KJK Reads

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Cookbook, Alcohol  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a cute trendy little cocktail book. I know the cowgirl aesthetic, especially the hats, is in style at the moment and although I haven’t bought into all that (at least yet), I do quite like country music. The cocktail names were well thought out and witty but I did notice a trend of mainly really famous songs and really new ones (Austin by Dasha) too but there were a few more obscure ones showing the creator had done a little bit of research into the area. The recipes themselves were really easy to follow and the ingredients list at the top was clear so I could make sure I had everything I needed before starting. It was a good touch to add the box with the actual song being parodied at the bottom for those new to the area incase they couldn’t guess from the drink.

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Cookbook  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Those who know me know I absolutely love Italian food, especially pastas, and am constantly on the lookout for new dishes/recipes to try. This book is absolutely perfect with so many recipes there’s bound to be something for everyone. I liked the way in which the recipes were split up with pasta having its own section, and recipes on making each type as well as complete dishes, as well as pizzas and focaccia since I also love focaccia. The dishes with meat, those with seafood and plant-based being separated is great as it makes it easier when cooking for people with dietary restrictions such as a pescetarian or a vegetarian. The recipes themselves are easy to follow and laid out well with the ingredients to one side making it easy to check you have everything before you start. I also liked that at the top of each recipe is an active time and a total time...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Short Story, Teen, Christmas, Mental Health  Thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book since it was 0.5 so I read it first and the blurb doesn’t give much away but it is so worth the read. I think Charlie’s mental health was handled really well even though some family members didn’t handle it the best you can tell they’re trying. I was also impressed with how well the family dynamic, specifically between siblings, was well explained/established in such a short period of time, and even though Oliver himself only gets a few pages to show his thoughts and feelings. Favourite Quote: “When people know you're mentally ill, most people either want to ignore it completely or they treat you like you're strange, scary, or fascinating. Very few people are actually good at the middle ground The middle ground isn't hard. It's just being there. Being helpful, if help is needed. Being understanding even if they don't understand everything”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, Teen, LGBTQ+ Thoughts:  Charlie and Nick are so cute and I could really sense the longing and confusion from the pages. I like the way the author placed the month in the story to show how slowly (and naturally) the feelings develop, especially Charlie as he is now questioning himself. I can also see the way in which Charlie felt the need to research when he started to get close as I’m sure many other teens and young adults who are figuring themselves out do. I knew going in there were 5 published books and one just being promoted but I had no clue that ending was coming and I definitely regret only borrowing the first from the library instead of bringing them all home. Favourite Quote: “You can't tell whether people are gay by what they look like And gay or Straight aren't the only two options Anyway, it's very rude to Speculate about people's sexuality”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Romance, Short Stories  Thoughts:  So this may not be a formal book but I received a copy through Janet’s newsletter and I absolutely love anything Kringle Cousin so I had to read and share it with you all, maybe it’ll inspire you to check the series out a little. Now this installment is really short and falls in after the first three books and includes the main characters from all three while focusing on Rosie and Jack. I really enjoyed this book with the characters being touched back on, especially a hint of Nora and the furthering of the romances between them all. I especially liked the way in which the vows were handled which were soo cute and how they both used their own skills to make the day special in their own ways (flowers for Rosie and setting for Jack). Favourite Quote: “When I was a little girl, my mother told me that snowflakes were love letters from the sky. Each one was different, she said, because each one was meant for someone specific...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Fiction, Morocco, Historical Fiction Thoughts: This was a little difficult for me to read as it is a culture unlike my own and I had to keep googling things which meant I was rereading to fix the disjointedness I created by stopping but I learnt so much and am glad that I did read it. The king is a complex character with the toughness to rule being in full view when Mohamed reflects on the past but the vulnerability of a dying man shows in stark contrast as he shares the current moments with each other. I also found the contrast of all the different personalities of people in the antechamber interesting and how they got along (or not) when it came to their days and the king's favour. Favourite Quote: “Before harming others, hatred poisons the heart of those who harbour it, and it erodes and gnaws away at you, kills you, bit by bit.”