Amity

I'm not sure how to best describe this book. I'm shelving it as “horror” because that's good enough for my own bookshelves, and there are certainly horror elements, but it is really a metafictional take on memoirs/memories, combined with historical fiction and horror and sprinkle in some humor while you're at it; slaps cover of book this bad boy can fit so many genres in it.

I was wary of this at first, because even though I've yet to read a Paul Tremblay novel that I didn't at least like, the book is asking the reader to be on board for an atypical reading experience. Which I dig, but I have to be in the headspace for it, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to slog through the sesquipedalian loquaciousness in which “Art” frequently indulges. But you get the hang of it, and “Mercy” has such a conversational tone that you feel like you're really experiencing the story with her and it bridges any disconnect you may feel. Or it did for me, at least.

I don't know what else to say. What an ambitious book, with a killer soundtrack to boot. It's definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it was certainly mine. 4 Hüsker Dü songs out of 5.

12-year-old Lora Xi has a vivid imagination and loves to live in her own fantasy world. As her friends grow out of playing make-believe, she struggles to keep up and finds herself alone on her birthday. Lora's interest in all things paranormal leads her to conduct a séance in the attic of her home, where she meets Alexa, the ghost of a 14-year-old girl who died 50 years prior. The two become fast friends, and Alexa helps Lora examine why she's so afraid to grow up while also confronting what happened to her all those years ago.

This bittersweet graphic novel features charming, vibrant art and explores friendship, self-discovery, and the anxiety of growing up. This is a gentle, emotional read for any child (or adult) going through a transitional period in their life. 4.5 sweet ghost girl friends out of 5.

It does not live up to the glorious potential of its premise or creeptastic cover, but it wasn't bad. Tons of spooky imagery, very little character development. A nice little slice of horror for a dreary day. 3 ill-advised wedding venues out of 5.

I read this back in high school and liked it fine, but I feel I have a better appreciation for it now. It's not particularly scary, exactly, but it does have a sense of foreboding even when you know what's going to happen. 4 buckets of happy funtime confetti and definitely not blood of any animal out of 5.

Still one of the best, most fully-realized fantasy worlds I've ever read.

Also, I want a daemon.