Tender, quirky, and quietly devastating - Picky pulls you into Zillah's world one uncomfortable step at a time, and before you know it, you're rooting for her with your whole chest.

What This Book Does Well
At its core, Picky is a healing story about intergenerational mental health and the complicated, often painful reality of family dynamics. What sets it apart is how fully it commits to that premise. There's no rush toward resolution, no illusion of a quick fix. Zillah's journey is gradual and often messy, and the book trusts that to be enough.
Zillah's narrative voice is the heart of the story. It's quirky, but in a way that feels completely earned - specific, consistent, and deeply immersive. Your fully inside her head as she starts to question everything she thought she knew about her family and herself. Her voice subtly grows alongside her without ever losing what make it hers. Zillah might not click with every reader, but when she does, she really does.
The mental health writing is handled with obvious care and authority. I didn't learn until I finished the book that Kinn is a Psychologist herself, but her clinical expertise shows. The book doesn't lean on jargon or over-explanation - it trusts readers to feel what Zillah is going through rather than spelling it out. For those unfamiliar with these spheres of mental health will also get a sprinkle of educational threads woven throughout the story, but as someone more familiar with these topics, I never felt like the educational aspects were overpowering the story. Kinn did a great job of keeping us grounded in Zillah's current experience, which makes her story hit even harder.
Emotionally, the book incorporates humor in a way that doesn't fully soften the heavier matters, but actually makes them land with more weight because those moments are more digestible with the lighter tones. When Zillah starts recognizing the ways she's been let down, it stings in the best way.

Where This Book Falls Short
I think most of the friction here will come down to personal taste. A few of the side characters lean a little idealized, especially against Zillah's more complicated family dynamic. This didn't bother me since the entire story is filtered through Zillah's perspective, and her tendency to put certain people on a pedestal reads as intentional character work rather than a writing gap.
The pacing may not work for everyone either - particularly those who aren't as familiar with mental health. The story has a clear arc, but it unfolds naturally rather than through plot momentum. If you're looking for quick breakthroughs or a faster resolution, this might feel slow. For readers who appreciate realism, it's actually feature.
While none of these issues derailed the story for me, there are a few recurring elements that are worth flagging because I know they can be deal breakers for some readers - public bathroom anxiety, vomit references, and a fair amount of modern references like TikTok and Instagram, and while this is not set "during" the pandemic, they do reference the COVID-19 pandemic.

Narration & Audiobook Experience
Author narration is always a gamble, but Kinn pulls it off. Her performance adds emotional authenticity that genuinely enhanced the story for me. Zillah's voice translates well to audio - distinctive without becoming grating - and Kinn handles the complexity of Zillah's mother with real nuance, giving her humanity rather than flattening her into a villain.
There were a couple of minor dips in audio quality, but nothing that meaningfully disrupted the experience. For audiobook listeners, this one is a solid choice.

Who I'd Recommend This To
Picky is for readers who love character-driven stories that sit with discomfort - mental health, family wounds, personal growth - with a healthy balance of humor and emotional honesty. If you gravitate towards literary fiction that lives inside its characters rather than racing through plot, this will likely hit.
That being said, Zillah's quirkiness and the humor may not land with every reader. If you are looking for a quick, light comedy, this may not be for the book for you.
If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or Convenience Store Woman, you might find a lot to love here.
There is one author in particular that I kept being reminded of throughout this book, but I want to be clear that the tone of Picky is much lighter and the prose style is very different. But the mother-daughter dynamic and OCD representation reminded me of Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mother Died and Zillah gave me a slightly older, less intense Waldo vibe from Half His Age also by McCurdy.

Final Thoughts & Opinions
I honestly did not expect to get this attached to Zillah. I literally barely put this book down, because I was rooting for her so hard. It was like watching my quirky little sister untangle herself from messy family dynamics. I found myself wanting to protect her and literally out loud "Oh, Zillah, no..."
What got me most is that this book never pretends that growth is clean. It leans into the mess - the secondhand embarrassment, the small moments that don't feel like progress until you look back. Zillah's story is thoughtful and grounded in a way that will genuinely stay with me. If Kinn ever returns to this world, I'll be first in line!

My thanks to Netgalley, Kennedy Creek Press, and Julie T. Kinn for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Star Breakdown:
Personal Enjoyment: 5
Overall Execution: 5
Craft & Writing Quality: 4.75
Characters: 4.25
Plot: 4.5
Final Score: 4.7

Thank you to NetGalley for a free advance copy audiobook (written and narrated by Julie T. Kinn) in exchange for an honest review ❤️

This was a fun and intriguing novel written by a clinical psychologist. Main character Zillah has many quirks, but she is finding out that she is not the only one! For as long as she can remember, she and her mom only keep 10 types of food in their house. That's all she's ever eaten in her 23 years. That's only because her mom is looking out for her...right? Oh, and it's totally easier to make a new friend after overhearing your socially anxious neighbor's online therapy session!

This story explores friendship, family, and a multitude of neurodivergences. I enjoyed getting to know the characters! I admire the author's lighthearted approach to learn about some serious mental health topics. There are even some coping mechanisms illustrated along the way.

I'll round up to 4 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This book is an excellent example of the right way to combine humor and the painful process of evolving as a young woman.

The tone here reminded me a little of Green Dot, starting out almost flippant and gradually moving toward something far more serious and at times achingly sad. It’s a good way to guide a character through change and self-improvement, but most authors can’t quite pull off the tonal shift without destroying the original voice.

Kinn, however, does so flawlessly, and the result is an oft-hilarious but sometimes sharply painful look at a young woman desperate to expand her tiny world but unable to navigate how to do so.

Zilla’s situation is an interesting take on food/eating issues and a bit of Munchausen Syndrome. For the reader it feels fairly obvious what the big reveal is going to be for Zilla in terms of why she is the way she is, but it’s also all too clear why Zilla herself can’t see what’s right in front of her.

She’s an intensely lovable character, and I rooted hard for her to become the person she desperately wants to be. In alll, this is a sweet, uplifting story with a lot of humor and a lot of charm that still manages to address some fairly serious issues.

