Bibliotherapy by Molly Masters

Rating:

4 Stars

Themes:

Non-Fiction

Thoughts:

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It was interesting to learn the history of bibliotherapy, especially the prescriptions for it used after World War One as it’s something rooted in our history that I knew nothing about. I liked the quotes from authors on the healing power of books and appreciated the bit on the underrated healing powers of poetry as I enjoy that myself. Having the quiz so that Masters could give the reader a little ‘prescription’ of their own was fun. Some important aspects have been covered in this book such as grief and loss, when adulting begins, new parents, and feeling directionless, giving advice for such a broad range of life experiences. I found that there were great sized lists which included both fiction and non-fiction for each section and was impressed by how Masters managed to state why the book fits in the section and should be read without spoiling the story (at least from the one’s I’d read any spoilers were avoided). I found that the note to readers offering change in font size, background colour, font colour, font, justification and offering text to speech to be inclusive which further extends the reach of the book. Finally, I personally found the baby bit in dedication to be so sweet.

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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