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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
This book wasn’t bad. I feel like the idea was pretty creative but I wouldn’t classify it as horror. If a talking skeleton popped out of my garden I would be completely interested and curious about it. I’d pop it into my car and make it go Halloween decor hunting with me but our main character spends most of her time afraid of it or telling it to go away. I felt like Brenda in scary movie “that’s just a skeleton!
The skeleton was far more interesting than the main character and if there was a book about her and her “life” I would read it.
The skeleton was far more interesting than the main character and if there was a book about her and her “life” I would read it.
Finally sat down to write a review of this book!! I didn’t know what this book was about when I requested it, because all I was thinking was “wow that cover! I must have it”
The cover and tagline had me intrigued, but I was unsure exactly how this book would blend horror and magical realism. Having finished it, I’m still not entirely certain I get it.
The story opens with our introduction to Josie, a rather reclusive character who does all she can to minimise interactions with others. Somewhat struggling with the death of her beloved father, Josie keeps her life together with the help of strict routines, her dog (Po) and copious amounts of vodka. When she finds herself visited by a new nosy neighbour who seems determined to befriend her, Josie is concerned at what is to come.
What she could never have foreseen is the arrival in her home of vines that seem to grow with her state of mental health and a skeleton who promises to leave her alone if she tells an original story.
The character of Skelly was, for me, a kind of barometer for Josie’s mental health. I liked that Skelly tries to help Josie regain a sense of purpose, but the whole thing was a little strange.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with our introduction to Josie, a rather reclusive character who does all she can to minimise interactions with others. Somewhat struggling with the death of her beloved father, Josie keeps her life together with the help of strict routines, her dog (Po) and copious amounts of vodka. When she finds herself visited by a new nosy neighbour who seems determined to befriend her, Josie is concerned at what is to come.
What she could never have foreseen is the arrival in her home of vines that seem to grow with her state of mental health and a skeleton who promises to leave her alone if she tells an original story.
The character of Skelly was, for me, a kind of barometer for Josie’s mental health. I liked that Skelly tries to help Josie regain a sense of purpose, but the whole thing was a little strange.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Wonderfully weird — one of those books that unexpectedly delights with its whimsy-veiled depth. An interesting exploration of grief and isolation that resonated a lot with me. Quick and fun!
I'm not sure I understand this book, I have definitely finished it while being left a bit confused. I think it went a bit over my head and I'm not sure what happened. I did enjoy the story, it was creepy and weird whilst being dark and deep. Uncovering the characters grief and depression, the struggles she has faced in the past and is now facing day in, and day out. I enjoyed reading about the nosy neighbour Sue and found her quite fun. I didn't love this book though and not sure how much I could recommend it other than saying it had good vibes.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Black Spot Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book.
The story of Josie, a living mess, freshly divorced, lonely, and alcoholic woman, who likes to live alone. One day she has a new Neighbor, Sue, and vines are growing in her garden. And the vines come with a gift named Skelly. A passive-aggressive kind of philosophical skeleton questioning her life.
At first, I was bored. Then Skelly appeared and she was so funny. She’s my favorite. But the book wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t get attached to the characters, I didn’t feel a lot for them. And there’s no big plot. It’s a character-driven book, but something was off, especially with Josie. Well, I understood her, at some point, but yes. However, the relationships between them saved the book.
So, in conclusion, it’s not a bad book, but I guess it wasn’t for me either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Vomit
Minor: Child death
I thought this book had a very interesting concept. However, by the time I reached the midpoint, my interest had definitely dipped. I think I may not have been the intended audience for this book; although it has a stunning cover and a magnificent voice from the author.
This story won't be for everyone but that's alright. It's not supposed to be. I have maybe (definitely) been scrolling through TikTok too much lately but "the girls that get it, get it... and the girls that don't, don't." It was a strange, eclectic story and I loved it. I didn't know what to expect or where this tale was going. I found myself reading all night to learn more about Skelly, about Josie, Sue, sweet Po, and what their fates would be.
I can relate to Josie so much. I've been there. The self isolation, the irritability, the moments of salvation that come in the bond with ones dog, ooof. It was a bit of a gut punch, but not in a bad way. Instead, it gave me a sense of connection. Not unlike the interconnectedness of the siren network. And I found that to be comforting and beautiful. Little Bird was a winner for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Tiffany Meuret for this ARC.
I can relate to Josie so much. I've been there. The self isolation, the irritability, the moments of salvation that come in the bond with ones dog, ooof. It was a bit of a gut punch, but not in a bad way. Instead, it gave me a sense of connection. Not unlike the interconnectedness of the siren network. And I found that to be comforting and beautiful. Little Bird was a winner for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Tiffany Meuret for this ARC.
•Quick Read
•Weird story
•repetitive
Main character Josie is recently divorced. Grieving her deceased father and living alone with her pet Chihuahua named Po. Josie has her own online business where she deals with her customers’ customers. She’s pretty introverted and enjoys her life of isolation until a mysterious talking skeleton arrives in her backyard almost at the same time a new neighbor moves in.
Has Josie‘s drinking gotten so out of control she’s hallucinating the mysterious crap happening in her own backyard? What kind of advice can her you creepy neighbor give her? And why the heck is it happening to her?
This book was definitely one of my more stranger reads. I personally wouldn’t go as far as to re-read it but I’m glad to have read it through once as my curiosity got the best of me. Also must say the cover is adorably awesome it even features little Po! Overall a decent story and quick enough read it’s not much wasted time if you end up not enjoying it.
•Weird story
•repetitive
Main character Josie is recently divorced. Grieving her deceased father and living alone with her pet Chihuahua named Po. Josie has her own online business where she deals with her customers’ customers. She’s pretty introverted and enjoys her life of isolation until a mysterious talking skeleton arrives in her backyard almost at the same time a new neighbor moves in.
Has Josie‘s drinking gotten so out of control she’s hallucinating the mysterious crap happening in her own backyard? What kind of advice can her you creepy neighbor give her? And why the heck is it happening to her?
This book was definitely one of my more stranger reads. I personally wouldn’t go as far as to re-read it but I’m glad to have read it through once as my curiosity got the best of me. Also must say the cover is adorably awesome it even features little Po! Overall a decent story and quick enough read it’s not much wasted time if you end up not enjoying it.