howlinglibraries's Reviews (1.85k)

 This was way too much fun. There's definitely a TON of potentially triggering content in here regarding CSA, yet somehow it still has all of these ridiculously cute and hilarious rom-com elements. We love a good psycho who falls first 😏

✨ Representation: gay Mexican MC, gay MC, queer side characters, characters with psychopathy/sociopathy 

 

A solid collection of essays from people who have had abortions. I love seeing people make efforts to normalize reproductive healthcare. ♥ 

 This was a solid 5-star read for me until the ending. The last 5-10% was really rushed and kind of terrible, and almost dropped this to a 3-star rating. That said, I'm happy to have loved as much of the book as I did, especially given the fact that Josh Malerman's writing typically doesn't agree with me at all! I listened to the audiobook, which I know has received mixed responses based on the narrator, but I loved hearing little Bela's voice! Her innocence made the whole plot twice as creepy. Other Mommy skeeved me tf out and I even caught myself peeking over my shoulder a few times at night while reading this!
 

I MIGHT try this again someday, but I've been slowly chipping away at this book for 4 months and it isn't grabbing my interest. I've also been spoiled for some content later in this series that makes me think the morbid curiosity might not be worth it right now, which is fine! 🤷‍♀️ It'll still be here if I change my mind!

In the words of my best friend, "DNFing is self-care!" 🖤

This story could have been so much fun, but the writing and a very unlikeable main character mostly ruined it for me. Why is this alleged lifelong witch, who was raised in a family of witches, so clueless about her own craft (and the craft of others)? And how is she this close-minded despite her craft? Maybe I could have enjoyed this more if it hadn't irked me on such a personal level. 😅 Also... who the fuck names their partner after the place they were born? Like, how unimaginative can you possibly be?