July Book Recommendation:

I Was a Teenage Slasher

written by Stephen Graham Jones

Recommended by Carlee Wilson

Set in 1989 Lamesa, Texas, I Was a Teenage Slasher follows seventeen year old Tolly Driver, a young man with a big crush and a deadly peanut allergy. Emphasis on deadly. 

A cruel prank on Tolly at a high school party sets the story in motion, and he becomes the town’s serial killer. If you like horror, this one’s for you! This novel is a perfect spin on our favorite 80’s and 90’s slasher movies but in written form.

Stephen Graham Jones writes as the main character, Tolly, in a sort of memoir-meets-coming-of-age mixed with a confessional style, which brings us super close to this killer as he unfolds his story for us. In addition, Jones gives us a strong sense of place, nostalgia, and dark humor that powers readers through the novel. 

I really enjoyed the humanity of this story and the highlight on feelings of being an outsider that we all have shared at some point in our lives. Jones seems to bring a message of friendship to the forefront, as well, emphasizing its nuances and how it can shape who we are. 

Hayu masi to Netgalley and Saga Press for the advanced copy.

Buy the book from Tribal member owned Time Enough Books