This story really hit close to home. The writing makes you really connect with Zillah and her life and connections with people, especially her mother. Being a picky eater myself, I really felt seen in how Zillah views new foods and the struggle of trying new things outside of your safe foods. The story feels like it truly comes full circle in the end, and the narration was absolutely amazing in making you connect with Zillah and want to root for her. Absolutely amazing!

4

setting: illinois
rep: n/a

I really enjoyed this book! I think most readers will be much quicker on the uptake than Zilla is about what's really going on with her pickiness/her mum, who is SO INCREDIBLY IRRITATING as a character, but I liked Zilla's growth and friendships.

This book was truly eye-opening. Paula’s struggles with her mental health deeply shaped the way she raised her daughter Zillah. You can clearly see how that impact carried over into Zillah’s own life and personality. Watching those generational patterns unfold added so much depth to the story. I was completely hooked—I ended up finishing it in less than a day!

This book was a stressful listen for me, but in a good way. It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I was hooked, I couldn't stop listening.

Absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a day. The characters were well written and I especially loved the descriptions of how Zillah was feeling based on colors and shapes.
I loved the writing style as it felt informative while grabbing you with imagery. The whole plot felt (unfortunately) very believable, and I was cheering so hard for all of the characters.
I’ll definitely read anything put out by this author so thank you for giving me a chance!

4.25/5⭐️🎧🫑
This starts out seemingly slow, initially I really struggled to enjoy the characters and nearly DNFed. I’m glad I kept going. The Author uses the flippant perspectives of Zillah and Paula to create a sense of normalcy. The further into the novel, the pressure is turned up and there is a sense of urgency/looming anxiety that mirrors the increase in symptoms of the mental health crisis.

I loved this by the end. This audiobook explores complex and nuanced themes of mental health, intergenerational trauma, complicated family dynamics, friendship, and identity during codependency. I appreciated the exploration of motherhood and untreated mental health problems.

I do think it is worth noting that this book, by its nature, could be triggering if to readers that have a history of mental health issues, restrictive/disordered eating, OCD, or a history of these topics with a parent/guardian or as a parent/guardian. I personally have some history with some of these topics and found the material difficult at times. I do think the author approaches the content from a respectful and sensitive approach, but recognize that as a reader I bring my own history to the reading experience and other readers may struggle with these triggers.

Expected Publication Date: July 1, 2026

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press for a copy of this AudioARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Picky is a wonderful novel all about overcoming nature vs nurture. How fear of the unknown overtakes you, how overthinking can actually stop you from progressing in life. In the end I was left feeling incredible proud of Zilly for everything she chose to do for herself. Mental Health struggles can really change how someone is raised and how finding new people can broaden your experiences.
The narration was extremely well done and I found that overall this book was eye opening into a world that most of us don’t live in, and an interesting take on recovery.

4.25*

Picky is a wonderful novel all about overcoming nature vs nurture. How fear of the unknown overtakes you, how overthinking can actually stop you from progressing in life. In the end I was left feeling incredible proud of Zilly for everything she chose to do for herself. Mental Health struggles can really change how someone is raised and how finding new people can broaden your experiences.
The narration was extremely well done and I found that overall this book was eye opening into a world that most of us don’t live in, and an interesting take on recovery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press for the opportunity to listen to and review this book in advance of it's release, always an honour.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press for the free audiobook.

This is a quirky, humorous take on mental illness. Purely a character driven story, the reader is immersed into Zillah's world and its many issues.

Zillah struggles with mental illness (codependency, anxiety, OCD...) and finds ways to live a fuller life. Her mother likewise has similar issues which is a root cause of Zillah's issues. Zillah's world is focused on pleasing others by meeting their expectations in lieu of creating her own.

I found parts of the story a struggle to read due to the overwhelming mental health issues but overall the story and characters are relatable. I do recommend this book.

Is it OCD? Anxiety? Or just plain Zillah? This audiobook had me simultaneously rolling my eyes and snorting with laughter as I followed Zillah and her mother, Paula, through their whirlwind of quirky habits, enabling behaviors, and emotional stalling.

Zillah is a “failing-to-launch adult” with a side of pathetic charm, stuck in a loop of immaturity that she and Paula fully reinforce. Her longtime boyfriend Cliff… well, let’s just say he’s not winning any sympathy points from me. Enter Lise, a socially anxious friend who becomes the much-needed (and long-overdue) voice of reason, nudging Zillah to face her fears.

The story dives deep into the mother-daughter dynamic, exploring how Paula’s anxieties may have shaped Zillah’s pickiness and life choices. And yes, while Zillah’s eventual growth felt a touch rushed, I couldn’t stop myself from hitting “play” every chance I got. The narrator’s voice? Spot-on for Zillah—like someone handed my brain a megaphone and said, “This is her.”

Funny, relatable, and just messy enough to feel real, Picky made me laugh, cringe, and root for a character I fully expected to annoy me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press for the advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press for providing the ARC of this book for an honest review. And thank you Julie Kinn for writing such an unforgettable book!

Picky is a coming of age story for a young woman named Zillah who has spent her whole life living safe. From her relationships, her living situation, career choice and even food. Zillah only eats ten food items (apples, carrots, bread, chicken, cereal, granola bars, milk, peanut butter, potatoes and rice).

There are tough topics in this book on mental health and anxiety’s of several kinds. Zillah lives with her mom, Paula, who is also grappling with her own anxiety and mental health. As things start to unravel Zillah learns to navigate through it all with resilience, friendship and humor when needed!

The style of writing along with the perfect narration was chefs kiss! (The author Julie narrates her audio book!) This will be my new favorite book to yap about!

Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for this advanced listeners copy for my honest review.

This was a great listen, I often couldn’t pull myself away from the book. The characters were well thought out and compelling. The attention to detail in flaws and conflicts was truly remarkable. This was an amazing and he artful debut and I cannot wait to see what else this author comes out with.

For those other twenty somethings who feel stuck in life, who struggle with anxiety, family conflict, and knowing yourself — this was a cathartic experience that I would recommend.

