Ah, April - the start of the year's second quarter, the heart of spring. What a month you've been. You were better than March - and much better than February - I'll give you that, but you still weren't perfect, were you? From grey weather and chilly mornings to being swamped in university work and not feeling much joy in the things I once loved, it seemed you were here with nothing but bad. And yet, we began to turn a corner, did you and I, April.

Grandad

Wednesday 18th April marked three years since my grandad passed away.

Recommendations: Mental Health 2.0

Paperweight by Meg Haston

If you're looking for a take on eating disorders that isn't all romanticised beauty and light, this is the book for you. Paperweight is dark, gritty, and raw. The main character, Stevie, deals with the trauma, grief, and guilt following the death of her brother, as well as her personal demons. A must read for fans of dark and angry YA.

A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard

If sweeter stories are more your cup of tea, A Quiet Kind of Thunder is the one for you. Featuring representation for anxiety, selective mutism, and Deafness, this book tackles some serious issues whilst still retaining quite a light-hearted tone. There are still moments of teenage angst, but overall this book is as sweet as pie.

Thin by Grace Bowman

Or perhaps memoirs are more your idea of fun. Part fictionalisation, part true story, Thin follows Grace's journey battling herself and her weight. It tackles the myths surrounding anorexia and looks at both the descent into the depths of the illness and the beginnings of recovery. Not for the easily triggered, but a very informative read.

Blue Planet Aquarium