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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Damn, she's a good writer.
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was utterly mesmerized by Cynthia Gómez's "The Nightmare Box and Other Stories." Each story in this collection pulled on threads of thought, leaving me lost in beautifully articulated locations in and around Oakland. The vivid, magic-soaked tales were not just enchanting; they were deeply moving and thought-provoking.
What struck me most was discovering that some of these stories were based on real events. This revelation made the narratives even more powerful, serving as a stark reminder of the depravity and callousness humans are sometimes capable of. These particular stories pulled me in and will stay with me long after finishing the book.
Gómez's approach is fearless. She went in with the gloves off and kept them off, each "kiss" from this self-professed "love letter" to Oakland washing over me with a mix of wonder and gratitude. The collection opened my eyes and made me thankful for the resilience and strength depicted in these characters.
The stories of a young queer man finding love and courage, a witch unraveling connections to the Black Panthers, a soon-to-be father confronting his violent past, and a brand-new vampire reveling in her newfound powers were each captivating in their own right. Gómez's ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday struggles of ordinary people—Latine, queer, working class—was nothing short of brilliant.
I didn't even know I needed to read this book, but I'm so glad I did. "The Nightmare Box and Other Stories" is a magic-soaked, feminist-rage-filled collection that celebrates the extraordinary within the ordinary. Gómez's collection is a triumph, and I eagerly await whatever she writes next. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for stories that challenge, enchant, and resonate on a profound level.
What struck me most was discovering that some of these stories were based on real events. This revelation made the narratives even more powerful, serving as a stark reminder of the depravity and callousness humans are sometimes capable of. These particular stories pulled me in and will stay with me long after finishing the book.
Gómez's approach is fearless. She went in with the gloves off and kept them off, each "kiss" from this self-professed "love letter" to Oakland washing over me with a mix of wonder and gratitude. The collection opened my eyes and made me thankful for the resilience and strength depicted in these characters.
The stories of a young queer man finding love and courage, a witch unraveling connections to the Black Panthers, a soon-to-be father confronting his violent past, and a brand-new vampire reveling in her newfound powers were each captivating in their own right. Gómez's ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday struggles of ordinary people—Latine, queer, working class—was nothing short of brilliant.
I didn't even know I needed to read this book, but I'm so glad I did. "The Nightmare Box and Other Stories" is a magic-soaked, feminist-rage-filled collection that celebrates the extraordinary within the ordinary. Gómez's collection is a triumph, and I eagerly await whatever she writes next. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for stories that challenge, enchant, and resonate on a profound level.
I am not generally a short story girl, but this collection may have completely changed my mind. Cynthia Gómez absolutely ACES every single story here. Each story centers around normal people - highlighting LGBTQIA+, Hispanic, and working-class populations - with abnormal powers, urges, or circumstances. Masterfully, Gómez uses the short story format to discuss the horrors of our time (see: police brutality, abuse, racism, homophobia) through a lens of magical realism and giving power to those who need it most. Not only addressing oppression, but actively fighting back, this collection leaves a lasting impression.
My favorites in the collection (definitely check the trigger warnings before proceeding!)-
Lips Like Sugar
A Kiss to Build a Dream On
The Nightmare Box
The Teacher’s Association
Someone Else’s to Destroy
Thank you [booksirens.com](http://booksirens.com) for the eARC. These opinions are my own and I am posting this voluntarily :)
My favorites in the collection (definitely check the trigger warnings before proceeding!)-
Lips Like Sugar
A Kiss to Build a Dream On
The Nightmare Box
The Teacher’s Association
Someone Else’s to Destroy
Thank you [booksirens.com](http://booksirens.com) for the eARC. These opinions are my own and I am posting this voluntarily :)
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
These are forthright stories that don’t coddle the reader by over-explaining. It was a thrill to be trusted by the author and a sign of Gómez’s confidence. The title story is great, but “Will They Disappear,” “The Road out of Nowhere,” and “Someone Else’s to Destroy” really gutted me emotionally. I’d be happy to read more of her work.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A