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bookswithlauren's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Surprisingly, this was one of the very few Jacqueline Wilson books I had not read growing up.
The Illustrated Mum highlights the difficulty growing up in a family when a parent has a mental illness. The book was well written and the reader is able to understand things from both the child and the parents perspective.
I am a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan and, despite being in my mid-twenties, I will continue to read each book she publishes. I think it is admirable how she tackles real life experiences and often 'taboo' topics in her writing. From mental health to physical health to poverty and sexuality, she writes about it all and I think it is so important that young people have these representations in the books they read.
The Illustrated Mum highlights the difficulty growing up in a family when a parent has a mental illness. The book was well written and the reader is able to understand things from both the child and the parents perspective.
I am a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan and, despite being in my mid-twenties, I will continue to read each book she publishes. I think it is admirable how she tackles real life experiences and often 'taboo' topics in her writing. From mental health to physical health to poverty and sexuality, she writes about it all and I think it is so important that young people have these representations in the books they read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
talisha200's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
bookishalice's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Like a lot of other people, Jacqueline Wilson books were a big part of my childhood. But the Illustrated Mum was one I actually never read when I was younger. So, I was excited to see what happened and how it felt to read her books as an adult.
Turns out it felt incredibly emotional. Her books had always been profound to me, but the themes in this book were something I can’t imagine comprehending as a child. Wilson addresses mental health, single parenthood, poverty and sisterhood.
What resonated most with me was the relationship between sisters Star and Dolphin. I think it mirrored my own experience of having a sister - that they’re always there for you, but as they grow older, it can be very hard to adjust.
Although I did not read this as a child myself, I can imagine it being a read that would introduce children to how books are a portal for understanding other people. A way to develop empathy and compassion.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
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