I think if you choose to read a book called The Eyes are the Best Part, which features a bloodied eyeball held between chopsticks on the cover, you probably have a good idea what you’re in for. Reader, this novel is thrillingly bonkers, gruesome, and incredibly gratifying. Ji-won is having a rough time. Her father … Continue reading Review: The Eyes are the Best Part, by Monica Kim (Erewhon)
Review: The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey)
The Tainted Cup is a highly entertaining combination of historical fantasy and murder mystery, with wonderful central characters. The book starts with a brutal, strange death of a high-ranking individual, seemingly speared by a tree in his own home. Enter the eccentric Ana Dolabra, a Sherlock-esque, reclusive investigator. Her newly employed assistant, Dinios Kol, is … Continue reading Review: The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey)
Review: Mouth, by Puloma Ghosh (Astra House)
I read sooooo many short stories. I’ve spent the last six years reading a short story (almost) every day, and I appreciate a truly original, gripping tale. Puloma Ghosh’s debut collection, Mouth, with its well-crafted, weird, female-centered stories, filled me with joy. I was won over by the opening story, Desiccation, about a strange, shut-off … Continue reading Review: Mouth, by Puloma Ghosh (Astra House)
What I’m Reading – June 10th, 2024
My brain's a bit of a mess at the moment. No specific reason, other than adjusting to a summer schedule, and post-vacation blues. Once again, I have allowed myself to get overwhelmed by ARCs (oh boo hoo!), and unhelpfully prioritizing books that aren't published until next year. Anyway, while I was on vacation, I read … Continue reading What I’m Reading – June 10th, 2024
Review: Service, by Sarah Gilmartin (Pushkin Press)
For those of you experiencing The Bear withdrawals (I know I am), may I suggest you taste Service, the fantastic new novel from Irish writer, Sarah Gilmartin? Service is told from three separate character perspectives. At the center of the book is Hannah, who worked in a popular, upscale Dublin restaurant while she was in … Continue reading Review: Service, by Sarah Gilmartin (Pushkin Press)
Review: Cinderwich, by Cherie Priest (Apex Book Company)
The small town of Cinderwich has a secret. Many years ago, a dead woman was found in a tree. Although there was no noose to suggest a hanging; it seemed like she was just placed there. And, if the recurring, mysterious graffiti is to be believed, the woman was called Ellen. This incident sparks the … Continue reading Review: Cinderwich, by Cherie Priest (Apex Book Company)
Review: Woodworm, by Layla Martinez, translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott (Two Lines Press)
I like to think I read quite widely, but in all honesty, most of my favorite books contain one, if not all, of the following:- A young woman coming of age- A haunted house- A general sense of unease- Witchcraft-fueled revenge on awful people (mostly men) Wormwood, the astonishing debut from Layla Martinez (translated to … Continue reading Review: Woodworm, by Layla Martinez, translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott (Two Lines Press)
Review: Oye, by Melissa Mogollon (Hogarth)
Who doesn’t love eavesdropping on interesting conversations? With Melissa Mongollon’s incredible novel, Oye, you can immerse yourself in some scandalous family history (and present), without fear of being caught. In Oye, Melissa Mongollon has created a vivid, fascinating, and emotional world through several one-sided phone conversations between Luciana and her older sister, Mari. Mari has … Continue reading Review: Oye, by Melissa Mogollon (Hogarth)
Review: Supplication, by Nour Abi-Nakhoul (Strange Light)
Brace yourself, readers! Supplication is an intense, nightmare journey, following our unnamed narrator from one bizarre situation to the next. We join her as she wakes up tied to a chair, but her escape is just the beginning of her troubles. This book is relentless. There is no relief in the myriad of disturbing things … Continue reading Review: Supplication, by Nour Abi-Nakhoul (Strange Light)
Review: Bird Suit, by Sydney Hegel (Invisible Publishing)
There is an understanding in Port Peter, that if someone abandons their baby to the bird women who live on the cliffs, that baby will be cared for. But there are exceptions, like Georgia. Now in her early twenties, Georgia’s life is complicated. She’s in a strange three-way relationship with priest Arlo and his wife, … Continue reading Review: Bird Suit, by Sydney Hegel (Invisible Publishing)
California Reading 