't help but look at as some sort of weird witch hunt. The story of her Rape is heartbreaking and again all to familiar, that feeling of confusion of fear and of anger...
Even for those reading, it's hard not to be brought along with her story, with her honesty its hard not to be, it makes you feel like you are experiencing it with her.
She tackles some difficult life experiences which a lot of people can relate to and she is a total inspiration to people who may live in low socioeconomic areas. I finished her story after what I can only describe as an emotional rollercoaster I laughed and I cried and I felt she had shared something special with me when I was finished.
Personally, Like Lynn I grew up in Tallaght and the chapters on the vigilante era are all too real, it brought back memories of corrugated metal huts in the middle of fields, of angry people marching on the doors of their neighbours something even than as a kid I couldn't help but look at as some sort of weird witch hunt. The story of her Rape is heartbreaking and again all to familiar, that feeling of confusion of fear and of anger...
Even for those reading, it's hard not to be brought along with her story, with her honesty its hard not to be, it makes you feel like you are experiencing it with her.
She tackles some difficult life experiences which a lot of people can relate to and she is a total inspiration to people who may live in low socioeconomic areas. I finished her story after what I can only describe as an emotional rollercoaster I laughed and I cried and I felt she had shared something special with me when I was finished.
November 10, 2018
Who are people like me
Lyne is a hero IMO.
She is someone who when I was growing up I would have hated and maybe called a scumbag.
What she has done to save herself and her family is nothing short of remarkable.
Reading her account of life and life's challenges has also giving me such a kick.up the arse for being so single minded and for that I would like to thank her.
She is now a huge inspiration to me a full 180 degree turn on what I would have thought about her as a young woman
Lyne is a hero IMO.
She is someone who when I was growing up I would have hated and maybe called a scumbag.
What she has done to save herself and her family is nothing short of remarkable.
Reading her account of life and life's challenges has also giving me such a kick.up the arse for being so single minded and for that I would like to thank her.
She is now a huge inspiration to me a full 180 degree turn on what I would have thought about her as a young woman
April 6, 2025
Although some of the more benign statements didn't ring true, eg Trinity was tough and lonely but worth it, there was a lot of honesty in this book. The author talks openly about her emotions a lot of the time and I think when she doesn't it's either because she's protecting people or she just hasn't figured it all out yet. But who has? The narrative was strongest when she talking about those she helped, eg the heroin addicts in Bluebell or the homeless men she worked with. There's so much to be admired in Lynn Ruane and I hope she continues to be a voice for her community.
September 8, 2022
Start was very good, 3.5
March 19, 2024
One of my favorite books ever.
Raw, honest and moving. Had me in tears at times.
Lynn articulates her experience in a beautiful way.
Raw, honest and moving. Had me in tears at times.
Lynn articulates her experience in a beautiful way.
May 17, 2020
I had wanted to read this book, having seen Lynn Ruane somewhere on TV. I think the story is a difficult one to review. On the one hand, her activities as a young girl between around 11 to 15 are awful. She did terrible things, was lucky to come out of it alive, and turned her life around, improbably because she decided to keep and have her baby when she was 15. After that, her struggles are almost superhuman, and to get herself to where she is today is a credit to her and those who supported her. Obviously she is intelligent, driven, loyal, and has many very positive qualities.
Having said all that, I found the book as written somewhat 'flat'. So for me it's an inspiring and honest story, and there are few stones left un-turned in the book. But at the same time there's a sense of 'then I did this, then I did that, then I went there' etc which hamper the book somewhat. But all credit to her for writing it and for (hopefully) acting as an inspiration to others.
Having said all that, I found the book as written somewhat 'flat'. So for me it's an inspiring and honest story, and there are few stones left un-turned in the book. But at the same time there's a sense of 'then I did this, then I did that, then I went there' etc which hamper the book somewhat. But all credit to her for writing it and for (hopefully) acting as an inspiration to others.
