Sam Stark

Heck Yeah! Love Is Real!

Revisado: 07-20-23

I loved every minute of this! It subverts your expectations so quickly, then keeps you going "what??? Excuse me, WHAT???" over and over!

There's so much heart in this story. I love Rose and I love the way she navigates through the world. She's so smart and savvy, and at the same time so awkward and confused. She's amazing and wonderful and I could read 10 more books with her at the helm. As usual, I'm so impressed with Mr Tingle's ability to get me invested in a character with just a few sentences, sheesh.

Mara Wilson crushed the narration. Absolutely knocked it out of the park. Also, who doesn't want The Faceless Old Woman Who Lives In Your House to read you a Chuck Tingle novel? I mean, come on.

Can't recommend this enough.

Side note: I think my favorite thing about this is how crazy and deranged our villains are, but having grown up around church/religious people, and watching the slow decline of a certain political party, I don't actually think this is that far out of the realm of possibility. Maybe not at all. And that's so freaking scary. I really appreciate Mr Tingle's ability to not make these religious people cartoonish. They feel real and in some cases, quite ernest. They actually think they're doing the right thing. It's insane. Excellent work, good sir.

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Listen to Victim-Survivors

Revisado: 07-28-22

I’m not at all surprise that this book is as comprehensive and well put together as it is. I don’t want to say that I expected it, because that sounds entitled, but I do find a certain amount of comfort when tuning in to author Sara Steel’s podcast “Let’s Talk About Sects.” Every episode is researched, professionally discussed, engaging, and compassionate. She interviews cult survivors/leavers, giving them a platform on which they can tell their stories without judgement or confrontation—a rare and wonderful thing, and then gives you a very straightforward “this is what happened, here are the facts.”  The only difference between her podcast and this book, is that the book is looking at things on a much larger scale.

“Do as I Say” takes key points from Sarah’s interviews from a number of different sects and weaves them all together to spotlight behaviors and practices we as a culture/society need to be mindful of. There is also a well-thought-out layout of cultic terms and defining characteristics—basically things to ask yourself about groups you may be suspicious of, or perhaps an organization or church you are a part of. Sarah also shines light on the trials survivors go through just by leaving, which I believe is the most important takeaway this book has to offer.

As a survivor of abuse, I cannot recommend this book enough, especially for those who struggle with past (or current) relationship trauma or find themselves repeatedly in situations where they are undermined or coerced into giving up their autonomy. For the rest of you, read it to gain some insight into ways you can be aware and mindful of people that may need help, or even to just learn how to be a better friend, listener, and human being.

Last, but not least, I have to say from a professional standpoint, Sarah has done a fantastic job narrating this book. The same professionalism, compassion, and once in a while splash of humor I’ve grown to love on her podcast, shine through here, making a sometimes heavy listen an excellent experience.

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Queer Southern Gothic At It's Finest

Revisado: 04-22-22

I’ve seen this novel compared to Maggie Stiefvater’s “Raven Cycle” series a few times and I agree. There are many, many elements of this story that mirror and compliment that one. However, it must be said that this book is far more adult and far less whimsical.

But trust me, that’s a good thing. Seriously, read this book.

This story is about grieving. Bottom line. The pain Andrew is going through after losing his best friend Eddie is visceral. If you’ve experienced loss of a loved one, some of this will be hard to get through because it will cut a very deep and familiar path through your heart. Compound that with the anxiety of coming into your sexuality and coming out? It’s a powder keg of raw, real shit. And I’m so here for it.

If you’re not a fan of slow burns, then you should probably get out now. This story’s pace is edging at its finest. Masterfully holding on to its tension and keeping us from any kind of respite or relief for so long that when it all starts to finally unravel It. Is. Exquisite.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

Will Damron is an incredible narrator and I will absolutely be looking for other things he has narrated. Surperb job.

A few extra thoughts: The horror elements are subtle at first but unlike the slow burn of the story, they amp up pretty quickly. There’s a fair amount of gore, especially toward the end, but nothing so traumatizing it needs mentioning. That being said, I should put a warning for suicide and suicidal themes here. Please proceed with caution if this is something that triggers you.

There are also heavy sexual themes, and yes, there is sex (fist pump). It’s not overly graphic, but it’s not a fade to black either. The romance element of this story is a bit in the background but at the same time, it’s one of the main cogs driving things forward. You’ll understand once you read it. It’s excellent, trust me.

And last, but certainly not least, I am ecstatic over the trans representation. Thank you, Lee Mandelo for writing a major character who is trans but not having their “transness” be their defining feature.

In closing: Read This Fucking Book.

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