Many thanks to my partners 

Grand Central, Novel Suspects, Hachette Audio, and Libro.fm

for the #gifted copies.

Unsettling and provocative. What a WILD ride!!!  I flew through the pages of this unique, genre bending book with an intense need.  

Katrina’s life is a mess.  She is a broke, college dropout estranged from family with a tentative grasp on reality.  With a deep obsession for a co-worker and often lost in a favorite childhood story, Katrina’s life spirals out of control at a time when she needs clarity most.  

Dong has created a truly chaotic tail that adeptly wavers between what is sensible and what is beyond reason.  And yet, while much of the book felt (purposely) upended, the order that is found in the end was satisfying.       

The thriller aspect is well executed, but it’s the mental health representation that makes this book truly shine.  Counting steps.  Drawing symbols.  Escaping to the safety of an imaginary world.  

Being deeply entrenched in Katrina’s mind was a true exploration of the challenges mental health can create.  Wong well explores the juxtaposition between (Katrina) knowing what is real verses finding comfort in what isn’t. 

It’s important to note that the thriller aspect of the novel stood on its own veracity, aside from the “craziness.” And that allowed the mental health portrayal to create understanding and empathy rather than fall into the standard “crazy female” trope.  

Katrina’s unhinged life led me to make many, many unhinged theories.  And while fun, it also led to a bit of let down at the end, mostly of my own doing.  So I warn: don’t overthink as I did.  Lean in to the wildness within this story and simply enjoy the ride.  

This book made for a great discussion with my buddies!  I highly recommend reading this one with friends or a book club.  

🎧As I often do, I partnered the audio and print versions.  The audiobook is excellently narrated by Hannah Choi, but I suggest starting out with the print version as you get to know Katrina and her turmoil.