The Monster and the Mirror: Mental Illness, Magic, and the Stories We Tell

by K.J. Aiello

“The Monster and the Mirror asks us to identify the true villain among us: mental illness, or society’s unwillingness to accept it as reality for so many. A gutting, beautiful, and insightful book.” ― AGA Wilmot, author of Withered and The Death Scene Artist

Revelatory memoir and cultural criticism that connects popular fantasy and our perceptions of mental illness to offer an empathetic path to compassionate care.

Growing up, K.J. Aiello was fascinated by magical stories of dragons, wizards, and fantasy, where monsters were not what they seemed and anything was possible. These books and films were both a balm and an escape, a safe space where Aiello’s struggle with mental illness transformed from a burden into a strength that could win battles and vanquish villains.

A unique blend of memoir, research, and cultural criticism, The Monster and the Mirror charts Aiello’s life as they try to understand their own mental illness using The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and other stories as both guides to heroism and agency and cautionary tales of how mental illness is easily stereotyped as bad and violent. Aiello questions who is allowed to be “mad” versus “sane,” “good” versus “evil,” and “weak” versus “strong,” and who is allowed to tell their own stories. The Monster and the Mirror explores our perceptions of mental illness in a way that is challenging and tender, empathetic and knowledgeable, and offers a path to deeper understanding and compassionate care.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Disability, Mental Health, Psychology, Biography Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

K.J. Aiello is a mentally ill, award-winning writer based in Toronto, ON. Their work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, Chatelaine, The Walrus, and This Magazine. They are still waiting for their very own dragon. Sadly, this has not happened, so their cats will have to suffice.

Reviews

[Nathan Shuherk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. I get that I’m an MFA student that has very publicly disparaged the ridiculously pretentious tendencies of MFA writers, but sometimes the creative approaches to telling a story can be fun (and good, and worthwhile). Maybe this was just a book specifically written for me because I’m obsessed with thinking about both fractured realities and XMen, but this was a beautiful experience and a joy as a reader, writer, and a MAD person.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to blurb this book, which I believe will help a lot of people. I'm happy to plunk my blurb into here and encourage anybody who lives with mental health conditions or has people in their lives who do to get this book.

"Intricately researched, thoughtfully structured, generously and fearlessly told, this book is one I will cherish for a very long time."

There you go. Five big stars.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and tender exploration of mental health, with a unique blend of memoir, research and cultural critique.

K.J. Aiello explores their own life and the connection between well-known fantasy, fairytale and magical stories, as both a guide and a cautionary tale with regard to the depiction of the mentally ill.

I was fortunate enough to access the audiobook, which is beautifully narrated by the author.

This is a raw, empathetic and introspective exploration of mental illness.

Format: Audiobook, thanks to Libby
Audio time: 9hours, 57minutes

#TheMonsterAndTheMirror #KJAiello #NonFiction #ReadByTheAuthor

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about what`s it like to live with mental illness, how society behaves and labels affected individuals, and how mental health issues are portrayed in our culture. The cultural references are quite fascinating, from literature such as Narnia and Tolkien to movies (Frankenstein, Game of Thrones) and video games.
There are things I strongly disagree with the author, such as the new gender talk and unnecessary bashing of J.K. Rowling. However, nothing beats the insight of living with mental illness told from the affected person's perspective.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year! I'm so glad one of my NetGalley book club buddies put it on my radar. I loved the intersection of memoir, mental health, and monsters in fiction. As always, I hate that someone had to go through all the struggles that come with mental illness and the healthcare system.

I was horrified so many times throughout this but also really enjoyed the analysis of monsters and magic in fiction. I often escaped into fictional worlds of my own making throughout my life so a lot of what the author was talking about in those sections made a lot of sense to me. She also added so much to my TBR despite those books being totally spoiled for me now. I just found everything about them so interesting that I now want to read them myself.

This review feels completely inadequate but I highly recommend this book!

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Oscar Cecena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice blend of memoir and cultural critique that shows a unique perspective on the stigmatization of mental illness

This book is a journey into human nature from a perspective we are not used to seeing. It explores themes of self-discovery and inner demons, something we all (in our own way) can empathize with.

It's good that KJ doesn't shy away from the complexities of what makes us human. Instead, she embraces the grey areas between what society considers good and evil. This thoughtful exploration makes the book really engaging.

