The Backwards Hand by Matt Lee

Rating:

4 Stars

Themes:

Non-Fiction, Memoir, Disability

Thoughts:

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a new approach to memoirs for me with history about disability and disabled people being mixed in among the pieces on Lee’s own experience. I liked just how much detail on the Aktion T4 programme was covered as from what I’ve seen it is a little known part of the atrocities committed by the Nazi’s. It was also interesting to have the bits on ‘The monster’ since many in society still see those who have visible or physical disabilities as monsters. I also liked the comparison of fictional villains who have been portrayed with disabilities since it is still used today and is often eaten up by consumers but further stigmatises us and I see it as a lazy and overused device. I did find myself a little thrown at some points when it went from a darker piece of history to a piece of Lee’s more modern life but it does just highlight the discrepancies in the differences of treatment and those areas that unfortunately haven't changed as much as they should. I did like the last paragraph as it showed how those mentioned already in the book died or were killed which is especially important in regards to those involved with Aktion T4.

Favourite Quote:

“Disability is the great equalizer. It is a community that does not discriminate, does not see color, gender, or class. Anyone can join, at any time.”

With thanks to Northwestern University Press and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

Comments

Mint and Murder by Carly Winter

Rating: Stars Themes: Short Story, Cosy Mystery Thoughts: Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had to read this book, seeing it was available, after reading Pipers Piping and Puppies last year. I did read it as a standalone (it’s not the first time I’ve read a series out of order and likely won’t be the last) I managed to follow along fine although I’m sure I’d have understood the relationship dynamics better had I read it in the correct order. I found the story great and as for the mystery I was guessing myself right the way through until Sam figured it out. Sam is a strong female main character who feels worth investing in so I may have to go search some more of the Heywood Herbalist series out. I enjoyed seeing Sam interact with her friends as they had great chemistry and it felt real, and also really liked Sam’s interactions with Doug as it added another layer of humanity to her and reality to the town. I would love ...

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, ...

Holly by Stephen King

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Horror, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction Thoughts: I had such mixed feelings coming away from this book. I did love Holly as a character in the other books so I loved seeing more of her personality and the way she worked in depth this time, especially since the last bit I read was only the short story (If It Bleeds). I also thought this book had an even worse monster for Holly to stop since they’re human so it shows the extent of suffering humans can inflict on each other. It was so surreal reading all the elements of COVID after having lived through it as this is the first book I’ve read set in that period. However, there were too many references made to smoking to me as it added nothing to the plot and only padded out the pages, especially since Holly was supposed to have given up already so it’s not like we’d notice it missing. There was also no need for the use of derogatory terms since the monsters were already horrible enough without needing them to be ...

KJK Reads

Search This Blog