A review by jaybyrd823
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I have so so much love for this book. I had just finished another book and just intended to skim the first page or so and leave my bookmark and next thing I know its 3am and I'm half way through the book. I didn't want to put it down. It was absolutely incredible. I love Andrew Joseph White and his writing style so so much. I love his use of body horror especially in relation to his trans mcs.  There were definitely parts of this book that were difficult to get through but it is so very worth it if you can push through.
I loved the different kinds of rep we got with this book. The garden keeper and Silas' relationship and interactions were so very important to me. Seeing such vivid depictions of Silas' own autism and how it affects him and watching him figure out that it's a separate experience and feeling than him being trans. I love the way Silas describes things from his special interest lens. One of my favorite early lines from the book is when he describes Daphne for the first time, standing next to her father. The graphic depictions and internal thoughts on the medical procedures was so very interesting to read and one of the reasons this book is my favorite. I love that at least for me I could both see and not see it coming with Daphne's dad deciding the Daphne isn't grown up enough and trying to take Silas for himself. As someone who really finds it difficult to get through scenes with sexual assault themes, I do have to admit it was so well done and heartbreaking. The absolute horror of snapping, not taking all of the expectations placed on people born female in this time anymore coming full circle against Daphne's dad.
I really could talk and write about this book forever and I think it will forever be one of my favorites.
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