This book is a great read for anyone interested in psychology, memoir, and mental illness.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did. Great premise, combining personal experiences with mental illness with analysis of the tropes that show up in escapist fantasy.
The writing was effective in that I really felt for the author, but it also held a weird tone of 'Did you ever think of THAT' to things that were... pretty obvious or already addressed elsewhere?
Like "The mentally ill are much more likely to be victims of violent crime than to commit it"... yea? So is every other demographic? Because most people aren't violent criminals? That's not the number that's important in this conversation.
My expectations were high for this one, and it just didn't live up to them.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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!

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Victoria Wu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is four stars generous? Maybe. But I really appreciate the conversation K.J. is bringing to the table. I think it’s worthwhile and presented with great care and grace. K.J. pulls so generously from their own life which gives this work a really poignant vulnerability and they narrate the audiobook themselves which adds greatly to the reading experience.

I have one petty bone to pick which is that when referencing other works specifically by Shirley Jackson or Mary Shelley or even the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones KJ goes into such great detail that they spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read or watched. I mean, to the extent you can spoil one of the most popular tv shows ever produced that wrapped six years ago or a novel published in 1818 that is. 😭 I’m just saying I was finally going to get around to reading and watching The Haunting of Hill House this year and KJ ruined it for me 😂 a spoiler alert would have gone a long way. But again- I know that’s on me. Hill house was published in 1959 for fucks sake, it’s not KJs fault I’ve not gotten around to it yet. It does feel like I’m complaining about someone spoiling the end of Titanic and I’m fully aware that I’m the problem here. Thus, 4 stars.

Long story short I pick up very few nonfiction books and this one felt worth the read.

[Tamzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I 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.

[Alicia Helbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read at some points, content wise. It reads like a memoir.

Overall - this book sheds light on how we view mental health through media (books, tv, movies, video games) and how in turn that affects how we view/treat people with mental health issues in general. opened my eyes a bit to my own prejudiced opinions, and brings empathy to the forefront of my mind.

[Melanie Solar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book took me longer than usual to read because I was trying to savour every moment and take in all that was being said. It combines research and memoir with a unique look at the topic of mental illness in a variety of cultural references, from literature to video games. It was beautiful and visceral and a must read for anyone wanting to better understand mental illness.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession: My whole family went to the Lord of the Rings movie in theatres the week it came out. And I fell asleep. (Please don’t hate me). I share that because I want you to understand how hard it is for me to get my head in to sci fi and fantasy. But I’m considering watching the movie again, along with some X-Men movies (I’ve never seen any), and a few other SFF movies & TV shows because of this book by KJ Aiello. The brilliant cultural criticism pulls out underlying messages about childhood trauma, mental health, and suicide in TV shows, movies and books. Aiello personalizes the book by interweaving their own experiences of mental distress as well as information about mental illness and the mental health system. It made for a unique, compelling read. I look forward to more from the author.

[Esther08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be. With such a refreshing take on mental health struggles, combined with thorough research and personal anecdotes, this is a must read for everyone. I can only applaud K. J. Aiello for creating for such a phenomenal book. Thank you NetGalley for the copy!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 their 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.

[Amber A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️s rounded down for Goodreads
(4 ⭐️s for the audiobook and my preferred medium for this book)

I read an ebook in tandem with the audiobook.
Narrated by K.J. Aiello

This book wasn't for me. It was, however, written and narrated well.
The Monster in the Mirror is heavier on the memoir portion than I was expecting (=me problem). I think that's why it took me quite a while to get through the book, especially since I didn't know who Aiello was beforehand. Altogether, this was an interesting read and insight into a self-proclaimed mentally ill writer and their inspirations through media and struggles in reality.

Thanks to NetGalley, ECW Press, and ECW Press Audio for the eARC & audiobook.

[AnnaMaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 rounded down

This is a very insightful book, though I have to say that I would not suggest reading it if you're not doing great mentally.

I was happy when I started it and while it ends in a good place just the exhaustion you get from spending in Aiello's mind is not fun (which really makes a statement on how good their writing is and how mental illness is not fun)

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster and the Mirror by K.J. Aiello is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that blends personal narrative with cultural criticism, using fantasy as a lens through which to examine and deconstruct perceptions of mental illness. Aiello’s journey is not just an exploration of their own struggles but also a broader commentary on how society frames mental health, particularly through the metaphors and tropes present in popular fantasy literature and media.

