July 18, 2026
I’ve been absorbing a lot of horror this summer. Not in the paying attention the political decay of the US and the inescapable climate crisis kind of way, more in the I can’t stop listening to horror audiobooks way. Maybe it’s escapism from the horrors of reality but in any case it’s been a good bunch of fun! Titles include:
- All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Crosby
- If It Bleeds by Stephen King
- The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
- The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
- I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (this made it to my all-time favorites list! gory, funny, and beautiful)
- My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
- Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones (can you see a pattern?)
- Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede (another incredible book; I almost restarted it as soon as it ended)
- My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix (this was the second book I listened to by this author and now I have beef with how he writes female main characters)
- Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
- Mary by Nat Cassidy (currently listening)
I can’t get enough! And I’ve learned that I really love a funny, campy horror. If it reads like I’m watching a low-budget 80s slasher – all the better. Conversely, I also enjoy a heavy, dark horror – the kind that leaves you feeling a little fucked up and sits in the back of your brain for a few days.
All this being said, I’ll probably switch genres once fall rolls around and the actual cold and darkness start to creep in. You can only take in so much death in a season, you know? I think it’s for the same reason that I’ve always preferred watching scary movies during the day, when the sun is still up to protect me.
Anyway, if you have any horror recommendations send them my way, summer isn’t over yet!
What’s the opposite of horror? Bliss! We had another successful year at Blissfest in Northern Michigan. Good company, music, food, weather, etc. Well, the weather was mostly good. I did wake up during our last night to thunder, lightning, rain, and winds whipping our little green Coleman tent. All was (mostly) dry by morning. The spirit of The Wailers pulled me through (don’t worry…about a thing…’cause every little thing…you get it). Although, in all honesty, I did worry enough to leave the tent at 3am and sit in the steel safety of the car. Anyway, night one meal featured in the picture was from bnéshi mijem – rainbow trout, wild rice, green beans, and frybread paired with bag wine. Already looking forward to next year, even if it’s only for this dinner. For those outside of Michigan who want a Bliss experience: make this meal and savor it, put on some bluegrass, sit in the sun, get your feet dirty, and take a shit in a port-a-potty. Blappy Hiss to all!
TL;DR – It’s horror girl summer!
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