KJK Reads

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Disability  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a new approach to memoirs for me with history about disability and disabled people being mixed in among the pieces on Lee’s own experience. I liked just how much detail on the Aktion T4 programme was covered as from what I’ve seen it is a little known part of the atrocities committed by the Nazi’s. It was also interesting to have the bits on ‘The monster’ since many in society still see those who have visible or physical disabilities as monsters. I also liked the comparison of fictional villains who have been portrayed with disabilities since it is still used today and is often eaten up by consumers but further stigmatises us and I see it as a lazy and overused device. I did find myself a little thrown at some points when it went from a darker piece of history to a piece of Lee’s more modern life but it does just highlight ...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Dark Romance, Valentines Day Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was my first foray into darker romance so a shorter book that I could finish in one sitting made a perfect choice. The first thing I noticed was just how much care Davis put into her trigger warnings with a basic trigger being mentioned (e.g. violence and weapons) but then she outlines briefly what sorts of behaviours under that umbrella are present while not disclosing enough to spoil the story itself (e.g. guns, criminal activity, and high stress scenes). I like this as it shows Davis cares about her readers and that she really put thought into it. I liked Hannah as a character as she’s a strong female presence who knows exactly what she deserves and won’t settle for less, she is also more than happy to stand up to men taller and stronger than her which could be dangerous but also shows her inner strength and feisty personality. I a...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an interesting take on migration with both admiration for their found country and loss and longing for home. I liked the way in which Akinyemi shares both a longing for home and the reality that being at home isn’t always safe (especially My Country and Transit) as it must be such a conflicting feeling but using poetry gets the emotions of the situation across well. I especially liked and appreciated the poem on Police Brutality as too many people think that it doesn’t happen here in England which makes it even more dangerous.  Favourite Quote: “My country's best brains Have become scattered grains Fleeing poverty chains. My country's brightest lights Have disappeared into the night, Longing for dizzying heights, Wiping clean sorrow blights.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, True Crime, Memoir  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is a really touching tribute to Angie Boggs (was Andrea Susan Gritz) as well as her family (Raymond Boggs, Ray-Ray Boggs and her unborn daughter). In a way it is sad that when searching their names this book is the only thing that comes up aside from a detective retiring and the court case but at the same time I think this may be better than the sensationalist coverage that true crime content creators would likely make of a story like this. The book is almost a love letter to Angie as Gritz writes most of the book as if talking directly to her while trying to reclaim her story from the secrets and lies as well as her tragic end. Through the first half of the book I was angry on behalf of Angie as she was failed so badly by the adults in her life that were supposed to love and raise her which likely led to her living where...

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...