I am a Human Book, ask me anything

[RMNofTikTok]

I volunteer for the International Human Library as a book, where people can meet me and interview me about various parts of my life.

If you've ever wondered what this entails or how to get into it, feel free to ask me here!

Is this like in Fahrenheit 451?

I've personally never heard of Fahrenheit 451, Google tells me it's a book about Dystopia. So I'm guessing no 😁

I've heard of this! You tell people stories from your life!
Do i have to ask something specific or can I ask something general?

Why do you volunteer? What does it involve?

What's your darkest secret?

You’re a ‘human book’ and nobody has ever mentioned Fahrenheit 451 to you? Not even once?

Either or 😁

@Deathbyathousandcats

No it literally wasn't mentioned in any of the training material!

I volunteer because I was approached to.

It involves discussing how you have overcome barriers in your life, so for example, I talk about my disability, my experiences of domestic abuse and SA, homelessness etc

What is your disability, what did you have to overcome?

Ooh!

Different things are shocking to different people. However I would say it's probably being R'd and contracting HSV2 then being arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The charges were later dropped when it was proven I had contracted an STI and the dna testing came back. However sadly he was not prosecuted.

So it’s nothing to do with books as such, then? It’s a human experience resource.

I have
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

I was not diagnosed until I was 35, and had been medicated for "anxiety" for almost 20 years.

I think overcoming the mental burden of that and learning to live a new way of life is the kindest gift I've ever given myself. Giving myself permission to change my job and live life at a slower pace, enjoying the small things. and letting go of the fear that one day I could suddenly die.

Yes that's correct, the people are the books, we tell our stories.

I was going to ask what font you are!

😂 if I had to choose one, it would be Arial size 12, no frills, predictable, neat and tidy!

What is your primary motivation for doing it?

Also, do you have dog ears? 😀

To break down stigma and stereotypes in society!

I don't know what you mean by dog ears 🙈

Interesting concept.

Do you mind me asking the overall purpose? Is it to help you by discussing your life experiences or to help others others by talking about your life experiences?

Second question, if I may, has anyone ever asked you anything completely invasive or inappropriate? That's what you put me off doing it.

Do you feel that talking about it benefits you? Is that why you do it?

Well done on making peace with yourself btw

I think for human books it's a mixture of both! I do it as part of the wider goal of breaking down barriers in society, many people have never spoken to anyone who has been homeless, is disabled etc and they quite often have prejudices or misconceptions, a common one I get is thinking I am paralysed because I use a wheelchair!

I've had questions that have made me feel uncomfortable. But nothing that I would seem inappropriate. We have the right to refuse to answer questions, we only share what we are comfortable with. However I'm completely open and honest and will answer the difficult questions as it's likely lots of people have the same question and nobody to ask.

If I did come across a question that was highly inappropriate I would simply refuse to answer it in a kind way and redirect the conversation.

@AgnesX it does benefit me somewhat, but not for personal reasons, it's because I feel like I'm making a positive contribution to society by helping break down stigma and barriers. I do find comfort in talking about my disability to people I know well. Sometimes I need encouragement and I'm lucky to have a fantastic support network.

I find it odd that you are called books! Love the concept of sharing your experience but the name jars slightly. Amazing that you are doing it though, thank you.

It's because we are a library of people that are "loaned out" to the public so they can "read" our story. We tell a story in the same way books do 😊

Thanks for your response. I had never heard of the concept before but I like it and it definitely seems like a very good idea in terms of education and understanding.