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klosterphobia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
4.0
*This book was challenging but important.*
This is a book that demands attention, not just because of its subject matter but also due to its unique and fragmented style. The writing is undeniably skillful, though it requires the reader to engage deeply with the text, navigating jarring shifts in time, language, and perspective.
The structure feels like a collage, jumping between historical events, personal narratives, and dream-like sequences, the tone borders on dark, deadpan humor.
Throughout the book, *extreme abuse and rape are central themes*, and the final essay, in particular, warrants a trigger warning. What struck me was the emotional distance in the writing, where the violence is described but not always felt in an immersive way. It's as though the trauma is intellectually processed, detached from raw emotion.
The book’s stark and unconventional approach to discussing trauma is remarkable. It reflects the emotional detachment that often accompanies trauma. One of the most provocative moments was when Gurba referred to "classic rape" as a "practical joke." This deadpan delivery, which is disturbing in its casualness, is commentary on how society often minimizes or trivializes serious violence. This detachment also mirrors how victims may dissociate or distance themselves from their experiences to cope.
The exploration of relationships is nuanced and complex. There’s a significant focus on how the people closest to us—the ones we trust to protect us—are often the ones who hurt us the most. This theme isn't limited to romantic relationships but extends to familial bonds and friendships, illustrating how violence can permeate every aspect of one's life.
Beyond normative relationships, Myriam’s portrayal of her girlfriend’s abusive tendencies expands the book’s focus to include emotional and psychological manipulation, challenging the previously male-centered violence depicted in the narrative. Her girlfriend’s emotional abuse—such as threatening suicide if she doesn’t get her way—highlighting that violence can take many forms and exist in various dynamics, regardless of gender.
One particularly striking moment was when Myriam wrote, "before destroying my idols, I lay flowers at their feet." This was in reference to her grandfather, a publicist and a very sexist man. The quote resonates with the complicated nature of loving and hating someone simultaneously, especially when they hold a place of significance in one’s personal history. Gurba captures the deep ambivalence toward people who have shaped us, even as we struggle to confront their flaws.
As someone from the Midwest, its portrayal hit close to home (not in a good way). Myriam’s callous descriptions of the region felt at times like generalizations that didn’t resonate with my own experience, but she often acknowledges that writing is always biased - in fact I would say this was a recurring theme. I am choosing to give a free pass though as her discomfort with the Midwest might be more tied to her relationship with her girlfriend, places become reflections of our personal experiences.
At times, the academic references and language used felt pretentious. Her allusions to Hieronymus Bosch and obscure postulations by academics, made the book feel like it wasn’t written for me.
Her decision to leave some of the Spanish untranslated further complicates engagement—it forces the reader to either look up the meaning to fully connect or be okay with a certain distance. In essence, Gurba seems to ask: How much do you care? Are you willing to work to understand this culture?
On the other hand, the historical references, though sometimes underexplained, set this book apart. Gurba frequently ties places and events to significant figures, like the Kennedys or Charles Manson. These references add a cultural layer but can sometimes feel disconnected from the more personal narratives. Still, I relate to pondering how we all fit into this larger societal picture and the subtle ways history shapes us.
One particularly memorable moment was when Myriam mentioned that Charles Manson could never have started a gang in East LA or in prison, a statement that almost reads like a backhanded praise of gang culture as a legitimate form of survival. Desiree’s story was intriguing, and what I took away is that gangs, despite their violence, provide safety and community to those who are otherwise marginalized—an idea that challenges mainstream views.
California, in particular, is portrayed in a way that veers far from the romanticized image. Gurba critiques its foundations and culture, often emphasizing the violence and trauma hidden beneath its surface. By the end, I found myself asking: *Does this author like anything at all?* Her critiques extend to everything—from geography to relationships to society to other authors.
Finally, the thing that will remain with me the most is the idea of death games, a chilling exploration of how violence becomes normalized and is maybe even inherently with us even in childhood. Violence here is treated almost as a game or later in the book as a joke, reflecting how deeply trauma can permeate everyday life, forcing people to adopt a detached attitude to cope with it.
Creep is a book that will stay with you long after you finish, leaving you to grapple with its raw, uncomfortable truths.
Take time to read this but remember to prioritize your mental health.
