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Original poster

So, has anyone ever read 'Tongue Tied' by Joey Deacon ?

27 replies

hub2dee · 25/09/2006 22:33

Following on from the SUV thread, I didn't realise that Joey had written a book . Was just wondering if anyone had read it, and what they thought about it. It appears to be unavailable on Amazon.

OP posts:
anniediv · 25/09/2006 22:35

Yes I have read it. I am a nurse and my specialty is learning disability, I read it about 10 years ago. He wrote it by dictating it to a friend who lived with him.

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 22:37

Was it 'insightful' IYSWIM... did it enhance your ability to better understand CP or learning difficulties ?

OP posts:
Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 22:38

I'm kind of surprised it's not kept in print, or perhaps incorporated into other texts etc.

OP posts:
anniediv · 25/09/2006 22:40

It enhanced my ability to understand what life was like in a very old fashioned institution, which fortunately, despite what you may see in the press, you don't see many of these days. Although I must confess I think I did read it for curiosity value as I am of the generation that watched him on Blue Peter. Useful to have his viewpoint though.

2shoes · 25/09/2006 22:48

i can't read books like this as too hard iynwim(dd has cp)
sorry if ahijack but has nyone read Skallagrigg
It was recommended to me years ago but I have just left it on the shelf(someone at dd's school told me not to read it)

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 22:48

Yes, it didn't sound too wonderful a place.

Thanks for your feedback.

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anniediv · 25/09/2006 22:49

2shoes I have read that too (conscientious as a student ) and if it is too close to home I probably wouldn't recommend, but it is a good read. As I recall there is a film/TV adaptation of it.

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 22:52

2shoes - the Amazon reviews make it out to be a real tear-jerker. There's a comment quite near the top by a mum with a child with CP (if that helps inform your decision).

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2shoes · 25/09/2006 22:56

my friend saw the film and loved it but I am someone who hasn't even watched my left foot.
so if any one wants an unread copy let me know

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 23:04

If you don't want it, just put it on Amazon, and undercut the other sellers (they're selling it for about 50 quid !!!!!!!!)

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anniediv · 25/09/2006 23:05

Blimey, it's not that good!

chonky · 25/09/2006 23:07

2shoes - I'd love to read it (also a mum of a dd with CP) - however can't run to £50! Any chance I could borrow it, or is that too cheeky?

2shoes · 25/09/2006 23:08

£50 was it gold plated
are we talking same book
Skallagrigg by William Horwood

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 23:10

Check out my link ! 50 quid ! Mad, I say, mad !

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chonky · 25/09/2006 23:11

sheesh - just looked on ebay - they're selling for £150 +++++! I daren't borrow a copy, I couldn't replace it if something happened to it!

2shoes · 25/09/2006 23:14

omg I needed a laugh
I paid £8.99 for it how can they sell it for that

chonky · 25/09/2006 23:14

get it sold!

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 23:16

LOL ! Just auction it, and enjoy the profit ! Or if you feel that's terrible donate some of the proceeds !

I once read about other similar pricing for a few other books / editions / authors that had cult following IYSWIM. The prices were utterly, utterly UNREAL !

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2shoes · 25/09/2006 23:17

yeah but who would pay that much you can jus go to sussex stationers and order it

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 23:21

I guess it's out of print so can only be acquired in dark alleys and odd Web sites.

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Joolstoo · 25/09/2006 23:22

I saw the original documentary film about Joey. It was absolutely amazing to watch.

2shoes · 25/09/2006 23:23

i might have to read it now (wearing white gloves)

Original poster
hub2dee · 25/09/2006 23:25

Crikey - if yours is in mint condition maybe it would go for a fortune !

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Childlessstepmum · 21/02/2013 12:39

I don't suppose anyone's interested at this point, but I was cruising the i-net looking for the name of a book by Joey Deacon, which I'd owned in the '80s and lent to a non-returner. Seem to be looking back a lot these days. Anyway, discovered a thread of conversation about Joey on mumsnet in 2006, so thought I'd join in. I knew Joey when he lived at St Laurence's Subnormality Hospital in the 1970s and I was a student doing holiday work. I'm shocked to discover from my i-net search that his name came to be used as a form of abuse by kids, as he was the most wonderful inspiration , together with his three friends, who helped him write his book, each contributing their own singular skill. The book is still out there and I shall get one and return it to my library proudly.

Colyngbourne · 23/02/2013 09:19

Well, I clicked because I was interested still!
I'm of the generation that saw Joey on Blue Peter. Terribly, his name did become an "abuse" word, as did doing imitations of his disability.
I also remember watching the original drama-documentary that Horizon did in 1974. It was repeated on TV at the time of the Blue Peter appearances.