This audiobook is a humorous look at picky eating and behavioural disorders. Zillah has ten safe foods and a mother who is also very picky about a lot of things. Zillah and foods being two, amongst many.

Thin walls mean Zillah accidentally listens into her neighbours therapy session. Which is wrong, she knows. But she can’t help it, and maybe in the long run it’s actually a good thing.

If you want a laugh, listen to the book. If you want some impetus to change your life, listen to the book. Real advice, rather than fictionally presented, is given at the end of the book.

It’s nice the author was encouraged and helped by her daughter, and also included some of her mother’s mannerisms for Zillah’s mum. These things are all fun for us, I’m hopeful her mum has listened and found lots to laugh at too.

Thank you to Kennedy Creek Press and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I received a complentary ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
We all have our fears. But for some people, those fears drive their choices. For Zilla, it takes overhearing her neighbor's therapy session to realize that maybe, just maybe, she's missing out on all life has to offer.
This was a surprisingly fun story that let me see into the mental struggles some people face. Plus, I've always enjoyed learning about things in the mental health sphere.
Moderate language, no spice.

I’m between 3 and 4 stars!

This book strikes a great balance between the messy, often painful process of growing into yourself and comedic relief. It begins with a somewhat satirical tone, but gradually deepens into something more emotional and sometimes genuinely sad, which makes the characters’ journeys feel all the more real.

I appreciated how thoughtfully the story handled growth and self-improvement. The main character evolves in meaningful ways, even if she doesn’t always make it easy to like her. There were definitely moments where her immaturity wore on me (the repeated reliance on gross-out humor got a bit old…like references to pooping, peeing, and vomiting), but that also felt intentional. She’s a work in progress, and the book doesn’t shy away from that.

Her struggles, particularly around OCD tendencies and food-related issues, were portrayed in a way that felt both unique and believable. As the reader, it’s easy to piece together the reasons behind her behavior, but it’s equally clear why she can’t see it herself, which added a layer of empathy to her story. I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with her—at times I was frustrated, other times fully in her corner—but by the end, I was rooting for her to become the woman she was striving for and growing into.

I will say, the audiobook narration didn’t totally work for me. I know it’s the author, but her delivery style and voice just weren’t my favorite, and at times it actually made me more annoyed with certain characters—especially the voice she used for the main character’s mom. I did still like the audiobook format for the story though.

Overall, this is a delightful, heartfelt story that delivers plenty of humor while still tackling heavier topics with care. If you like a quirky story with unconventional characters, this one’s for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC.

This is the mental health story "I want to die but I want to eat tteokbokki" tried (and failed) to be. Witty but sensitive to various mental health struggles, with both likable and REALLY unlikable characters that each have their own struggles. The premise is a funnier version of IWTDBIWTET as well, with the therapy theme being the common point, but here, there's some eavesdropping and DIY therapy involved, again adding a humorous note to this story which otherwise deals with some heavy topics such as intergenerational trauma, codependency, abuse, various mental health struggles, asshole boyfriends, etc.

I really like how Zillah definitely did fuck up, and took accountability for it, and she's ready to learn from her mistakes, and that's ultimately what really sets her apart from her mother. She is willing to grow, of her own volition. Still, she also clearly sets boundaries around said growth, such as telling her friends that she IS willing to try new stuff, but on her own terms, and while they may suggest/introduce a food, they are NOT allowed to tell her to try to eat it. That decision is entirely her own, and her friends respect this boundary. That was something I really appreciated in this novel, as, when dealing with mental health struggles, it can frequently feel like any tiny first step is immediately seen as an okay to push you further and further, and if you refuse, it is seen as a refusal of getting better altogether. This novel clearly showed that that is not the case, and that just because someone needs help or support does not mean that they are or should be giving up any and all agency.

This was a very fun, but also emotional novel, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in mental health depictions (and especially people that were as disappointed by IWTDBIWTET as me).

(Also, HELL yeah explorations of consent! Asking is sexy! Finally some good fucking romance.)

This book was excellent. The characters were perfectly flawed, unlikeable but lovable, and deepy intricate--my favorite kind of story to unravel. This book gave a real and unglorified glimpse of the ways mental illness can impact the family system through a mother-daughter duo in constant tension about whose neuroses are responsible for the way their household runs.

I appreciated that this book was a deep exploration of how mental illness impacts our main character's varied relationships without putting emphasis on diagnoses or becoming clinical. It felt less about representing any one condition and more about creating multidimensional characters that I think many readers will find equally relatable and infuriating.

Readers in search of a plot-heavy adventure book won't enjoy this one. The character development in this book is the plot, which, for nosy readers like me, is the perfect fly-on-the-wall glimpse into some interesting inner lives (which, if you've read the book, you'll find the irony in).

I believe this is the author's debut novel, but if she tries her hand at another, I would definitely pick it up.

Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a really good coming of age book highlighting mental health and how it can affect those around you and needs to be taken care off an get rid of the stigma!

An authentic depiction of a young adult trying to figure out who she should be.

Zillah has spent her whole life living safe. From her relationships, her living situation, career choice and even food. Zillah only eats ten food items and has a toxic, co-dependent relationship with her dramatic and overbearing mother.

Naturally, she decides to DIY her mental health after she secretly listens to her neighbor’s exposure therapy.

I adored how humane this was. Tender, funny, and touching with characters who make mistakes, struggle to push themselves out of their comforting self-destruction, and wonder what normal might feel like.

The tone comes across as younger than someone in their 20s, but this could be a sign of Zillah’s closeted and carefully controlled life, spearheaded by her own mother.

I related to Zillah in a myriad of ways, but I am so fortunate to have a mum that respects me and pushes me to personal growth and new heights.

This book handles OCD and anxiety and navigating a world where you always feel a step behind with heart and relatability.

It was overly optimistic and lacked proper consequences for actions, but I appreciated what the story was trying to do.

The author is a psychologist and this comes across in her approachable characters and meaningful growth. The author’s note about exposure therapy and diagnosis is a good close to the book.

Highly recommended high three stars.🌟

Audiobook gifted by the publisher.

