Spare by Prince Harry

Rating:

3 Stars

Themes:

Nonfiction, Memoir, History, British Literature

Thoughts:

I am well aware that this is a one sided account of life events and there are always three sides to every story (one persons, the other persons and the truth) but this book really made me think more about what I thought about it all. I personally went into this book dubious as I have had issues believing everything from Meghan (claiming to pay her own way through uni in women’s summits when her dad has the statements proving he paid) but I am also well aware that everything we see from HRH and the crown is severely controlled and managed in the best way for them. I did really feel for Harry as it’s understandable that having to do that walk at only 12 and having to process everything so suddenly he would struggle (as many who lose parents at a similar age do without the public and media pressure) and adding on his experiences in the army, his trauma and traumatic responses to things, especially paparazzi, are natural and not what most of the public gave him credit for at the time.

Favourite Quote:

"I’ll forever support my Queen, my Commander in Chief, my Granny. Even after she’s gone. My problem has never been with the monarchy, nor the concept of monarchy. It’s been with the press and the sick relationship that’s evolved between it and the Palace."

Comments

Vincent: A Graphic Biography by Simon Elliott

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Comic, Non-Fiction, Biography Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great little book on Vincent van Gogh. It is very detailed containing pieces of his life such as changing careers and failed love interests that are often not considered when we think of van Gogh, instead favouring his art and mental health. The illustrations were really well done and at times helped to bring levity to the story which isn’t often the happiest of lives.

The War of Sober by Edward Rand

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Addiction, Psychology Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great book not just for addicts trying to establish and maintain their sobriety but also psychologists, counsellors and the people working with them. It approaches the experience of addiction from the perspective of going to war and may help those who can’t get along with the 12 steps, contingency management or other forms of therapy traditionally used. It’s also helpful to have Edward detail his own experiences and approaches throughout so it feels less clinical and shows he does know what he’s talking about when he mentions the difficulties so it comes across less patronising than some self-help addiction books. Favourite Quote: "It doesn't matter what happened yesterday. Win or lose, if we are still alive, we must decide to be different today and then make the correct choices today, because friends, ...

Broken Glass by Sarah Kay

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This collection is mixed for me, some of the poems were really good and all were definitely emotive but I think so many poems on the Hamas attack and subsequent war which is highly politically charged a little difficult to tackle. Favourite Quote: "What good is it to open my heart when in the end, you will stab it in the back?"

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