KJK Reads

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Dark Romance, Valentines Day Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was my first foray into darker romance so a shorter book that I could finish in one sitting made a perfect choice. The first thing I noticed was just how much care Davis put into her trigger warnings with a basic trigger being mentioned (e.g. violence and weapons) but then she outlines briefly what sorts of behaviours under that umbrella are present while not disclosing enough to spoil the story itself (e.g. guns, criminal activity, and high stress scenes). I like this as it shows Davis cares about her readers and that she really put thought into it. I liked Hannah as a character as she’s a strong female presence who knows exactly what she deserves and won’t settle for less, she is also more than happy to stand up to men taller and stronger than her which could be dangerous but also shows her inner strength and feisty personality. I a...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an interesting take on migration with both admiration for their found country and loss and longing for home. I liked the way in which Akinyemi shares both a longing for home and the reality that being at home isn’t always safe (especially My Country and Transit) as it must be such a conflicting feeling but using poetry gets the emotions of the situation across well. I especially liked and appreciated the poem on Police Brutality as too many people think that it doesn’t happen here in England which makes it even more dangerous.  Favourite Quote: “My country's best brains Have become scattered grains Fleeing poverty chains. My country's brightest lights Have disappeared into the night, Longing for dizzying heights, Wiping clean sorrow blights.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, True Crime, Memoir  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is a really touching tribute to Angie Boggs (was Andrea Susan Gritz) as well as her family (Raymond Boggs, Ray-Ray Boggs and her unborn daughter). In a way it is sad that when searching their names this book is the only thing that comes up aside from a detective retiring and the court case but at the same time I think this may be better than the sensationalist coverage that true crime content creators would likely make of a story like this. The book is almost a love letter to Angie as Gritz writes most of the book as if talking directly to her while trying to reclaim her story from the secrets and lies as well as her tragic end. Through the first half of the book I was angry on behalf of Angie as she was failed so badly by the adults in her life that were supposed to love and raise her which likely led to her living where...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Mental Health  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an engaging and enlightening memoir on such an important topic. I have to admit despite having a degree in Psychology and Counselling and studying further on mental health (different courses) for years, I had never come across Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) so I can see how so many of the professionals failed Alvi. I think Alvi is extremely brave sharing her experiences to help others while knowing the stigma and harsh judgement that is still prevalent around mood disorders and especially PPP. I found her experiences a hard read, especially with how many times she tried to get help and the systems in place failed her. I think this is a really important read, especially for those in the maternal, medical and mental health fields. Favourite Quote: “A mother suffering from postpartum psychosis is still worthy and deserving of b...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Horror, Fantasy, Irish Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the second installment about the Watchers and sort of feels even creepier with them being out in our world. It jumped straight back into the action which I was glad for after the last page of the first book. This one builds more on the Irish folklore/mythology than the brief mention before which was a great touch, making the Watchers/changelings feel even more real. I also found the developing relationships, especially between Madeline and Mina. I found the small town Irish touches fun and grounding. I found Sean insufferable, especially with his misogyny, but I have a feeling that he was written that way on purpose so that his ending felt better and as a contrast with the strong female leads. Favourite Quote: “Time did more than kill. It had the power to erase people out of existence entirely. The happiness, the sorrow – the highs and l...

