'The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring' by Hugh Marriott
BOOK REVIEW - from a Carers perspective
The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriott.
This book is for those of us who have come reluctantly to caring for someone with a long-term disability and who secretly feel bad about our unwillingness.
In a highly entertaining manner the author, himself a carer of his partner who has Huntingdon’s Disease, tackles the really difficult issues of “What if you didn’t care?", “Pushing them down the stairs”, “Are you the one who needs looking after?” “Officialdom and Chaos Theory” and “Tips which the experts don’t tell you”
The suggestions for managing your life with your piglet (Person I Give Love & Endless Therapy) to reduce frustrations and despair are done in a way that is not only hilariously funny but also unpretentious. Making a conscious decision not to want what you can’t have and “going at piglet pace” are just two of many really sound guidelines.
It addresses issues that as a carer you can hardly bear to admit to yourself. It acknowledges that you are on your own and like it or not you have to survive or your piglet suffers.
This is a book that I predict will revolutionize the awareness of carers; already I feel empowered by its refreshing and liberating straight talking.
Glenys Thomas formerly tutor on DipSw/CSS/CQSW and Lecturer in Group Work in the West Midlands before becoming a carer.
We hope this review has inspired to you to obtain the book and read it. We at Opening Doors for Carers have a few copies available for loan. If you would like us to send a copy to you to borrow (for as long as you need it) please call Jane, 0845 0945 855. Alternatively, just pop into the Birmingham Carers Centre, 130 Colmore Row, Mondays to Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm, and ask for Jane (please call first so that we can make sure that we do have a copy for you).
