KJK Reads

Rating:  4 Stars Themes: Cookbook Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Like Bersani says, this is a book about cooking and people not just cooking and it’s a different view to cookbooks than I have previously looked at with sectioning chapters by person/friend instead of dish or ingredient is unique. I like the person's little story at the beginning of their chapter. The scenery photos were stunning and the food ones were appetising. Overall I found the recipes easy to follow with some great recipes included and the make it a meal and wine pairing being included with dishes was helpful. With thanks to The Collective Book Studio and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

Rating: 3 Stars  Themes:  Non-Fiction, Self-Help Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was an interesting book to read with the self-help style advice coming from a retired SEAL with all his background and expertise. It is very anecdotal but contains some interesting ideas and is broken down into easily digestible chapters. I also found that the quotes at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch.  With thanks to Collective Ink Limited and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction, Lupus, Disability Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved the dedication and thought it’s a sweet touch. This is a great little book to introduce chronic conditions to children to help them better understand their own condition or that of someone around them. This could be great for children who have just been diagnosed with a chronic condition as it is full of hope and positivity to help them through a confusing and difficult time. With thanks to Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

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 educational fiction book to teach children about Holi. The illustrations were bright and pretty and despite being an adult I learnt a few things too. I also appreciated the mini glossary with Thandai and Gujiyas included as they are foods and drinks that we can try at home with the insight. With thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book portrays a beautiful message of love and inclusion to children. It shows many different forms of love such as friendship, community, encouragement and love of family history as well as love for oneself. The illustrations were beautifully done and I like the black love activities at the end of the book too. With thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Psychology, Mental Health  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book makes us look at anxiety in a whole new light. It was good to have the disclaimer at the beginning. I liked how the book starts off explaining anxiety and when we may feel it before jumping into changing how we respond to it so I had a good foundation on what types of anxiety the author is talking about. The chapters start with anecdotes then go into facts which is great as it helps show the author has experience of what they’re talking about. I also liked how each step of E.A.S.E has its own chapter and enough detail can be provided. With thanks to TCK Publishing and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Graphic Novel, Autobiography Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an interesting approach to a biography and the first graphic autobiography I have read. It's a great read and quite emotive to see Zoe’s journey through mental health with her ups and downs throughout the time she was writing. I also think that art for survival is a great idea and could be a helpful thing for more people to try. With thanks to Inage Comics and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy of this book.