Siblings Sheila and Angie live with their aging great-aunt and mother in a rural Appalachian community. Older sister Sheila endures relentless bullying at school, and is essentially in charge of the house while her mother works long shifts at a nearby asylum. Sheila is also haunted by a strange rope around her neck, which no … Continue reading Review: Smothermoss, by Alisa Alering (Tin House)
Review: Incidents Around the House, by Josh Malerman (Del Rey)
First off, Incidents Around the House is an incredible title. I think I’d probably read a book with that title regardless of who wrote it. But the fact that it’s the latest Josh Malerman novel just adds to the excitement. Our narrator is Bela, an eight-year-old girl who lives with her Mommy and Daddo. AND … Continue reading Review: Incidents Around the House, by Josh Malerman (Del Rey)
Review: The Eyes are the Best Part, by Monica Kim (Erewhon)
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: 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)
Review: Bad Dreams in the Night, by Adam Ellis (Andrews McMeel Publishing)
I love Adam Ellis’ work. Not only do his online comics always look incredibly sleek, his work is always original and absolutely terrifying. Bad Dreams in the Night (fantastic title) is filled with some brand new stories to give you the creeps. Here are my favorites: Me and Evangeline at the Farm - A great … Continue reading Review: Bad Dreams in the Night, by Adam Ellis (Andrews McMeel Publishing)
Review: What Kingdom, by Fine Gråbøl, translated by Martin Aitken (Archipelago)
What Kingdom is Dutch poet Fine Gråbøl’s debut novel, translated by Martin Aitken. Our unnamed, young narrator is navigating her life in a psychiatric care facility. Through direct, uncomplicated prose, we meet the fellow residents, follow the drudgery of organizing group meals and grocery shopping, and watch as caregivers come and go. For a book … Continue reading Review: What Kingdom, by Fine Gråbøl, translated by Martin Aitken (Archipelago)
Review: Thirst, by Marina Yuszczuk, translated by Heather Cleary (Dutton)
A translated gothic vampire novel?! Gimme it! I foolishly used to think I didn’t like vampire stories. But over the last few years, there have been some wonderful examples; Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste, The Hacienda by Isabela Canas, recent TV adaptations of Interview with the Vampire and Dracula, and THAT episode of UK anthology … Continue reading Review: Thirst, by Marina Yuszczuk, translated by Heather Cleary (Dutton)
My Personal Library
Regular readers may remember this post, where I shared my dreams of having a bookcase with a ladder. Well, I've got the bookcase part sorted, but I'm having to use a step stool to reach the high shelves. Would you like to see? Of course you would! These were custom-made and fitted for me by … Continue reading My Personal Library
The Chills at Will Podcast
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of talking to Pete Riehl for his Chills at Will podcast. I had a blast talking about reading, writing, self care, and tons of other stuff. Take a listen, let me know what you think! And a note, I mistakenly said Samanta Schweblin is Spanish, when she is, … Continue reading The Chills at Will Podcast
California Reading 