‘I was in the pit of despair’: Non-speaking autistic novelist Woody Brown on his journey from write-off to writer
Woody Brown, a 28-year-old non-speaking autistic novelist, is making waves with his acclaimed debut novel. From a childhood marked by underestimation, infantilisation, and dismissal from specialists and teachers, Brown has transformed into a compelling storyteller. He possesses a formidable ability to penetrate the minds of his characters, expressing their deepest thoughts and their perceptions of how others view them.
Communicating through a word board, Brown presents himself as formal, witty, and remarkably eloquent. His first novel, "Upward Bound," offers an intimate portrayal of daily life at an adult day care centre in Southern California. The title itself is ironic, as the young adults, referred to as "clients," often find themselves far from "upward bound"—instead, they are frequently stifled, patronised, unheard, and unseen by society. Despite their various shortcomings, the staff members of the centre are depicted with an unexpected tenderness, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
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From Gary Lineker's Revenge to the Bizarre Tale of a Missing Cat: The Best Viral TV Moments of the World Cup
Beyond the thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes on the field, the World Cup has delivered a treasure trove of viral television moments. From a pranked England manager and a seemingly bored David Beckham to an impressive Viking-themed fan presence and a notable wager by Wayne Rooney, the world

World Cup Final: Trump, Half-Time Show, and the Spectacle Beyond the Game
As the World Cup final unfolded, the attention often strayed from the pitch to the surrounding spectacle. Before the coveted trophy ceremony, both Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced a chorus of boos, indicating a mixed reception from the crowd. The half-time show, a de

World Cup Final: Spectacle Over Sport
The White House has confirmed President Trump's attendance at the World Cup final. The event will also feature a star-studded half-time show headlined by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. While the football match itself is a key event, the pre-game and half-time entertainment appears to be taking cent

‘Car-Bombed My House’: Podcast Tackles Illegal Bloodsports
The creators of the acclaimed podcast series "Buried" found themselves investigating a shocking incident: the discovery of approximately 20 mutilated animal carcasses, including rabbits, hares, pheasants, a fox, and a muntjac deer with its head removed, dumped outside a rural primary school in

Tricky's Honest Playlist: Music, Memories, and Unexpected Connections
Trip-hop icon Tricky reveals his candid thoughts on music and intimacy, admitting he doesn't believe in "getting jiggy" to songs. When it comes to karaoke, he'd opt for Cyndi Lauper, a surprising choice for the influential artist. Delving into the personal impact of music, Tricky shares a

Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston – The Story of Ordinary Romans' Hopeless Heroism
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, a cataclysmic event that buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, is the subject of a compelling new documentary, "Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston." The National Geographic production, available on Disney+, sees the "Avengers" star te