While pursuing my MFA at Butler University, I had the privilege of meeting Charlie Jane Anders, whose work crossed journalism, fantasy, and science fiction. I remember talking to her at a Visiting Writers event, where she asked me what my MFA thesis was going to be, and when I told her the plot in detail, … Continue reading Lessons in Magic and Disaster, by Charlie Jane Anders
Author: The Library Key
A Mother Always Knows, by Sarah Strohmeyer
A few years ago, I said my true crime fix was stalkers, but I think I've added another one to the list: cults. Jonestown, the Ant Hill Kids, the Work, anything that involves a sociopathic narcissist roping innocent victims into their twisted orbit, under the guide of improving their lives. Everyone says that they are … Continue reading A Mother Always Knows, by Sarah Strohmeyer
Witch You Would, by Lia Amador
I think this is the first romance I've read in a bit that, to my knowledge, has not been rabidly hyped up on social media. It's probably going to be a while until I read another Abby Jimenez book (Abby, I admire your work, but your formula is wearing off), so books like Witch You … Continue reading Witch You Would, by Lia Amador
Just for the Summer, by Abby Jimenez
Need I even try to introduce Abby Jimenez anymore? For better or worse, this BookTok-famous author (the only one that I've actually liked so far) has slid right into my list of reliable writers. Although I did not enjoy Say You'll Remember Me at all, I was still willing to give her next books a … Continue reading Just for the Summer, by Abby Jimenez
Pen Pal, by J.T. Geissinger
The next time someone suggests a book that has any sort of popularity on TikTok, I should just not bother. Or at least do my own damn research on a book before deciding to consume it. I first heard of Pen Pal in a TBR video from a YouTuber that I typically get horror movie … Continue reading Pen Pal, by J.T. Geissinger
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Vol. 1, by Alvin Schwartz
No book title evokes more millennial Halloween nostalgia than Alvin Schwartz' Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. There's probably no use reviewing this book because we all know it so well. But these stories have staying power all these years later, thanks in part to the books' iconic macabre illustrations and the variety of … Continue reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Vol. 1, by Alvin Schwartz
The Housemaid, by Frieda McFadden
Many domestic thrillers tell the same story: a picture-perfect suburban family (often wealthy, white, and Christian) is hiding a deadly secret that threatens their perfect image. But gosh darn it if that formula does not give so much space to play with everyday domestic anxieties and create powerful emotional responses. The Housemaid is almost as … Continue reading The Housemaid, by Frieda McFadden
Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A. Milne
I'm of the opinion that it is scientifically impossible to feel sad when consuming content related to Winnie-the-Pooh. Winnie-the-Pooh was a huge part of me and my sisters' upbringing, especially for my little sister. She had a Pooh Bear plushie with an attached honey pot that played a tinny version of the Winnie-the-Pooh theme when … Continue reading Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A. Milne
Horror Movie, by Paul Tremblay
Paul Tremblay has really gained traction as a contemporary horror writer. For some reason, I didn’t actively seek out more of his works after I enjoyed A Head Full of Ghosts a couple of years ago, but his most recent release, Horror Movie, kept popping up in my digital library feed, so I decided to … Continue reading Horror Movie, by Paul Tremblay
I’m Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy
TRIGGER WARNING: This book review contains mention of child abuse and eating disorders. You have been warned. My sisters and I bounced between the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon for most of our childhood TV time. We sometimes caught iCarly after school on Nickelodeon, and while I would certainly not call it a favorite of mine, … Continue reading I’m Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy
The Library Key 