One part pop culture analysis, one part memoir, The Monster and the Mirror is about moving through society with mental illness, and about loving fantasy and the complicated relationship mental illness has to fantasy. On the one hand, it can be a powerful escape. On the other hand, mental health representation is often less than ideal in fantasy. Aiello grew up in a family that struggled with mental illness and also to cope with mental illness, but also a family that loved fantasy. It's often brutal, but in the end, it's a hopeful experience that says there's hope for us all.
The author also has a very soothing voice, making this a nice listening experience.
I will say, warning for the saddest cat death in maybe all of history. And for medical mistreatment, sexual abuse, and suicidal struggles. It's a heavy one, folks, but it's worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Publishers and Author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was fantastic, make sure you’re in a good headspace & ready to read, but wonderful narration.

I was unsure what exactly to expect from this book but I will say it far exceeded any expectations I had. K.J. Aiello does an excellent job of writing this memoir which interweaves their personal experiences of mental illness with popular fantasy stories/media (such as beloved books, movies/shows, and video games) and the general public’s perception of mental illness. Many of the connections made were incredibly enlightening and sensible. I appreciated the author's vulnerability in sharing some of her darkest and most personal moments. As a personal fan of fantasy and monster-like stories, I thought it was integrated incredibly well making for a more interesting read. I’ve never read a book like this and it really made me re-evaluate how mental illness is often portrayed in popular culture and how damaging some of those incorrect perceptions can be to those who experience and live with mental illness. I truly feel I learned a lot and I highly recommend this book to everyone! I thoroughly enjoyed this read as an audiobook recording, narrated by the author, as it was engaging and interesting throughout. Thank you to NetGalley, K.J. Aiello, and ECW Press Audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Have you ever read a book that made you just think "Yes, that's me". That was me for this entire book. I want to start with this is an intense read so be in a good headspace when you read it because it does discuss a lot of traumatizing topics. It is a memoir of what life is like living with mental illness. This review will be a bit longer than my normal reviews because it hit not only me, every member of my family. Being someone who was late diagnosed neurospicy this was so powerful and really hit home. I also have a child with DID and a trans son. I think my favorite thing is that she is not afraid to call out powerful people. The connection of mental illness and villains in movies and literature was so well done. She also addresses the hurt and pain that JK Rowling caused by her comments. While I was an adult when I read Harry Potter for the first time, I did have kids who read it very young. I could rant and rave about the damage she has done with her words, but Aiello words it so much accurately and with far less swears than I ever could. She also calls out the damaging impact of making DID people evil. I wasn't expecting to cry but it was a combo of happy tears, sad tears, and just the emotion of being heard. Thank you so much for this advanced copy. I cannot wait to purchase it so I can listen to it again because this is the type of book that be just as powerful every time you reread it.

5 stars

Memoirs are so difficult to review – because how do you review someones life story? All that I can really go off of is how I felt while reading this so that’s what I’m going to do.

This book was absolutely stunning. It broke my heart and then patched it back up again multiple times, and I’m beyond grateful that I got to read an ARC of it and can now share how special it is.

I’ve never read someones mental illness experience that so closely mirrors my own and it was both heartbreaking and healing to get to read. My experiences definitely are the same as the authors completely, but the way that they wrote about certain feelings and struggles just resonated with me so much that I couldn’t help but be drawn in and feel connected.

The writing itself was also just beautiful, for a memoir it had amazing world building and the depth that the author put into everything to make sure that the reader could picture and feel what they were talking about was so impressive. It also hit me extra hard because I grew up, and still live, less than hour from where the author resides, which just makes everything feel that much more real and familiar.

This book was beautiful, I feel honored that I got to read this story and I truly hope to read more from them in the future.

This is an evocative and thoughtful memoir of KJ Aiello's mental health experience. They were an incredible narrator of their own story in the audiobook. I really enjoyed how they used fantasy stories to analyze the ways in which mental health is understood in our society and culture. The inclusion of their own perspective added a new interpretation of the well known stories of adventure and fantastical creatures. I appreciate the bravery of KJ Aiello sharing their personal struggles and traumas with the reader.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy stories, and who is interested in gaining a different perspective on mental health experiences.

Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for the ALC in return for my honest review.

This book is unputdownable! Part memoir (which is shocking, heartbreaking and brutally honest), part social criticism (which is again shocking and upsetting but somehow Aiello manages to remain fair and practical regardless of her personal experiences.
The study of fantasy fiction with regards to mental health is so well written and thought-provoking, that even though i didn't wholely agree with all the links Aiello found between storylines and mental health i found her thoughts really interesting.
A really tough but enjoyable, hopeful book.

