Autobiography - Readers' Reactions
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Janey |
'The Doge's Palace' |
Ashley |
Barratt Housing and The
Weavers' Inn |
These unsolicited comments were posted in just one of Janey's online Guestbooks
To say that you are endearing and genuine is an understatement. You make me feel good about my life and motivate me to keep going and overcome the hurdles that get thrown down. Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby. Was saddened and inspired at your story and was amazed to find that I knew a character from your book. I was 13 years old when I came up against Wild Bill in a shootout at a fair in Johnstone, I beat him to the draw three times and he never even shook my hand, what a dick.... I am a few years younger than you. I have not been back to Shettleston for some time and live a very different life to my childhood. My stepdad may have been the butcher who banned you from his shop. I remember a guy called Mij, as I don't think there were many around; I presume he is your brother. I also remember the Percy family. Your book helped me to face some facts from my own childhood and made me think about Shettleston again, something I had been avoiding but had to face at some time! I commend you for your strength. I am only 17 and have lost every family member I had and I know how hard it is to try and stay strong and since reading your book I have found a new strength in myself so thank you. I lost my mum she became an alcoholic and a drug addict and died when I was 9 but through everything else I have endured I have learnt not to let things get me down and reading your book helped me realise I can do it and stay strong. Loved the book - couldn't put it down. I couldn't put it down. I loved this book. Mostly because you didn't dwell on the bleakness and there was no "poor me" at all in your writing... There was no fakeness, no pretense. It came across as honest and human... When you read about the intimate details of someone's life, especially one as well-written as this one, I guess you can't help but feel like you know the people involved. Couldn't put it down when I started reading it made me laugh and cry. Brilliant book, it had me hooked till the end! One of the best books I've ever picked up. So good I read it in 2 days. I just about slept! My goodness what a read! A massive eye-opener. I couldn’t put it down until I'd read it all I sat for 2 days constantly reading it. A testimony to how the human spirit can rise above terrible circumstances. I’m now on my second time round reading your book Handstands in the Dark. I love reading but this is one of the most ace books I’ve ever read. I have only ever read Tae Kwon Do books (by god you need to in the East End) And maybe one or two others in between, however my friend was raving about reading yours and a year after she gave me it and me lending it to others and them also going on about it, I picked it up on Wed afternoon, and was still up at 3 o’clock on Thursday morning reading it. I laughed, I cried and I understood some of the things you wrote about. This was the best book I have EVER read I finished it Friday. I’m a very slow reader! I actually cried. I originally read your book about a year ago or so... I’m only 17 and your story moved me! I just finished reading the book last night in bed for the 2nd time. Incredibly
well written. Brilliant, sad and beautiful ... I loved it. But was deeply saddened at the same
time. NOT a book of the month, by any means. Book of the century
more like! I can't stop thinking about it or the events in it. 10 out of 10
for courage and bravery and 11 out of 10 for humour and wit. Intrigued as
well as horrified me in turn; it has left quite an impression on
me. It was a truly
inspirational book and I couldn't put it down! It is possibly one
of the best books I have read. I am 14. I
recently read your book and it was really sad but good at the same
time. Read it in
just 6 days and I am deeply moved. I loved your
book which was passed to me from my mum. We both laughed and cried
at your story. I wanted so much for you to escape. Just wanted
to say how truly inspirational I found your book. It is the first
book I have read, and I've read loads, that actually moved me to
tears. Couldn't believe I was crying. Thought it
was one of the most inspirational books I have read. I couldn't
put it down. Couldn't put
your book down. Love your attitude, humour and strength... The book
ended in such a way... What a brilliant
book I really felt I was there. I was visiting
a friend in Cyprus & he was telling me about your book &
how well written it was. I was given a copy and couldn't put the
book down! Your story is an inspiration. You are a very
brave lady What an inspiration
of a child’s as well as an adult’s courage, I truly loved
your book, I could not find the time to put your book down, and
it’s an inspiration to all the young children out there. You know how
it is when you get such a great book and you don't want to put it
down... such a good book Absolutely
brilliant!... I was gripped from start to finish. It was sad, happy,
funny, dark, witty, gritty, honest, very real and hilarious in places! Amazing...
