Catherine Barry Libri

Irlanda, anni Settanta. Jacqueline, Jack per gli amici, ha quindici anni quando perde la sua verginità con Matt. Anni dopo, Jack si trasferisce a Londra dove conosce Andrew. E Jack e Andrew fanno l'amore. Jack rimane incinta e, decisa a non abortire, all'insaputa di Andrew torna a Dublino, nella casa paterna. A poco più di vent'anni Jack è intrappolata: è una ragazza madre, disoccupata, costretta a vivere in una famiglia piccolo borghese e cattolicissima. Accanto a lei c'è John, l'amico di sempre, quello che non rappresenta una stagione della vita, quello che, in un'altra notte di Natale, non la lascerà mai più sola.

Don’t judge me for dying.Don’t judge me for still being alive.“There is an urgency to Catherine Barry's work, a determination to take the reader's arm and make them notice the reality of the world around them. The poems contained in A Beautiful Pain are hard won, the product of lived experience and no small suffering. They are expressed in a poetic voice that is in turn angry and amused, wry and forgiving of the flaws and foibles of this very human world. There's a joyfulness here, with poems that catalogue in precise detail what it means to be alive, whether it is the Dublin of the 1970s, with Phil Lynott 'strutting down Grafton Street' or a suburban back garden, where there are branches 'pregnant with scarlet berries.' But there is social realism and political activism too; the writer is unflinching in acknowledging her own mortality and remembering the lives of those on the margins, invisible to most of us and forgotten by those who should have taken better care. Part troubador, part campaigner, Catherine Barry has written poems that are both lyrical and polemical, reminding we readers of our duty to watch, to notice, to bear witness and, ultimately, to endure.”- Nessa O'Mahony

Jack loses her virginity at the age of 16 and finds the experience a crushing disappointment. But more than a decade on, living in a tiny flat, a single mother with a dead-end job, she still dreams of that time with Matt. Bumping into him unexpectedly one Christmas seems like divine intervention.

Synopsis Filled with her characteristic bend of humour and pathos, Catherine Barry introduces us to Finn, a young woman struggling to come to terms with growing up and her need to feel more feminine. Finn has felt unhappy with her chest size since she was a girl and decides that her failed relationships, dysfunctional childhood and poor job prospects can all be put down to the fact that her image is lacking. Everywhere she turns thin, large breasted, beautiful women assault her. She is convinced that with bigger breasts she will finally be happy, she will finally be a 'real woman'. Indeed, post-operative Finn's life changes dramatically, but is it all she imagines? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Deep-Cat...

Emphasizing the importance of joy and celebration, this book encourages readers to embrace moments of happiness regardless of circumstances. Drawing on biblical references, it highlights the necessity of rejoicing in the Lord at all times, urging a proactive approach to joy rather than waiting for ideal conditions. Through this perspective, it invites readers to experience and share their faith with exuberance and gratitude.

The book guides students on a transformative journey aimed at deepening their relationship with God. Through engaging sessions, it encourages exploration and personal growth, fostering a stronger spiritual connection. Each activity is designed to inspire reflection and enhance understanding, making it a valuable resource for group learning and faith development.

Exploring the timeless art of storytelling, the narrative invites readers to envision early figures like Adam and Eve sharing their experiences with God in the Garden of Eden. It emphasizes storytelling as a vital means of connecting past events to the present, preserving historical details for future generations. Through this lens, the book highlights the importance of narratives in understanding our shared human experience.

The session reveals essential truths crucial for achieving success and blessings in life, while also preparing individuals for eternity. It offers profound insights that guide personal growth and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and practical wisdom.

Emphasizing the importance of taking risks, this book encourages readers to embrace daring pursuits in life, such as seeking God, chasing dreams, and gaining knowledge. It argues that stepping out of comfort zones leads to greater success and fulfillment compared to remaining in familiar territory. Through inspiring insights, it motivates individuals to cultivate bravery and joy by actively engaging with life's opportunities.

Exploring the concept of choices, this book delves into how decisions shape our futures, often taken without full awareness of their implications. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the paths we choose and the potential consequences that follow, encouraging readers to reflect on their decision-making processes.