Who am I…

Why launch a site to chat about books?

A - why not. B - Cause I want to (and have for a hot minute). C - I want to create a platform to help me find/record/share what’s happening in the horror realms.

What are some of my goals?

First and foremost, highlighting horror from marginalized voices.

Some background context… While active duty I was stationed in Japan and fell in love with Japanese literature in translation. It was a window into another culture which helped me be a better visitor.

Then, during a class in grad school I stumbled across an author interview where they espoused reading novels published during a particular time period as part of their research process to better understand the period they were going to write about. (Note, I’ve since forgotten the author and a google search tells me it is not a unique concept or process to one author.)

It took far too long for my synapses to make the (duh shana!) connection where I can become a better citizen and ally within my own community by prioritizing marginalized voices in the stories I consume.

I want to seek out media which shares all manner of marginalized perspectives.

Why horror?

Horror has always been my happy place. Books, movies, TV, the more the better. I always went straight to the horror aisles (back when those were a thing in bookstores and video rental places) to browse for my next gems.

I’m of the mind horror is cathartic and reflective of society in a way literary fiction falls short for me.

Beyond the front tables.

Yes, upon entering a bookstore the front tables often catch our eye. The new shiny objects conveniently placed right in our path. But what about the books whose publishers can’t afford a place on the front tables?

I’ll read whatever sounds interesting, for sure!, but I will be seeking out titles from small and indie presses.

Rating systems.

Yeah, no. None of that here.

If a synopsis/jacket copy, appeals to me, I’m going to seek it out. If an author or reviewer with similar tastes recommends a title, I’m going to seek it out. If I enjoyed it or am excited for it, I’m going to share it.

Ratings and rating systems are so subjective and arbitrary. One reviewer might say the loved everything about a book and give it three stars while someone else might feel the same title fell short in some areas but enjoyed it enough to give it four stars.

I’ll include tags for aspects and moods I feel reflect the story to help my fellow mood readers find the right fit for the moment.