Review of Not Fishy Enough

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
User avatar
MAHAD BAIG MIRZA
In It Together VIP
Posts: 618
Joined: 30 Dec 2023, 09:12
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 44
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mahad-baig-mirza.html
Latest Review: Running Prophecy by Curtis A Routley

Re: Review of Not Fishy Enough

Post by MAHAD BAIG MIRZA »

Your review of "Not Fishy Enough" by Briton Kolber provides valuable insights into the book's themes of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Your summary of the parable's plot effectively captures the journey of the protagonist, Edwin, as he grapples with his identity and struggles to belong in his community. Your acknowledgment of Kolber's expertise as a marriage and family therapist adds credibility to the book's potential to resonate with both children and adults.
User avatar
Alissa Nesson
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 671
Joined: 11 Jul 2023, 09:41
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 56
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alissa-nesson.html
Latest Review: The Date Farm by Jack Winnick

Post by Alissa Nesson »

Hey, Gerry, great review! I read and reviewed this book recently too, and I also loved it. It’s wonderful story that accurately portrayed the difficulties of not fitting in. It’s one of those children’s tales that’s also an interesting and funny read for adults.
“Our lives become the stories that we weave.”
- Once On This Island
User avatar
Neha Panikar
In It Together VIP
Posts: 502
Joined: 29 Sep 2023, 03:40
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 89
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-neha-panikar.html
Latest Review: Quantum Terra by Kirk Marty

Post by Neha Panikar »

Love the review, Gerry! It's interesting how much self doubt, self-dislike and criticism actually plagues the hearts of people around us. If we could all know and clear them for each other, the world would be such a better place! Adding this book to my list now!!
User avatar
Adrian Bouknight
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 352
Joined: 25 May 2024, 21:51
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-adrian-bouknight.html
Latest Review: My name is arthur by Mj windsor

Post by Adrian Bouknight »

Gerry Steen wrote: 17 Mar 2024, 18:32 [Following is a volunteer review of "Not Fishy Enough" by Briton Kolber.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Would you say that you feel like you don't belong in your family or a social setting? Do you pretend to be someone else to avoid disappointing others? Would you like to be able to love yourself and accept who you are? If you answered yes to these questions, you should read the book Not Fishy Enough by Briton Kolber.

Kolber authored a parable that explored the themes of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The parable revolved around Edwin, a peculiar fish, who grew up in a community and a family of fish that didn't resemble him. Frequently, he was subjected to teasing due to his physical appearance. His family and friends tried to help by getting him to camouflage his bizarre-looking parts with shells and other materials found in the sea. As he grew, he felt strange growing pains. His family and friends became concerned because he started to change. He wondered why he was different and if he belonged somewhere else. His parents and friends encouraged him to maintain the status quo and focus on being a fish. How did he respond to these pressures? You'll need to read the story to find out.

Kolber, a marriage and family therapist, has assisted many people struggling with social integration. Although classified as a children's book, Kolber wrote this parable to benefit both children and adults.

Edwin's journey toward self-acceptance is relatable to many people, considering the struggles he faced. Kolber challenges how nonconformists are treated by many cultures, religions, and people. Kolber makes an effort to avoid offending any particular culture or religion. He notes that people tend to fear change and those who are different. He questions whether we harm our children by insisting on conformity to avoid ridicule, shame, or rejection.

After concluding the parable, Kolber devoted the remainder of the book to elucidating its significance in terms of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Several themes were discussed with questions to encourage reflection on one's circumstances. Themes discussed included social pressure, shame, feeling unworthy, accepting how one's brain works, adoption, feeling out of place, and beliefs.

I enjoyed reading this book. Kolber is a skilled narrator. His prose is easy to read, and his storytelling flows seamlessly. I did not find anything negative in this well-written book. Therefore, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

******
Not Fishy Enough
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I believe that loving oneself, and being about to accept onesself for who we are, is a very important aspect of life. This looks like an interesting read with a good life message. I really appreciate you sharing this review. Especially for people who struggle with depression, these kinds of messages are necessary for self reflection. Self-discovery as well is an interesting concept. I'm curious to read what the author says about this. But we all grow up in life and mature in various ways, and we learn about ourselves through time. The combination of a healthy perspective while growing in life, is tantamount to a happy and healthy worldview.

Thank you for sharing, Gerry. I appreciate your reviews as always.
I am an avid reader. I typically read 1-2 books per week. I enjoy a wide array of genres including Sci Fi, Action/Thriller, and Historical Fiction.

