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vickywoodburn's review
4.5
Through a series of essays, Gurba explores topics ranging from the stereotypes that are placed on a Queer Mexican woman, to her family's history, to her personal experiences with abusers and creeps. The result is an emotional, complex, heavy, and even funny understanding of the creeps in our world and the dangers that creep around us. It challenges readers to confront their biases and think critically about the people and systems that define our society.
Gurba's unique voice shines through in each essay as she invites us into her life and gives a voice to many victims who cannot tell their stories. Summarizing the complete book is a challenge, but it is certainly a worthwhile read. Perhaps a better descriptor would be to share that I was reading this book while sitting at a restaurant one day. As I got up to leave, the server approached me because she "had to know what I was reading" since I appeared so engaged while reading. Admittedly, I struggled to describe the subject matter, but I showed her the cover and highly recommended it.
While each essay is intriguing, my favorites were "Locas," which told the heartbreaking story of Myriam's cousin Desiree, and "Cucuy," which ties mythical monsters to a real-life serial killer.
The final essay, in particular, which goes in-depth into Gurba's own experience with domestic violence, is exceptionally well-written and provides an intimate look at how easily creeps can blend into modern society. Regardless of one's past, I think many themes and experiences in this book will be relatable to readers, especially those sharing similar identities. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this book to all readers interested in challenging their assumptions and better understanding the creeps among us. I am eager to read more of Gurba's work.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Torture, Grief, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Sexism, Racism, Murder, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Lesbophobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Death, Rape, Violence, Stalking, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
rhiannatherad's review
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
barbn's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Domestic abuse
shasha's review against another edition
5.0
If you've ever been physically abused, beware. Her own account is the grit-your-teeth kind of unflinching recollection that will have you spiraling. Even without first hand experience...It might really hurt you to finish but not as much as it hurt her to write it.
I put it down for a week after starting the Creep chapters at the end. This book has teeth. I'm thankful Gurba had the mental fortitude to finish this incredible book for all the rest of us too. I wish this was getting book club traction, everyone should read it. Oh and fuck Joan Didion.
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape
kklecornu's review
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Xenophobia, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Colonisation, Toxic relationship, Classism, Sexual assault, Sexism, and Stalking
Minor: Child death and Police brutality
eastpt's review
3.5
Graphic: Murder, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
golembutch's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Rape and Domestic abuse
heatherleegee's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
emelynreads's review
5.0
I'm a huge fan of the author's ability to write on challenging subjects with a balance of humor, reflection, vulnerability and truth. One of my favorite books to date.
Moderate: Rape, Stalking, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Murder, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicide
emzireads's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, and Racism