
Hi! Thank you so much for stopping by. Iโm Amanda, a 40 something mum from Worcestershire, England. Why have I started this Blog, The Muddled Reader? Good question! For the past few years I have lost myself. I have been busy fighting the education system for my 15 year old autistic teen and now that things are finally a bit calmer I realised I needed to do something for myself. Reading and books are quite literally one of the main supports that have got me through the trauma of the situation.
When I was a child books were my best friends. My love started with Enid Blyton Binkle & Flip when my dad would read to me. I then moved on to The Famous Five where I would spend my days on adventures with the gang, I was the sixth member. Judy Blume got me through puberty I then met Christopher Pike and he introduced me to a much loved genre, horror. Remember Me was the first horror story I read and I still remember it today. This then led me to Stephen King who I read passionately through my teenage years. IT is still one of the best books I ever read. It got me through many a teenage struggle due to the fact that I see the story more about trauma and survival, standing up to your demons.
Adulting then got in the way and books became like Woody in Toy Story. Looking back, after my teenโs diagnosis, I now realise that I am also autistic. I havenโt been diagnosed but I donโt need to be. Itโs quite glaringly obvious really. During high levels of stress and doom scrolling I started seeing videos reviewing books and a lightbulb went off. I had forgotten about books for so many years, I was scared that I wouldnโt be able to read anymore. My concentration levels these days are akin to Dory in Nemo. I shouldnโt have worried, it turns out reading is like riding a bike! My only issue is trying to start a new book after finishing one. I procrastinate for an age at times, even though I know I will love reading a new book. Iโm getting better at this though.
Anyway, I have deviated from the subject at hand, why have I started this blog? Weโve established, something for myself. There are other reasons; I want to share in my new found realisation that books and reading are amazing for mental health! There is actually a therapy, Bibliotherapy, that is used to help wellbeing! This blew my mind! I thought I was onto something new here. I also want to explore books and mental health. I want to look at authors from the past that were suspected to have been dealing with mental health difficulties/disorders. I want to look at mental health and how it has changed throughout the years through books. I want to look at cults, Alice in Wonderland, Hans Christian Anderson, I am brimming full of ideas and I hope youโll enjoy reading what I learn on my journey. Alongside, I will also be reviewing all of the books I read in many genres so there will something for everyone.
I am The Muddled Reader because I am neurodivergent, I am in my 40โs (say no more) I am trying to make sure my neurodivergent teen has all they need to navigate this world, I have just recently got back into reading and I have so many books I want to read, itโs all very muddling!
