travelseatsreads's reviews
639 reviews

I Feel Awful , Thanks is a beautiful graphic novel which follows our protagonist Joana as she navigates a whole new set of challenges after moving to London. New job, new friends and an overbearing boss are just some of the things which begin to set Joana unraveling.

The book deals with the emotions we experience when things are new and stressful and demonstrates how it's completely normal to have a little overwhelmed meltdown moment every now and again. Through the use of the concept of training your dragons aka emotions, the book also gives some great self-care and self-regulation tips.

The graphics are beautiful and the switching from an occasionally  muted palette to one which bursts with colour compliments the theme perfectly. Also, the addition of the magic yet realistic undertone adds a great sense of warmth and fun. 

A gorgeous, fun yet helpful read for both adults and teens alike, which will have a little something to take away for everyone.

Don Hennessey has spent decades working within the field of domestic violence, with it's victims and indeed it's perpetrators. His wealth of knowledge and experience has been condensed into this highly informative yet harrowing read.

Throughout the book Don details a mine of information about how DV starts, why victims are picked, the horrific implications (both psychological and physical) and how to engage with both victims and perpetrators alike.

Hennessey delves deep into the psyche of the male abuser, explores their many lacking moral underpinnings and shines a mirror on just how destructive, manipulative and damaging their behaviours are.

My only issue with the book was that the writing style itself felt clunky and repetitive. Unfortunately the layout of the book leads to a lot of repetition and discussion of the same concepts which may put some readers off.

A must read for all, especially front line workers. The problem of Domestic Violence is such a systemic one which is rampant throughout Ireland and this books makes a monumental attempt at beginning to tackle that.

This book was chosen for our Facebook group Book Of The Month with the idea of being something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, and it well and truly succeeded. 

The Fire Starters is a book that looks at The Troubles in Northern Ireland from a whole new viewpoint with ribbons of magical realism plaited throughout. 

There is so much going on in this book I fear there is no hope of me doing it any justice but there are a few elements which I absolutely adored. Firstly, the writing. It is just simply stunning. Normally I hate books that are overly descriptive or are flooded with imagery but The Fire Starters is full of beautiful and often brutal images and little nuggets that made me actually pause and put down the kindle for a minute. <blockquote>It is like a snapshot of the world’s end: masked children eating ice cream while the whole city glows hell red behind their backs.</blockquote> 

I also was fascinated at the contrast between the two roles of Sam and Jonathon as fathers. Immediately once I started reading their stories it had me thinking of just how much of an effect the parenting someone experiences may or may not have an effect on their lives. In one way Sam appears to ignore and sweep the issues under the carpet, leaving his son up to his own devices whereas Jonathon goes completely and drastically overboard in his way of trying to help his daughter. It completely made me question which style was more helpful and which was more detrimental, but also did either father's parenting style even have an impact?

The chapters which looked at The Unfortunate Children were amazing. I personally felt that each of the children's "gifts" hinted at way of them protecting themselves/escaping or a way of setting themselves free from the their situations and surroundings. Chapters such as The Boy With Wheels For Feet and The Girl Who Occasionally Was a Boat especially jumped out in this way to me. 

Finally, I loved how Carson looked at the mentality of those surrounding the events of The Tall Fires, especially how some were carrying out these tasks with a sense of duty to their history but without knowing or understanding why. 

There is so much to unpick from this book, it really is one to savour and think about rather than fly through. I honestly will probably reread this and come back with some more thoughts. 

Overall I just loved how Carson made me think laterally about the troubles, the sense of being trapped in your situation, the need to be free, the concept of protecting or hindering others and so much more.

Too chaotic and just didn't find the main character likeable or interesting. 

Alison is an absolutely stunning graphic novel which follows Alison's journey as she struggles to find her way in the world. It starts as she muddles along living the mundane married life she feels she should live until she then decides to take the leap and braves a new life in London. While it isn't all plain sailing over the next 150 pages we see Alison flourish and develop into a strong independent woman and spectacular artist.

I feel this the perfect graphic novel for those who are a bit fearful to dip their toes into the world of graphic novels and comics. It is a perfect combination of striking art work mixed with some lengthier sections of beautiful writing. It also is very much a book that deals with 'adult' themes for those who imagine graphic novels to be 'childish'.

The artwork and writing compliment each other beautifully. The perfect mix of striking imagery and gorgeous lines which will linger long after they're read.

A must read for all graphic novel lovers and those yet to take the leap.

Favourite line
'They left strange-shaped holes in my life, their outlines too specific to ever be filled by anyone else. So I suppose I work around them. The holes. The loss.'

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Anna O is an usual, twisty page-turner unlike anything you’ve read before, think The Silent Patient meets Sleeping Beauty. It follows the story of Anna O who stabbed her two friends, fell immediately into a deep sleep and hasn’t opened her eyes since. Is she guilty, was she sleepwalking, just what exactly is possible when you are sleeping?

The story is told through a mix of POVs and timelines which include snippets from Anna’s diary which build up a tense and sinister story that reveals itself layer by layer to a whiplash inducing conclusion.

The concept of this one had me absolutely hooked and certain experiments and thoughts within the book really got me thinking. I honestly would have loved a little bit more of those science bits rather than the friendship back story, which felt a bit drawn out and almost filler like, but maybe that’s just the psych nurse in me!

The book is being billed as an upcoming global phenomenon and I can see why, while it may not be the most spectacular literary thriller it is a fun read which people will not be able to put down and will want to discuss immediately once finished.

A must read for anyone looking for a gripping, mind-bending psychological suspense with a touch of whodunnit, this one is definitely for you.

Thanks to @harpercollinsire and @harpercollinsuk for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Lights is the final instalment in the trilogy of graphic novels by Brenna Thummler about Marjorie, Eliza and their ghost friend Wendell. I absolutely loved Sheets and Delicates so was eager to see how Brenna would wrap up their stories.

Sheets concentrates more on Wendell and his background compared to the previous two graphic novels and it was really heartwarming to see him discover his own story. Thummler also dives deeper into Marjorie and Eliza’s friendship and examines some tender subjects such as changing friendships, forgiveness and grief in her usual beautiful intuitive style.

Just like Sheets and Delicates, the artwork in Lights is simply gorgeous. The delicate pastel palette and simple yet emotive illustrations perfectly compliment some possible tear jerker moments.

If you enjoyed Sheets and Delicates you will absolutely adore Lights. I’d also really recommend the series for anyone considering trying graphic novels for the first time.

Thanks to Oni Press for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The Institution is set on a locked ward in a high security forensic hospital for those who have been declared criminally insane, so for obvious reasons I picked it up with trepidation. I usually spend a lot of the time reading similar stories trying to suspend disbelief while sighing ‘nope, that wouldn’t happen’ but with The Institution I was immediately hooked and needed to know what was around every corner.
Fields writing in this is absolutely razor sharp and within the first few lines there is a huge sense of tension and jeopardy. Many times throughout the audiobook I got genuine shivers and was left uneasy waiting for a resolution.  
She isn’t afraid to step into the darkest minds and has an uncanny ability to write amazing fully fleshed characters brimming with the quirks that are only ever found within similar walls, staff and patients alike! The Institution itself even stood out as another malevolent entity with its own idiosyncrasies.
I picked this up without knowing it was book 2 in a series and can say I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first one, in fact I only found out it was a series while writing this review. I will definitely be picking up The Shadow Man though as I’d like to see more of the dark world of Dr Connie.
A gripping, tense rollercoaster of a read that will play on so many of your fears! The thoughts of coming to work one day and never been left back out again….nope!

Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!

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