March 20, 2020
People Like Me is a testament to hope in education, the dangers of alcohol and drugs, and the bonds that connect us to society, friends and family. Not everyone will be able to relate to Lynn's background growing up in Tallaght, but anyone who comes from a difficult background, be it poverty, family issues or substance abuse can relate to this book, and find hope in it. It is a call to action. I think this would make for a great book for teenagers to read as a part of the Junior Cert curriculum in the Republic of Ireland. Lynn shows her genuine love for the people around her and society as a whole multiple times in this book, and she faced many challenges and hardships throughout her life but rose above them, bringing people with her along the way. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand Irish Society a little more, while enjoying some lighthearted moments along the way. Keep up the good work in the Seanad Lynn!
December 31, 2022
So grateful to have someone with actual experience of working class life and all the systemic struggles that come with it in our political system. I only wish more of her colleagues would stfu and listen. Narratives like these remain way too absent from the popular image of Irish life: in subjecting herself to the trauma of reliving every difficult instance of her own, Ruane has done us all some service.
June 13, 2021
In “People Like Me”, political activist Lynn Ruane tells the story of her journey from the working-class estates of West Tallaght to taking her place in the Irish senate. Ruane describes her turbulent upbringing in one of the poorest areas of Dublin, having to struggle with teen pregnancy, battle with self-destructive addiction, and deal with the grief of seeing her best friends succumb to substance abuse and self-harm – and all inside a previously tight-knit working-class community that, during the 1990s, appeared to turning in on itself and against itself.
Ruane’s story is often raw with regret and anger; not just with herself for the wild mishaps of her teenage years, but also anger at mainstream Irish society for its persistence vilification of her community and their disregard for the daily struggles of people living in neglected areas such as Tallaght. “People Like Me” shows how Lynn Ruane has channelled that anger at injustice and inequality into becoming a fierce advocate for these neglected working-class areas. Ruane maintains that “my political work has been underpinned by my lived experiences”, and throughout “People Like Me” this is evident throughout her activism (whether she is fighting for the dignity of the addicted, or campaigning for the full bodily autonomy of all Irish women).
After the often-hair-raising descriptions of Ruane’s early life (drinking and taking drugs by the age of 12, a teen mother at 15), “People Like Me” loses some of its impact and momentum when Ruane enrols in Trinity College Dublin through an Access Programme. While Ruane’s ‘fish-out-of-water’ account of student life at TCD is interesting, as a rule student politics is only fascinating to the tiny portion of the student body that is involved in it.
While Lynn Ruane’s backstory is frequently jaw-dropping, it wouldn’t be too unkind to say that she isn’t a natural prose stylist. Her writing style can be a little leaden and – particularly during the second half of the book where Ruane has moved on from the tumult of West Tallaght – “People Like Me” can read like a resume-style recounting of various roles she has had and organisations she has worked for.
Nevertheless, the determination Ruane has shown to overcome adversity has been incredible, and much of her story narrated in “People Like Me” is awe-inspiring. One senses that her story is far from finished. I look forward to reading Lynn Ruane’s follow-up autobiography to “People Like Me”, after she takes her rightful place as a TD for Dublin South-West and, one perhaps hopes, becomes Minister for Education in Ireland’s first Left-led Government.
Ruane’s story is often raw with regret and anger; not just with herself for the wild mishaps of her teenage years, but also anger at mainstream Irish society for its persistence vilification of her community and their disregard for the daily struggles of people living in neglected areas such as Tallaght. “People Like Me” shows how Lynn Ruane has channelled that anger at injustice and inequality into becoming a fierce advocate for these neglected working-class areas. Ruane maintains that “my political work has been underpinned by my lived experiences”, and throughout “People Like Me” this is evident throughout her activism (whether she is fighting for the dignity of the addicted, or campaigning for the full bodily autonomy of all Irish women).