Initially, this book is about an infantilized 23-year-old woman living with her mother. Zillah wants to be an adult and move into an apartment with her boyfriend, but her mother says she is not ready. She and her mother only eat 10 foods. But then, Zillah overhears her neighbor (who also lives with her brother and their mother) having a therapy session via Zoom. She can't help but listen. As a result, their lives change dramatically as they meet and become friends. I was initially bored with Zillah's timidity, but came to really like the character and root for her. Obviously, there is a mental illness theme, but it is handled very well by the author, who is a psychotherapist and also narrates the novel. In the end, I found it fun and uplifting. 4.4
My thanks to the author, @KennedyCreekPress, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #Picky for review purposes. Publication date: 1 July 2026.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Picky by Julie T. Kinn.

I chose this book because the synopsis was different and interesting, I really didn't know what to expect.

First, I want to be clear that this is an honest review. The narrator did a fine job, except that the way you voiced Paula made her less likable than she already was. And my only problem with that is, given the nature of the content, even Paula deserved understanding and grace. Instead she was voiced the way I probably would have imitated my annoying mom when I was fifteen.

This book really grew on me, it's not always easy to read about people who live overly restrictive lives. I found myself feeling moments of claustrophobia and agitation. There are plenty of uncomfortable moments in the book, especially since a friendship is born from an indiscretion. But as Zillah (as in Godzilla) begins to move into unknown territory and push herself, it starts to become clear where her restrictive life comes from, and how she plans to deal with it.

This will have you spinning with a lot of feelings and questions about morals, responsibility, abuse, and mental health. I would love to read this with another counseling student, it would be a great conversation!

SO GOOD. I knew right from the start that this book was something special. It's an incredibly thoughtful, nuanced, and realistic (even when it's kooky) look at what living with crippling OCD and anxiety is really like - for the anxious person and those around them. Also loved the narration! Can't recommend this book enough.

I appreciate that this book was narrated by the author. It felt like every moment, inflection, and pronunciation was exactly how the author intended. Felt similar to books like Everyone in this Room Will Someday be Dead and aside from the picky eating, a lot of the main characters relationship with her mother reminded me of my childhood with my mother and grandmother. Excellent open ending where you don't know if she ends up dating or moving in with her friend or finishing college. Also inspired me to go out and try my own yuck food.... cottage cheese.

Picky by Julie T. Kinn is a really warm, optimistic story that mixes humour with a thoughtful look at mental health.
At its heart, it’s a genuinely uplifting read. It touches on things like anxiety, OCD, and how mental health can affect families across generations. Without giving too much away, I liked that it doesn’t just focus on the struggles, but also shows the messy, very real ways the characters deal with and work through them.
That said, the tone did feel quite young at times, which made me wonder if it’s aimed more at a YA audience. It didn’t take away from the story (and actually worked in places, especially in showing the main character’s upbringing) but it did mean some parts weren’t explored as deeply as I would’ve liked. I definitely wanted more about the mum’s background, as that felt like it could’ve added a lot. And while the ending was really lovely and uplifting, I was left wishing we got a bit more of what happens next (honestly, I’d take a sequel!).
Overall, Picky is a light but meaningful read that handles mental health with care and positivity. I’d recommend it if you’re after something uplifting, a bit funny, and centred around family and connection.
From an audiobook perspective, the narration was strong and effective. It was easy to distinguish between characters, which added to the listening experience. However, I did notice some inconsistency in audio levels as certain words came across quite sharp and loud, while others were much quieter. This made listening in the car a bit challenging, as I had to frequently adjust the volume to compensate for road noise!

I listened to an advance copy of the audio book. The narration was excellent and captured the intensity of interactions between characters. Zillah’s inner monologue gave an insight into compulsion, avoidance, and how humour can interweave itself into the everyday.
The complexity of nature versus nurture, metal health, and OCD behaviour is explored with sensitivity yet with dark humour that reflects real life.
I found myself rooting for Zillah and for willing her moment of breaking free to arrive. My response to Paula was multifaceted and the author has done a wonderful job of creating a character you can feel frustration, horror, and sympathy for all at the same time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Growing up as a child of a clinical social worker who still as of now lives at home, this book was delightful and intriguing throughout the reading process. Witnessing the way that the story develops and explores the impact of unmanaged mental illness on those around you whether directly or in-directly. Witnessing the progress of Zillah, is a journey that I personally relate to in some degree, was really refreshing and validating example of how there is such a significant number of adults under the age of 30 still residing at home.

Picky follows the story of Zillah, a quirky 23-year-old woman, who lives with her equally quirky mother. Zillah was brought up in a unique environment, only eating foods that are listed in her Excel spreadsheet (contains only 10 foods); and doesn't have many friends. She maintains a relationship with her boyfriend, because she thinks that's what society expects to do at 23 years old and to prove to her mother that she can eventually move out. Because she lives in an apartment building with very thin walls, she is able to hear her neighbor's therapy session and applies some of the advice the therapy gives her neighbor to her own life.

Throughout the story, we continue to follow Zillah on her journey to become more independent, new friendships and relationships.

The author did an amazing job with the narration; her pacing and tone were perfect for depicting the characters in this story.

Thank you Kennedy Creek Press for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

!!!This could (dare i say should) be a Greta Gerwig Film!!!! This was a very intriguing read for me as someone who is so far down the other end of the scale of the OCD spectrum (the author leaves the disorder of the main characters up for interpretation, this is just my highly uneducated opinion). At first it wasn't easy for me to get into because I couldn't relate and the mother annoyed the crap outta me (major mother gothel vibes- no she was not kidnapped) but as the MC started to question her tendencies the more I was rooting for her and the more interested I was until I just had to know what was going to happen next. (Ya i know this probably makes me a horrible close minded person) There were also really nice touches of conversational humor that also made the read more enjoyable when i wasn't really 'getting it' in the beginning. I think the characters and the situations/conversations they got into were very realistic. I chose it for the cover which is actually so much cooler once you've read the book 😆 Over all I'm so glad i read this book! And I would recommend it to anyone- a lot of great discussion material here.

