Negative Space

Fantastic psychological thriller. Some points off for multiple points of view, but the emotional depth of the young characters was very well written.

From the part that New Hampshire plays in this story, it is very clear the author is from Massachusetts lmao

In more seriousness though, this book was very uncomfortable to read.

And a big fat TW that I wish I'd been given: yes, every damn dog, caterpillar, and creature between meets a sad and/or horrible, and usually intentional end, for nothing else than to illustrate the depravity of nearly every single character. It's not gratuitous, but it's clear and it's disturbing.

That said, it was interesting and the writing was very well done.

Wish I could give this one more than 5 stars. Not just my favorite thing I've read this year, but probably one of my favorite things I've read ever? As soon as I finished it I wanted to reset my progress and start all over?? I never feel that way.

I don't think I've ever read anything that SO accurately expressed my inner mental state all the time? This book feels like it was pulled straight from my own brain.

It's not without its issues. A big chunk near the end drags a bit, and feels almost like it's taking a quick victory lap before the finale, but whatever, I could read 100 more Lu chapters.

Also Negative Space has the single most heartrending use of foreshadowing I've ever experienced. I spent the last third of the book dreading the inevitable use of a single word, and when it dropped it fucking wrecked me :'(

And I loooooved the LGBT representation. LGBT characters exist, and aren't defined by their queerness. It's not even brought up. They're just allowed to exist, and it's wonderful.

This book is going to stick with me for a long time.

(Also, I don't understand the people who are like “I wish everything was spelled out for me! They didn't explain any of the mystery?”, I dunno, learn to engage with your art more? Try more to interpret and less to be spoonfed? You frustrate me >:[ )