an inspiration to all Absolutely
fabulous!... Couldn't put the book down, especially once Janey left
the family home and started her own. Her childhood was just the
beginning! The best book
I have ever read, gripping from beginning to end. Wow, I read
your book and I've never gone through so many emotions at once. It really touched
me and inspired me. I even found myself reading the speech bits
with a Scottish accent as they were written (and no, I don't have
one). I read your
book, couldn't put it down, the end left me screaming I thought it
was sad but also hysterical especially wee Ashley. Your book was
amazing! I could hardly put it down! I almost cried
several times and I laughed out loud when Ashley sang Pink Floyd
at the school concert. Its 04.25 am
just finished your book, couldn’t put it down. I'm a Glaswegian
who had to leave the country because of guns (raiding Johnstone
Armory when I was wee)... I think you are miles better than Billy
Connolly. I have just
finished reading your book and I have to say I was rooted to it. I thought your
book was wonderful and finished it in 2 days! It made me laugh out
loud and made me sad too. Read it within
two days, it is fantastic. i read ur book
nonstop n took it evrywhere wiv me Read it in
two days and I'm amazed that any of you survived. When I read
your book it made me think about what actually goes on in this world
people don’t actually think about things like this but as I
read your book I actually realised what does go on. I've just finished
your book -- pure dead brilliant. A very inspiring
read. I'm reading
your book handstands in the dark. Oh my god I can't believe all
the stuff you went through I don't really read books but so far
I can't put this one down. I love it... from penny (14 years old) The best book
I have ever read it was funny, and also heartbreaking It's a great
read. It was one
of the best books I’ve ever read. What a fantastically
inspirational, funny, sad, honest, heart warming, witty read!...
Thought the book was one of the best I’ve ever read. I read your
book a few months ago after seeing you at the fringe in Edinburgh.
For a few days I was like a crazy person tearing through it... It
was wonderful, sad and very funny. Janey, I am
18 years old and my mother bought me your autobiography, its took
me 2 days to read it which is very unusual as I hate books and cant
be bothered to read about someone’s depressing shit (like I
aint had enough myself) but what got me so much is that the whole
time you learnt to be so upbeat and I loved your carefree attitude
which reminded me of my mother... I hope you get to read this cos
you are wicked!!! I can't put
it down. It has to be
the best book I’ve ever read. I couldn't put it down. I am halfway
through your handstands in the dark book... it’s amazing! I thought the
book was amazing and brilliantly told. I took it on holiday and
read it in a day and then 2 other girls read it and thought it was
brilliant I laughed out
loud at your book and cried too... I am sorry I am not writing with
some wonderful, intellectual comment on your book, I just loved
it. Read the book
review, bought the book, ignored the house work and read the book
in one day... I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for
writing your life story one that that was sad, funny and heartbreaking
and a feeling that when I had finished the book I felt I knew you
and your family really well. Truly amazing
book and couldn't put it down. I’ve just
read your book and can I just say it is brilliant. I couldn't put
it down till I had finished it... The life you had makes our problems
seem so stupid I'm on chapter
9 of your book and it was hard for me to put it down earlier today,
but if I hadn't, then I wouldn't have got out of bed and done a
thing! I hardly ever have that problem with a book! I read it cover
to cover starting one evening and when my eyes could not stay open
any longer, I set the alarm clock for 6am the next morning (Saturday)
to finish. You made me think about so much. I didn't want
it to end... All the way
through I could see similarities between the behaviour your husband
displayed and mine. My Husband is an aspie too, so is my 7 year
old son. They both have the aggressive out bursts on a regular basis.
Your book was inspirational and learning that your husband suffers
from Aspergers too has also given me a boost because sometimes I
feel like I am the only one in this position. I can’t
believe all the shit u've been through. I’m only 18 and come
from a perfect family your book opened my eyes as to what does happen
with in the world, how cruel some people can actually be and it
has also encouraged me to be grateful for what I have. Your book was
near impossible to put down once started.... My sister god bless
her took her own life at 25... I am 40 now and only wish my sister
had been alive to read your journey, she would be 41 now, thanks
Janey for letting us all believe there is life after all the shite. I will never
forget the story you have brought into so many peoples hearts.