I want to give this book to everyone who struggles with their relationship with a parent or feels like they can’t get “unstuck” as like a case study lol. I do feel it was a little preachy, it was not shocking to me that when I googled the author that she’s a psychologist. I really loved the narration, this audiobook felt a lot like “Margo’s got money trouble” which is one of my favorite audiobooks ever

I received an ARC of this audiobook from NetGalley and enjoyed it SO MUCH! The story is a little bit quirky, a little bit sad, and made for such a good listen. The narration was really well done.

Without giving any specifics of the story away, it really made me think about how we're raised and what we're told shapes us as adults. There are things our parents tell us that we would just never question! A good story and a good topic to think on as I parent two little kids.

It was an interesting book... I picked it up thinking it's more of a "weird girl literature" type of book, but turns out it's a very informative AND funny book about mental health. It especially focuses on how untreated mental illnesses can affect multiple generations. I felt for the main character, Zillah, throughout the book. I laughed with her, I cried for her, I wanted to help her! In the end, I was insanely proud of her. The author nailed the realness of Zillah. There was even a romance subplot, which I absolutely enjoyed. It was so sweet!

The audiobook quality was okay, but it had some dips in quality at times. The narrator did a good job of switching voices between characters, Zillah's mom's voice was so annoying, lol!

My only problem was that the book felt too educational at times. Did I learn a lot about different coping mechanisms people can have? Yes, awesome. Did this information sometimes feel separate from the main plot of the book? Also yes. It felt like the author wanted everyone to walk away with the same message.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

🎧 Audiobook review

Zillah's world is small. She eats only ten foods, has never left the state she lives in, and can’t bring herself to use a public bathroom - seriously limiting her daily life.

One day, Zillah accidentally overhears her new next‑door neighbour Lise’s therapy session, and she’s instantly hooked. What begins as a guilty pleasure soon becomes something more.

Written in such a clever and inventive way, Picky offers real insight into mental illnesses such as OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts.

The subject matter is heavy, but Julie T. Kinn never lets the tone become too bleak or trivialise, balancing the themes with sensitivity, warmth, and a lot of humour.

About a third of the way through, I looked up the author to find out that she is (of course) a psychologist.

And Kinn’s audiobook narration adds an extra layer of joy. I’m so glad I listened to this on audio. In a way, listening in on Zillah, Paula, and Lise felt a bit like how Zillah must have felt listening in on Lise’s therapy sessions, but without the guilt.

Thank you to NetGalley, Julie T. Kinn, and Kennedy Creek Press for this advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

*4.5

This story follows Zillah who is trying to find her true self. She is navigating moving out while worrying about how this will impact her mother. It was quirky, funny and gave you a lot of food for thought. I really appreciated how my thoughts moved from who Zillah is as a person to why she is this person.

This book was sooo good. The author does a great job portraying Zillah's and the other characters problems with realistic and relatable interactions within the small world they have built for themselves. As a person who has significant food anxiety, I found this so relatable. the descriptions of "yuck" foods and how they make the characters feel were so spot on. I think the author does such a good job tackling a tough topic with grace and respect while keeping things realistically distressing. Sometimes books like this can feel like they exploit the characters but Kinn treats them as people who need help, not just as stereotypes.
My problem with this was how irritating all of the characters were. Paula and Cliff made me want to throw my headphones across the room at times. Zillah really does not want to help herself, and shows how mental illnesses are a vicious cycle. Truly some of the best nuanced character writing I've read in recent years.
I was rooting for Zillah and Lisa to face their fears and get better together. Their friendship was so cute and shows how much easier it is to deal with mental illness when you have a support system that believes in you. I also liked the subplot of romance, it really worked for the plot.
The ending felt a bit too easy for the severity of the situation but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley, Julie T. Kinn and the publisher for the advanced audiobook for review. :)

This one wasn't my typical read. I enjoyed that it acknowledged health issues and how life can be when you are navigating things and trying to still live a normal life. Over all I am happy I gave this a chance very.

A debut novel full of optimism and facing the hard truths of life. The characters are realistic and have flaws, but somehow I found myself rooting for everyone, even for Zillah’s mom. I related a lot to Zillah and how a parent's trauma affects your life.

The story felt repetitive, which ties into the mental illness portrayed. Food is mentioned a lot. A few characters felt incomplete, with limited background or explanation for their behavior.

Picky reminded me of Strange Sally Diamond and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, but it wasn’t as dark.

*** Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Kennedy Creek Press, and the author Julie T. Kinn for early access. All opinions are my own **

The narration by the author (which is usually my favorite way to listen to audiobook) really brought this to life. She infused each character with so much emotion, and the distinction between the two main characters was spot-on. While Paula’s voice was especially strong and distinct, it was sometimes a bit difficult to clearly distinguish between Bethany and Vivian. The portrayal of Paula, in particular, was incredibly well done—the inflection captured her instability in a way that felt authentic and impactful. It made the story easy to follow and vivid, almost like I was reading the words myself and watching everything unfold in my head.

As someone in the healthcare field, I found the depiction of mental illness and the way the story unfolded to be very accurate. The pacing flowed naturally and kept me engaged, always wanting to know what would happen next between the 2 main characters. Since this was an audiobook, I’m not sure if the printed version includes a content warning, but I would recommend one. Some of the events could be triggering for readers who struggle with eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety.

This was one of those audiobooks that quietly pulls you in without a lot of noise—and I actually think listening to it elevated the experience.

The narrator did a really solid job. The tone felt natural, not overdone, which matters for a story like this where so much of the impact comes from the internal shifts and subtle character moments. Nothing felt forced, and it kept me engaged the whole way through.

Story-wise, Picky leans into themes of change, control, and identity in a way that feels relatable without trying too hard. It’s not overly dramatic, but it makes you think—especially about how people hold onto habits or labels even when they’ve outgrown them.

It’s not a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat type of book, but that’s not what it’s trying to be. It’s more reflective, a little introspective, and honestly kind of refreshing because of that.

If you like character-driven stories with a bit of depth and something a little different, this one works—especially in audio format.

