All the Things I Can Be by Kafilat Shobajo

Rating:

4 Stars

Themes:

Children's Books

Thoughts:

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great book for little girls. Showing a character they can relate to doing things like affirmations and enjoying school helps reinforce positive behaviors in them. I really appreciated the way in which all types jobs were included/valued and not just the ‘highly skilled/educated’ jobs such as having doctor, plumber, lawyer, electrician, teacher, farmer, musician, hairdresser, architect and president all represented as no one should be belittled for a job and even the president can’t work with no lights or water working so why should those jobs be valued less. I thought asking the reader at the end of all Kofo’s ideas to bring it back to the child’s dreams was a nice idea and loved the dedication at the beginning to all parents tirelessly nurturing the dreams of their children was such a sweet touch.

Favourite Quote:

"I want every girl to know that she is strong and capable. If you find that something is challenging, remember that practice makes perfect. You can learn to do anything if you put your mind to it."

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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