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Becs (244 KP) rated Words That Kill in Books
Oct 2, 2019
I’ve always had a thing for poetry and have loved every single poetry collection that I have gotten my hands on. My husband got me Words That Kill by Vivid Vega for this past Christmas. When I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down, it was just so good and so emotional. But I eventually had to take a break because it was starting to mess with me. There are not many poetry collections that touch on the mental health subject and I’m glad that there is now one available to the public.
Genre: Mental Health, Young Adult
Audience: Young Adult but also mature audiences as well
Reading level: Middle to High School
Interests: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Suicide, Abuse, Hope, and Love.
Style: Light to hard – depending on the person.
Point of view: First person
Difficulty reading: Very easy to read but be warned, it does make you very emotional.
Promise: Words That Kill promises a poetry collection that talks about mental health and it delivers.
Quality: I believe everybody should read this even if they haven’t dealt with mental health.
Insights: Not taking the grammatical and spelling errors, the poems were a lot lighter to read compared to Rupi Kuar or even Shakespeare.
Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. This is only because it wasn’t really a story, more of a poem that brings memories of the past back to life.
Favorite quote: “There is no need to hide in the shade, the light will come and your pain will fade.” – This is a great representation of how depression works. You have your good and your bad moments.
Aesthetics: The thing that drew me to the book in the first place, minus the topic of mental health of course, was the fact that the entire book is white words on an entirely black background. I’ve never seen a book have that aesthetically pleasing style and I love it!
“Like a flower, I will bloom again – depression.”
Genre: Mental Health, Young Adult
Audience: Young Adult but also mature audiences as well
Reading level: Middle to High School
Interests: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Suicide, Abuse, Hope, and Love.
Style: Light to hard – depending on the person.
Point of view: First person
Difficulty reading: Very easy to read but be warned, it does make you very emotional.
Promise: Words That Kill promises a poetry collection that talks about mental health and it delivers.
Quality: I believe everybody should read this even if they haven’t dealt with mental health.
Insights: Not taking the grammatical and spelling errors, the poems were a lot lighter to read compared to Rupi Kuar or even Shakespeare.
Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. This is only because it wasn’t really a story, more of a poem that brings memories of the past back to life.
Favorite quote: “There is no need to hide in the shade, the light will come and your pain will fade.” – This is a great representation of how depression works. You have your good and your bad moments.
Aesthetics: The thing that drew me to the book in the first place, minus the topic of mental health of course, was the fact that the entire book is white words on an entirely black background. I’ve never seen a book have that aesthetically pleasing style and I love it!
“Like a flower, I will bloom again – depression.”
Callum John Hunter (0 KP) rated England Is Mine (2017) in Movies
Sep 20, 2017
Just watched the film England Is Mine based on Steven Patrick Morrissey before he formed The Smiths with Johnny Marr and I have to say it was a brilliant film I never truly knew a lot of the stuff that Morrissey went through in his younger life with his depression and how his friends did help him to shape his ability to perform I know that a lot of people dislike Morrissey and he has said some controversial things but I do sympathise with the whole depression side because I know what it is like to suffer from it, the film starts at a nice pace and gradually builds with some nice music the actor chosen to represent Morrissey was a really good choice he perfected Morrissey's tone the whole cast was pure perfection and I am truly glad that I watched it, it gave me more of an understanding to how Morrissey thinks and where a lot of the lyrics gained there inspiration from such as his love of Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde and how he used such stylings to mould his way of singing, so in short it was a truly great film and I enjoyed it immensely.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
This book was just the book for me. I found myself in love with Felicia Day's quirky and unique experiences. This book is full of fun, horrifying, and hilarious stories that shows the reader just how awesome she is.
Felicia didn't hold back in this book, you get an in depth look into her life and how she became who she is today. You learn about her depression, her health issues, her friendships, and her family.
I'm so glad that I purchased this book. It was quirky and hilarious and I loved every minute of it.
If you're looking for a fun geeky experience, this is the book for you.
Felicia didn't hold back in this book, you get an in depth look into her life and how she became who she is today. You learn about her depression, her health issues, her friendships, and her family.
I'm so glad that I purchased this book. It was quirky and hilarious and I loved every minute of it.
If you're looking for a fun geeky experience, this is the book for you.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Herding Cats (Sarah's Scribbles, #3) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
First things first... I love Sarah Andersen. She has a wonderful way of showing what anxiety, depression, and introversion is. It's completely refreshing to find a graphic novel with a character that I relate to so deeply.
Herding Cats is hilarious, and relatable. I spent my time reading this and laughing. I related so much to these cartoons I thought for a second that Sarah Andersen was stalking me and based her story off of me. It was that scarily accurate.
