I’m Not Like Everybody Else

Book excerpt: I’m Not Like Everybody Else is a collection of short stories and poetry that explores how the rainy North-West can create anti-heroes and rebel spirits. Drawing from the music and culture of the region, Richard explores themes of isolation, focusing on rebellious thoughts and actions from a cast of characters that have been marginalised and driven to the edge of society. “Manchester, you are in my blood, I can never leave you.” The book was written in an unplanned and spontaneous frenzy and at a time of extreme emotional turmoil for the author. I’m Not Like Everybody Else expresses themes of isolation through the eyes of those who are alienated by society: murderers, psychopaths, the homeless, the falsely accused, cross-dressers and fatalistic revisionists. “I’m not like everybody else. I feel that strong urge for isolation too.” Inspired by Irvine Welsh and Charles Bukowski, Richard’s second collection will be enjoyed by readers based in the North-West, as well as fans of poetry and short stories, and his first collection, I Wasn’t Made For These Times.