A review by nuclearteapot
You Weren't Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

You Weren't Meant to Be Human is a timely horror commentary on the current political state of body autonomy in the US. I enjoyed the book but definitely recommend not reading too many reviews before picking it up.  I had read in multiple places that this book was by far the most disturbing horror to grace the bookshelf and well,  that is simply not the case.  Is it scary? Yes. Upsetting? Definitely.  But I can't help but wonder if it is actually hitting such a note because so many people have not considered how truly terrifying it is to be trans in a world that is often not safe for you at all.  The horrors are committed by people, people doing terrible things in the name of an eldritch horror, but people all the same.  And depending on your personal life experiences that could be unimaginable or hit a little too close to home.

In conclusion, heed the content warnings and manage your expectations.  One man's unthinkable terror is another man's daily reality.
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