A sorrowful novella of the ghosts, literal and figurative, that inhabit society. Providing fascinating and somber insight into the lesser discussed poA sorrowful novella of the ghosts, literal and figurative, that inhabit society. Providing fascinating and somber insight into the lesser discussed portions of Japanese history, Tokyo Ueno Station is a poignant glimpse into grief, homelessness, and normalized inequality. With dainty prose and shards of painful memory, this novella is a nod to the lives faded away for the sake of progress, those who are passed by and forgotten, but who linger on to witness, to ponder on the progress and the setbacks of the institutions they helped to build. A quietly aching story rooted in real world issues. ...more
“But my dreams are full of apples, and in the dark my body slowly transforms into fruit: tonsils shrinking to seeds and lungs to cores. I dream of white flowers blossoming under my nails, as if under ice. Then my nails break, opening up like clams and in the finger flesh there are sticky little fruit pearls.” ...more
A dazzling, haunting mix of science fiction and cosmic horror. With beguiling, almost gothic prose, Annihilation is an exercise in the hubris of man, A dazzling, haunting mix of science fiction and cosmic horror. With beguiling, almost gothic prose, Annihilation is an exercise in the hubris of man, the quest for knowledge and control to terrifying results. It asks: what happens we we stop recognizing the ones we love and the people around us? What do we do when we realize that we have stopped recognizing ourselves? How do we put into words that which is beyond our comprehension? How far will we go to unearth the universes darkest secrets? Atmospheric, mystical, and mind bending, this is an excellent introduction to Area X and the intricate, transformative world that Jeff Vandermeer has created. Chilling, compelling, and an intimate look at the fine line between awe and horror, the unfathomable moment in which we must confront not only our greatest fears, but our true selves. ...more
An equally disturbing and devastating story of possession and madness. Hypotonic, seductive, and shocking, Come Closer is a modern classic which experAn equally disturbing and devastating story of possession and madness. Hypotonic, seductive, and shocking, Come Closer is a modern classic which expertly explores: what happens when we can no longer trust our own minds? What forces do we unknowingly invite inside, and is it possible to ever evict them? Matching unforgettable horror with dark humor, this novel produces such a powerful, multilayered story in its short runtime; it is no surprise that it’s listed as one of the best horror novels of all time. A wholly chilling, thought provoking read that must be experienced to be believed. Go on, open the pages…come closer… ...more
A quirky, impactful account of survival and loneliness from the perspective of a human eating alien stranded on Earth. Funny and endearing despite itsA quirky, impactful account of survival and loneliness from the perspective of a human eating alien stranded on Earth. Funny and endearing despite its use of horror and grit, Walking Practice is a brilliant nod to the harshness of society and its treatment of othered individuals. It is a testament to the ways in which we hide ourselves in order to feel more accepted, the desire we have to be loved for our whole selves, the conflict we face of being truly authentic versus staying quiet, safer from the prying eyes and actions of those who enforce conformity. Playful but ultimately heartbreaking, this novella is artistic and ambitious, and is so timely to read. ...more
A dreamy novel that celebrates the natural world and all of its hidden powers. Told in the richly candid style of oral storytelling, When I Sing MountA dreamy novel that celebrates the natural world and all of its hidden powers. Told in the richly candid style of oral storytelling, When I Sing Mountains Dance is a love song to the changing seasons, the cycles of death and birth that exists across all living things, the destructive and healing powers of water, fire, animals. This is a novel that highlights the harmony between humans and nature, the ways in which the world around us inspires us to create, to remember, to connect ourselves to others and to the histories of our nations, our forests. This novel feels like a conversation between friends, a series of visions and memories being passed on. ...more
Pizza Girl is a compelling look into loneliness, obsession, and the lengths we go to to feel seen. This novel captures the terror of uncertainty when Pizza Girl is a compelling look into loneliness, obsession, and the lengths we go to to feel seen. This novel captures the terror of uncertainty when faced with sudden adulthood and responsibility, as well as the bittersweet experience of motherhood in stunning detail; it is a story from the perspective of those on the outside looking in, wanting to be everywhere and nowhere at once, wanting connection but feeling the burden of vulnerability. Though short, this novel packs a punch, delivering a deeply moving portrait of mental health, grief, and facing responsibilities....more
A unique novella on loneliness and the means by which we decide what is human, what is wild. Through the eyes of our protagonist, a mountain Lion who A unique novella on loneliness and the means by which we decide what is human, what is wild. Through the eyes of our protagonist, a mountain Lion who is both fascinated by and weary of the humans they observe, we see the complexities of gender, identity, and the “human” condition. We see that emotion is something felt by all living things, but is only acknowledged by humans who deem is worthy. It is a heartbreaking look into the weight of sentience, and uncertainties of life, love, and death. Somewhere between funny and heartbreaking, this fresh take on otherness and belonging is wholly endearing and insightful, a reminder to cherish and protect our natural world and its many inhabitants while we still can. ...more
A fever dream retelling of The Little Mermaid filled with terrors and unexpected new beginnings. This novella has lavish prose, fitting for its homage to fairy tales. Teeming with brutality and the cruel nature of man, The Salt Grows Heavy is surprisingly romantic, using themes of eternal love and devotion as a counterpoint to the bleakness of life. Bizarre and beguiling, this dark retelling is a compelling read for any fan of classic fairy tales....more
A beguiling folk horror novel on desire, humanity, and the burden of being needed. Disturbing and quietly building in tension, Follow Me to Ground exaA beguiling folk horror novel on desire, humanity, and the burden of being needed. Disturbing and quietly building in tension, Follow Me to Ground examines our most primal, hidden desires, along with the potential and limitations of the human body and mind; it is a haunting character study in the conflict between being our true selves, and being the person which those around us expect and covet. With the essence of a dark fairy tale, this novel is a feat of utilizing emotion and nature to create a genre bending tale of what it means to heal, to create, and to be human....more
A poetic, haunting retelling of the Crane Wife that examines the devastating results of abuse, codependency, and grief. Told in mesmerizing prose, TheA poetic, haunting retelling of the Crane Wife that examines the devastating results of abuse, codependency, and grief. Told in mesmerizing prose, The Crane Husband is an elegantly crafted cautionary tale of generational misfortune and artistic magic. It is an ode to our protagonists resilience and ability to protect what she holds dear, even after loosing so much. It is a novella that deals with grief and resentment in such a raw and authentic way; it’s pages are a feathery loom of emotion and sorrow. This is one of the best retellings that I have read. ...more
A riveting but deeply upsetting account of mental illness and alienation in 20th century Japan. Told in a series of reflective notebooks, No Longer HuA riveting but deeply upsetting account of mental illness and alienation in 20th century Japan. Told in a series of reflective notebooks, No Longer Human is the voice of someone who embodies the pain of being othered, of being cast aside by society, of being silenced by force or by the indifference of other people. Though this is a historical novel, it rings true today, as so many struggle with their sense of self and where they fit into a society that values conformity. A disturbingly relevant classic. ...more
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