Life lessons on going under, getting over it, and getting through it: Getting Better by Michael Rosen

Happy (belated) World Book Day. Who better to celebrate than discuss my absolute favourite author…

Of course the witty, whimisical and wonderful Michael Rosen. Renown for capturing children’s hearts from poetry to books, such as nostalgic favourites like “We’re going on a bear hunt” to becoming an internet sensation “noice”. It was a dream come true to watch him perform many of his iconic poems and entrancing storytelling last December. Let alone to have a little chat, hug and book signing! He evoked a gentleness and sincerity in our conversation (about teaching!). It transported me back to my ten year old self when he visited my primary school. I vividly remember him performing “bendy bendy pencil”, with the same enthusiasm. Despite his infinite successes from children’s laureate, guardian writer, podcaster and writer, it’s hard to forget that he is only human. In fact, he was one of the first people in England to be hospitalised at the start of the pandemic in 2020 at the vulnerable age of 74. The NHS put him into an induced coma where he lay for forty night and forty days (yes, he made a biblical Joke about this!) whereby he finally woke up to the sounds of his children’s voices over the phone. Determined to reclaim his power of speech and mobility, he also went on a psychological and self-reflective journey which he vividly retells in, Get Better.

I was compleyely hooked for the entirety of his inspiring life story due to the abundance of anecdotes and tangents. From losing his eighteen year old son to Meningitis (get your jabs uni students!), to discovering late in life that he had an autoimmune thyroid condition and reflecting on his family history of jewish war survivors, it was a reminder that everyone bears their own, or generational traumas. As my first read of 2024, it was not what I was expecting. I thought it was a self-help guide, which it partially was due to his reflections encouraging the reader to do the same. My favourite part was end where he listed all that he was grateful for in life, since he was given a second chance to embrace it, and he left extra pages for the reader to begin own creative endeavours.

If you’re as obsessed with Michael Rosen, fancy a little life pick-me-up as we countdown to summer or want to rediscover the beauty of life in a humorous way, then this is the book for you. It’s a biased 5/5 for me!

Good vibes, good life: how self-love is the key to unlocking your greatness in life. Vex King

It’s February! Christmas feels like a distant memory and for that reason I haven’t had a chance to write up my chrimbo read. Having spent the day at my iconic aunt’s house over the festive period, her theme for presents was “pertinent” and “positivity”. Therefore her gift to me epitomises that (scroll down for the heartfelt inscription). Do you write in gift books?

Despite the cringy title, I really valued the message of how to find self-love. As a teacher, sister and friend I find myself putting others before myself because I thought that’s what life was about. However I’ve slowly learnt that you can’t always be there for others, if you don’t have the capacity to look after yourself. I enjoy showering others with love and care. I feel a strong sense of purpose and moral justice whenever I can help someone else. Though, my therapist asked me something while I was feeling low, “How would you help a friend in your situation?” Then everything clicked! It’s so much easier to help others, give advice, truly listen (new book post pending, Listen by Katheryn Mannix) and support others yet how could I do that to myself? Vex King explores exactly this, how can you be a true friend to yourself?

I must admit I have a bias against self-help books because I didn’t think they can help. I still don’t to an extent. Though now I believe if you want to make a difference in yourself, there’s no harm in starting with a book. King is conversational, with accessible language and highlights the significance of looking after your mind, body and soul.

It’s a personal book, drawing upon his own experiences to suggest ways to make simple, everyday changes. Having been homeless as a child, living in dilapidated hostels and managing an unstable relationship with his parents, King’s adverse experiences shaped him to inspire others. Strategies such as practising self-care, adopting healthy habits, embracing new opportunities and believing in your own self-worth. Essentially, the positivity you give our will come back to you (at some point!).

It’s an easy read and I’m glad I started the year with an inspiring, influential book. By completing it in less than a week, I already had a sense of achievement. Some aspects were gimmicky, with Instagram buzz words such as “toxic people” and “vibes”. Which I think tainted the morals and foundational message in which to be your authentic self. It was unexpected gift, one that I’d possibly not purchase for myself but would buy for others looking to make a positive change. 3.5/5

Listen: How to find the words for Tender Conversations. Kathryn Mannix

Well loved copy as have lent it to many!

I stumbled across this one after listening to the Word of Mouth podcast by one of my favourite authors Michael Rosen and his guest Kathryn Mannix. Have a listen if you’re into finding out random facts about words at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013hrc She was on the podcast to discuss her latest book, a guide to supporting others going through difficult or challenging times. Mannix captivatingly told the story of her early days as a trainee doctor, having to complete the sensitive task of telling someone their husband had died. She followed the academic steps, did all the right things yet it led to her being hit across the face! From this, she has developed a more humane approach to tender conversions which we all can seamlessly adopt.

I’d like to think I’m a good listener but even I’m no stranger to butting in with unhelpful comments like “at least it’s not x” or “don’t worry” when someone has entrusted me with a probelm. Mannix explains that it’s in our human nature to innocently attempt to make things better, to fill silences and try to help by relating their situation to a similar experience. Although these can work for some conversations and certain individuals, there are more simple and effective strategies. Truly listening! Simply acknowledging their feelings, naming how it makes you feel to be opened up to, retelling what they have said in your own words and the power of delicate touch.

What I love most is Mannix’s choice of genre. It’s a combination of a memoir, self-help book with aspects of fiction. There are characters going through relatable experiences ranging from illness, grief, sexuality, money concerns and disagreements in public situations, this is a mean to explore a plethora of strategies managing conversations in a variety of contexts. Many of these situations are inevitable, so why not be prepared for them?

It’s mostly conversational, the fictional aspects are written beautifully as she sets the scene and it’s not at all patronising. Some of the suggestions can appear unrealistic, such as “I’m open to a discussion but let’s eat first as I won’t be able to focus”. Imagine telling someone they have to wait to open up because you’re hungry!

I’ll admit it’s another one of my niche books, however judging by the reviews by an eclectic audience, she’s done very well. Based on the content of unfortunate situations, it is a difficult book to read when not in the mood. I often read it on the commute to and from work but i couldn’t always read it after a tricky teaching day. I’d recommend it as a holiday book surrounded in a happy environment to read in one go!