KJK Reads

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This poetry collection took me a while to get into as the first few felt quite basic and generic. However, once we got into those touching on a more political topic and those on Stewart’s Navy career I felt more like I was getting more personal and connected. Some personal favourites were ‘This Country I Served’, ‘Let Us Build the Audacity’, ‘The Ends Did Not Justify the Means’, ‘I Remember’, and ‘The Haunting’. Favourite Quote: “Let us build the next generation of daughters Who don't stop to wonder where the Audacity can be found Because it is in their bones”

Rating: 4 Stars  Themes: Short Story, Thriller, Mystery Thoughts:  It’s interesting that the book is called The Motive when the motive itself seems consistent but the perpetrator is the one in question. I found Jay an interesting, almost morally grey character as although he is a drug dealer and thus a criminal he does what he can to help the situation as soon as the stabbing happens. Idris himself is much more of a straightforward character but I felt his conflict with his partner’s potential racism, especially when deciding which one should stay with the victim or question certain suspects. The dynamics of their friendship felt so relatable although there were definitely a few conflicting elements that I’m sure will come up again later in the series. I found the racist elements of the story really well timed/placed as a Brit myself, some of the country did take that approach following the Brexit referendum and with the riots a few years ago this is unfortunately still timely...

  Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I saw this in a local library and being a true crime fan and a Smoggie I thought this could be a fun read. I thought that there were some great poets contained here and that collecting and publishing the works like this is a great way to encourage creative writing exercises (especially with the benefits for inmates). I was pleasantly surprised by how heartfelt and touching many poems were and they were an interesting look behind the walls of a prison and the life of those in there. Favourite Quote: “Every day in the library I am rubbing shoulders with millions of words that have given inspiration to those who have suffered tragedy and to others who have risen above their own demons to demonstrate how the human spirit can triumph over adversity.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, LGBTQ+, Self-Help Thoughts: I may not be an aspiring drag queen but I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and thought this book would be a fun read and I was not disappointed. There are some great tips for confidence and self-esteem in here that apply to anybody accompanied by the sass expected from a Queen. I liked that there were so many of our beloved Queens represented and that they represented different countries and not all just one too. Overall, this is a fun little book for working on your self worth and feeling more fearless and there’s a few messages that will stay with me. Favourite Quote: “It's time to accept that being pretty isn't actually the whole kit and caboodle. Being bold, being fearless, being a badass who knows what she wants in life is a whole lot more desirable and attractive than just being a pretty painted face.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts:  I have mentioned previously that I am a proud Smoggie but this little collection gave me another interesting way to look at Teesside and the towns/villages around me. It was sweet that poems from different schools around the area were included as it gives a fresher eyes approach, especially the one on Hartlepool as a brilliant place to be with the monkey verse. The illustrations themselves are also beautiful and add to the beautiful simplicity of the book.  Favourite Quote: “Our Tees Valley librarians are quiet super heroes changing our world for the better one book at a time, powered by paper clips and tea.”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: I saw this one on a stand in my local library and the cover looked so cute that I just had to check it out. It is such a cute and age appropriate way to introduce the topic of pride and a little about its importance without getting too heavy, especially since it can seem like a party to kids that young. I liked that the illustrations were so diverse, promoting trans rights on banners and making sure different races, styles, and disabilities were included in the images of different villagers. Overall this is a sweet little read great for kids to understand the LGBTQ+ people in their lives and pride itself. Favourite Quote: “Pride is like a giant party where we celebrate the wonderful diversity of our communities, and share the message that everyone should be treated with equality and respect - no matter who they love or what gender they are.”