Author:Simon Garfield,Joan Walker,Christopher Scott,Amanda Carlton,Moir Leslie,Jeffrey Perry,Simon Garfield
In 1936 anthropologist Tom Harrison, poet and journalist Charles Madge and documentary filmmaker Humphrey Jennings set up the Mass Observation Project. The idea was simple: ordinary people would record, in diary form, the events of their everyday lives. An estimated one million pages eventually found their way to the archive - and it soon became clear this was more than anyone could digest. Today, the diaries are stored at the University of Sussex, where remarkably most remain unread. In Our Hidden Lives, Simon Garfield has skilfully woven a tapestry of diary entries in the rarely discussed but pivotal period of 1945 to 1948. The result is a moving, intriguing, funny, at times heartbreaking book -unashamedly populist in the spirit of Forgotten Voices or indeed Margaret Forster's Diary of an Ordinary Woman.'I love these diaries. They have the attraction of being stories, but REAL stories- Better than any novel.' Margaret Forster 'A lovely book. It will appeal to- anyone who appreciates the richness and diversity of human experience.' Tony Benn'Utterly engrossing, better than any kind of reality TV.' Gavin Esler'Funny, vivid, touching, angry, thoughtful - every page is a delight. This is definitely no. 1 on my present list to give to everyone in the coming year.' Jenny Uglow, author of The Lunar Men
...seriously addictive
—— The GuardianUtterly brilliant.
—— Owen Jones , The GuardianAmazing. A seminal work. It will be used as a study book.
—— Will YoungTodd doesn’t hold back in calling for a shift both outside and inside the gay community. He calls out hook-up apps such as Grindr, the 'mean girls' persona that so many gay men adopt, and the gay press itself… Straight Jacket isn’t just a self-help book. It’s a resource for anyone with an interest in knowing what needs to change to bring about real equality... For that, Matthew Todd has another reason to be proud.
—— Evening StandardThe book everyone is talking about… This is probably the most important thing I’ll ever read as a gay man. Full of profundity and fearless honesty.
—— Calum McSwiggan, Youtuber , Calum McSwiggan, YoutuberI recommend it to everyone I meet. I've bought 15 copies to give to people. In my opinion it should be on every teacher's reading list. Whoever you are - especially if you are straight - go and buy it now. It could help change your life and the world around you.
—— Rankin (Photographer & Director)One of the most powerful books, sensitively and elegantly written, I think, that I have ever read.
—— Lord Michael Cashman CBEIf only this had been written twenty years ago I can only imagine the lives that could have been saved sooner. This is a hugely important book for everyone. It's changed the way I see myself, other people and the world.
—— Paris Lees, author and British Vogue Contributing EditorMatthew Todd dares to shine a light on the dark legacy of gay shame [and] it’s not a pretty sight…There are some uncomfortable and downright terrifying truths to be confronted in Todd’s brilliant, essential new book. It’s difficult to underestimate the importance of Straight Jacket. If you are struggling and want help and don’t know where to look, this book is a great place to start. But even if you’re not, [it] is by far one of the most important books you’ll read this year.
—— Gay Community News IrelandAn 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