Aiello’s love of fantasy, from The Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones, serves as both a comfort and a guide throughout their life. They beautifully draw parallels between their internal battles with mental illness and the epic struggles of the heroes and monsters in these fantastical worlds. The monsters that populate these stories are often misunderstood, much like those living with mental illness in the real world, and Aiello asks critical questions about who gets to define sanity, heroism, and villainy. This exploration is especially poignant as it challenges the harmful stereotypes that often reduce people with mental illness to one-dimensional figures of violence or instability.

What makes The Monster and the Mirror truly stand out is the way Aiello deftly weaves together memoir and cultural critique. They use their own life experiences—raw, honest, and at times heartbreaking—to illustrate larger societal issues. Through engaging analysis of well-known stories, Aiello critiques the simplistic binaries of “good” versus “evil” and “madness” versus “sanity” that so often dominate both literature and real-life perceptions of mental health. These stories of dragons and wizards, Aiello argues, can be a source of empowerment but also a mirror that reflects harmful biases in the way mental illness is viewed.

The book’s strength lies in its blend of vulnerability and scholarship. Aiello’s personal narrative is filled with moments of insight and resilience, showing how their fascination with fantasy became a tool for survival and self-understanding. At the same time, their deep dive into the cultural portrayals of mental illness offers readers a more empathetic and nuanced understanding of how media influences societal views on this subject. Aiello’s writing is tender and compassionate, inviting readers into both their personal journey and a broader conversation about mental health care.

The Monster and the Mirror is not just for fans of fantasy or those interested in mental health—it’s for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or has struggled with the weight of societal expectations. Aiello’s work invites readers to rethink the way we categorize and treat those who live with mental illness, pushing for more compassionate and empathetic care. This is a book that will resonate long after the last page is turned, offering a pathway to understanding both ourselves and others more deeply.

[Paul Sutter]

THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR, is a most revealing and important memoir from noted author K. J. Aiello. Works from Aiello have appeared previously in such publications as Chatelaine, The Walrus, Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, and others. The author talks to us about the mental illness that consumed their life for many years. It became overwhelming at times, and was certainly intimidating for a young girl to deal with.
It began in the playground, when Aiello who had been intimidated by the schoolyard bully for some time, took matters into their own hands so to speak. They attacked the source of her misery, ripping down his shirt and running her fingernails up and down his chest, leaving a bloody mess in the wake. Years later the boy asked why Aiello had done that, the man bearing the scars of the reprisal. Aiello thought for many years that something insider her had finally been unleashed, something that was evil and corrupt. Some people somehow shrink into themselves to cope with life’s threats and the chaos building around them. Aiello found the constant source of comfort was in the myriad of fantasy fiction and games that were most popular. There was Dungeons and Dragons, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and many other methods of escape that became a refuge and salvation.
When life was most overwhelming, and it appeared that something dark and horrific was lurking within her, the most comfort and hope came from interacting with others through the games. The struggles continued and in the book Aiello tells that those who suffer from mental illness whether it is dissociative disorder, being bi-polar, schizophrenic, or a host of other perceived issues, does not label a person as unable to function in society. Tolerance and understanding is the key to making the person realize they are a member of society, not an outcast who is beyond help or hope.
The insights from the author are most profound and welcoming, as those who may be experiencing the same sort of mental health issues, will find strength in numbers, especially the fact society must not stigmatize nor label. THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR is certainly a most important book, that will open levels of communication and bring acceptance to new levels.

[Alison Gadsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is much to admire about K.J. Aiello’s book, THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR. An exploration of mental illness, society’s perceptions with all its biases and tropes (so exploited and abused in film and television—why must mentally ill people always be the villain??), and a deeply personal journey through the liminality of mental illness when one lives between what is actual, and what is fantastically AND concretely real in the dark corners of our minds.
This book also offers compelling critical analyses of THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY, Marvel superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons, video games, and THE LIGHT BETWEEN WORLDS exploring mental illness as metaphor. From a writerly perspective, this was super interesting. I also love a book with a reference page, especially when it offers more incredible work to read.
Aiello frames the non-fiction analyses with deeply personal stories from her life, which is where I felt less alone—and anyone else who grew up lonely, poor and scared of oneself might take solace. I’m not the only one who found the necessary safety, silence and magic inside books. I’m not the only one who was fed a head cheese sandwich (although it doesn’t sound like Aiello was forced to eat it like we were as kids).
But more than a book where the reader might share in the comfort of Aiello’s personal space, it should be seen as a tool for parents, educators, friends and healthcare workers to listen more keenly to the stories being told by those living with mental illness. There isn’t a prescriptive, objective reality—for any of us. Perception is as fluid as the wind, and experience changes with every breath we take, and with every word we read, and write. What I loved about this book more than anything, is it left me asking questions (and wanting to watch the TV adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel). The only way to find the answers is to keep reading about how others experience the world.