This is a book that demands attention, not just because of its subject matter but also due to its unique and fragmented style. The writing is undeniably skillful, though it requires the reader to engage deeply with the text, navigating jarring shifts in time, language, and perspective.
The structure feels like a collage, jumping between historical events, personal narratives, and dream-like sequences, the tone borders on dark, deadpan humor.
Throughout the book, *extreme abuse and rape are central themes*, and the final essay, in particular, warrants a trigger warning. What struck me was the emotional distance in the writing, where the violence is described but not always felt in an immersive way. It's as though the trauma is intellectually processed, detached from raw emotion.
The book’s stark and unconventional approach to discussing trauma is remarkable. It reflects the emotional detachment that often accompanies trauma. One of the most provocative moments was when Gurba referred to "classic rape" as a "practical joke." This deadpan delivery, which is disturbing in its casualness, is commentary on how society often minimizes or trivializes serious violence. This detachment also mirrors how victims may dissociate or distance themselves from their experiences to cope.
The exploration of relationships is nuanced and complex. There’s a significant focus on how the people closest to us—the ones we trust to protect us—are often the ones who hurt us the most. This theme isn't limited to romantic relationships but extends to familial bonds and friendships, illustrating how violence can permeate every aspect of one's life.
Beyond normative relationships, Myriam’s portrayal of her girlfriend’s abusive tendencies expands the book’s focus to include emotional and psychological manipulation, challenging the previously male-centered violence depicted in the narrative. Her girlfriend’s emotional abuse—such as threatening suicide if she doesn’t get her way—highlighting that violence can take many forms and exist in various dynamics, regardless of gender.
One particularly striking moment was when Myriam wrote, "before destroying my idols, I lay flowers at their feet." This was in reference to her grandfather, a publicist and a very sexist man. The quote resonates with the complicated nature of loving and hating someone simultaneously, especially when they hold a place of significance in one’s personal history. Gurba captures the deep ambivalence toward people who have shaped us, even as we struggle to confront their flaws.
As someone from the Midwest, its portrayal hit close to home (not in a good way). Myriam’s callous descriptions of the region felt at times like generalizations that didn’t resonate with my own experience, but she often acknowledges that writing is always biased - in fact I would say this was a recurring theme. I am choosing to give a free pass though as her discomfort with the Midwest might be more tied to her relationship with her girlfriend, places become reflections of our personal experiences.
At times, the academic references and language used felt pretentious. Her allusions to Hieronymus Bosch and obscure postulations by academics, made the book feel like it wasn’t written for me.
Her decision to leave some of the Spanish untranslated further complicates engagement—it forces the reader to either look up the meaning to fully connect or be okay with a certain distance. In essence, Gurba seems to ask: How much do you care? Are you willing to work to understand this culture?
On the other hand, the historical references, though sometimes underexplained, set this book apart. Gurba frequently ties places and events to significant figures, like the Kennedys or Charles Manson. These references add a cultural layer but can sometimes feel disconnected from the more personal narratives. Still, I relate to pondering how we all fit into this larger societal picture and the subtle ways history shapes us.
One particularly memorable moment was when Myriam mentioned that Charles Manson could never have started a gang in East LA or in prison, a statement that almost reads like a backhanded praise of gang culture as a legitimate form of survival. Desiree’s story was intriguing, and what I took away is that gangs, despite their violence, provide safety and community to those who are otherwise marginalized—an idea that challenges mainstream views.
California, in particular, is portrayed in a way that veers far from the romanticized image. Gurba critiques its foundations and culture, often emphasizing the violence and trauma hidden beneath its surface. By the end, I found myself asking: *Does this author like anything at all?* Her critiques extend to everything—from geography to relationships to society to other authors.
Finally, the thing that will remain with me the most is the idea of death games, a chilling exploration of how violence becomes normalized and is maybe even inherently with us even in childhood. Violence here is treated almost as a game or later in the book as a joke, reflecting how deeply trauma can permeate everyday life, forcing people to adopt a detached attitude to cope with it.
Creep is a book that will stay with you long after you finish, leaving you to grapple with its raw, uncomfortable truths.
