Welcome to Litsy!

There have been so many fabulous books about motherhood recently that are truthful about the parts that aren‘t sunshine and roses. This weirdly creepy novel also had a thread of Margaret Wise Brown‘s actual life that was also interesting. Good narration on #audiobook

In the days following the birth of Megan's first child, strange things begin to happen. The reader wonders, is she being haunted or is she psychotic? Fine's depiction of the isolation of new motherhood and of the expectation for everything to be a-ok right away feels capital-T True, but the unfolding of the story is tedious at times (as is motherhood). This novel addresses the ways we fail women and the things that we pass down to our children.

Meh. Predictable with no added value

I personally think that Julia Fine is super underrated. This is a masterful unraveling. I deeply disliked Meg, but the writing kept me enraptured. The inclusion of Margaret Wise Brown and Michael Strange was interestingly done. Julia Fine‘s style is decidedly offbeat, but in a way that really works for me. I can‘t recommend her books enough.

I found myself picking this up and putting it down more than I anticipated—savoring delightful twists. Relishing the ideas and the oddity. Both wanting to devour and languish. This is exactly the weird and wonderful I hoped for. This book created vivid mental pictures, played with form, and explored important topics. That being said, the MC isn‘t necessarily likable and this may not be for everyone. YT thoughts —> https://youtu.be/3WipNj32WPc

Diving in—expecting weird and wonderful, though in a different weird and wonderful vein than What Should Be Wild. (I do recognize What Should Be Wild was kind of polarizing but I LOVED it). Also many Chicago indies have signed copies I‘m sure they could ship to you, if you want a signed copy.

I have a piece today in Electric Lit about mothers and horror! Check it out to add to your TBR:

https://electricliterature.com/why-new-fiction-is-making-mothers-into-monsters/

Unboxed and sorted the books onto the cart. I'm ready to catalog this week's new books. 📚

I was very excited for this book, but my expectations were misplaced. The concept is appealing - the ghosts of Margaret Wise Brown and her lover working through unresolved issues via a new mom sounds really intriguing. However, the plot fell flat for me. I felt no connection to the protagonist, who struggled with her newly minted motherhood. I am certain this will find an audience and become beloved. It just was not for me. Out in February 2021.

Okay, you‘re going to be hearing a lot about this book (not just from me, I think). I‘m 75% done with this ARC (out Feb), and spellbound.

Horror plus early motherhood. A new mother is living with her own ambition for more— and with the poltergeist of Margaret Wise Brown‘s lover.

I know my #littens love a good bookish horror. You‘re going to adore this one. Full review when I‘m done, but eek, so good.