Rating: DNF  Themes: Dystopian Fiction  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was really looking forward to this longer book as I’ve enjoyed all of Tyo’s short stories and the idea behind the book was so interesting to me. I was initially really pulled into the world and the dystopian aspects are so jarring. However, as the story developed it became more complex while Marianne tries to decipher what is happening to her in the system, it became too complex for me and I started to get a little lost. But I’m sure it will be great for those who are used to more complex worldviews who are able to keep it all straight in their own heads. Favourite Quote “The system is so efficient that even her own memory becomes less real than the record.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Psychological Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a collection of short stories around Nigeria. The stories cover a wide range of different experiences but the majority of the focus is on children. The one covering Sickle Cell is especially important as so many people don’t know about or understand it and it’s one of the most common genetic conditions (in England, while 80% of cases are reported in Africa). I also liked the one with a child on the street, despite it being one of the shorter stories it shares an important experience to understand regardless of where you live. Favourite Quote: “When people talked about this kind of food, they called it free. But those people were not sharp. They didn't know life's number one rule: nothing is ever free. In this case, though, the price was an easy one to pay. In exchange for full stomachs, pictures would be taken of th...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, Teen, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: This may be one of the most complex and reaching installments of Heartstopper yet with everyone working with Charlie on his recovery and questions around the next steps in the older members of the groups lives such as university the book handles it all well. I liked the way that different people were portrayed in regards to Charlie as it can be hard for family members to know how to help or communicate with people with mental illness and we got to see both sides and also how to advocate for ourselves with both sides. I also liked seeing the tour of universities with the older 3 as it shows a normal stage in life for 17/18 year olds and reinforces that they are just normal teens who happen to be LGBTQ+. I appreciated the way in which Oseman managed to communicate the natural nervousness of a first time to show just how normal it all is while still remaining closed door and respectful for younger readers.  Favourite Quote:...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I picked this book up as someone living with a rare disease and chronic illness the blurb called to me and many of these poems made me feel seen. The section ‘What it Feels Like’ and ‘The Language of Pain’ were especially helpful for me and the first poem (not in a section) ‘How to Behave with the Ill should be shared with everyone with an ill person in their life as it gave voice to things I’d struggled to communicate when first trying to navigate my new life as a sick person. I liked the further reading at the end as this is my first introduction to Poetry and Health but it’s definitely an interesting premise and I’m intrigued to know more  Favourite Quote: “You ask me how I'm going to live the rest of my life Well, nothing is predictable with pain”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+, Mental Health  Thoughts: I can see how well Oseman handles difficult and complex topics and I’m glad she put a disclaimer on the content page. The book handles eating problems and developing anorexia with such a sensitive approach while still emphasising that there is help and support out there. It was nice to see a little about the friend groups families/backgrounds with one struggling with all their family and one not being safe to leave the country to see extended family. I think it was a good idea to leave it for a few books as those figuring it out and reading this are already likely thinking the worst of their families reactions but it should still be addressed as not every family is welcoming or safe. I also really liked that we’re seeing a little more of the other relationships now both within the friendship group and the teachers as it shows a wider range of relationships and is all soo cute. I’m gutted reading the end/acknowl...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novels, LGBTQ+, Young Adult  Thoughts: Following Nick and Charlie navigate the next step in their relationship is a great development on their story so far. The two are ready to start telling people but they are two very different stages with Charlie already being out but no one knows about Nick, being this way allows us to explore how queer people disclose relationships from different sides of awareness. I loved how people in the friendship group approached Nick coming out, it made me wish I had these books when I was at that stage. I liked how sensitively and compassionately Charlie’s eating struggles have been handled and that it shows the early signs so those reading may be more likely to notice them in others. I also liked that Oseman mentioned this and charities that can be contacted for those who identify this at the end of the book. Favourite Quote: “It was different for you because you were outed and you didn’t have any control, but this tim...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a tender and beautiful collection of poetry. The poems reflecting on parenthood are especially sweet and tender. I think that the idea of showing the different sides of a porch light left on was a great idea but I didn’t really feel that the poems for each section aligned with the premise of the section.  Favourite Quote: “we are handed another day we say thank you we do not consider how many times it was unsuccessfully pried from our hands”

Rating: DNF Themes: Poetry, Short Stories Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. With a title like Ode' to Women I expected something to make me proud to be a Woman and was really looking forward to an inspiring read. But the stories and poems within these pages are mundane and basic. 

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: This is such a great follow up to volume one and I can’t wait to read more. It shows the slow burn of new relationships really well, especially from Nick. I found Nick asking the LGBT person he knows especially poignant as I remember how difficult it can be to figure out. I also really liked the way in which Nick told his mother and the beautiful conversation that arose, even the jokey way that they ended it as my family has a similar laugh it off after serious conversations approach and it’s fun to see it portrayed.  Favourite Quote: “Nick … don’t feel like you need to come out to anyone until you feel ready. Rumours spread so fast around our schools … that can be really hard to deal with if you barely know who you are.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, History  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I didn’t know what to expect starting this book as I knew nothing about Operation Pedro Pan and my knowledge of the Cuban revolution is also limited. I liked how the book started on each child before Castro first as it gave us a real sense of the lives they had and lost due to the political climate. The multiple children also gave a better sense of the people in Cuba at that time, especially the one who joined the party and the one who had to leave against her fathers will. I also really liked the ending showing where the children ended up and the achievement each one made by being given a chance at a different life.  Favourite Quote: “While Operation: Pedro Pan is very unique to Cuba, and uniquely belongs to that generation of Cubans sent here as children, it is a universal tale for any parent willing to sacrifice everything for their...

