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sazerina 's review for:
The Nightmare Box and Other Stories
by Cynthia Gómez
I was utterly mesmerized by Cynthia Gómez's "The Nightmare Box and Other Stories." Each story in this collection pulled on threads of thought, leaving me lost in beautifully articulated locations in and around Oakland. The vivid, magic-soaked tales were not just enchanting; they were deeply moving and thought-provoking.
What struck me most was discovering that some of these stories were based on real events. This revelation made the narratives even more powerful, serving as a stark reminder of the depravity and callousness humans are sometimes capable of. These particular stories pulled me in and will stay with me long after finishing the book.
Gómez's approach is fearless. She went in with the gloves off and kept them off, each "kiss" from this self-professed "love letter" to Oakland washing over me with a mix of wonder and gratitude. The collection opened my eyes and made me thankful for the resilience and strength depicted in these characters.
The stories of a young queer man finding love and courage, a witch unraveling connections to the Black Panthers, a soon-to-be father confronting his violent past, and a brand-new vampire reveling in her newfound powers were each captivating in their own right. Gómez's ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday struggles of ordinary people—Latine, queer, working class—was nothing short of brilliant.
I didn't even know I needed to read this book, but I'm so glad I did. "The Nightmare Box and Other Stories" is a magic-soaked, feminist-rage-filled collection that celebrates the extraordinary within the ordinary. Gómez's collection is a triumph, and I eagerly await whatever she writes next. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for stories that challenge, enchant, and resonate on a profound level.
What struck me most was discovering that some of these stories were based on real events. This revelation made the narratives even more powerful, serving as a stark reminder of the depravity and callousness humans are sometimes capable of. These particular stories pulled me in and will stay with me long after finishing the book.
Gómez's approach is fearless. She went in with the gloves off and kept them off, each "kiss" from this self-professed "love letter" to Oakland washing over me with a mix of wonder and gratitude. The collection opened my eyes and made me thankful for the resilience and strength depicted in these characters.
The stories of a young queer man finding love and courage, a witch unraveling connections to the Black Panthers, a soon-to-be father confronting his violent past, and a brand-new vampire reveling in her newfound powers were each captivating in their own right. Gómez's ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday struggles of ordinary people—Latine, queer, working class—was nothing short of brilliant.
I didn't even know I needed to read this book, but I'm so glad I did. "The Nightmare Box and Other Stories" is a magic-soaked, feminist-rage-filled collection that celebrates the extraordinary within the ordinary. Gómez's collection is a triumph, and I eagerly await whatever she writes next. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for stories that challenge, enchant, and resonate on a profound level.