After the often-hair-raising descriptions of Ruane’s early life (drinking and taking drugs by the age of 12, a teen mother at 15), “People Like Me” loses some of its impact and momentum when Ruane enrols in Trinity College Dublin through an Access Programme. While Ruane’s ‘fish-out-of-water’ account of student life at TCD is interesting, as a rule student politics is only fascinating to the tiny portion of the student body that is involved in it.
While Lynn Ruane’s backstory is frequently jaw-dropping, it wouldn’t be too unkind to say that she isn’t a natural prose stylist. Her writing style can be a little leaden and – particularly during the second half of the book where Ruane has moved on from the tumult of West Tallaght – “People Like Me” can read like a resume-style recounting of various roles she has had and organisations she has worked for.
Nevertheless, the determination Ruane has shown to overcome adversity has been incredible, and much of her story narrated in “People Like Me” is awe-inspiring. One senses that her story is far from finished. I look forward to reading Lynn Ruane’s follow-up autobiography to “People Like Me”, after she takes her rightful place as a TD for Dublin South-West and, one perhaps hopes, becomes Minister for Education in Ireland’s first Left-led Government.
July 30, 2019
Lynn Ruane is probably not a name people will have come across from outside of Ireland. She is currently a public representative in the Irish Senate, or Seanad Éireann, as it is known in Irish. Lynn is a similar age to me, but we have lived vastly differently lives. Lynn grew up in Dublin and as a teenager got involved in alcohol, drugs, got pregnant at 15, and left school early. The self abuse she inflicted upon herself coincided with a lot of personal tragedy and turmoil, which at the time, she was not able to cope with.
Lynn found her way through an outreach service that provided support to young mothers in her area. She later channelled her energy into outreach and addiction services, and also helped people who were homeless in Dublin. Lynn decided that she would return to education as a mature student, and a mother of two children. She was accepted into Trinity College Dublin, one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland, and excelled. She also got involved in politics through the Student's Union, and eventually ended up in national politics.
Lynn is an incredibly empathetic and kind person, who demonstrates understanding and kindness for those who are less fortunate in society. Such understanding is important for public representatives to ensure that social and outreach services are maintained and improved for a better, and socially more inclusive Ireland.
I think Lynn went through a lot writing her memoir. She has gone through a lot of mental and personal grief through her short life, but has demonstrated in her book how strong and compassionate she is for others. I hope she continues to show herself the same level of compassion and understanding that she has shown to others, and I wish her the best in her political and personal lives. She has given us a very personal insight into her life, and it should be acknowledged.
Lynn found her way through an outreach service that provided support to young mothers in her area. She later channelled her energy into outreach and addiction services, and also helped people who were homeless in Dublin. Lynn decided that she would return to education as a mature student, and a mother of two children. She was accepted into Trinity College Dublin, one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland, and excelled. She also got involved in politics through the Student's Union, and eventually ended up in national politics.
Lynn is an incredibly empathetic and kind person, who demonstrates understanding and kindness for those who are less fortunate in society. Such understanding is important for public representatives to ensure that social and outreach services are maintained and improved for a better, and socially more inclusive Ireland.
I think Lynn went through a lot writing her memoir. She has gone through a lot of mental and personal grief through her short life, but has demonstrated in her book how strong and compassionate she is for others. I hope she continues to show herself the same level of compassion and understanding that she has shown to others, and I wish her the best in her political and personal lives. She has given us a very personal insight into her life, and it should be acknowledged.
August 5, 2025
I just glanced at the reviews already up for People Like Me and one starts with "Lynn is a hero." I totally agree and 'loved' this incredible book. I've used inverted commas around the loved because it's a difficult book to read due to the horrific problems she had growing up. Addiction, violence, rape, theft and a lack of self-confidence pervades this well-written story of her life which had so much love and support. Lynn gave all that love and support back, to her family, friends and community through working in addiction centres and with so many different minorities. Her love, for her daughters, her family and indeed for humanity shines through the pages of the book, interspersed with some very funny stories. I would urge anyone who has experience of or knows somebody facing issues with addictions of any sort to read this book as it will help hugely. We're very lucky to have her as a Senator in the Seanad.