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 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.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this audiobook through Hoopla and my library. I don't know what I may have been expecting, but this far surpassed it. This is an extremely detailed memoir of a woman's life dealing with mental illness. Having family members who dismiss it, or explain it in other ways (or frankly ignore & exacerbate it), not being diagnosed until much later, the ways you blame yourself for things without knowing what you're even dealing with, etc.
The author weaves quite a detailed account of her life, while also discussing the use of mental illness in games, books, movies and more, and shows not only how prevalent mental illness is in the world today, but also how many people we know may be dealing with their own versions of mental illness right under our noses.
I feel that she did a great job of removing the stigma that society likes to place on everyone that deals with these issues, and instead, highlighted her own humanity, vulnerability, and strength. Not only did she share her successes, but also the ways that so many people failed her previously. I am so glad this had a happier ending, and that she continued to persevere in the lack of compassion and care that was given to her along the way.
This book was definitely thought-provoking and humbling. I feel that anyone with a loved one with mental illness, and anyone looking to have a career in any setting for mentally ill patients, needs to read this/make it part of their curriculum.
Thank you for sharing your life with us in this way.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author uses her experience of mental illness, as well as representations of mental illness in books, video games, and movies, especially the fantasy genre, to explore the negative ways that mental illness is viewed and portrayed (villains/monsters who are mentally ill and/or whose "evilness" is attributed to mental illness; mentally ill characters as "weaker" or "lesser"; mental illness as a flaw or character defect; mental illness as a punishment, etc.), and how those portrayals harm people with mental illness, including societal perceptions of mental illness/people with mental illness and treatment options. She also discusses ways to give the mentally ill individual "agency" and how books, video games, and movies could instead be used as a way to help people better cope with mental illness and better understand mental illness.

One of the strengths of this book is that the author embraces her mental illness; her author bio identifies her as a "mentally ill award-winning essayist and writer." She would rather not have mental illness and not have had to deal with all the trauma and struggles that have occurred in her life, but mental illness is an integral part of herself and how she presents to the world. After years of fear, shame, and distress, she realized that mental illness was not something to be ashamed of, nor what defined her, but was part of her reality, and therefore, she would be herself and live the best life she could.

[Jesaka Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR by K.J. Aiello before I finished reading the introduction in the e-galley. (This is why I didn't realize my review was overdue.) One of the biggest questions I encourage my students to ask is "what if?" to help develop new and in-progress stories. However, I never considered how "what if" could hit on a personal level. Many of my students have disclosed they are neurodivergent and/or struggle with mental health, both of which have been (at best) misrepresented in media of all forms and (at worst) portrayed as villains/monsters. Thanks to Aiello's work and this book, I have an additional perspective on what some of my students may need to feel invited to play and new ideas for inviting all students to reconsider or reconfigure what they think they know. THE MONSTER AND THE MIRROR is a fantastic new addition to my craft book collection and one that has already made an impact on my teaching.

[Charlsey Dyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Coming from a family with a long history of mental illness, I approached this book with high hopes. I was eager to discover a fresh perspective on mental health, particularly one framed through the lens of pop culture and contemporary insights. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. The book veered away from what I felt was advertised and instead seemed to center heavily on the author’s personal life.

Another significant drawback for me was the author’s tendency to criticize the works of others, often due to disagreements with their beliefs or ideologies. Rather than offering constructive or balanced critiques, these sections felt more like dismissive bashing, which detracted from the book’s overall value.

While there were a few moments of potential or insight, they were overshadowed by the negatives. Ultimately, I found myself unable to connect with the book in the way I had hoped, and the cons outweighed the pros to such a degree that I decided not to finish it.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have a phrase that can adequately capture how much this book resonated with me and made me feel for the protagonist, so I will say that this is one of the most intense books I've read and that if you are also someone with mental health issues who is in a creative field, whether as a writer, artist, musician, or if you do multiple of those things, this book will resonate with you. It's not an easy read and TW, it does contain parental depictions of some very serious abuses. For those who have also gone through similar experiences, I will say that I found it validating that "Someone else knows what this is like and is speaking its name" and although others may feel that it's too overwhelming or triggering, I think for readers who want to explore those themes and to know they're not alone in these experiences, the book could be cathartic for them.