Review of Not Fishy Enough

[Seetha E]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Not Fishy Enough" by Briton Kolber.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Not Fishy Enough is a book authored by Briton Kolber that is appealing right from the cover. It appears to be a children's book, but it is much more than that. This book is not only useful for the target audience between the ages of 8 and 18 but also for adults who carry unresolved baggage.

The story of Edwin, the protagonist, living with his family in a tidepool highlights valuable life lessons. Edwin, who is different in appearance and mannerisms, is pressured by his parents to look and behave in a certain way to fit into the socially acceptable mold. His best friend, Riley, also refuses to accept Edwin as he is and insists that he conforms to the norms. Despite Edwin's efforts, he still feels out of place and unhappy. Does Edwin's story have a happy ending? I urge you to pick up a copy to find out.

The book's introduction provides a brief guide on how to use it. Opening the book with Edwin's story is a great idea, making the self-help section more relatable to young adults. I appreciate how the author employed personal and client experiences to create a story around the characters, such as Edwin, Edwin's parents, Riley, and Campbell.

The second part contains a self-help section, which is followed by a set of discussion questions. Also, the author has made a conscious effort to avoid hurting any cultural or religious sentiments, which I think is admirable.

The discussion section of this book raises some thought-provoking questions. I have avoided pondering those thoughts in the past, but reading this book made me realize that it has restricted my life choices. It made me realize that we often suppress ourselves to fit in, ultimately making us unhappy. In the end, we are unable to be ourselves, and we are unable to fit in, leaving us disheartened.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is to accept ourselves with all our imperfections. Self-acceptance is essential to making us feel worthy of love and respect. Criticizing ourselves only leads to negative feelings. It is also important to remember that doing things differently doesn't make them wrong. Hence, we should avoid comparing ourselves to others, as it steals our joy. Never stop being curious, be willing to learn, and do not fear change.

Many of us, like the characters in the book, may have experienced situations where we accepted guidance. I will not hesitate to ask for guidance. After reading this book, however, I will reserve the right to make my own decisions and allow others the same freedom. Readers in the role of parents must understand and accept that age and experience do not always make them correct. These are significant insights that hold value for both young adults and parents. It's worth noting that these points are just a fraction of what the book offers. Therefore, I highly recommend that you read this exceptional book.

I have nothing negative to say about the book's content, and I can confirm that it has been professionally edited. Considering all the above reasons, I rate the book five out of five stars.

I recommend this book to readers over the age of eight. The book is a valuable addition to both school and home libraries. It is an excellent resource for young adults, parents, and counselors, as it provides perspective and helps to ease the pressures of fitting in.

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Not Fishy Enough
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[Jennifer Coxon]

Thank you for your insightful review. This book sounds like an invaluable resource when the discussion section is used. On it's own, the story appears to share many lessons and is, in itself, valuable. One I will be recommending to my parent friends.

[Seetha E]

I appreciate you taking the time to read and leave a comment.
It is indeed a valuable book for homes with kids in their formative years and a gentle nudge to the parents who tend to pressure kids.

[Sarah Zain]

The story of Edwin and his inability to fit in because he is different is an idea that needs to be discussed more with children.The idea of accepting others and not being biased towards any shape or color is something worthy of praise. Although I disagree with some of the questions in the help section, this does not detract from the book. Great analysis.

[Anu Anand]

I’ve read this one too, and I really liked how the story blends with the self-help section. Edwin’s journey felt so real and relatable. The book gently nudges you to reflect, and that’s what makes it so special. Loved your detailed take on it!

[Daisy Contreras 2]

"Not Fishy Enough" is a heartwarming and insightful story that encourages self-acceptance and challenges the pressure to fit in. It’s a great read not just for kids and teens, but also for adults who could use a gentle reminder to embrace who they truly are.