Alright lads?! Another year down the shitter, eh? Thankfully, we’ve got books to keep us from going completely mad. And hopefully you’ve read some incredible stories this year. In no particular order, here are my favorites from 2021, with links to my original reviews (if I wrote one). Chouette, by Claire Oshetsky (Virago/Ecco) Every so … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2021
Review – The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Yaaay, a new ghost story collection! Some cracking British writers have banded together to give you the winter willies. You won't find a haunted cell phone or Zoom seance here; these tales of very much "traditional" ghost stories. Here's a mini breakdown of what you can expect. A Study in Black and White (Bridget Collins) … Continue reading Review – The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Not Dead, Just Resting
And then I blinked, and it was November! I had a pretty bleak October. My mental health was awful. But luckily, I'm feeling much better now, and have my first therapy session in years this week. I am very excited to talk about myself for a while. My reading has been a little disjointed. I'm … Continue reading Not Dead, Just Resting
Review – Burntcoat, by Sarah Hall (Custom House)
To be honest, writing this review really intimidates me. I am absolutely in awe of Sarah Hall’s talent; I find her writing ethereal. Her short stories are beyond compare, evidenced by the fact she has been shortlisted for the annual BBC National Short Story Award four times, and is the only person to have won … Continue reading Review – Burntcoat, by Sarah Hall (Custom House)
Review – The BBC National Short Story Award 2021 (Edited by James Runcie, Comma Press)
It’s that time of year again! I’ve loved it for years, and I’m glad to report that the nominated stories for 2021 are incredibly strong. Click on each title to hear the stories for free on BBC Sounds. The first story will be broadcast on September 20th, with a new story for the following four … Continue reading Review – The BBC National Short Story Award 2021 (Edited by James Runcie, Comma Press)
Review – No Gods, No Monsters, by Cadwell Turnbull (Blackstone Publishing)
I initially became aware of the phenomenal writer Cadwell Turnbull after hearing his short story, Jump, on the LeVar Burton Reads podcast. No Gods, No Monsters is his second novel, and it is safe to say he is establishing himself as a SFF writer to watch. In this rich novel, we are drawn into a … Continue reading Review – No Gods, No Monsters, by Cadwell Turnbull (Blackstone Publishing)
Review – When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson, edited by Ellen Datlow (Titan Books)
I am so excited to be able to finally share my love of this incredible anthology! When Things Get Dark is easily one of the best, and most consistent anthologies I’ve read in years. Each writer has brought their A-Game in Shirley’s name. Comparisons to Jackson’s work are a dime-a-dozen, and often completely unwarranted. But … Continue reading Review – When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson, edited by Ellen Datlow (Titan Books)
Reading and Self-Care
Reading is a huge part of my self-care routine; probably the only part of my self-care routine that I regularly stick to. Despite my love of horror and weirdness, I find huge comfort in immersing myself in a novel, and I feel like I’m constantly searching for the next book that will completely transport me … Continue reading Reading and Self-Care
Review – The Mammoth Book of Folk Horror, edited by Stephen Jones (Skyhorse)
We’ve all gone a bit mad for folk horror in the last few years, haven’t we? I’m frankly still shocked that a movie as audacious as Midsommar was so successful! As someone who watched The Wicker Man at an incredibly impressionable age, I’m very excited that the mainstream has decided to follow me into the … Continue reading Review – The Mammoth Book of Folk Horror, edited by Stephen Jones (Skyhorse)
Review – The Art of Space Travel and Other Stories, by Nina Allan (Titan Books)
Few things delight me more than a strong, consistent short story collection. Anthologies, by their very nature, are varied, and the constant switches between authors can prevent the reader from gaining a sense of flow. But well-written, single-author collections are to be treasured. There is nothing like being taken by the hand, and following the … Continue reading Review – The Art of Space Travel and Other Stories, by Nina Allan (Titan Books)
California Reading 