Dancing with the Devil by the author explains why it is important to acknowledge and accept both positive and negative emotions in life. The author argues that while positive emotions like happiness, love, and gratitude are essential to our well-being, negative emotions such as anger, sadness, and envy can offer insight and perspective to our lives as well.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
The author suggests that ignoring these so-called negative emotions and focusing only on the positive can lead to a distorted outlook. By recognizing and appreciating all kinds of emotions, one can have a fuller and more meaningful life. This book is a must-read for adults of all ages.

WHAT I DISLIKE
Nothing.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
This is for every and any adult.

Many thanks to Oxford University Press for providing a review copy.

Augusto Mora's book "Illegal Cargo" gives an unflinching account of the risks, heartaches, and potential misfortunes endured by illegal migrants, particularly those taking the Mexican route to enter the United States. It details the dangers they face and the exploitation that occurs during their journey, and it sheds light on those who benefit from human trafficking and the trail of blood that is left behind.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
Illegal Cargo poignantly shows the emotional toll that the Mexican route experience takes on the migrants, and its frank portrayal of the ugliness of this issue offers readers a powerful understanding of the human costs of illegal migration.

DISLIKES
Nothing.

WHO IS IT FOR
This is for anyone and everyone.


Many thanks to Diamond Books for providing a review copy.

 

Sounds Like Misophonia is an in-depth exploration of Misophonia, a rare condition characterized by an abnormal sensitivity to certain noises. It seeks to illustrate the far-reaching impacts of the disorder, detailing how it affects the lives of those who suffer from it. The author also provides a helpful guide on how to cope with this condition and maintain a healthy lifestyle despite its presence.


WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book is a must-read for anyone struggling with Misophonia, as well as those who have family or friends affected by the condition. It offers a clear and concise breakdown of the symptoms and effects of this disorder, and offers strategies on how to live with it without sacrificing well-being.

DISLIKES
Nothing.

WHO IS IT FOR?
This is for anyone suffering from Misophonia. It can also prove helpful to those who have loved ones who are always irritable around certain sounds.


Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing a review copy.

 

In Search of Gil Scott-Heron is a journey to discover the life and works of the famous musician. It is a detailed exploration of the artist's genius and how it shaped the music and culture of Black America. The book reveals the intricate details of Gil's life, from his early days in the music industry to his final years. It also documents the author's failed attempts to make a documentary on the artist.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
It is a great insight into his immense influence on American culture, and how it still resonates today. It is a testament to his legacy and his place in the music world, which will continue to be felt for many years to come.

WHAT I DISLIKE
Nothing.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
This book is a must-read for music lovers and those interested in learning more about the importance of Gil Scott-Heron. Those with no knowledge of his influence can also learn of his importance to music and culture in the West.

Many thanks to Titan Books for providing a review copy.

 

Fortune & Glory by Brian Michael Bendis delves into the triumphs and pitfalls of writers trying their luck at crafting the next Hollywood hit. The author reflects on his own journey and highlights the idiosyncrasies of the movie industry, revealing its brutal realities.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
Fortune & Glory reads like a friend telling you their life story while offering honest advice. It sheds light on how Hollywood operates with regards to selling and buying written works of art.

The narration is engaging, treating you like a co-conspirator in the author's quest to get his work made into a movie.

DISLIKES
Nothing.

WHO IS IT FOR
Any writer or artist can benefit from the author's experience. The book is full of valuable tips on what to do and what not to do when dealing with Hollywood or any other movie industry.

Many thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing a review copy.

Non-fiction books are usually solemn and tempered, especially those themed around illness and death. Down to the Bone by Catherine Pioli is an exception to this. Yes, there are touching moments... but it also celebrates life in humorous and uplifting ways.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
The art of Down to the Bone is understatedly beautiful; enchanting even. The simplicity and the use of colour are something I have never seen before (as a concept). Most importantly, the style is fitting for the book and its theme.

I also love the humour on display. It feels odd to laugh when reading a book like this, but some of the situations and reactions of the author to her predicament touched me and brought out a myriad of emotions in me.

DISLIKES
None.

WHO IS IT FOR
Any adult who loves non-fiction ought to try reading Down to the Bone.

Many thanks to Graphic Mundi - PSU Press for providing a review copy.

It's Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth is an autobiography that explores the author's mental illness, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The book explores her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts as she grapples with her illustration career and attempt at finding love.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book is candid about suicidal feelings and the myriad of ways it shows itself. The author does not hold back in showing how her depression manifests and the awkwardness it engenders. The reader is exposed to the weirdness of thoughts that flows through the author's mind, how it affects her outlook on life, and the successful ways she tries to cope with them.

DISLIKES
The differences in art styles within the same page can be jarring

WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone struggling with mental illness may find a lot to relate to here. Those with loved ones who are dealing with such will gain a little bit of insight into their inner world.

Many thanks to Image Comics for providing a review copy.

How To Win The War On Truth is a graphic novel that explores historical examples of how the media, companies, and governments waged misinformation wars on everyday folks. The book also details how to find truths within media lies and educate ourselves to recognise our own susceptibility to misinformation.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
The author's use of real-life examples of misinformation and its effects is very educational and exposes how vulnerable even the most discerning of us can be. It shows how good people can turn into monsters based on false convictions fueled by misinformation.

Also, the artwork complements the writing, bringing clarity to a complicated subject.

WHAT I DISLIKE
Nothing.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
This is for adults and young adults keen to learn how to navigate the internet world. It is for those who want to learn how to discriminate when taking in data that is meant to influence us.

Many thanks to Quirk Books for providing a review copy.

Books that discuss politics can be boring to some, but such people might want to make an exception for this one.

Radical: My Year with a Socialist Senator is a first-hand witness account of a cartoonist's time with Julia Salazar, a 27-year-old democratic socialist running for state senate in New York. Most of what the book material is about are what the cartoonist witnessed during the first year of Salazar's term by embedding herself with the young senator's team for about a year.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
One of the best tools of journalism is witnessing a situation about which you are reporting first-hand. This way, you get to understand your subject with little or no filtering. Radical is a book with lots of eye-opening information on politics, money, and how these forces have an impact on everyone's lives... more than we know or care to admit.

DISLIKES
None.

WHO IS IT FOR
This is for any adult who wants to understand politics without getting bored.

Many thanks to Top Shelf Productions for providing a review copy.