Rating: 3.75⭐️ (rounded to 4)

I ended up liking this book a lot more than I expected. It was sad knowing that people deal with these kinds of issues on a daily basis. I'm a picky eater, but this is a whole other level. I found myself thinking about the book throughout the day and anticipating when I could get back to it. That's a sign of a good storyline to me.

This audiobook takes a light yet sensitive approach to explore a variety of mental health issues, complex family dynamics, identity issues, relationship development and inter-generational trauma.
The mix of sadness, pathos and tragedy is countered by appropriate humour and endearing characters.
The book is most likely geared towards the young adult market and as such perhaps lacks a degree of depth many adult readers may prefer but it is still an enlightening read.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook.

It took me a little bit to get into this book, but I'm glad that I stuck with it!

I thought it was an interesting look into a different type of mental illness. Zillah, the main character, is in her 20's and only eats 10 different foods. We learn as we go on in the book that her mother, Paula, has her own set of idiosyncrasies.

There were many times in the book that I got pretty frustrated and annoyed at Zillah, and especially Paula. But I do think it's useful to get insight into why some people act the way they do.

I ended up enjoying it more than I thought, after randomly choosing it because l needed an audio book and I liked the cover 😂.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Zillah is a picky 23 year old student who is trying to prove to her mother Paula she's mature enough to move out and finally start living her adult life. When she overhears her neighbour Lise's therapy session, she realises that she's not so alone in feeling stuck in her early twenties. A bond forms between Zillah and Lise, and through the power of friendship – and the help of mental health professionals –, they see that they don't need to accept the things that have always been as final.

Julie T. Kinn writes her characters with plenty of heart and tenderness. Even though Zillah and Paula start out slightly unlikeable, she, Paula, and the host of other people we get to know are always believable. Through her words, Kinn creates complex characters and is never insensitive when describing their mental health issues. I felt like I was truly inside Zillah's brain the whole time, and seeing her character arc was a moving experience. The characters' growth gave me courage to face some obstacles in my own life.

I rarely ever finish a book hoping to read another one from that same universe. However, I really wish I could see what's next for Lise and Zillah, and I'd love to find out from the former's point of view!

Now, about the audiobook itself: the author's narration was great. She had different voices for the characters and, once again, it was pretty believable. It was never hard to follow who was speaking, which can sometimes be an issue with audiobooks. My only nitpick is that the sibilance was a little annoying at some points, I wish they would've used a de-esser.

Thanks to NetGalley, Julie T. Kinn and Kennedy Creek Press for this audiobook. It was so very enjoyable.

Interesting read….helpful perspective that can be useful in my clinical practice as a therapist. Would recommend for individuals and families struggling with these same issues.

The title was what first drew me to the book I'm glad it did. A story of Zillah, a 23 year old who lives with her mum, has no friends and a boyfriend who she's only with because he knows her. Zillah only eats 10 foods, she has worries and anxiety and she's always been like this. Follow as Zillah progresses and finds herself. I wanted to shout to her "wake up" and really wanted her to walk away and see what we the reader sees. Without giving away the story its a story of mental health, discovery, progress and growth. Also this hir hard as I have 2 (had 3, ones doing a Zillah and working at it) in my own home who eat like this and I've had to cook for arfid for 25 years and strangely all the foods mentioned in the book are the only foods they eat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press for the AudioARC!

The author does such a clever job using Zillah and Paula’s flippant, almost casual perspectives to build that everyday normalcy before gradually turning up the pressure. As the story progresses, you feel this growing sense of urgency and looming anxiety that perfectly mirrors the worsening mental health crisis. By the end, I was completely hooked and emotionally invested.

This audiobook handles complex, nuanced themes so well—mental health, intergenerational trauma, complicated family dynamics, friendship, identity, and codependency. I especially appreciated the honest exploration of motherhood and untreated mental health struggles. The narration brought everything to life beautifully.

I did not have high hopes going into this based on the reviews but I loved it! I thought it was laugh out loud funny. Is that because I also need therapy and have OCD tendencies? Maybe but who doesn’t! This book captured the essence of some really heavy topics, tough truths but so much growth and display of true friendships.

Great audiobook - I loved the narration and the unique inflections for each character. I thought this book was a unique way of exploring real life manifestations and implications of mental health struggles.

I loved this book even more than I could have ever expected. I really appreciated that the author was well researched in how mental health issues were portrayed in this book. The characters were well developed and the writing was the perfect balance of funny and thoughtful. I can’t wait to read more books from this author!!

I listened to this on audio and the narrator really delivered. The tone, pacing, and internal voice fit Zillah perfectly and carried the story.

Zillah is 23, living at home, and operating within a very controlled world shaped by anxiety. Her eating habits are extremely limited, closer to a toddler’s palate, which quickly signals how much of her life is built around safety and restriction. She lives with her mother, who adds another layer to that, unpredictable and difficult in her own way, making their dynamic uncomfortable but believable.

When Zillah starts secretly listening to her neighbors exposure therapy sessions, it pushes her out of those routines and into situations she is not prepared for. The progression is messy and there are no clean breakthroughs, just small setbacks and moments of clarity.

The story handles mental health and family dynamics in a grounded way without overexplaining or forcing resolution. There is humor, but it comes through in awkward, real situations rather than in a punchline.

This is a character driven novel, and those who appreciate a light and intimate look at anxiety, control, and complicated family relationships will find a lot here.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kennedy Creek Press, for an ARC of Picky by Julie T Kinn.

I was riveted by this book. While it might have taken me a little bit to get into the book, once I was in, I couldn’t walk away. Being a parent of children with picky eating habits, anxieties, and who are very regimented in their lives and would rather stay at home all the time and never leave, I understood Zillah and Lise end up being the perfect pair. Both help each other with their anxieties and support each other's growth.

I loved all the Chicago references and the street names. Everything they were talking about was right where I used to live, which I loved. Not sure if all of the street names and exact references would be too much for someone unfamiliar with the area.

There might be some triggering instances for readers, for example: difficult parent/child dynamic, severe anxiety, food anxiety, eating disorder, social anxiety, etc.