As a geologist and christian, I also particularly enjoy books on science and faith.
User avatar
Adrian Bouknight
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 352
Joined: 25 May 2024, 21:51
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-adrian-bouknight.html
Latest Review: My name is arthur by Mj windsor

Post by Adrian Bouknight »

Gerry, I was just curious, what age group would you recommend this book for?

Thank you again for this review!
I am an avid reader. I typically read 1-2 books per week. I enjoy a wide array of genres including Sci Fi, Action/Thriller, and Historical Fiction.

As a geologist and christian, I also particularly enjoy books on science and faith.
User avatar
Lene Lena
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 468
Joined: 18 Jun 2017, 04:57
Currently Reading: The Visible Subconscious
Bookshelf Size: 85
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lene-lena.html
Latest Review: The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve by Lee Cherry
2025 Reading Goal: 36
2025 Goal Completion: 25%

Post by Lene Lena »

The review highlights the profound themes of self-discovery and acceptance in “Not Fishy Enough” by Briton Kolber. Edwin’s journey resonates with anyone who has felt out of place, making it a compelling read for those seeking to embrace their true selves. This parable serves as an inspiring reminder that our differences are what make us unique, encouraging readers to love themselves as they are.
User avatar
Seetha E
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1822
Joined: 02 Mar 2023, 10:18
Currently Reading: Vibrant Veggies Delight
Bookshelf Size: 350
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-seetha-e.html
Latest Review: St Sebastian, Jack & The Silver Lining by Milly K Reynolds
2025 Reading Goal: 51
2025 Goal Completion: 64%

Post by Seetha E »

Gerry Steen wrote: 17 Mar 2024, 18:32
After concluding the parable, Kolber devoted the remainder of the book to elucidating its significance in terms of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Several themes were discussed with questions to encourage reflection on one's circumstances. Themes discussed included social pressure, shame, feeling unworthy, accepting how one's brain works, adoption, feeling out of place, and beliefs.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I look out for children's books. There is so much in it, the message is conveyed in simple words, and most of the times are relevant to us adults as well. Loved this read.
I appreciate how you have captured all the keys points the book has to offer in your review.
User avatar
Gerry Steen
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 2672
Joined: 08 May 2023, 20:08
Favorite Book: Life Shattered
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 456
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gerry-steen.html
Latest Review: The Seer's Curse by A.K. Nikole

Post by Gerry Steen »

Adrian Bouknight wrote: 24 Sep 2024, 14:22 Gerry, I was just curious, what age group would you recommend this book for?

Thank you again for this review!
Hi, Adrian. I would recommend this book to 10 years and up.
patricia MGBEMENA
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 213
Joined: 06 Nov 2024, 17:20
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 23
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-patricia-mgbemena.html
Latest Review: Guess What! by Claire C Crosby
2025 Reading Goal: 50
2025 Goal Completion: 18%

Post by patricia MGBEMENA »

Edwin must have faced a lot challenges because of his difference and it would not be a bad idea to find out how it all ended in the book's plot. I commend the plot of the book.
User avatar
Chi Chiu Michael Mak
Posts: 862
Joined: 15 Apr 2024, 11:32
Favorite Book: James The Accountant
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 76
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chi-chiu-michael-mak.html
Latest Review: Dreaming of North Beach (from Corporate America) by Deno Gell

Post by Chi Chiu Michael Mak »

A relatable book for kids and adults who only feel worthy when everyone in the group likes them.
I write the best reviews possible. :idea2:
Owen Anderson 1
In It Together VIP
Posts: 15
Joined: 10 Mar 2025, 19:27
Currently Reading: Wild World
Bookshelf Size: 17
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-owen-anderson-1.html
Latest Review: Misery Loves Company by Paul Marino

Post by Owen Anderson 1 »

This definitely sounds like a book I would read. I've felt like an outsider in many different settings, especially in the workplace. Interesting review
User avatar
Victor Nwabuisi
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 197
Joined: 25 Jan 2025, 18:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 34
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-victor-nwabuisi.html
Latest Review: Last Dance; and A Loving Mother by Stephen Manning

Post by Victor Nwabuisi »

The idea of a fish trying to change its appearance to belong really hit home for me. It’s amazing how children’s books like this can speak to adults too. I would definitely add this book to my tbr. thank you for the great review.
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”