Beth

I felt like this book was a 3.5 when I finished it, but now it's a 4 after thinking about it for the last week. I related to too many awkward, disgusting, or hilariously dark things in this book, and I'm SO glad. At times it made me appreciate parts of my life in new ways... And at other times it made me snort-suffocate while my husband glared at me for laughing so much.

While amusing, Grahme-Smith was only able to find a handful of zombie/(ninja?) scenarios and terms to regurgitate throughout the book.

I bought a bunch of audiobooks once, and then discovered that I'm not especially fond of them. I get annoyed with the narrator's voice, or it's too slow, or I fall asleep. It's not the book's fault, at all. This was the last one I convinced myself to listen to (out of guilt for spending money), but no more! One day I'll actually read it, and get more of a kick out of its Halloweeny myths and child-like wonder.

3.5 rounded to 4 for the number of times this book made me laugh. Not pretty laughs, but everything ranging from cackling-hear-me-in-the-next-room to “that was totally relatable and I'm snorting at the suddenness of its truth.” I don't agree with everything Moran has to say about feminism, but she's usually thoughtful about her opinions and frequently provides nuance. The world is complicated and she artfully embraces the idea that we can reject soul-sucking strip clubs while also praising burlesque shows for healthy sexual expression. I'd love to follow her and see what else she has to say.

Wow. Read this book. It's not about a fringe-y survivalist family. It's about the family dynamics that converge from mental illness, religion, close-knit groups, and gender power imbalances. It's about how people still love the family members who are toxic to them, and desire a place within their family and community. It's about finding the education that provides a new lens to see your entire life, just by giving it context.