Rating: DNF  Themes: Memoir, Mental Health  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really wanted to get along with this book as the commentary on how women are viewed and commented on from a young age and eating disorders are topics that interest me and are great to see different viewpoints on. However, the way in which this memoir was addressed with the code names and timeline jumping meant I struggled to keep track in my mind at points and I found myself struggling with it. The idea of the author's Wolf protecting her when reflecting is a great way to address the thoughts of a child with an adults’ perspective but it did add another element for me to contend with when there was already the critical voice and the author's own story to contend with. Favourite Quote: “You both had to live in a time and a place where people or at least women didn't like themselves, or if they did, concealed their self-esteem with rigo...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction, Mental Health  Thoughts: I  received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great book to help little kids get their heads round and accept the adults in their lives. The book is marketed as addressing adults in children's lives with mental health problems but most of it also applies really well to disabled people too, especially those who have a Dynamic Disability. It’s cool to take something that is so abstract like mental health and explain it in a way that children can not only understand but have also likely experienced themselves before. I also really liked the little bit of advice at the end that not only explained a mood disorder but tells kids what they can do if they’re worried about someone they love too so they feel less hopeless in bad spells. Favourite Quote: “I wait, too - for my hope to build - but worry presses at my chest, anger rises in my throat, and sadness stings my ...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great little book for young kids. I like the questions on the bottom about what’s happening on the page or allowing the child to engage with that page. The KS1 age child in my life is currently reading books with no words for this exact reason so he can both use it and absorb the message. The illustrations are great and inclusive as there are different races and ages shown but also disability and religious expression which are often forgotten. The overall message is really important and I loved that at the end it allows schools to buy an extra special copy with their own name on it to further engage their students.  Favourite Quote: “We are the future! Proud, kind, and united in the way we care for one another. Together, we shine today, tomorrow, and always.”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Horror Thoughts:  Wow, just wow. This is my first book by Shine so I had no idea what I was walking into but it had me hooked (like finished it in 2 and a half days hooked). The idea of being watched for half a day everyday for months left me with a claustrophobic feeling but I just had to know what the group would do next. The group themselves are such an eclectic combination but somehow each person adds to the overall working of their routines. Mina is our main character and I liked how she analysed everyone with an artists’ view as it let me picture them so much more detailed but it was interesting to see the other views and it lets us get such a more broad picture of the story when they split up. I did see one of the twists coming but started to doubt myself before it was told. I couldn’t see that ending coming and am sooo glad I can read the next one straight away. Favourite Quote: “All days were the same. Dates were insignificant numbers. Life in the f...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry, British Literature, Race Thoughts: This poetry collection is enlightening on the Black British experience and also heartbreakingly relevant 25 years on, especially the Arabian war if we swap the Q for an N. Some of the poems were especially stark like ‘What Stephen Lawrence Has Taught Us’, ‘Appeal Dismissed’, and ‘Christmas Has Been Shot’. Some poems were also quite educational like ‘Having a Word’, ‘Kill Them Before Ramadan’, and ‘The Men from Jamaica Are Settling Down’. Favourite Quote: "You've had so many wars to end all wars, Still millions are dying from the wars you left behind."

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Psychological Fiction Thoughts: This book is surprisingly cute. It shows the random meeting between Timothy Flowers and Charlie and the friendship that develops over the day. Timothy himself suffered child abuse which led to his brain working differently so others look at him like he’s strange but isn’t treated like there’s something wrong with him and it does make me feel protective towards him. I did notice that Charlie seemed to be using Timothy’s size and strength to his advantage a little more than necessary as it starts as a suggested teamwork situation but Timothy ends up doing nearly all the heavy lifting and manual labour that day. I thought the ending was sweet with the possibility of acceptance for Timothy and the chance of being able to feel like he’s helping and since his mother was there when Timothy got home he’s likely to be protected from being exploited going forward too. Favourite Quote: “You should learn. All men should know se...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Thriller Thoughts: I was on edge almost from the beginning of this book until the last page. The paragraphs were extremely short and switched between Kate and Jack which only added to the unease I had reading. I had a feeling I knew where Jack was staying early on but I had no clue what he was capable of. This book feels even scarier than it actually is considering how many people actually experience this kind of behaviour after a break up in reality and knowing just how easily it could be you in Kate’s shoes. 

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary  Thoughts: This is my first Rainbow Rowell book and I thought something short and sweet would be a great introduction. I found the first story soo cute. It’s interesting to only meet the characters on a new year's eve and it makes the slow burn feel more intense knowing a year has passed and seeing how their relationship has developed. I also thought the ending was soooo cute as it ended as it began, with just the two of them and some chex mix. The second story was also interesting with the different personalities of the three of them in ‘The Line’ and especially with Elena being the only girl there and the protectiveness of the boys. I had to laugh at the way it ended in the cinema and found the ending really cute. The thought of those 2 developing a genuine friendship/relationship from that is cute and also somewhat what Elena was hoping from her line experience. The illustrations are also really good and a...