The Monster and the Mirror by K J Aiello

The Monster and the Mirror is a memoir about the author’s battle with mental health, exploring depression, anxiety bipolar disorder as well as other topics. The book, and the author, deconstructs the monster in the mirror, the one we all have the hardest time facing, oneself. This gives you a window into different aspects of depression and bipolar, giving the reader a chance to understand the difficulties associated with these issues.

I enjoyed this book, especially the authors use of current events.

I enjoyed the Narrator, KJ Aiello. Her voice is soothing and keeps you listening. You can feel her feelings while she reads this story.

The Monster and the Mirror is a beautifully written memoir about the struggles with mental heath issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It also goes into familial and societal preconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health.

As someone who has panic disorder and OCD (and having loved ones with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, etc), so much of this book resonated with me. My heart broke for the author knowing that her family either wasn’t willing or able to find a way to understand the struggles and complexities of their individual mental health conditions. Although a person can never fully understand the effects of mental health conditions without personally experiencing them, they CAN do the research to learn as much as possible about conditions that affect people around them. Knowledge is key to understanding how to be supportive in a way that is best for your loved one, friend, coworker, etc. Of course, every individual is different, so when in doubt, ASK.

I loved that this book not only detailed the author’s experiences, but also analyzed some well-known pop culture references to explain how some may come across in a negative way while others felt more like a safe place to escape when things get bad. Obviously, these safe spaces and comfort books/shows/items will vary from person to person, but the idea is to provide the individual with something to bring them peace in the chaos.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The audiobook narration by the author was fantastic. The book itself was extremely well researched, which was apparent in the writing. 4.5 stars rounded up!

🧚🏻A gigantic thank you goes out to my friends at NetGalley, ECW Press Audio, and author K.J. Aiello for providing me with a free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Such a beautiful memoir with topics around mental health, braided together with how mental health is and has been reflected throughout folklore and fiction. Highly recommend!

It was very well narrated by the author!

I found the concept of this book so interesting, and the execution did not disappoint! K. J. Aiello has succeeded in writing a fantastic piece that integrates memoir, research and social commentary, whilst linking their personal experiences back to popular fictional works (across a variety of formats: literature/film/video games/etc).
I personally found this piece quite moving, and I think that hearing the audiobook as told by the author themself added an extra dose of reality.

have struggled with my mental health throughout my life, and this book gave me an inside into another person world on how they have dealt with their own going through the system (American) finding peace within it. The writer K.J Aiello reads the book in the audible version. I found you heard the pain and emotional in their voice. I found it so fancing and peaceful that people are going through the same thing as you'reself. I love how they have books and games helping you put into view mental health within them. All stories and games I myself found peace within. It is a bit confusing where you are with the stories in-between and where you are within their story that's why 4⭐️

ACR review - netgally audible version.

This is great book that defies easy categorisation. It's a memoir that delves into cultural critique and examines the stigma surrounding mental illness. Rating books that touch on such personal and sensitive topics can be challenging, but I found myself evaluating it based on the quality of the writing and how deeply it resonated with me.

One part that particularly stood out to me was the exploration of humanity and the unique ways in which we perceive the world. The author's examination of how our perspectives differ not only from those of other species but also from one another was truly thought-provoking.

The book is meticulously researched and well written, drawing me into the author's emotional journey. Although the subject matter is heavy, I found the storytelling to be incredibly compelling. While I hesitate to say I "enjoyed" it due to the weight of the content, I certainly found it to be a powerful and moving read that I would wholeheartedly recommend.

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by the author herself. This added an extra layer of intimacy to the already impactful narrative.

If I were to offer any critique, I did find certain sections to be a bit slow-paced, and some parts resonated with me more than others. Nevertheless, I believe this book offers a deeply emotive experience, and I found the audiobook to be particularly enjoyable.

I am grateful to the author, the publishers, and Netgalley for the advance listening copy of this audiobook. As always, my reviews are entirely my own

I received a gifted audiobook copy of THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR: MENTAL ILLNESS, MAGIC, AND THE STORIES WE TELL by K.J. Aiello from ECW Press Audio.

Publication Date: 9/24/2024
Rating: 5 / 5

THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR is a combination of memoir and essays on the representation of mental illness in the realm of entertainment. Using the author’s own personal interest in the realm of fantasy and her experience with mental illness, she critiques the representation of people labeled “other” in popular media and the way popular media recontextualizes issues like mental illness, addiction, and more.

Working in the mental health realm, I like to try to pick up memoirs and other non-fiction focused in on mental health. Finding a book which both encompassed this and fantasy, it was an easy request from netgalley! I am really glad that I picked this audiobook up and really enjoyed the author’s narration. I also appreciated that the author included trigger warnings in the beginning as this book does include some very heavy topics.

