KJK Reads

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Mental Health  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an engaging and enlightening memoir on such an important topic. I have to admit despite having a degree in Psychology and Counselling and studying further on mental health (different courses) for years, I had never come across Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) so I can see how so many of the professionals failed Alvi. I think Alvi is extremely brave sharing her experiences to help others while knowing the stigma and harsh judgement that is still prevalent around mood disorders and especially PPP. I found her experiences a hard read, especially with how many times she tried to get help and the systems in place failed her. I think this is a really important read, especially for those in the maternal, medical and mental health fields. Favourite Quote: “A mother suffering from postpartum psychosis is still worthy and deserving of b...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Horror, Fantasy, Irish Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the second installment about the Watchers and sort of feels even creepier with them being out in our world. It jumped straight back into the action which I was glad for after the last page of the first book. This one builds more on the Irish folklore/mythology than the brief mention before which was a great touch, making the Watchers/changelings feel even more real. I also found the developing relationships, especially between Madeline and Mina. I found the small town Irish touches fun and grounding. I found Sean insufferable, especially with his misogyny, but I have a feeling that he was written that way on purpose so that his ending felt better and as a contrast with the strong female leads. Favourite Quote: “Time did more than kill. It had the power to erase people out of existence entirely. The happiness, the sorrow – the highs and l...

Rating: DNF  Themes: Dystopian Fiction  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was really looking forward to this longer book as I’ve enjoyed all of Tyo’s short stories and the idea behind the book was so interesting to me. I was initially really pulled into the world and the dystopian aspects are so jarring. However, as the story developed it became more complex while Marianne tries to decipher what is happening to her in the system, it became too complex for me and I started to get a little lost. But I’m sure it will be great for those who are used to more complex worldviews who are able to keep it all straight in their own heads. Favourite Quote “The system is so efficient that even her own memory becomes less real than the record.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Psychological Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a collection of short stories around Nigeria. The stories cover a wide range of different experiences but the majority of the focus is on children. The one covering Sickle Cell is especially important as so many people don’t know about or understand it and it’s one of the most common genetic conditions (in England, while 80% of cases are reported in Africa). I also liked the one with a child on the street, despite it being one of the shorter stories it shares an important experience to understand regardless of where you live. Favourite Quote: “When people talked about this kind of food, they called it free. But those people were not sharp. They didn't know life's number one rule: nothing is ever free. In this case, though, the price was an easy one to pay. In exchange for full stomachs, pictures would be taken of th...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, Teen, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: This may be one of the most complex and reaching installments of Heartstopper yet with everyone working with Charlie on his recovery and questions around the next steps in the older members of the groups lives such as university the book handles it all well. I liked the way that different people were portrayed in regards to Charlie as it can be hard for family members to know how to help or communicate with people with mental illness and we got to see both sides and also how to advocate for ourselves with both sides. I also liked seeing the tour of universities with the older 3 as it shows a normal stage in life for 17/18 year olds and reinforces that they are just normal teens who happen to be LGBTQ+. I appreciated the way in which Oseman managed to communicate the natural nervousness of a first time to show just how normal it all is while still remaining closed door and respectful for younger readers.  Favourite Quote:...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I picked this book up as someone living with a rare disease and chronic illness the blurb called to me and many of these poems made me feel seen. The section ‘What it Feels Like’ and ‘The Language of Pain’ were especially helpful for me and the first poem (not in a section) ‘How to Behave with the Ill should be shared with everyone with an ill person in their life as it gave voice to things I’d struggled to communicate when first trying to navigate my new life as a sick person. I liked the further reading at the end as this is my first introduction to Poetry and Health but it’s definitely an interesting premise and I’m intrigued to know more  Favourite Quote: “You ask me how I'm going to live the rest of my life Well, nothing is predictable with pain”