All in all, this is a book that most people will be able to relate to and love.
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Herding Cats is hilarious, and relatable. I spent my time reading this and laughing. I related so much to these cartoons I thought for a second that Sarah Andersen was stalking me and based her story off of me. It was that scarily accurate.
All in all, this is a book that most people will be able to relate to and love.
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yoshi (40 KP) rated The Perks of Being a Wallflower in Books
Oct 29, 2018
I'd give the story itself a three, but I'm rating the book lower because the author does not seem to understand how it is nearly impossible to have as many issues as Charlie does including the depression, drinking, and occasional drug use, and still be able to get straight A's. Although I still had a handful of potheads in my AP and Honors classes in high school, they were all B and C students who did the minimum amount of work needed to get by.
The book is okay, but you're better off reading Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
The book is okay, but you're better off reading Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Nov 18, 2019
Joker begins
Contains spoilers, click to show
Arthur fleck is a struggling comedian with history of depression and a medical condition which causes him to laugh when in physical or mental pain. (Makes sense given the character being portrayed).
Finally being pushed over the edge of his own sanity & idolized by the people of Gotham who feel forgotten & pushed aside, Arthur dons the name 'Joker' & decides to take matters into his own hands by violently retaliating against the wealthy.
Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic and plays the Role brilliantly bringing a dark, intense character to the silver screen in an origin story that is a must see.....knock knock.......
Finally being pushed over the edge of his own sanity & idolized by the people of Gotham who feel forgotten & pushed aside, Arthur dons the name 'Joker' & decides to take matters into his own hands by violently retaliating against the wealthy.
Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic and plays the Role brilliantly bringing a dark, intense character to the silver screen in an origin story that is a must see.....knock knock.......
William Finnegan recommended The Waves in Books (curated)
ClareR (5589 KP) rated Edge of The Grave in Books
May 16, 2023
These are the mean, violent streets of Glasgow in 1932. It’s a time when police officers like DI Jimmy Dreghorn and his man-mountain ex-Olympic wrestlerDS Archie McDaid get the results that are needed in the way that is necessary.
Corruption is rife, as is poverty and unemployment (it’s the Depression). Everyone is out for themselves - and that includes the police.
This is a hard, gritty read, not for the faint hearted, but compelling nonetheless. I was gripped from start to finish, and I’ve spotted that there’s more to come from Dreghorn and McDaid in a second book - it’s on my wish list already!
Corruption is rife, as is poverty and unemployment (it’s the Depression). Everyone is out for themselves - and that includes the police.
This is a hard, gritty read, not for the faint hearted, but compelling nonetheless. I was gripped from start to finish, and I’ve spotted that there’s more to come from Dreghorn and McDaid in a second book - it’s on my wish list already!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why in Books
May 23, 2017
Trigger Warning
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Recently filmed as a thirteen-part Netflix drama executively produced by Selena Gomez, Thirteen Reasons Why was the first novel by the award-winning author, Jay Asher. It is the type of book readers will either love or hate, but it should definitely come with a warning. This story is NOT an accurate representation of depression and suicide.
Yes, suicide. A teenaged girl has committed suicide, shocking everyone who knew her. No one could understand why, but thirteen people are going to find out. Clay Jensen is the ninth person to receive a box of thirteen audiotapes from Hannah Baker. However, Hannah died two weeks ago. As she premeditated taking her life, Hannah recorded thirteen stories involving people from her school that caused her to snowball into deep depression and despair. Desperate to find out why his name features in Hannah’s story, Clay begins listening to the tapes in order, putting together the events that led to Hannah’s death.
What follows is a heart-breaking story showing the impact individuals have on other people’s lives, often without realising it. In some cases, the characters only played a minor role in Hannah’s life, whereas others caused significant damage. The saddest thing is, Clay could have helped Hannah, but she had pushed him away.
At times, Hannah seemed like the horrible person, calling all these people out on petty little things, but these things, along with the more horrible ones, all built up to create a life that did not feel worth living. It is eye opening how much a small action, comment or rumour can so drastically alter someone’s future.
Bearing in mind that depression affects everyone differently and has numerous causes, some readers may feel disgusted at Hannah’s extreme action, but this is the fault of the author. Jay Asher fails to completely describe the emotional torment that Hannah felt, and only someone who may have been through a similar situation, or worse, will fully be able to understand the impact everything has had on her mental health.
As Hannah beleaguers her listeners, the thirteen people start to feel like the victims rather than the “attackers”, which is most probably not what the author was intending. Now, these people will have to live their lives believing they caused a girl to commit suicide when really they were only 1/13th of the reason. Although, before criticising this novel, keep in mind it is a work of fiction.
