Picky by Julie T. Kinn

 With a title like Picky, I didn't know what to expect the book to be about.  Julie Kinn  surprised and enchanted me with her characters in her book Picky being published July 1, 2026 from Kennedy Creek Press.  

Zillah, a twenty-three year old woman lives with her mother in Chicago.  Zillah feels trapped in her life.  She desparately wants to get out on her own, but her mother must approve her decision and declare her ready before she is "allowed" to move.  Zillah is picky.  She is a young woman who only eats 10 basic foods. Much like a young child.  She follows her mother's edicts and lives in an anxiety filled state. As the story progresses, the reader learns that it may not be Zillah who is truly the culprit to the life she is living. Her mother is troubled as well.  With spunk and bravery, Zillah faces her challenges to come out stronger and more independent in the end. 

Not wanting to include any spoilers to the book, I left out MUCH in the synopsis.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Picky for many reasons. It is filled with humor.  Humor in how Zillah  struggles with mental illness and finds ways to live a fuller life. She is virtually betrayed and or abandoned by all the adults in her young life, which allows her world to be one of pleasing others by meeting their expectations in lieu of creating her own. 

Kinn's book gives a "real" picture of what living with generalized anxiety can look like.  Zillah lives it in a smaller dose, her mother lives it with all it's manifestations. I could relate to the story.  I have always lived with anxiety, from a small child onward. I could relate to the characters. Thankfully I connected more with Zillah than her mother.  It is a heavy burden to bear, and can rule your life if it is allowed to take hold.  Finding healthy coping mechanisms are important. It is very easy to create unhealthy habits to deal with the illness.  The story includes some therapy techniques that are presented through a friend also battling mental illness. I an thankful that those are woven into the text.  I have sought help and I could recognize the interventions and appreciate how helpful they are.  

After reading Picky, and looking up Kinn's biography, I found out that she is a licensed therapist with a P.H.D, specializing in multiple disorders such as OCD, GAD, panic disorder and many others.  Here is her website.  https://www.juliekinn.com/

I did not know what to expect when I requested an advanced reader's copy of the novel Picky, by Julie T. Kinn from NetGalley.com in return for an honest review.  I liked the cover and it sounded intriguing.  Having read the book, I am so thankful I did.  Through Kinn's engaging sense of humor I took a peek at my own anxiety as I read and learned about her character Zillow's.  I related to her overcoming some of her fears and learning to live with her other ones.  I grew up with a parent who also struggled with anxiety, and multiple other family members do as well.  I am hopeful that others might read the book and find help and encouragement through doing so.  

Look for Picky to be available July 1st, 2026, from Kennedy Creek Press!

#NetGalley. #Picky