so-so3,5/5 ⭐
The stories weren't bad, but I didn't like them either (apart from the last one, with the same title as the collection). I think I just wasn't the "right" reader for this book - almost all the stories left me very frustrated as I didn't understand them (or their ending) at all. To me it didn't feel like I was given space for my own interpretations, but like I was just left confused and unsatisfied. Some also felt like idea-scraps.
DNF'ing 45 pages in. I had read Tremblay's previous story collection “Growing Things etc“ almost 5 years ago. There are a couple of pieces from that collection that I still remember & love (one with a choose your own adventure element & another one involving hitmen) however I recall having mixed reactions on several of the other stories, I remember being esp irritated by the stories involving characters from previous books that I loved. (CONT)
I really wanted to like this since Paul Tremblay's books are a favorite of mine. The first half of the book was enjoyable and creepy, but I wouldn't classify them as horror. They were more subtle and thoughtful than a monster jumping out of a closet. The last half of the book was a struggle for me and took me a long time to finish the book. I think there is a certain type of reader who will love this, but this wasn't my jam.
pickI read all the short stories before it got packed in the move. After the move, I could really only recall 1 or 2 of the short stories. I remembered them being moody, remembered them for their tone and his writing. I‘m in love with Paul‘s writing. After the move, I read the anthropomorphic novella that tells of our now human times. Sometimes writers hold up a mirror and it is ugly and fascinating. The novella alone makes the book a pick.
pickTremblay's last book, The Pallbearers Club, was a big disappointment for me. However, this collection of short stories was much better and had some truly creepy, tense moments. 😬
It's weird, dark, and full of descriptive passages that left my skin crawling. Some stories are stronger than others, but overall this is a solid collection for horror fans.
Happy Augtober! Celebrating the release of Starbucks PSL (even though I normally don‘t order them) at work while I listen to the tagged book. 👻
For Tremblay fans who might have missed the release, he has a new short story collection.
#horror
pickMore like 3.5 stars
The author known for his ambiguous endings strikes again with this collection of short stories and one novella (the titular title) told in free verse of anthropomorphic animals living in an allegorical Trumpian world.
Not a fan of ambiguous endings, but somehow, Tremblay continues to draw me into his fascinating and bizarre worlds.
I can‘t believe it‘s already been a week since meeting Paul Tremblay at a book launch event for his latest book, The Beast You Are. Of course, as this was hosted by Water Street Bookstore, it was an amazing event!
Check out my full event recap here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/meeting-paul-tremblay-at-water-street-bookstore/
The Beast You Are: Stories | 