What is most painful about Thirteen Reasons Why, is not Hannah’s plight, but the reaction Clay has to hearing Hannah’s story. Unlike the other people Hannah accuses, Clay is not one of her antagonists; all Hannah wants to do is to say sorry.
It is up to the reader to judge whether Thirteen Reasons Why is worthy of praise or not. Those without an understanding of depression may dislike it on account of misunderstanding Hannah’s reasons, whereas others may feel insulted that she killed herself over things that could have been eased had she told someone. Personally, I understand where Hannah is coming from, and although I would not go to the extremes Hannah did, I do not think she was selfish or stupid or any other insult that may befall her.
The reason I give this book a good rating lies in the quality of writing. Asher seamlessly alternates between two narratives – Hannah’s story and Clay’s reaction and reflection. Although the author may not have clearly expressed Hannah’s emotions, he successful emphasises the grief and despair Clay feels listening to the cassettes. My main concern is that Thirteen Reasons Why will only be short lived. Audiotapes were already obsolete when the book was published, but soon will there be any new readers who know what a tape is?
Recently filmed as a thirteen-part Netflix drama executively produced by Selena Gomez, Thirteen Reasons Why was the first novel by the award-winning author, Jay Asher. It is the type of book readers will either love or hate, but it should definitely come with a warning. This story is NOT an accurate representation of depression and suicide.
Yes, suicide. A teenaged girl has committed suicide, shocking everyone who knew her. No one could understand why, but thirteen people are going to find out. Clay Jensen is the ninth person to receive a box of thirteen audiotapes from Hannah Baker. However, Hannah died two weeks ago. As she premeditated taking her life, Hannah recorded thirteen stories involving people from her school that caused her to snowball into deep depression and despair. Desperate to find out why his name features in Hannah’s story, Clay begins listening to the tapes in order, putting together the events that led to Hannah’s death.
What follows is a heart-breaking story showing the impact individuals have on other people’s lives, often without realising it. In some cases, the characters only played a minor role in Hannah’s life, whereas others caused significant damage. The saddest thing is, Clay could have helped Hannah, but she had pushed him away.
At times, Hannah seemed like the horrible person, calling all these people out on petty little things, but these things, along with the more horrible ones, all built up to create a life that did not feel worth living. It is eye opening how much a small action, comment or rumour can so drastically alter someone’s future.
Bearing in mind that depression affects everyone differently and has numerous causes, some readers may feel disgusted at Hannah’s extreme action, but this is the fault of the author. Jay Asher fails to completely describe the emotional torment that Hannah felt, and only someone who may have been through a similar situation, or worse, will fully be able to understand the impact everything has had on her mental health.
As Hannah beleaguers her listeners, the thirteen people start to feel like the victims rather than the “attackers”, which is most probably not what the author was intending. Now, these people will have to live their lives believing they caused a girl to commit suicide when really they were only 1/13th of the reason. Although, before criticising this novel, keep in mind it is a work of fiction.
What is most painful about Thirteen Reasons Why, is not Hannah’s plight, but the reaction Clay has to hearing Hannah’s story. Unlike the other people Hannah accuses, Clay is not one of her antagonists; all Hannah wants to do is to say sorry.
It is up to the reader to judge whether Thirteen Reasons Why is worthy of praise or not. Those without an understanding of depression may dislike it on account of misunderstanding Hannah’s reasons, whereas others may feel insulted that she killed herself over things that could have been eased had she told someone. Personally, I understand where Hannah is coming from, and although I would not go to the extremes Hannah did, I do not think she was selfish or stupid or any other insult that may befall her.
The reason I give this book a good rating lies in the quality of writing. Asher seamlessly alternates between two narratives – Hannah’s story and Clay’s reaction and reflection. Although the author may not have clearly expressed Hannah’s emotions, he successful emphasises the grief and despair Clay feels listening to the cassettes. My main concern is that Thirteen Reasons Why will only be short lived. Audiotapes were already obsolete when the book was published, but soon will there be any new readers who know what a tape is?
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated The Busconductor Hines in Books
Jul 2, 2019
Fairly good read
As realism goes, this book is spot on. Kelman's portrayal of Glasgow in the 1980's is accurate. The book is written in 5 chapters, each detailing the unsatisfactory life of Hines who is caught up in a job he feels desperately unhappy in, a struggling marriage and early signs of depression. Whilst Kelman's use of realism sucks the reader into 'place' the novel itself is frustrating in the sense that their is no real plot and nothing really exciting happens. I struggled to finish the book and was disappointed at the end. I can however, commend the author on his realist technique.