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I really wanted to enjoy this book a lot more than I did. I found the first two thirds of the book quite repetitive and tiresome. The main character's, Queenie's, behaviour was infuriating me. I really didn't understand why Queenie didn't want to date black men, especially as she was so vocal and had such strong views against racism - surely you can't and shouldn't judge an entire demographic on one experience. I thought the last third of the book had much more value and touched upon real issues and had more depth to it. And is was nice to see Queenie come out of her rut and tackle some of her mental health issues. But I feel that some may see this change in the book as too little, too late.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Feb 6, 2019
Intelligent writing (2 more)
Realistic mental health issues
Fandom representation and fanfiction
Wow. Just wow.
The synopsis for this book was very short, precisely 9 lines. The synopsis made me expect to read a book much like paper towns where they go on an adventure, detective style and find the missing person. However, this book was something so much more than that. The main concept of the book I felt was actually about the mental health of the main character Aza. Aza has severe intrusive thoughts that take control of her life. Near to the end of the book a sudden and dramatic incident occurs and you're left unknowing what the outcome will be. Although I wish it never ended, John Green ends the book perfectly.
When a book has help line contact details in the authors notes, you know it's going to be a serious book.
It took me less than 24hours to finish this book, I physically couldn't put it down. John notes in the AN that it took 6 years to finish the book, I can completely understand why. Just wow
When a book has help line contact details in the authors notes, you know it's going to be a serious book.
It took me less than 24hours to finish this book, I physically couldn't put it down. John notes in the AN that it took 6 years to finish the book, I can completely understand why. Just wow
Ross (3284 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 2 in TV
Jan 14, 2019
So much gorier and darker than the first series, Asylum chronicles the events of Bloody-face, the twisted fictional serial killer of the 1960s. This is the story underlying all events in the series, but there is so much more going on. We are treated to a glimpse into the abuse and disgust of people suffering mental health problems, and the supposed treatments being dreamt up to deal with their issues.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
Dr Lachlan Grant of Ballachulish, 1871-1945
Ewen A. Cameron and Annie Tindley
Book
Dr Lachlan Grant (1871-1945), general practitioner and campaigner, was an important figure in the...
Vegas (725 KP) rated The Silent Patient in Books
Jan 24, 2020
The plot build up (1 more)
When it all comes together
One man's goal, to find out the truth when other specialsts can't... A woman who has remained silent, unable or unwilling to talk after being found over the dead body of her partner and sent to a hospital for mental health issues after being found guilty of his murder...
I read the second half of this book in one sitting after being gripped at one point mid way through and just couldn't put it down, wanting to know exactly what happened that fateful day.
The story does appear slightly fragmented at points BUT it all come together in the end and then you see why.
I read the second half of this book in one sitting after being gripped at one point mid way through and just couldn't put it down, wanting to know exactly what happened that fateful day.
The story does appear slightly fragmented at points BUT it all come together in the end and then you see why.
BookishWoo (317 KP) rated The Inner Palette in Books
May 30, 2020
Careful and considered approach to aid in children’s mental health
We are constantly being told that mental health is a common occurrence for school age children and worryingly this is becoming an increasing issue for those at Primary age.
When Daniel approached me and asked if I would review his book, I was all ready to say no, not because I wasn’t interested, but more because I would not usually review books for Primary ages as my children are now adults and thankfully haven’t made me a grandmother yet! I am really not ready to be called Grandma, Nan or Nanna!
However, out of consideration to Daniel, I took a look at the synopsis and realised that the subject matter of his book resonated with me as one of my children has had and continues to have mental health issues of varying degrees although thankfully not to a detrimental effect.
This was honestly a beautiful little story and an equally beautifully illustrated book. Daniel takes a very careful and considered approach to explaining to children how to cope when our minds are drowned out by bad thoughts and feelings.
One could argue that this same approach could be used in equal measures for adults too, as lets face it we all struggle mentally at some point.
My only criticism is that I thought there were some lengthy words for the very young but that is counterbalanced by the illustrations and it is a book that you would read together as a family to aid in opening honest discussions so if necessary, a parent, guardian or carer could use easier words in place of, to avoid having to explain the meaning.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone with children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews and to anyone who works with children.
When Daniel approached me and asked if I would review his book, I was all ready to say no, not because I wasn’t interested, but more because I would not usually review books for Primary ages as my children are now adults and thankfully haven’t made me a grandmother yet! I am really not ready to be called Grandma, Nan or Nanna!
However, out of consideration to Daniel, I took a look at the synopsis and realised that the subject matter of his book resonated with me as one of my children has had and continues to have mental health issues of varying degrees although thankfully not to a detrimental effect.
This was honestly a beautiful little story and an equally beautifully illustrated book. Daniel takes a very careful and considered approach to explaining to children how to cope when our minds are drowned out by bad thoughts and feelings.
One could argue that this same approach could be used in equal measures for adults too, as lets face it we all struggle mentally at some point.
My only criticism is that I thought there were some lengthy words for the very young but that is counterbalanced by the illustrations and it is a book that you would read together as a family to aid in opening honest discussions so if necessary, a parent, guardian or carer could use easier words in place of, to avoid having to explain the meaning.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone with children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews and to anyone who works with children.
Sam (74 KP) rated Where am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I think I actually expected this to be one of those books that I sort of like but don’t really go mad on but I was wrong.
I always wanted to find out more about the actor behind Matilda and this really gave me the dose I needed.
Mara Wilson is brutally honest about how her acting career when she was younger took its toll on her mental health and even goes into detail about all of the mental health issues she has had. I loved how honest she is – she doesn’t try to sugar-coat it or turn her memoir into a self-help book. Instead she says everything as it is and exactly how it felt for her.
I loved reading about her friendships with other actors, especially Danny DeVito and Robin Williams. I’d previously heard quite a bit about her friendship with Danny DeVito and was really interested in how much he had looked after her while she was working on Matilda.
The only reason that it didn’t make it to five stars from me is that I hoped for a bit more on Matilda, but she seemed to glaze over it a lot.
Overall though, it’s a really interesting read and definitely worth picking up.
I always wanted to find out more about the actor behind Matilda and this really gave me the dose I needed.
Mara Wilson is brutally honest about how her acting career when she was younger took its toll on her mental health and even goes into detail about all of the mental health issues she has had. I loved how honest she is – she doesn’t try to sugar-coat it or turn her memoir into a self-help book. Instead she says everything as it is and exactly how it felt for her.
I loved reading about her friendships with other actors, especially Danny DeVito and Robin Williams. I’d previously heard quite a bit about her friendship with Danny DeVito and was really interested in how much he had looked after her while she was working on Matilda.
The only reason that it didn’t make it to five stars from me is that I hoped for a bit more on Matilda, but she seemed to glaze over it a lot.
Overall though, it’s a really interesting read and definitely worth picking up.
Can I Tell You About Depression?: A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals
Christopher Dowrick, Susan Martin, Mike Medaglia and Paula Dowrick
Book
Part of the Reading Well scheme. 35 books selected by young people and health professionals to...
Holistic Health for Adolescents
Book
Stress. Fatigue. Depression. Sleeping problems. Issues with focus and concentration. Headaches....
Food Insecurity and Disease: Prevalence, Policy, and Politics
Book
This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Food insecurity and disease are inextricably...