You ever start a book after reading the synopsis and think, I will be surprised if I like this? When Soft Skull Press reached out and asked if I'd like a copy, and then briefed me on the plot, my eyes hesitated on the words "evil pornographer." I'm pretty sure I'm not the right reader for a book with any sort of pornographic setting. ...Or am I?

KING OF JOY is much, much more than the synopsis could ever hope to encapsulate. For a small book, there's a lot to meditate on, and Corvus, our protagonist—our heroine!—is a great character to embark on this journey of rumination and suspense. There were elements to Corvus that I was surprised to find I related to: her introversion, attachment to an extroverted friend, and how she spaces out. Growing up in the military, I feel trained in being able to stare out the window and think for long, long (cross-country, even) periods of time. A transportation of another sort. Corvus allows us to follow her into her memories, the weird people and places she encounters, and the glimpses of happiness through her despairing grief.

Chiem's writing is atmospheric, eloquent, and loves to slowly reveal the place and action. There was probably a moment or two where my mouth was agape while reading because I was trying to figure out what sinister creature was lying in wait—animal or human or... ? And while it's mesmerizing and thoughtful, it's FUNNY, too. There's something Chiem gets perfectly about the central friendship; especially when a Robyn song comes over the car radio.

So yes, I was surprised that I fell so in love with this book. I was surprised that the dreamy writing and character exploration also gave way to a tension-filled plot. And I was surprised that there were moments to laugh amid all the grieving. Thanks Soft Skull PRess for thinking of me and sending me a copy! The book comes out today, 3/5, friends, and you should probably pick it up if you want something trippy, quick to read, and oddly magnetic!