For me, one of the reasons Poles Apartstands out is thanks to the dialogue which feels natural and genuine. Willis skillfully captures the haphazard – often overlapping – nature of family chat which lends warmth to the scenes. A funny and heartwarming bedtime story that proves it’s not about the destination but the journey itself. Poles Apart is based on interviews with leaders on both sides of the Atlantic and the latest academic research. It explains why we are so tribal, the advantages and disadvantages of being so, its often-unknown effects on our politics, businesses and social groups, and what we can do to halt excessive polarisation. It’s a brilliantly insightful – and very practical – book on a timeless subject that also happens to be very topical. It acts as the ideal primer for those who have ever had to negotiate or resolve a conflict – in other words, all of us. Additionally, why does Fallis -- presuming he shares this weeeeeiiiiiirrrrrrdddd male-feminist perspective -- feel the need to point out how attractive all the women in the book are? Is that truly relevant? Terry Fallis manages to write an entire book mansplaining feminism and actually manages to not say anything substantive about feminism, sexism, or the sex industry (beyond vaguely shaming sex workers.)

Poles Apart by Terry Fallis | Goodreads Poles Apart by Terry Fallis | Goodreads

Poles Apart tells the story of a youngish feminist man name Everett Kane who moves from Toronto, where he’s a freelance writer, to Orlando, Florida, to support his father’s rehabilitation from a stroke. Everett rents an apartment above what he believes is a new restaurant soon to open. It turns out it’s actually a high-end men’s club called XY (you know, the male chromosomes). Of course, there are highly-paid exotic dancers who shed their clothes. Everett is appalled but he loves his apartment and decides to stay, even after they anchor the upper end of the dance pole using a large bolt and nut through his kitchen floor. OH! And, I forgot the best part (and by best, I mean catastrophically bad). That bow tying up where Everett gets the girl? Well, he has to stalk her by donning a costume to pressure a receptionist (including by giving her flowers) into disclosing where his love interest now works. Then he stalks her over there, literally hoping for a rom-com ending... AND GETS IT. He interrupts her from seeing her clients, and Megan admits that she really knew deep down inside that Everett was a good guy. Low and behold, they start dating almost immediately and live happily ever after. Did a woman ever read this manuscript before approval??

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Poles Apartis silly, lighthearted fun! (I mean that respectfully: the writing and illustrations are top-notch!) And I think it’s what families – or at least, you grown-ups –could do with right now.A little escape from the heartbreaking 24-hour news cycle. Yes, Poles Apartis silly and slightly bonkers! This is precisely why kids enjoy it: It’s a lot of fun!

Poles Apart’ Topic Theme Overview Year 1 Summer term 1 ‘Poles Apart’ Topic Theme Overview

Hot weather - Please ensure you have applied sunscreen on hot days. Bring plenty of water, to avoid dehydrating. A hat is useful if you are sensitive to the sun. Meeting Point: Pavilion Café. There is some limited parking there as well (although not shown on the map). The penguins are little idiots. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be funny, but I found it annoying.Meeting Point: Grass in front of Pavilion Café Car Park, Church Rd, Wallington SM6 7NN - (Look for Poles Apart Flag)