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michellereadatrix's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Tananarive Due is such a good writer. I still think of the places she took me with My Soul to Keep, and all her strengths there are on display here. I'm more of a pure horror girl than a scifi girl, and that's reflected in my personal favorites in this anthology, but I think readers who are the opposite of me will be just as pleased.
I think the story I'll remember the most is Haint in the Window. I don't want to say too much, but the sense of inevitability and foreshadowing in the story lead to an ending that fulfilled it's promise while offering social commentary and food for thought.
Incident at Bear Creek Lodge was instantly amazing to me, and the more I think about it the more amazing it gets, especially with an understanding of "Classic Hollywood," and what was asked of Black performers in order to make a living. And also some generational trauma.
We have at least one Monkey's Paw story. For me, this is a story that takes place amidst deep loss, and asks the reader to question what they would do, risk, to reverse the loss. The reader knows, at a distance, the right thing but knows grief doesn't operate at a distance.
Highly recommended, and I will be recommending it a lot, to anyone who will listen to me.
I think the story I'll remember the most is Haint in the Window. I don't want to say too much, but the sense of inevitability and foreshadowing in the story lead to an ending that fulfilled it's promise while offering social commentary and food for thought.
Incident at Bear Creek Lodge was instantly amazing to me, and the more I think about it the more amazing it gets, especially with an understanding of "Classic Hollywood," and what was asked of Black performers in order to make a living. And also some generational trauma.
We have at least one Monkey's Paw story. For me, this is a story that takes place amidst deep loss, and asks the reader to question what they would do, risk, to reverse the loss. The reader knows, at a distance, the right thing but knows grief doesn't operate at a distance.
Highly recommended, and I will be recommending it a lot, to anyone who will listen to me.
emmybe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
cowsaymuh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Very intriguing collection of short stories!
tjonesnp09's review against another edition
5.0
Do you remember being a child, and your dad or grandpop would tell you ghost stories to scare the crap out of you? Well, that's exactly how these short stories felt for me! Since both my Dad and Grandpop passed, these stories brought me a familiar comfort and fright. Apt to reading at bedtime, Ms. Due gives us a blend of supernatural, earthly and horror genres, perfectly intertwined.
I enjoyed Suppertime and The Rumpus Room, small town ghosts with BIG impacts on race, family, imagination and fear.
Last Stop on Route 9, Haint in the Window, and Ghost Ship were especially my faves. Giving frights, thrills and hope. Peaking your flight or fight; heart pounding.
My first read of Ms. Due's literary works and it definitely won't be my last. A page turner for all!
Both skillful and descriptive, providing vivid scenes for one to ponder. Definitely a MUST read if you love all things frightening.
I enjoyed Suppertime and The Rumpus Room, small town ghosts with BIG impacts on race, family, imagination and fear.
Last Stop on Route 9, Haint in the Window, and Ghost Ship were especially my faves. Giving frights, thrills and hope. Peaking your flight or fight; heart pounding.
My first read of Ms. Due's literary works and it definitely won't be my last. A page turner for all!
Both skillful and descriptive, providing vivid scenes for one to ponder. Definitely a MUST read if you love all things frightening.
bookchelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0