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It was one
of those books that you can’t put down. It made me want you
to keep writing so I could find out what happened next, I am only half
way through your book (not much time for reading - not a slow reader!)
I have laughed and cried. Your relationship
with your daughter is inspirational and so is the fact that you
have the balls to deal with life as it is yet transcend expectations It was captivating,
sad, encouraging and everything else rolled into one Can't stop
thinking about it. I read your
book, made me cry. I have just
read your book which I could not put down and thought it was fantastic...
I could not believe how cruel people can be. I've just read
your book I couldn't put it down. The best book
I have ever read. I am a 14 yr
old girl and I cried about handstands in the dark. I enjoyed as
well... I was really inspired by your book to help people. Oh well, where
to start...I cried, cringed and laughed with you. Absolutely
amazing. Truly gripping. Your book was
riveting... Thank you for making me feel that anything is possible. As everyone
else, once I read the first chapter I couldn't put it down. I've never
went through so many different emotions just reading a book, enjoyed
it so much I couldn't put it down and read it in a day! It usually
takes me ages to read a book, but I could not put this one down. Sad, funny...
an absolute pleasure to read I read your
book in a day; I couldn’t put it down Read your book.
I've cried for you, i've laughed with you , & i've identified
with you. I was captivated
the minute I opened the first page and didn't put it down till I
was finished. I cried and was sad and angry for little girl in the
book but also chuckled at the banter from the older Janey. This
has been one of the best books I have ever read. It was hard
to put down till I finished it. Brilliant. My mother passed
on your book to my girlfriend and i. I can't put it down... As my
girlfriend is 18 and I’m 22, we have never been into reading
books. But we are both glad we came across yours. I could not
put it down. It is the best book I have read. I loved your
book, most of the time i was in tears Brilliant. So inspiring,
I just could not put it down. I have just
finished reading your book, I picked it up from the library on saturday
and could not put it down. Your story is truly inspirational...
It is fantastic to read about people like you who can change their
life and turn things around. I just wanted
you to know how much i had enjoyed your book. I wanted you
to take thanks for what you had done for me. I loved books
as a young child, but when I started school this enjoyment left
as I felt embarrassed to read aloud, this became worse and I struggled
with English higher. I bought my mum your book as she wanted
it, before I gave her it I read the back, then the first chapter
I have to confess!! I couldn't put it down. I asked my mum
to give me it when she was finished, however I felt worried that
I might not be able to read it as I have not done so (only reference
while studying at college), for such a long time. I COULDN'T
PUT IT DOWN!!! I have just finished it and enjoyed evey chapter,
it made me want to read, and no book has ever done that! I
felt it was such an achievement, I would never started it without
the need to read your book. I felt lots of emotions through your
book, happy, sad, angry but even laughed out loud. You have given
me the eagerness to read and I feel so happy! I was honestly
physically unable to put your book down, I was reading it at work
when I was supposed to be working, reading it walking down the street.
It is brilliantly written in a brutally honest fashion, funny and
sad at the same time. It was fantastic.
It had me gripped from the beginning . Have truly
not enjoyed a book as much as yours for years...a brilliant read. Cracking read! A wonderfully
written book. Brilliant and
hilarious... a great read. A Pure Luvd
Yoor Book Am Only 14 N Ah Wiz Nearlly Greetin The BEST fifteen
pounds I've spent in a LONG time! Your strength of character has
me in awe! What a fantastic
read... I laughed and cried. I was totaly engrossed. Very funny,
honest and totally unputdownable. One of the
best books I have ever read. Your story
made me realise how small my own problems are.. What
a brilliantly, warm, compassionate, understanding, funny, often
bleak (but with a defining amount of hope & gusto) written account
of your life. I seriously couldn’t put it down. It was a total
page-turner... I was left with a mixture of exhilaration of triumph
over adversity coupled with a strange sadness. The
book was an amazing read, hard going at times, the pages kept getting
all blurry, my eyes were hingin oot ma heid at the end. What
you have been thru is truly remarkable.Thank you for such an outstanding
book. Brilliant
- couldn't put it down. I
thought this was the best book I have read in a very long while.