Rating: DNF  Themes: Mystery, Audiobook  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Unfortunately I have been unable to finish this book. It’s very slow to start and almost feels like it’s dragging with lots of monologues and tangents. I also really struggled with the male narration of the audiobook which is the main reason for my DNF as not only is the narration quite monotonous but I can hear a thudding from the mic on male narrator when listening (with earphones) which is very distracting and was starting to get on my nerves. 

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This poetry collection took me a while to get into as the first few felt quite basic and generic. However, once we got into those touching on a more political topic and those on Stewart’s Navy career I felt more like I was getting more personal and connected. Some personal favourites were ‘This Country I Served’, ‘Let Us Build the Audacity’, ‘The Ends Did Not Justify the Means’, ‘I Remember’, and ‘The Haunting’. Favourite Quote: “Let us build the next generation of daughters Who don't stop to wonder where the Audacity can be found Because it is in their bones”

Rating: 4 Stars  Themes: Short Story, Thriller, Mystery Thoughts:  It’s interesting that the book is called The Motive when the motive itself seems consistent but the perpetrator is the one in question. I found Jay an interesting, almost morally grey character as although he is a drug dealer and thus a criminal he does what he can to help the situation as soon as the stabbing happens. Idris himself is much more of a straightforward character but I felt his conflict with his partner’s potential racism, especially when deciding which one should stay with the victim or question certain suspects. The dynamics of their friendship felt so relatable although there were definitely a few conflicting elements that I’m sure will come up again later in the series. I found the racist elements of the story really well timed/placed as a Brit myself, some of the country did take that approach following the Brexit referendum and with the riots a few years ago this is unfortunately still timely...

  Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I saw this in a local library and being a true crime fan and a Smoggie I thought this could be a fun read. I thought that there were some great poets contained here and that collecting and publishing the works like this is a great way to encourage creative writing exercises (especially with the benefits for inmates). I was pleasantly surprised by how heartfelt and touching many poems were and they were an interesting look behind the walls of a prison and the life of those in there. Favourite Quote: “Every day in the library I am rubbing shoulders with millions of words that have given inspiration to those who have suffered tragedy and to others who have risen above their own demons to demonstrate how the human spirit can triumph over adversity.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, LGBTQ+, Self-Help Thoughts: I may not be an aspiring drag queen but I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and thought this book would be a fun read and I was not disappointed. There are some great tips for confidence and self-esteem in here that apply to anybody accompanied by the sass expected from a Queen. I liked that there were so many of our beloved Queens represented and that they represented different countries and not all just one too. Overall, this is a fun little book for working on your self worth and feeling more fearless and there’s a few messages that will stay with me. Favourite Quote: “It's time to accept that being pretty isn't actually the whole kit and caboodle. Being bold, being fearless, being a badass who knows what she wants in life is a whole lot more desirable and attractive than just being a pretty painted face.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts:  I have mentioned previously that I am a proud Smoggie but this little collection gave me another interesting way to look at Teesside and the towns/villages around me. It was sweet that poems from different schools around the area were included as it gives a fresher eyes approach, especially the one on Hartlepool as a brilliant place to be with the monkey verse. The illustrations themselves are also beautiful and add to the beautiful simplicity of the book.  Favourite Quote: “Our Tees Valley librarians are quiet super heroes changing our world for the better one book at a time, powered by paper clips and tea.”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction, LGBTQ+ Thoughts: I saw this one on a stand in my local library and the cover looked so cute that I just had to check it out. It is such a cute and age appropriate way to introduce the topic of pride and a little about its importance without getting too heavy, especially since it can seem like a party to kids that young. I liked that the illustrations were so diverse, promoting trans rights on banners and making sure different races, styles, and disabilities were included in the images of different villagers. Overall this is a sweet little read great for kids to understand the LGBTQ+ people in their lives and pride itself. Favourite Quote: “Pride is like a giant party where we celebrate the wonderful diversity of our communities, and share the message that everyone should be treated with equality and respect - no matter who they love or what gender they are.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Short Stories, Mystery Thoughts:  I love reading these quick reads as a way of dipping my toe into a new authors writing and this is a great intro to Braithwaite’s writing and I will check out her longer books as I like her style. This one despite being short was very twisty and kept me guessing right until the end. I found the males mentioned in this book insufferable, especially with their attitudes towards women but it just added to the more complex characters involved and helped touch on the behaviour between the women in a better context.