I was unsurprised that the issues were Paula’s and not Zillah’s, and I found Paula to be an unlikeable character. Overall, I found this book so interesting and I do recommend it.

Thank you to the publishers snd netgalley for this ARC.

I loved this! I'm a mental health OT and have a son who is an extreme picky eater so I went in being wary. I've read a lot of books with main characters with mental illness and they often over simplify or just don't get the nuance of the illness right, so I had low expectations especially because picky eating is do misunderstood, but I should not have worried because this was fantastic. Julie really captured the fear and discust around food aversions and she managed to make Zilla still likable and not a lover! She was funny and strong willed and talented.
Paula and Zilla's relationship was so well done too. I could feel the years of conditioning that had got them to where they were at the point the book is set. I was so sympathetic of Paula but was also rooting for Zilla!
The narration really added to this story for me, I didn't think I'll ever get Paula's voice out of my head! Every time she shouted Zilla I would actually laugh out loud.
Overall this book is fantastic, it's warm and kind and thoughtful and such good representation of mental illness, and it has a dog!

3.75 stars rounded up - This was a really enjoyable read. I found something endearing and likable about every character, which makes a difference in a character-driven novel.

The story centers on mental illness and intergenerational trauma, but it’s written in a way that feels relatable even if your life looks nothing like the characters’. There’s a real tenderness in how it shows the humanity behind the quirks - these aren’t flat, two-dimensional portrayals of mentally unwell people. The people around them are, for the most part, empathetic and helpful instead of just judgmental, which adds a lot of warmth.

As the story progresses, Zillah begins to want more autonomy and new experiences, and it was genuinely nice to watch her step outside her comfort zone - even if that’s something as small as touching a melon at the grocery store. The book could have easily gone in a more insular direction, with Zillah clinging to her mother and their rigid rules, so I’m glad it didn’t. Her curiosity, sparked in part by overhearing her neighbor, opens the door to something bigger.

It fits into the “weird girl” category, but with the sense that Zillah might grow beyond that label and become more than just the misunderstood girl who only eats ten foods.

Picky was one of my favourite books of 2026 thus far. Zillah is a wacky and loveable character to get to know. I loved the scenes between Paula and Zillah very much. I thought their dialogue and how they endowed each other with various traits was just delicious. Kinn did an excellent job with handling mental health in this story and didn't shy away from the difficulties of experiencing various things both personally and as someone close with the person experiencing it. I found the pacing suited the story well. It followed the pace of Zillah's expansion as a person. I thought that the narrator did an fabulous job with the text.

Drop what you're doing. Clear your schedule. You need to read Picky by Julie T. Kinn.

Zillah is twenty-three and stuck. She lives with her mother, studies a subject she doesn't exactly love, subsists on a self-imposed diet of only ten foods and is in a codependent relationship: an exit strategy from her current life.
Both Zillah and her mother are severely limited by what reads as undiagnosed anxiety disorder, their worlds shrinking around them anytime tension builds: "Our world gets a little bit smaller every time we make a new ritual or safety practice. Eventually, we'll just huddle in a closet with a toilet bucket and wait for the apocalypse." That line made me laugh and wince in equal measure.

Kinn, who is a therapist herself, has a profound gift for capturing the internal logic of anxiety. The way it presents itself as protection while quietly closing every door. The constraints Zillah puts herself through made me physically tense up. This is one of the most accurate, compassionate portrayals of anxiety I have ever read in fiction.

And yet this book is also so gloriously, irresistibly warm. There are no villains here. Not one. Zillah's mother is complicated and deeply sympathetic. Zillah's friendship with neighbor Lisa is the kind of fictional friendship you want for yourself. Zillah herself is an absolute joy to spend time with. Funny, optimistic, observant, and described in wonderfully vivid terms: "I'm antsy with tension and red polka dots." That colorful inner world, hinting at synesthesia, gives her a texture unlike any character I've encountered recently.

The therapy in this novel is handled with real expertise and care, unsurprising given the author's background. Zillah's growth feels completely earned. The mother-daughter relationship at the heart of this story is rendered with such love and complexity, and it's worth knowing that the author's own daughter was a partner in shaping it. ❤️

And the audiobook! I was genuinely surprised to discover the narrator is the author herself. Julie T. Kinn gives a stellar, nuanced performance that is perfectly pitched to Zillah's voice. Do yourself a favor and listen to this one.

If you loved the coming-of-age energy of Elizabeth Acevedo or Angie Thomas, Picky is your next obsession. It is tender, funny, real, and full of the kind of nervy optimism that stays with you long after the last page. This is one of my favorite reads of the year and I cannot recommend it enough.

I received an advance audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Kennedy Creek Press.

23-year-old Zillah has a goal of becoming a "real" adult. Her plans are clear, moving in together with her boyfriend and continue on her chosen career path. Her only problem seems to be her anxious, quirky mother who doesn't believe she is ready to move out. Oh, and she only eats ten different foods, and so does her mom to accommodate her extreme pickyness. One day, she eavesdrops on her neighbor's online therapy session, which sparks a chain of events that end up changing her life.

I am a huge fan of complicated family relationships and mental health topics in fiction, so I was invested in this story right away. You could immediately see some toxic elements to Zillah and Paula's mother-daughter relationship, and it kept getting more complicated throughout the story. The characters and their problems felt realistic and believable. The story introduces several different types of mental health problems and discussions about therapy and getting over your fears. Even though the topics can be heavy, the book keeps an optimistic and hopeful tone, with quirky characters and witty humor. The story addresses generational trauma and how someone's untreated mental health challenges can affect the people around them. There's also a lot of thoughts about choosing to live your life as you want to and making your own decisions, ignoring the external expectations that you might be carrying.

I absolutely love the narration of the audiobook! I didn't realise first that it was narrated by the author and was impressed how natural and fitting it was to the story and characters. It added an extra layer to the story, like you got to know all the characters a little bit better!