I laughed and cried at the same time.You will be an inspiration
to a lot of people. I
just couldnt put it down, I was totally gripped by it. So
funny although there is a lot of sadness as well. I'm
15 and I would just like to tell you how much your book has helped
me with abuse. Your book brought light on my life and made me realise
I can get through it and I will! I
found your book one of the most amazing, brave accounts of someone
that has lived a life of abuse... I can't put into words how I felt
reading your book ~ emotional, angry, sad, amazed and encouraged
to keep going myself (I have been abused). Thank you for writing
it. I just couldn't
put it down - I felt sad, pity, anger and then admiration. I found it
very disturbing at times but it also made me smile as well. At times
I wasn't sure if I wanted to carry on reading as you seemed to suffer
so much, but then I thought hey this poor woman has already lived
through this I am but reading it not having to live it, so I continued.
Although your life was so tough and dark most of the time you managed
to make the book easy to read, I really dont know how you managed
it, WELL DONE. I myself have been abused as was my sister by an
uncle, like yourselves we didn't find out about each other`s abuse
untill we were adults. My abuse was nowhere near as severe as yours
and as for my sister she won't go into any detail. It really helped
me to read your book. Just
finished Handstands in the Dark, and would just like to say....well
quite frankly it was brilliant! I just couldn't put it down!! although
I have now mastered the art of holding a conversation with my husband
and not having to lift my head away from the book for a second - one
word answers only but had him fooled until very last page.so,thank
you so much for sharing your story. Just
finished your book... Am amazed at how much you've been through but
you've still remained such a positive and hilarious person - we could
all take lessons from you! Book is now winging its way to Australia
for my Aunt to read. Thanks Janey for giving us an insight into your
painful yet at times hilarious past. I
sat in my garden and read the whole book cover to cover. It was excellent
and I cried my eyes out at the bit where your mother's death finally
hits you. It
was the best book I have read in ages. How you have managed to come
through all you have is amazing. It
was funny, sad and inspiring all at once. A
man in the pub told me that he read the most fantastic book. Well
he was right I never put your book down. it was moving funny but most
of all honest. I’m
currently on page 245 of your book and what can I say IM HOOKED!!!...
I think you are a marvellous woman to still come out on top after
all you have been through! I think you're an inspiration and I'm going
to tell my sister all about you as she is going through a terrible
time in her life and let her know there is always light at the end
of the tunnel no matter what's happening to her and others around
her! and well done for sharing your life with us Best
money I have spent in a long time. It provoked a mountain of memories.
I worked and lived in Glasgow for a long time and still today I miss
the humour of the Glaswegians. I loved the fact that they take you
as you are but god help you if they find you wanting. Thank you for
a bitter sweet read. Janey,
I thought I was seeing things, when I saw your face on a book in Borders
bookshop. I thought that looks like Janey Currie and lifted it to
find out it was you. I have never laughed and cried so much at one
book, ever! It was amazing how it triggered so many memories, especially
of your mum. I could actually hear her saying the words when I was
reading about her. I remembered all the arguements she had with my
gran about the stairs in the close, as your mum would never wash them.
However, in spite of all that, everyone still had a soft spot for
poor Annie, they couldn't be angry with her for long. My Da is dead
5 years now, but he would have been so proud to read that you still
remembered him so fondly. I'm so glad that in spite of everything
you have risen high above it all and made a great life for yourself
and that you have a beautiful daughter, that you obviously love and
cherish. Your
book was amazing and so inspirational. I was crying and laughing throughout
it. It made me realise that anyone can better themselves and has given
me the inspiration to go and get a better life. Good
on you for being so honest and I'm so glad you and your husband and
daughter are a family loved the way you stood up to your brother-in-laws
you made me laugh and I thankyou. I
think it's a really honest, personal account of your life. You are
brave and I admire you for being so open and for facing your demons
and I think you will inspire others who have had similar experiences...
I kept turning the pages and my heart raced to see if Ashley had turned
16 and what had happened! Got
your book today got to page 55 of your book; had to stop. I was crying
too much
See
locations from the book in a 1-minute video: Other
locations in Janey's 6-minute If
you have already read the book and you wonder You can buy the book direct from Janey HANDSTANDS IN THE DARK is published by Ebury Press, |
