KJK Reads

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: This may be one of my favourite LGBTQ+ history books so far. It collates so much of our history from pre-Christian persecution and the reasons that homophobic attitudes spread (which is often ignored) all the way up to the year before publication (2019). I loved seeing Anne Lister mentioned as she is quite a historical institution who was nearly erased due to her family, and seeing her be able to be reclaimed is great as she never hid who she was. I liked that there was 3 whole chapters before the beginning of pride as it gave us quite a lot of our own history with pride being the middle of the chapters. I also liked the ‘Why I Have Pride’ at the end of each chapter as it brings a modern conversation in too which is great for young people who are still questioning their own identity. I also loved the touch of rainbow edges with each chapter being a different colour as it’s something I’ve not seen done before and is a great touch. I ...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Classics Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was an interesting tale of Baldwin's life. I did feel like it was jumping about a bit but the fragmented history did add more to the story as we met people and events when they fit together rather than chronologically, like the suit just after he got successful to show the difference in how he was treated by family and close friends rather than when it actually happened when it wouldn’t have as much of an impact. It did feel a little weird hearing Baldwin discussing the attitudes to Arabs in Europe with how he was used to being treated himself in America but he conveys it like he shares in the oppressive views. Overall, it’s a powerful read and a great choice if you’re interested in the other works of James Baldwin for context. Favourite Quote: “It was strange to find oneself, in another language, in another country, listening to...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction Thoughts: I was quite conflicted with this book. On the one hand, Armitage does a great job of simplifying psychological concepts for the general public and it is great that the problem of devices in parenting is being addressed. However, I did feel like she was repeating herself, especially with highlighting things in the introduction, then in the age specific topic and then again in the case study. While I know repetition can be key to learning, it started to lose my interest when I was reading the same thing again and again. I did like the stopping the negative cycle and creating your own device management plan at the end as it gives parents and readers hope but it should be addressed that sometimes mental illness and neurodivergence is biological and/or inherited so not everything can be fixed by taking screens away. Favourite Quote: “Education surrounding how devices and social media impact our psychological health extends to anyone who is unfam...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Self-Help Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is a gentle an easy introduction to the self-help genre and positive psychology as a general. There is an inclusive tone for the most part but in some parts it not only forgets the presence of disabled people but can be unintentionally harmful like the way in which health is handled. This is especially difficult as those who are newly disabled are likely to turn to self-help books or therapy to help them adapt and reading that “health is a gift and a responsibility" may do the opposite and make them feel worse. I did like the key takeaways at the end of each letter to recap the important parts as it can be used when flipping back for a quick refresher. The create your own A-Z at the end was a great touch as I’ve never seen something like that in an A-Z before.  Favourite Quote: “The essence of it all is that we are first and foremost, human be...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This story threads the author's personal narrative with the history of Kim Jong Un and the U.S., North Korea and South Korea relationships. It was interesting to hear Kim Jong Un’s childhood and education contrasted with a Korean citizen such as the authors. Although having both lines meant there wasn’t a ton of detail, it was a great touch having people who had actual experiences either in North Korea or with the Kim Jong family interviewed and that being included. The illustrations themselves are great and the muted colour palate made sure that the illustrations don’t overshadow the text. Favourite Quote: “Seventy years since the Korean war armistice and the cycle goes on and on.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Romance  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a simple, cute and easy read. The bet and fake dating are fairly low stakes with them both knowing what they were getting into from the off and overall it wasn’t too tense but there were some cute moments like the earring. I liked that Macy’s friends were focused on getting her to be able to stand up for herself more, especially when Noah joined in. The character growth for both of them was also quite good and the ending with each port being one chapter was like a montage in writing.  Favourite Quote: “When your life starts to fall apart, you second-guess everything, including your own version of reality. Your own sense of self. It's easy to believe that if everything else is wrong, maybe I'm wrong. I need some stable ground to work from.”