Overall, I really enjoyed Picky, and it was nice to read something a bit more uplifting (than what I usually read) without it feeling too rose-tinted! And as a picky eater and also as a vegan in a mostly non-vegan environment, I was able to relate to Zillah's struggle about social interactions involving food. I'd recommend for people who enjoy character driven literary fiction.

Zillah is in her twenties and only eats ten foods, and her mother enables her condition by living by the same rules. Things start to change when Zillah befriends her neighbor who has her own issues.

The writing was in the sweet spot of not being bad but also not being too pretty to distract from the plot.

The characters felt real, although I did feel like we didn't really get too far below the surface with any of them. Zillah and her mom were both pretty annoying (intentionally) and listening to this on audio was downright painful when the mom was talking, because her voice was described as grating and annoying, and the narrator really went above and beyond on that one.

Thematically I found this pretty interesting. Not only the eating restrictions, but also the familial ties binding people when a loved one has mental health issues.

Overall this was an interesting read, but I did read it over a week's time, and whenever I wasn't listening to it, I didn't really feel a pull towards picking it back up, which docks a star from the rating.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Julie T. Kinn, and publisher Kennedy Creek Press, for an advanced copy of the audiobook. This was a solid 4-star book for me. I love that the author was the narrator, which added a really personal feel to the story. Zillah is a 23-yo who feels stuck by life - by her mother, Paula, by eating the same "safe” foods, and by Cliff, her boyfriend who is also "safe". One day, Zillah overhears her new neighbor's therapy session and decides to start experimenting with facing her fears. This was an interesting, funny, and hopeful book that shows you can change your life with a courage and friendship.
I wish this author the best of luck!

This book started off fun and entertaining for me but quickly morphed into something almost life changing. I don't know, I feel so seen and validated by this book, but also so hurt and extremely angry by some of the things that happen in it. I feel like it helped me process things that I've experienced in a way I did not expect at all going into it.

I am super thankful to have stumbled upon this book, and super thankful that it exists. I'm going to need to buy a physical copy of this!

Picky was quirky, funny, uncomfortable, and honestly pretty maddening in a way that really worked for me.

Zillah is such an unusual protagonist, and I was invested in her from the start. Her voice felt specific and vulnerable, and I really appreciated how the story balanced humor with deeper emotional damage. Watching her try to push herself toward independence while also untangling the mess of her childhood made for a compelling read.

That said, wow, the adults in Zillah’s life made me furious. Paula irritated or enraged me in basically every scene, and Zillah’s dad was almost worse for being so completely uninvolved. He knew what was happening and still didn’t step in. Even Aunt Bethany frustrated me for not intervening more. The adults around Zillah all seemed aware of Paula’s food issues and the damage they were causing, and yet they let those hang-ups shape Zillah’s entire world. It felt deeply unfair, and at times it honestly read like abuse.

Oddly enough, that’s part of why this rated higher for me. The book was so effective at making me angry on Zillah’s behalf that I couldn’t shrug any of it off. Her pain felt real, and the family dysfunction was written in a way that hit hard. I wanted better for her the entire time.

Overall, Picky is tender, strange, funny in a “second-hand embarrassment” sort of way, and ultimately hopeful, with a protagonist I really rooted for. It definitely won’t be a light read for everyone, but it was an emotionally effective one for me.

Twenty-three year old Zillah is ready for more independence, but lives with her mother who follows very strict self-imposed rules. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into a complicated dynamic and a protagonist with a special view of the world. The moment that sticks out the most is when Paula falls down the stairs and is injured and Zillah believes her actions caused direct harm to her mother. Though the illness is never named, one might assume it is OCD. The not naming of the illness seems deliberate and was effective. Zillah is a deadpan protagonist who begins to realize she may have more control than her mother led her to believe — and that Paula may be the bigger problem. In the audiobook, Julie T. Kinn (author) narrates Zillah with a perfect deadpan voice and Paula with a neurotic voice. The audio flows well with no parts dragging. This book is perfect for anyone who is okay with a lighthearted look at mental illness and complicated family dynamics. I believe this book is good in print or audio, however the audio does help you interpret Zillah's nonchalance correctly. The quiet theme of this book is that families with generational mental illness can survive, but the path may be long and winding.

I enjoyed this audiobook with its slightly offbeat atmosphere. The book tackles some deep subjects, but does so effectively.

I also appreciated the narrator, who really brings something extra to the story.

I recommend it!

A truly moving story about mother-daughter relationships, mental health, and learning to better yourself. While the characters are flawed (and a little annoying at times) they are real and messy and want to grow. I appreciate a story about people trying their best to be better. Through dealing with "picky" eating and genuine mental health disorders, the characters learn to recognize what they need and where to find it for themselves. It's about learning to try new things, because you never know what great might come out of it.

I would highly recommend this story for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. The OCD representation here was fantastic, also recommend for anyone that wants to learn more about what OCD really is, outside of the media portrayal (looking at you, Monk).

Thank you to Netgalley and Kennedy Creek Express for the chance to listen to this early.

This audiobook has a slow and at times somewhat confusing beginning, which may make it difficult to engage with at first. The mother’s narration, characterized by an overly optimistic yet subtly passive-aggressive tone, can also be challenging to listen to
As the story unfolds, a clearer (and more troubling) pattern emerges: the mother projects her own insecurities onto her daughter, steadily narrowing rather than expanding the girl’s sense of possibility. Her rigid and peculiar eating habits serve as a telling example of this controlling dynamic, going well beyond mere pickiness. Over time, the daughter comes to recognize that her mother needs professional support. The story follows her gradual, tentative steps toward greater independence as she begins to navigate life on her own terms.
Overall, the audiobook offers a portrayal of a complex and ultimately unhealthy mother–daughter relationship. While it may be of interest for its psychological themes, it is not always an easy or comfortable listening experience.

I love a book narrated by the author, and Julie T Kinn’s professional perspective really adds something extra to Picky. This is such an interesting take on mental health, trauma, and neurodivergence. Given that all brains work differently, everyone is likely to find something to relate to and something to learn about here. A cast of likable characters who aren’t defined by their flaws make this a compelling story that celebrates uniqueness and the power of support.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the