Author:Hannah Critchlow
Part of the ALL-NEW LADYBIRD EXPERT SERIES.
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Are other animals, or even plants, conscious?
Can we create conscious robots?
Are we able to assume the consciousness of someone else?
We all experience the world differently.
REALITY is shaped by our individual memories.
So we respond to THE WORLD in our own ways.
Our UNIQUE EXPERIENCE underpins what it means to be CONSCIOUS.
This raises so many questions such as where does consciousness live? And what is it for?
Discover the answers and more inside Hannah Critchlow's Ladybird Expert - Consciousness, the thrilling and accessible account that explains what it means to be conscious - from what defines it, to questioning the existence of free will.
The artwork is gloriously retro, echoing the original Ladybird house style but containing completely up to date information.
—— Shiny New BooksPassionate, urgent . . . it had a powerful effect on me
—— Rachel Cooke , ObserverAn important and fascinating book
—— Bill GatesCompelling and utterly convincing . . . you'll never think of your bedtime in the same way again
—— James McConnachie , Sunday TimesA stimulating and important book . . . richly packed with science
—— Clive Cookson , Financial TimesUplifting . . . Walker is in love with sleep and wants us to fall in love with sleep, too
—— David Kamp , New York TimesMatthew Walker is probably one of the most influential people on the planet
—— Katie Law , Evening StandardAstonishing . . . an amazing book . . . absolutely chocker full of things that we need to know
—— Chris EvansAmazing . . . I'm obsessed with this book
—— Thom YorkeAn essential book... Part sociological polemic and part self-help book, it zones in on some of the issues that disproportionately affect the gay community, from depression and anxiety to drug and alcohol addiction and body and eating disorders. I found myself both deeply upset and hugely relieved by its candour. After reading the book, tender as it is, you can’t help but want to share your own experiences. Consider Straight Jacket a call to arms.
—— Independent (i)Matthew Todd thought he had long since dealt with the demons surrounding his sexuality. In [his] new book, he reveals the crisis of shame facing the gay community – and how to solve it.
—— The ObserverStraight Jacket is a really brilliant and moving read for everybody, especially LGBTQ+ people. Thanks Matthew.
—— Years and Years singer Olly AlexanderStraight Jacket documents Todd’s own childhood experiences, and the long-term mental health and addiction issues he has suffered; he is also using it to call for a government inquiry into the experiences of LGBT children at school.
—— GuardianThere are some uncomfortable and downright terrifying truths in Todd’s brilliant, essential new book... It’s difficult to underestimate the importance of Straight Jacket. It’s fundamentally a call to arms, a wide-ranging, desperately heartfelt cri de coeur… The gay community needs to look at ways of taking better care of itself, being nicer to each other and offering and providing support when it’s needed.
—— Gay Community News, DublinCannot put it down… a book like this is long overdue.
—— Charlie CondouAn honest and perceptive book.
—— Sunday ExpressA smashing book.
—— Paul O'GradyExcellent… A valuable contribution to mental health and a must read.
—— Dr Christian JessenIt’s an important book. I had to read it right through. It tackles some tough issues and is searingly honest
—— Lorraine KellyI got so much out of that book and I know a lot of people have. It’s helping a lot of people. It’s a bible.
—— Performance artist David HoyleI’m about to read Straight Jacket for a second time. Brilliant, important, inspiring, brave.
—— Rucomingout.com's Wayne DhesiAn honest insight into LGBTQ life that everybody should be enlightened about regardless of sexuality.
—— Rylan Clark-NealThis powerful book, I believe, will save lives. I’d like to see every gay man read this.
—— Juno Dawson , The GuardianA superb book… Have read it twice now.
—— Oliver Thring, Times journalistThe book we should all be talking about.
—— Prowler magazineThank you for writing this book. It is a must read.
—— Activist Bisi AlimiOne of the best books we have ever read. Honest, thought provoking and much needed.
—— Q Scene magazineFinally started to read Straight Jacket. I’m already blown away. An incredibly honest and insightful read. Bravo Matthew.
—— Journalist Tom KnightThis book should have been written a long time ago, but it wasn't...Everyone, no matter what their background, will benefit from reading this book. A much-needed and healing work of tough love, written with love.
—— John GrantA sensitive subject, brilliantly and intelligently handled.
—— Evan DavisAn excoriating book, Straight Jacket: How to be Gay and Happy delves into contemporary gay culture to address a plethora of issues gay people continue to face in 2016.
—— AttitudeInsightful, inclusive, clever and engaging
—— Jeremy Langmead