KJK Reads

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary  Thoughts: This is my first Rainbow Rowell book and I thought something short and sweet would be a great introduction. I found the first story soo cute. It’s interesting to only meet the characters on a new year's eve and it makes the slow burn feel more intense knowing a year has passed and seeing how their relationship has developed. I also thought the ending was soooo cute as it ended as it began, with just the two of them and some chex mix. The second story was also interesting with the different personalities of the three of them in ‘The Line’ and especially with Elena being the only girl there and the protectiveness of the boys. I had to laugh at the way it ended in the cinema and found the ending really cute. The thought of those 2 developing a genuine friendship/relationship from that is cute and also somewhat what Elena was hoping from her line experience. The illustrations are also really good and a...

Rating: DNF  Themes: Mystery, Audiobook  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Unfortunately I have been unable to finish this book. It’s very slow to start and almost feels like it’s dragging with lots of monologues and tangents. I also really struggled with the male narration of the audiobook which is the main reason for my DNF as not only is the narration quite monotonous but I can hear a thudding from the mic on male narrator when listening (with earphones) which is very distracting and was starting to get on my nerves. 

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.”