Do Something for Nothing

Such a beautiful book. The smallest of things can make a homeless person's day. This was an amazing story and I love the selfless ways of the author. Very well written and illustrated.

Found this book very interesting as a hairdresser who gives homeless people haircuts and we learn about their life and how after the cut they feel more humane and the photos before and after

Through the simple act of a hair cut, readers are taken on a geographical and emotional journey into the lives of humans experiencing homelessness in different cities across the world.

The stories within this book were inspiring and heartfelt, showing a side of society that we very often ignore, when clearly we shouldn’t. Thank you, Joshua, for bringing these stories, these people, to light.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Such a wonderful book. It really does capture something of the human spirit and that kindness and simple acts of care can change so much. Definitely recommended read

When Joshua Coombes stopped to chat to a homeless man on a street in London in 2015, he never imagined that it would lead to a whole lifestyle change & a movement that has spread worldwide. Joshua was a hairdresser & had his tools in his backpack. When he offered the man a haircut, he did so much more: he showed that he cared, that he had time for them. He offered a “normal” conversation, a chance to be seen & heard. This simple gesture became #DoSomethingForNothing - a movement that encourages people to use their skills and give their time to those who need it. He acknowledges that a simple haircut is not going to solve anyone’s problems or solve homelessness, but the very act of listening has made a huge difference.
Joshua began posting images on social media to amplify the voices that are so often unheard, and has since travelled all over the world to raise the awareness of homeless people and find ways to have their voices heard, often partnering with artists, and this book shares glimpses of his experiences in London, and other cities across the world.
I really liked the way that each chapter was the story of just one person (or in a handful of cases a couple or family) and told their story in a way that really brought out their personality, their uniqueness, and also had the photo of that person before & after their haircut. The pictures were sensitive – they were about the person not their clothes/location/background or anything else.

Overall, this is one of those books that you should read – it makes you see “homeless people” as individuals and reminds you over & over that the most valuable thing you can give to another person is your time. Money cannot buy time.
Joshua says in the introduction that “This book isn’t about homelessness; it’s about humans and showing up for one another where we can … Thank you for reading and seeing people who can so often be invisible”

Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#DoSomethingforNothing #NetGalley