KJK Reads

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry, Humour Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Though I wouldn’t go as far as to say hilarious (like in the blurb), I did laugh a few times at this book which was a new experience laughing at a poetry book. But then again is it poetry as the title or not as the introduction claims, that is up to each individual to decide and I’m not quite sure where I landed on that. It’s definitely cheesy with quite a few dad jokes in it so it may not be for everyone but I’d say it can make a great gift for lovers of dry humor. There are also some illustrations to go along with some of the poems. 

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Short Story, Mysterious, Reflective Thoughts: It’s impressive that Ann is able to tell a tale that captures the loss and longing of teenage years in so few pages and does so well. I didn’t see the spiritual twist at the end coming but it also feels well done and fits in with the story and themes of being between two worlds, like in the quote I chose. Favourite Quote: So here I am, Anthony Murphy, caught between two worlds. (...) Perhaps that's why I like Hilbre so much, because it's caught between two worlds too. Halfway between England and Wales and stranded like a sandstone whale between the land and the sea. I’m fifteen years old and I don't feel like a lad or a man.

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Transgender, Essays, Disabled Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is  a great collection of writings exploring the ways in which being trans and being disabled intersect. Some of this I felt I could relate to as a queer and disabled individual, but so much the trans elements so that was a great learning opportunity especially those on being plural. It’s great for showing a variety of experiences and informative which make it a great jumping off point for those who think they belong to these groups and want to understand themselves/it better.

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Romance, Best Friend's Brother, Steamy, Enemies to Lovers Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Josh and Jules are such a perfect match for each other both intellectually and physically, being great at keeping each other from getting a little too big for their boots. I loved the strong inclusion of the couples from the previous book, enjoying seeing the relationship milestones for both Bridget and Rhys and Ava and Alex. I’m also really glad that Josh and Alex were able to talk after the revelations of the first book. This instalment of the Twisted series is the steamiest so far as well.  Favourite Quote: “A good career meant good money, and good money meant security, shelter, and food on the table. If someone wanted to shame me for wanting those things, they could fuck right off.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Murder Mystery Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall, this is a cozy, Canadian crime mystery. It’s a bit different having a murder mystery where the main character isn’t determined to play the detective and solve the whole case on their own, instead Jeannie informs and involves the cops anytime she sees or hears something. I can understand why some others say Jeannie is prickly but as someone from a family of strong, (rural) women, even as they age, I liked the strong and tough character and preferred it to having a frail and vulnerable old lady like the stereotypes. It also allowed for us to see her open up a little over the time and see a more understanding and generally relatable character. There were a few scenes based on scenery or baking/cooking which I know can be seen as unnecessary to a story but it makes sense as the book is a first person book and the character te...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: History, Middle-Grade, Non-Fiction, Memoir  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. No matter how many holocaust stories I read, I will always be appalled by the pain and suffering inflicted. This is a particularly hard read with Tova being so young throughout her experiences but I think that makes it even more important and powerful a read. As this is a middle-grade adaptation of her book, the historical events and Tova’s experiences are adapted in age appropriate ways without watering down or minimising the reality.  Favourite Quote: “We should have had a happy life there, and maybe I would have had brothers and sisters too. But history had other plans for us.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Mental Health Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great read for people struggling with their own mental health to help them feel less alone. There are transcripts from therapy sessions that allow readers to apply some sessions to their own lives. The book isn’t overly complicated but gives an insight into the mind and mental health of Se-Hee  and the reflections on life following therapy gives further insight, such as parental impact on self-esteem and self-confidence. I liked the note from the therapist at the end that shows the human behind the professional which we often don’t think about. I also liked the notes on ‘How to have your Tteokbokki’ at the end but it was a shame it’s not a recipe too. Favourite Quote: “The important thing here isn't whether you are being loved, it's how you will accept the love that comes your way.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is full of beautifully raw emotions transformed into poems. Through love, heartbreak and even a miscarriage, Whittall shares her feelings as she experiences them without holding back. However, the poem title font can be a little difficult to read, especially the G’s and Z’s.  Favourite Quote: “Of course a poet likes to be in love. To fall for someone you have to be vulnerable, to hold a teaspoon of existential terror in your mouth and let it go. Intimacy is the only cliff jump I like.”

Rating: 3.5 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Memoir  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an interesting book, written as an introspective memoir at the end of Rose’s life. Each chapter feels as if it is talking us through a different form of love from lovers, new and old friends, one's heritage and reconnecting to the heritage and even the platonic love and respect for medical professionals one gets when spending so much time in hospitals.  Favourite Quote: For what people now seem to find most daunting with me, I discover, is not my illness or possible death, but my accentuated being; not my morbidity, but my renewed vitality.

Rating: 5 Stars  Themes: Poetry, History Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It’s quite rare that I read a book and just sit there thinking I have nothing to say but wow but that is how I felt finishing this book. This collection of poems at times didn’t feel like that but instead small poetic installments of a story, like going from Accounting through to Mother to Mother follow on like their own little story. I liked how some of the poems were based on genuine accounts, especially those from the soldiers. Overall, this was a great, emotive collection on a piece of world history I don’t know enough about.  Favourite Quote: “Somehow, I survived, though it costs Me my livelihood. It costs many more men their lives. This is what them mean when they say freedom ain't free.”