Take time to read this but remember to prioritize your mental health.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
courtney_scott1025's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Wow, this book was recommended by a friend and it was amazing. Myriam Gurba’s writing is beautiful, and I loved the appearances from famous true crime cases interwoven. Check your content warnings!!!! It can be very graphic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
bashsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Creep is an explosive and precise examination of abuse, one that challenges readers on their preconceived notions of who's a "good" guy, and who's a "bad" one. Full of nuance and humor, Gurba expertly threads her experiences through the eye of much larger societal issues. This essay collection is not for the faint of heart - Gurba is not one to mince words - but if you can stomach the content, it's well-worth the read.
Also, I read the audiobooks, which Gurba narrated herself. She gives the intended inflection of each word, even getting choked up at one point. And there is a little bell noise to coincide with line breaks, which I enjoyed.
My favorite essays were: "Locas," "Mitote," "Slimed," "Itchy," and the three-part, titular "Creep."
Also, I read the audiobooks, which Gurba narrated herself. She gives the intended inflection of each word, even getting choked up at one point. And there is a little bell noise to coincide with line breaks, which I enjoyed.
My favorite essays were: "Locas," "Mitote," "Slimed," "Itchy," and the three-part, titular "Creep."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Stalking, Murder, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Biphobia, Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, and Religious bigotry
plantonic_friendships's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
I think many of the other reviewers gave a stronger review than I ever could. This was a strong essay collection though the nonlinearity really confused me at points. A good example was in the essay Creep and where Q came into play in her life. It was discombobulating and I kept rewinding the audio thinking I missed something - turns out you don't get it into much further into the essay.
I think so many women have had a Q in their life. Some who have had a man try to play off suffocating them to some who have had a man pretend to be the avid reader of your dream (Lolita is such a red flag 😭) only to be your biggest hater and everything in between.
The "White Onion" chapter was so interesting and Joan Didion's relation to one of the Manson murderer was sooo interesting.
Quite honestly, ALL of the content warnings.
I think so many women have had a Q in their life. Some who have had a man try to play off suffocating them to some who have had a man pretend to be the avid reader of your dream (Lolita is such a red flag 😭) only to be your biggest hater and everything in between.
The "White Onion" chapter was so interesting and Joan Didion's relation to one of the Manson murderer was sooo interesting.
Quite honestly, ALL of the content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
vickywoodburn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I typically don't read too many essays or memoirs, but I am pleased I took the time to read Myriam Gurba's "Creep: Accusations and Confessions."
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
rhiannatherad's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
nordstina's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.75
Creep is an intense essay collection filled with strong emotion, sometimes anger, sometimes with humor. One needs to be in the right mindset to read, but this is ultimately an extremely rewarding read. Many of the essays highlight how some of her identities (woman, Mexican, queer) can run up against systemic, passive, and overt hate. She grows up in California in the areas where much of the country's produce is grown, mostly by immigrants, sidling up against very white and very wealthy areas. She attends Catholic school with teachers with regressive views. A favorite essay is her takedown of the book American Dirt and its author (well-deserved). She ends with the most challenging essay, where the book takes its title from where she chronicles the abusive relationship she had, which was an incredibly tough read. Gurba is a strong writer and a strong woman. I look forward to reading future work of hers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
emelynreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This is a book I wanted to savor, sit down and contemplate, reading only two or three essays at a time. It's powerful, funny, and written with tangential style that pleased my dopamine addicted brain. Also, the TEA on the author's own family and popular authors is piping!
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Genocide, Suicide, and Injury/Injury detail
emzireads's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racism, and Rape
caseythereader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.25
Thanks to Avid Reader Press for the free copy of this book.
- CREEP is a collection of essays that are part memoir, part historical exploration, all righteous rage.
- Gurba is a master at channeling her experiences into sentences that cut right to the heart of the problem and of the reader.
- This book is a tough read. But if you're up for it, it's a truly excellent excoriation of the many overlapping systems that make space for predators to thrive.
- CREEP is a collection of essays that are part memoir, part historical exploration, all righteous rage.
- Gurba is a master at channeling her experiences into sentences that cut right to the heart of the problem and of the reader.
- This book is a tough read. But if you're up for it, it's a truly excellent excoriation of the many overlapping systems that make space for predators to thrive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Deportation