Killing the Father of Our Country by Allison Whittenberg

Rating:

4 Stars

Themes:

Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Abuse

Thoughts:

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is quite a difficult read but one that’s really worth it for the insight it gives if you can make it through. Jonah and Solly really do have a rough time of it throughout the book from the beatings to the loss of hope and the death of a dear friend but their strength and resilience throughout gives us a sense of hope. Whittenberg does a good job getting across the need to be on alert at all times and the knowledge that today could be your last day really well. She also does a good job of conveying the need to persevere and the fear of being separated. I was really glad the mum stepped up towards the end by calling a lawyer and I have to admit with the type of person Nick is and being on the run I have a feeling they may just get away with it. The ending was a bit of a tough pill to swallow but it’s quite a realistic one as the system has a history of failing those who need the support the most.

Favourite Quote:

“All abusive households operated like this, like POW camps. Our house revolved around two things: secrets and lies. It was always a matter of keeping quiet about what was going on. And never telling the truth. Make something up. Anything. Be consistent. Or not. It really didn't matter. No one wanted to make the leap. Connect the dots. Add up two plus two.”

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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