KJK Reads

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No One Dies Alone by Stephanie Tyo

Rating: DNF Themes: Dystopian Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was really looking forward to this longer book as I’ve enjoyed all of Tyo’s short stories and the idea behind the book was so interesting to me. I was initially really pulled into the world and the dystopian aspects are so jarring. However, as the story developed it became more complex while Marianne tries to decipher what is happening to her in the system, it became too complex for me and I started to get a little lost. But I’m sure it will be great for those who are used to more complex worldviews who are able to keep it all straight in their own heads. Favourite Quote “The system is so efficient that even her own memory becomes less real than the record.”

A Kind of Madness by Uche Okonkwo

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Psychological Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a collection of short stories around Nigeria. The stories cover a wide range of different experiences but the majority of the focus is on children. The one covering Sickle Cell is especially important as so many people don’t know about or understand it and it’s one of the most common genetic conditions (in England, while 80% of cases are reported in Africa). I also liked the one with a child on the street, despite it being one of the shorter stories it shares an important experience to understand regardless of where you live. Favourite Quote: “When people talked about this kind of food, they called it free. But those people were not sharp. They didn't know life's number one rule: nothing is ever free. In this case, though, the price was an easy one to pay. In exchange for full stomachs, pictures would be taken of th...

Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, Teen, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: This may be one of the most complex and reaching installments of Heartstopper yet with everyone working with Charlie on his recovery and questions around the next steps in the older members of the groups lives such as university the book handles it all well. I liked the way that different people were portrayed in regards to Charlie as it can be hard for family members to know how to help or communicate with people with mental illness and we got to see both sides and also how to advocate for ourselves with both sides. I also liked seeing the tour of universities with the older 3 as it shows a normal stage in life for 17/18 year olds and reinforces that they are just normal teens who happen to be LGBTQ+. I appreciated the way in which Oseman managed to communicate the natural nervousness of a first time to show just how normal it all is while still remaining closed door and respectful for younger readers. Favourite Quote:...

The Poetry Cure by Julia Darling and Cynthia Fuller

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I picked this book up as someone living with a rare disease and chronic illness the blurb called to me and many of these poems made me feel seen. The section ‘What it Feels Like’ and ‘The Language of Pain’ were especially helpful for me and the first poem (not in a section) ‘How to Behave with the Ill should be shared with everyone with an ill person in their life as it gave voice to things I’d struggled to communicate when first trying to navigate my new life as a sick person. I liked the further reading at the end as this is my first introduction to Poetry and Health but it’s definitely an interesting premise and I’m intrigued to know more Favourite Quote: “You ask me how I'm going to live the rest of my life Well, nothing is predictable with pain”

Heartstopper: Volume Four by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+, Mental Health Thoughts: I can see how well Oseman handles difficult and complex topics and I’m glad she put a disclaimer on the content page. The book handles eating problems and developing anorexia with such a sensitive approach while still emphasising that there is help and support out there. It was nice to see a little about the friend groups families/backgrounds with one struggling with all their family and one not being safe to leave the country to see extended family. I think it was a good idea to leave it for a few books as those figuring it out and reading this are already likely thinking the worst of their families reactions but it should still be addressed as not every family is welcoming or safe. I also really liked that we’re seeing a little more of the other relationships now both within the friendship group and the teachers as it shows a wider range of relationships and is all soo cute. I’m gutted reading the end/acknowl...

Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novels, LGBTQ+, Young Adult Thoughts: Following Nick and Charlie navigate the next step in their relationship is a great development on their story so far. The two are ready to start telling people but they are two very different stages with Charlie already being out but no one knows about Nick, being this way allows us to explore how queer people disclose relationships from different sides of awareness. I loved how people in the friendship group approached Nick coming out, it made me wish I had these books when I was at that stage. I liked how sensitively and compassionately Charlie’s eating struggles have been handled and that it shows the early signs so those reading may be more likely to notice them in others. I also liked that Oseman mentioned this and charities that can be contacted for those who identify this at the end of the book. Favourite Quote: “It was different for you because you were outed and you didn’t have any control, but this tim...