July 20, 2023
Dnf at page 177
Some parts of the book were very moving especially when Lynne was talking about her Dad and the chapter titled #MeToo
The beginning of the book when she describes her childhood and teenage years felt very rushed although this seemed like the premise of the book it didn’t last very long. The writing wasn’t the best and stories would often begin to stray into something completely different to how they started, leaving me wondering how we ended up there.
The majority of what she is writing about is very important and thought provoking but it’s the way it is delivered that lets these messages down as it comes across as rather boring in parts.
Some parts of the book were very moving especially when Lynne was talking about her Dad and the chapter titled #MeToo
The beginning of the book when she describes her childhood and teenage years felt very rushed although this seemed like the premise of the book it didn’t last very long. The writing wasn’t the best and stories would often begin to stray into something completely different to how they started, leaving me wondering how we ended up there.
The majority of what she is writing about is very important and thought provoking but it’s the way it is delivered that lets these messages down as it comes across as rather boring in parts.
April 2, 2019
Not something I would normally read but I heard the author on a podcast and I was interested in her story. The book has its flaws but going from joyriding, drug dealing teen mam to Trinity SU President and then Senator is quite a turnaround and I agree that people like her should be better represented in the political system. Good read, interested to see where the political career goes next. I suspect that she’ll run as an independent TD in Dublin South-West at some point.
April 24, 2020
I loved this book. As a Trinity College Dublin graduate, it was really interesting to read about the complex and inspiring life of my first TCDSU (Student’s Union) President. All of Ruane’s determination is simply inspiring. All of the inequality she discusses specifically in relation to equal access to education, reminds me why I decided to become an educator in an urban working class community within the United States which has not experienced equity in education. Please read this book.
November 3, 2018
I highly recommend this book. I read it on one sitting. I don' know what the answers are and I don't believe the Author knows either. We do know that it is a rare achievement for a girl who becomes pregnant at 15 to end us as President of Trinity Student Union and then Senator! What an amazing story and how inspiring!
October 2, 2019
I was close to giving this a 4. Ruane's story is really worth reading and hers is perspective of Irish life that we don't always get. Sometimes the writing style can be a little bit " and then this happened and then this happened and then this happened" especially at the very beginning of the book. But for the most part I was engaged in her story and usually in tears.
January 11, 2025
An essential read for anyone interested in social commentary.
While the book truly draws the reader in making you feel as though Ruane is grabbing you by the hand and taking you on a reflective journal of self I personally found some moments in the book challenging to read as I didn’t like the style of writing but again that’s down to personal preference.
While the book truly draws the reader in making you feel as though Ruane is grabbing you by the hand and taking you on a reflective journal of self I personally found some moments in the book challenging to read as I didn’t like the style of writing but again that’s down to personal preference.
February 23, 2023
Lynn is an absolute hero and I'm so glad she's out there campaigning for a more compassionate, progressive Ireland!
Read this book, you won't regret it, and, like me, you're going to learn loads and hopefully feel inspired.
Read this book, you won't regret it, and, like me, you're going to learn loads and hopefully feel inspired.
October 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book mainly. I felt it jumped around a bit in terms of the timeline which broke the flow at times.
January 8, 2019
Excellent !
An inspiring and thought provoking read.
An inspiring and thought provoking read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2019
Inspiring read that shows no matter how life starts or where you grow up, you can your turn your life around in a positive way if you have the right mindset and people to support you along the way.
April 28, 2019
I found this to be quite badly written. Also her life story is not exactly book worthy IMO
August 15, 2019
3.5 🌟
January 27, 2020
Deeply personal, gritty, no-nonsense story of triumph. Against the odds of poverty, bad neighborhood, Lynn explores herself until she finds the diamond she becomes. I loved this book!
March 3, 2020
Incredible book,you won't put it down . Do not miss this incredible woman's story
June 5, 2020
Only one word to describe this book.
“Powerful”
“Powerful”
June 12, 2020
An important book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews