It's always frustrating to rate a book that you wanted to like more than you did.

My comprehension and enjoyment of this book skyrocketed when I switched to the audiobook around a third of the way through...but then dragged towards the end, where things got weird but not in a good way.

One thing I really appreciate about SGH is how unique his writing is. I find it difficult to follow sometimes because he breaks a lot of narrative rules on a micro level, using sentences that "speak around" the action and are interrupted by random thoughts the way an inner monologue can be. This works incredibly on audio and I highly recommend listening to his work if reading this kind of writing doesn't work for you (it doesn't for me).

My Heart is a Chainsaw is overall a good book. I loved the main character with her fierce teenage defences and her sharp wit. I loved the atmosphere and worldbuilding. But something about the execution still seemed off - this book is horror about horror but in a detached way that didn't quite click with me. I also felt this about The Only Good Indians, so I think SGH should stay friends but otherwise see other people.

While I don't think I'm the right audience for this book, I think it's masterful in what it attempts to do. Recommended if you enjoy movies like The Lighthouse and VVitch, are also a fan of slashers, and have a soft spot for sarcastic teenagers.

More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/vMa3vzClYkA