KJK Reads

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Dystopian Fiction, Young Adult Thoughts: Remember me is sweet and heartbreaking in near equal measures. At first I have to admit I had no clue what was going on and felt like I was learning what had been happening alongside Blue which is interesting. Blue has some amazing friends and their conversations make me think of the friends and banter I had at that age (especially surrounding exams and revision). I sweat chapter 14 is the longest chapter known to man (112 pages) but it makes perfect sense as it allows us to learn all that Blue had erased without it being broken up and feeling disjointed. The ending being how it is allows for a little reader interpretation as to whether it is to be a happy ending or more heartbreak for Blue but I’ll imagine that the retrieval goes like they hoped.  Favourite Quote: “Real life isn't always as shiny as the memories we wish we had, but it is real and that's the important part.”

Rating: 4 Stars  Themes: Mental Health, Graphic Novels  Thoughts: Night Shift is stunning in its simplicity. It manages to convey the feelings many with depression feel and I think when I was just becoming a teen this book would have helped me explain my feelings in a much better way than I felt able to. The illustrations are also simply done but also absolutely stunning and their staying black and white aside from the hint of fire resonated with the dark feelings often described in depression and low mood.  Favourite Quote: “Night skills: the ability to survive inside my own darkness.”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Short Story, Teen, Young Adult Thoughts: This book is such an emotional rollercoaster. Starting the book with the death of Aman’s dad is an emotional hit straight off and it’s sweet seeing her take Gurnam in as a paternal figure as their friendship develops, we get the feeling the hole in her life is a little smaller with him there. I also liked that there were complexities in Gurnam’s life as so often in younger books like this it’s the kids with all the problems and adults are seen as almost immune so seeing Gurnam working through his past and Aman’s dad also working through grief is great to remind young readers that adults can have things going on in their heads too. I started to have an inkling of Gurnam’s secret and I’m glad it was done as it is an often overlooked topic that everyone should consider, especially among religions other than our own. Favourite Quote: “I get low sometimes, I feel numb like there's nothing inside me. But being around your l...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Teen, Quick Read Thoughts: This could be a good introduction to the horror/supernatural style book for teen readers. The book itself feels a little short, and I could have definitely enjoyed it being a little longer but I appreciate it's a good way to get teens back into reading with short books. The illustrations are great and really hammer home just how creepy Thing is.

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel Thoughts: I’m just getting into graphic novels for human nature types of stories and with the polarity of politics around the world this one felt important to pick up. It is equal parts enlightening and heartbreaking, looking at not only Alpha’s journey but also that of those he befriends along the way. I liked that all of them were travelling for different reasons as it emphasises all the reasons for migration and helps provoke empathy to more than just those like Alpha fleeing to find his family. I especially liked that the main character was a travelling single man, as was the first friend he made, explaining why they may be sent and why the travel is important to them and their families as I have heard people comment when single men land in my country without giving thought to the reasons why they may have been chosen. Although I’m sure that those who would benefit most from the message in this book are those who are least likely to actually pi...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Young Adult, Psychological Fiction Thoughts: This is so impactful for such a short book. I instantly felt for Jake, he is such a strong and resilient young boy. Seeing what young people on the streets go through is really saddening but something we all should know more about. I really liked the ending, as it gives any children reading this with similar life experiences like Jake’s some hope. Favourite Quote: “You should love your mum, but I don't know if I do. Sometimes I even think I hate her. But I still don't want anyone to hurt her. I know how she'd look if I turned her in. It makes me feel bad even thinking about it.”