honeyblood's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this thoughtful, curious, dark collection of stories. As with most short story collections, some appealed to me aesthetically more than others, but Swearingren's through-line of investigating the dissonance between the way that people perceive themselves and the way they are perceived by others is so interesting. The writing is strong and atmospheric, and it has a really beautiful adeptness at investigating the quieter moments of inner life amidst traumatic experiences.
briface's review against another edition
2.0
I usually love short stories but none of these evoked much feeling from me. Maybe it was just a case of the wrong book for my current mood but I eventually gave up on trying to finish this one.
honeyedblood's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this thoughtful, curious, dark collection of stories. As with most short story collections, some appealed to me aesthetically more than others, but Swearingren's through-line of investigating the dissonance between the way that people perceive themselves and the way they are perceived by others is so interesting. The writing is strong and atmospheric, and it has a really beautiful adeptness at investigating the quieter moments of inner life amidst traumatic experiences.
gmzzn's review against another edition
3.0
thanks netgalley & publisher for this eARC
3* because even if I feel like I'd rather give 2 only, this is more of a personal issue I have w/ short stories, sad things, and having a hard time to read recently.
This book is a collection of short stories, of daily things and lives of normal people but with some twists. They're sad twists, mostly. There's topics of death, suicide, rape, murder etc., and most of the stories were just really miserable and kinda depressing.
Despite all that, I felt compelled to read through each one of them, because the way Swearingen writes is very captivating and interesting, and each chapter/story just makes you keep thinking about what happened, what you just read, what in the world was going on. The final one, with an actual supernatural theme, was probably my favorite of this collection.
3* because even if I feel like I'd rather give 2 only, this is more of a personal issue I have w/ short stories, sad things, and having a hard time to read recently.
This book is a collection of short stories, of daily things and lives of normal people but with some twists. They're sad twists, mostly. There's topics of death, suicide, rape, murder etc., and most of the stories were just really miserable and kinda depressing.
Despite all that, I felt compelled to read through each one of them, because the way Swearingen writes is very captivating and interesting, and each chapter/story just makes you keep thinking about what happened, what you just read, what in the world was going on. The final one, with an actual supernatural theme, was probably my favorite of this collection.
slbeckmann's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the author, New American Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hard one to review. Beautifully written short stories, a stunning debut - dark, darker, noir and disturbing. The characters in each are people that invite trouble into their lives, and then struggle to deal with the aftermath. Despite the short story format, the author puts wonderfully well-rounded characters on the page, that stay with you long after you've finished reading.
This is a hard one to review. Beautifully written short stories, a stunning debut - dark, darker, noir and disturbing. The characters in each are people that invite trouble into their lives, and then struggle to deal with the aftermath. Despite the short story format, the author puts wonderfully well-rounded characters on the page, that stay with you long after you've finished reading.
rachelmansmckenny's review against another edition
5.0
Absolute stunner of a collection. Haunting in the best possible ways. I cannot wait to read more of this author.
noelledonovan29's review against another edition
5.0
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The format of this novel is a series of short stories that read in a darker, gothic tone. Each story centers on a different character who has their own problems complete with personal flaws yet I still found myself captivated, anxiously turning the page to find out what's going to happen. I really enjoyed reading this and it is a perfect fall book with its noir undertones.
brirenaebooks's review against another edition
4.0
This little set of short stories is a great way to kick off spooky season as they each and collectively are disturbing, weird, delightful, creepy, and compulsively readable. I read this far into the night two nights in a row because I kept wanting to know what happened. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this collection. I would definitely read more by this author without a second thought.
.
The characters in this collection are haunting (or are they haunted? Or both?) and I think my favorite short story is the one who earned a spot in the title, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.
.
There are a lot of content warnings. And I honestly think I missed some:
.
CW ⚠️ (not spoilers. There’s so many short stories you can’t even begin to sort which goes where): Miscarriage, parent death, abortion, suicidal thoughts and attempt, eating disorder, mental illness, stroke, child abduction, mention of death by fire, death of children, serial killer, rape, assault
.
I’d pick this one up if short stories are your thing, or even if you’re just curious, and like to simultaneously cringe and excitedly turn the page, craving more.
.
Thank you to #netgalley and New American Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
.
The characters in this collection are haunting (or are they haunted? Or both?) and I think my favorite short story is the one who earned a spot in the title, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.
.
There are a lot of content warnings. And I honestly think I missed some:
.
CW ⚠️ (not spoilers. There’s so many short stories you can’t even begin to sort which goes where): Miscarriage, parent death, abortion, suicidal thoughts and attempt, eating disorder, mental illness, stroke, child abduction, mention of death by fire, death of children, serial killer, rape, assault
.
I’d pick this one up if short stories are your thing, or even if you’re just curious, and like to simultaneously cringe and excitedly turn the page, craving more.
.
Thank you to #netgalley and New American Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
cailinmae's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
How to Walk on Water and Other Stories is a haunting collection of short stories. While some stories resonated more than others, each was crafted with skillful prose, unsettling storylines, and memorable (if not always likable) characters. These are noir stories that have lived in my mind since I've finished reading them. A perfect read for spooky season as the days get shorter and the air gets cooler!
4/5
Thank you, NetGalley and New American Press for the review copy!
4/5
Thank you, NetGalley and New American Press for the review copy!
More...