A review by sfbookgirl
The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Oh, how I desperately wanted to like this one. I’ve heard amazing things about Wendig’s previous book, Wanderers, and I’m a big fan of all things spooky. Despite the hefty page count, I was determined to read it during spooky season to get my share of horror. The Book of Accidents had elements of magical realism that I, unfortunately, did not enjoy, and I would have rather done without. Nevertheless, The Book of Accidents is definitely a spooky tale…I had vivid dreams every night while reading this book. 
 
The Book of Accidents is somewhat of a scary family saga in which Nathan and his wife Maddie move into Nathan’s old childhood home after his father passes away. Both Nathan and Maddie were raised with somewhat terrifying childhood experiences, and when their son Oliver starts getting spooked by things he sees in the woods out back, Nathan and Maddie start to panic. There were quite a few components of the story that I really enjoyed, but I think I could have done without those magical realism elements. Several people I’ve talked to have said otherwise, so it’s up to you to decide whether to pick this one up. 
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