Centered around a horrific crime, this book is surprisingly gentle on the main characters. Every step of the way, the audience can see the paths not tCentered around a horrific crime, this book is surprisingly gentle on the main characters. Every step of the way, the audience can see the paths not taken, how much better life could have been for all parties, and yet, life goes on. Lovely, quiet, and almost strangely reconciliatory, this novel seriously considers the affects of trauma, known and unknown, on life after tragedy. ...more
I really appreciated the author's post-script on this book, which gave a lot of context to what I had been very much viewing through a metaphorical leI really appreciated the author's post-script on this book, which gave a lot of context to what I had been very much viewing through a metaphorical lens. I'm not usually much of a post-script reader, but I recommend reading it for others like myself who might normally give something like that a miss. ...more
An instant classic in the genre, Midnight Rooms reads as though it was written right alongside The Turn of the Screw. In a very real way, it's about tAn instant classic in the genre, Midnight Rooms reads as though it was written right alongside The Turn of the Screw. In a very real way, it's about the expectations for a woman marrying in to a family in 1840. It is also one of the creepiest books I've read this year.
Orabella as a biracial protagonist added an interesting dynamic to the horror. Do her new relatives seem unnaturally pale and blonde, or is that in contrast to her own skin? Are they wild and raucous or has her limited experience sheltered her from the way some people live? Is she being gaslit, or is this a normal house?
It's all very well done. Highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a good creeping fear! ...more
Set in Taiwan at the end of the eighties, this is not only a classic of queer literature but a deep exploration of depression and the toll of going unSet in Taiwan at the end of the eighties, this is not only a classic of queer literature but a deep exploration of depression and the toll of going unseen by society.
They say there are a hundred crocodiles in Taiwan at the time of this writing, but no one knows where the crocodiles are. The crocodiles look exactly like ordinary human beings. The crocodiles could potentially turn you into a crocodile with their wiles. No one is safe. One suspects, in fact, that there may be significantly more than a hundred. And yet, every crocodile we meet in this novel is so very, very lonely.
An interrogative exploration of self-examination, this book is beautiful and terrible in equal measure. I hihgly recommend it. ...more
Sure to be a classic horror comic, the three-color art in this comic keeps it from feeling overly gory even as people are being eviscerated by monsterSure to be a classic horror comic, the three-color art in this comic keeps it from feeling overly gory even as people are being eviscerated by monsters. In the best tradition of these things, however, the monster in need of exterminating is almost incidental for all the bodies it drops.
This is a book about the systems that force us to work crummy jobs and the way that grinds us down. This is a book about the ways that impacts life, relationships, and how we view ourselves as people.
Sal is an extremely relatable protagonist, and I was absolutely rooting for them the entire time. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy horror....more
An absolutely gorgeous romance. The art in this book is beautiful, the narrative is well told, and the theme of barnstorming really takes flight. I hiAn absolutely gorgeous romance. The art in this book is beautiful, the narrative is well told, and the theme of barnstorming really takes flight. I highly recommend this one for all readers. ...more
Absolutely beautiful. A short meditation on purpose, friendship, and the animal nature of humanity.
I really enjoyed the backdrop of a post-factory reAbsolutely beautiful. A short meditation on purpose, friendship, and the animal nature of humanity.
I really enjoyed the backdrop of a post-factory restructuring of society into something more sustainable in a world where one of the main characters happened to be a robot. The introduction of a pantheon of gods was gently done and not too expository for all that the other main character was a monk devoting their life to that religious order.
All in all, this novel is a gentle exploration of pushing beyond confines and preconceptions to find the acceptance of rest. In turn, it makes for a very reassuring and restful read. I highly recommend it....more
**spoiler alert** ...so it's cute that Robot forgives Dog for moving on and all, but I simply would not.
I didn't know when checking this book out, bu**spoiler alert** ...so it's cute that Robot forgives Dog for moving on and all, but I simply would not.
I didn't know when checking this book out, but it is a story about separation. And while I'm happy for Robot and their journey, Dog is just sort of driftless and realistic. I don't see many lasting relationships in Dog's future, given the way they cycle through friendships as though they're disposable. Overall, happy ending notwithstanding, this book is really rather sad. ...more
A real page turner, and exactly what it says on the tin. Interesting to see a book like this with adult characters rather than 16 year olds in the YA A real page turner, and exactly what it says on the tin. Interesting to see a book like this with adult characters rather than 16 year olds in the YA genre. I approve. With this many characters literally dying for the chance to ride dragons into war, I appreciate that they're all twenty-somethings. ...more
A man and his cat road trip around Japan trying to find a new place for the cat to live. Unfortunately, despite the man's best intentions, the cat hasA man and his cat road trip around Japan trying to find a new place for the cat to live. Unfortunately, despite the man's best intentions, the cat has other ideas. This is a life told in a series of flashbacks, with multiple perspectives including several chapters as narrated by the cat. Which is a very sweet conceit.
I also spent the entire second half of this book crying. Highly recommended for people who enjoy stories of loyal animals and folks who believe a cat can be an asshole and still care about the human who feeds it. ...more
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