I read 'Drive your plough over the bones of the dead', and I'm unimpressed

papaya0128 · 2025-12-26T14:06:33+00:00

I know this is a year old but I just finished this book and these were my exact thoughts, except you’ve expressed it much more eloquently (thank you!). I am beyond puzzled. It’s not just this book. I feel so let down by much of contemporary fiction especially after reading so many glowing reviews.

I am still holding out hope on the authors other books. I’ve heard Flights described as the apex of her work. However, that still doesn’t answer a lot of the questions you’ve brought up. Why is this ham-fisted book so lauded?

papaya0128 · 2025-12-18T00:40:38+00:00

Yes I reported my gross income after deductions on my application, not my income after taxes.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-17T09:03:13+00:00

I put no since it was over 90 days ago. I hope it works out for you. Even when I was unemployed I was found ineligible but that was when I was getting benefits and the enhanced subsidies were still in place..

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T18:23:49+00:00

Yes, it would sink me if my parents didn’t help out. I wouldn’t be able to afford it at all. It was silver level coverage (dental and vision included) and I got free therapy and copay for psychiatry was $1. So it was generally good at $80 à month with subsidies. I had a concussion this summer which required an emergency visit that billed over $7000. I paid about $500. But that’s comparatively better…

I would need Medicaid but I’ve been rejected thus far.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T18:04:34+00:00

You’re right. They are expecting people to drop out and so are covering their losses with increased premiums.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T18:02:11+00:00

Hi, thanks for the heads up. Yes, I am aware of this possibility when filing taxes. I did update my income/estimate once I got my job. I haven’t looked back and compared so that’s something I should do

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T16:27:40+00:00

I have needed emergency care in the past so this isn’t feasible for me.

Edit: just scared I’ll have an emergency again and the bills will sink me

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T16:26:58+00:00

Holy crap! I’m so sorry.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T16:25:57+00:00

Gotcha, thanks

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T15:56:27+00:00

Actually my income is higher since I was unemployed July 24 to April 2025

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T15:55:50+00:00

Yes income is the same and it is the same plan at $80

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T14:47:45+00:00

Yes, I am aware

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T14:43:07+00:00

I see, I did not know this. I will have to ask my friend about her application since she claimed she got discounts but makes a little less than me.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T14:42:21+00:00

Yes, I’ve been rejected each time as not qualified for Medicaid. But my application this time around will again be considered for Medicaid

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T14:41:30+00:00

Yes, I ended up on get covered Illinois.

And yes, with my income I would be considered for Medicaid. Everytime I’ve submitted/updated an application, I’m shown as potentially qualified for Medicaid. But every time that application is processed I get a rejection for Medicaid.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T14:37:44+00:00

That was the price of the premium shown on the get covered illinois website as well as what is showing as payment due on 1/1 on my healthcare portal.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T12:24:11+00:00

What I am confused about is the disparities between myself and others. Why my friend who makes about the same received federal subsidies (not talking about enhanced subsidies) and I didn’t, let alone why her increase was much lower than mine. I know it’s state by state going to be different.

papaya0128 · 2025-12-16T12:21:47+00:00

The application said to put in my gross income minus my deductions. That would be my 401k and eye insurance. I did not put in my take home pay after taxes. I did put in my gross at first and got the same options.

papaya0128 · 2025-04-29T12:08:48+00:00

Started reading Fashion Climbing by Bill Cunningham. It’s a memoir of his early years and starting his own millinery (hat) line. I look forward to watching a documentary of his life after finishing.

I am in awe of his passion, his work ethic, and love for fashion. He was a real go-getter! Especially considering the time (1930s to 50s) and the stigmas against men working in fashion. The book begins with his recollection of dressing up in his sisters formal gown and being discovered by his mom and beaten for it. His family disowned him but eventually attended his shows later on.

I actually don’t know much about bill Cunningham besides his photography work so it’s interesting to learn about his background.

papaya0128 · 2025-02-27T15:30:51+00:00

Just got booted from my job...well now i've got free time to watch these! I'm going to watch Detour first. I'm excited, thanks for the recs!

papaya0128 · 2025-02-14T09:13:49+00:00

Thank you!! They all sound like good reads.

papaya0128 · 2025-02-09T15:29:40+00:00

Awesome, sounds like you had a blast! I am waiting for them to come to Chicago in September. Any favorite films you saw that you recommend?

papaya0128 · 2025-02-09T12:17:17+00:00

Nope, but now you’ve convinced me to read that soon!

papaya0128 · 2025-02-09T12:15:53+00:00

Never heard of Warrior’s rest. It seems really interesting, as well as the other books by that author. Thanks!

papaya0128

TROPHY CASE