I thought that the book was very well constructed with a lot of terrific insights into the way the world perceives those with mental illness as well as those in general who are considered ‘other’ in society. From a very popular fantasy writer who has taken up the anti-trans cause, to depictions in Game of Thrones, a video game that puts the player in the mind of a person experiencing psychosis, and many other series and movies, the balance of entertainment and own-voices discussions of ‘otherness’ was really well done.

I am so glad that I picked this up and would highly recommend it! #NonfictionNovember is coming up and this would be a great one to add to your list!

**Listened to the audiobook**

This was such an interesting concept for a book - was super intrigued by it!
I really enjoyed listening.

I found the moments when Aiello looked in depth about mental health in popular culture and throughout history super interesting. I liked these sections more than just Aiello retelling her life story.

The narrator was great too.

Overall I enjoyed the book - but some sections were more interesting than others.

This was a hard read for me. It was harder to listen to. The narration is perfection. This is narrated by the author and she has a lovely voice. I was crying and wanting to protect little her right from the beginning. I liked it a lot but I was also so sad.

The Monster in the Mirror by K.J. Aiello is an unflinching and deeply personal exploration of mental illness, told from the author’s own lived experiences. This raw, evocative account reveals the often misunderstood realities of living with bipolar disorder, depression, and the haunting presence of one’s inner critic. Aiello doesn’t hold back, vividly describing the pain and anguish that mental illness can inflict on an individual. Her experiences with depressive episodes are laid bare, painting a gut-wrenching picture of the despair she endures.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is how Aiello contrasts the media’s portrayal of mental illness with the actual experience. The author provides a profound critique of how individuals with mental illness are treated by society and the medical system. Her bouquet of words creates a vivid image of the emotional and mental toll her conditions take, all while being weighed down by a relentless inner voice that criticizes her for her struggles.

As the narrator of her own story, Aiello brings an authenticity and depth that simply could not be matched by anyone else. Her voice captures the palpable weight of her experiences, making this audiobook an incredibly intimate and powerful listen.

The Monster in the Mirror is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder and mental illness. Mental health professionals will find a new level of insight into their patients’ struggles, while family members of those with mental illness will gain a clearer sense of the emotional landscape their loved ones navigate. For those with mental illness themselves, Aiello offers a voice to the often indescribable turmoil, making this book a vital tool for communicating their experiences.

Thank you to NetGalley, K.J. Aiello, and ECW Press Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this powerful audiobook.

Part memoir, part literary criticism, part science, this book has something for everyone. If non-fiction isn't your thing- rest assured Aiello has crafted a expose' that is driven by personal narrative, compelling storytelling, and empathetic analysis. I was bewitched from the very start. Aiello doesn't shy away from writing through their pain, nor do they hold back from a deft critique of the way mental illness is treated by media, literature, the medical establishment, and society at large. They aptly shed light on what it feels like to live with bipolar disorder, trauma, and the never ending pursuit of being okay. Their frustration seeps through the story and just when you feel like you can't hear anymore- they bring you back to the light. I am so impressed with this book. Highly recommend!

When I finished this book, I couldn’t help but think about The Backwards Hand and No One Cares About Crazy People. Both of these reads tackled society’s views on disability and mental illness, delivering with strong, unique voices. The Monster and The Mirror shares that same powerful passion for a topic that truly deserves more discussion. The author’s tone really stands out here, making you feel like you can’t help but give her your full attention and, at the same time, deeply relate to her experiences.

As a person with a disability, I found so many moments in this memoir where I felt truly seen and heard. It also made me reflect on the ways in which communities marginalize or engage with those living with mental illness. One of the standout elements for me was the author’s brilliant analysis of how pop culture portrays illness and disability—so often reduced to underdeveloped, misunderstood, or downright evil tropes.

I can’t recommend the audiobook enough for this read. I had the privilege of receiving both the digital ARC and the audiobook ARC, and hearing the author narrate her own story added such a deeper layer of connection. Her changes in tone and cadence elevated that vulnerability that’s already present in the writing. After all, who better to tell your story than you? Having the author’s voice deliver the raw and real moments only made everything resonate that much more.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from K.J. Aiello. Her narration felt balanced in ways that were comforting, conversational, and passionate. She has a perspective and voice that not only makes her stories her own but also challenges the way we look at characters—and even ourselves. I have to genuinely applaud her for capturing so many raw moments while keeping the read engaging in its own way.

Thank you to NetGalley, ECW Press, K.J. Aiello, and ECW Press Audio. I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy.

I am very much the target audience for a book like this.

I am always to interested to learn about the things media perpetuates through its tropes and characters. This one dives deep into mental illness and what we see on screen/ read in books and what the author experiences through childhood to adulthood before they got their diagnosis.

MANY of the nuances pointed out where not things I had ever thought about but were very logical and well thought out. I will absolutely not be able to look at things the same way and i hope that was the point of the book.

Thanks to netgalley and ECW Press for an alc