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klosterphobia's review
challenging
dark
slow-paced
4.0
*This book was challenging but important.*
This is a book that demands attention, not just because of its subject matter but also due to its unique and fragmented style. The writing is undeniably skillful, though it requires the reader to engage deeply with the text, navigating jarring shifts in time, language, and perspective.
The structure feels like a collage, jumping between historical events, personal narratives, and dream-like sequences, the tone borders on dark, deadpan humor.
Throughout the book, *extreme abuse and rape are central themes*, and the final essay, in particular, warrants a trigger warning. What struck me was the emotional distance in the writing, where the violence is described but not always felt in an immersive way. It's as though the trauma is intellectually processed, detached from raw emotion.
The book’s stark and unconventional approach to discussing trauma is remarkable. It reflects the emotional detachment that often accompanies trauma. One of the most provocative moments was when Gurba referred to "classic rape" as a "practical joke." This deadpan delivery, which is disturbing in its casualness, is commentary on how society often minimizes or trivializes serious violence. This detachment also mirrors how victims may dissociate or distance themselves from their experiences to cope.
The exploration of relationships is nuanced and complex. There’s a significant focus on how the people closest to us—the ones we trust to protect us—are often the ones who hurt us the most. This theme isn't limited to romantic relationships but extends to familial bonds and friendships, illustrating how violence can permeate every aspect of one's life.
Beyond normative relationships, Myriam’s portrayal of her girlfriend’s abusive tendencies expands the book’s focus to include emotional and psychological manipulation, challenging the previously male-centered violence depicted in the narrative. Her girlfriend’s emotional abuse—such as threatening suicide if she doesn’t get her way—highlighting that violence can take many forms and exist in various dynamics, regardless of gender.
One particularly striking moment was when Myriam wrote, "before destroying my idols, I lay flowers at their feet." This was in reference to her grandfather, a publicist and a very sexist man. The quote resonates with the complicated nature of loving and hating someone simultaneously, especially when they hold a place of significance in one’s personal history. Gurba captures the deep ambivalence toward people who have shaped us, even as we struggle to confront their flaws.
As someone from the Midwest, its portrayal hit close to home (not in a good way). Myriam’s callous descriptions of the region felt at times like generalizations that didn’t resonate with my own experience, but she often acknowledges that writing is always biased - in fact I would say this was a recurring theme. I am choosing to give a free pass though as her discomfort with the Midwest might be more tied to her relationship with her girlfriend, places become reflections of our personal experiences.
At times, the academic references and language used felt pretentious. Her allusions to Hieronymus Bosch and obscure postulations by academics, made the book feel like it wasn’t written for me.
Her decision to leave some of the Spanish untranslated further complicates engagement—it forces the reader to either look up the meaning to fully connect or be okay with a certain distance. In essence, Gurba seems to ask: How much do you care? Are you willing to work to understand this culture?
On the other hand, the historical references, though sometimes underexplained, set this book apart. Gurba frequently ties places and events to significant figures, like the Kennedys or Charles Manson. These references add a cultural layer but can sometimes feel disconnected from the more personal narratives. Still, I relate to pondering how we all fit into this larger societal picture and the subtle ways history shapes us.
One particularly memorable moment was when Myriam mentioned that Charles Manson could never have started a gang in East LA or in prison, a statement that almost reads like a backhanded praise of gang culture as a legitimate form of survival. Desiree’s story was intriguing, and what I took away is that gangs, despite their violence, provide safety and community to those who are otherwise marginalized—an idea that challenges mainstream views.
California, in particular, is portrayed in a way that veers far from the romanticized image. Gurba critiques its foundations and culture, often emphasizing the violence and trauma hidden beneath its surface. By the end, I found myself asking: *Does this author like anything at all?* Her critiques extend to everything—from geography to relationships to society to other authors.
Finally, the thing that will remain with me the most is the idea of death games, a chilling exploration of how violence becomes normalized and is maybe even inherently with us even in childhood. Violence here is treated almost as a game or later in the book as a joke, reflecting how deeply trauma can permeate everyday life, forcing people to adopt a detached attitude to cope with it.
Creep is a book that will stay with you long after you finish, leaving you to grapple with its raw, uncomfortable truths.
Take time to read this but remember to prioritize your mental health.
This is a book that demands attention, not just because of its subject matter but also due to its unique and fragmented style. The writing is undeniably skillful, though it requires the reader to engage deeply with the text, navigating jarring shifts in time, language, and perspective.
The structure feels like a collage, jumping between historical events, personal narratives, and dream-like sequences, the tone borders on dark, deadpan humor.
Throughout the book, *extreme abuse and rape are central themes*, and the final essay, in particular, warrants a trigger warning. What struck me was the emotional distance in the writing, where the violence is described but not always felt in an immersive way. It's as though the trauma is intellectually processed, detached from raw emotion.
The book’s stark and unconventional approach to discussing trauma is remarkable. It reflects the emotional detachment that often accompanies trauma. One of the most provocative moments was when Gurba referred to "classic rape" as a "practical joke." This deadpan delivery, which is disturbing in its casualness, is commentary on how society often minimizes or trivializes serious violence. This detachment also mirrors how victims may dissociate or distance themselves from their experiences to cope.
The exploration of relationships is nuanced and complex. There’s a significant focus on how the people closest to us—the ones we trust to protect us—are often the ones who hurt us the most. This theme isn't limited to romantic relationships but extends to familial bonds and friendships, illustrating how violence can permeate every aspect of one's life.
Beyond normative relationships, Myriam’s portrayal of her girlfriend’s abusive tendencies expands the book’s focus to include emotional and psychological manipulation, challenging the previously male-centered violence depicted in the narrative. Her girlfriend’s emotional abuse—such as threatening suicide if she doesn’t get her way—highlighting that violence can take many forms and exist in various dynamics, regardless of gender.
One particularly striking moment was when Myriam wrote, "before destroying my idols, I lay flowers at their feet." This was in reference to her grandfather, a publicist and a very sexist man. The quote resonates with the complicated nature of loving and hating someone simultaneously, especially when they hold a place of significance in one’s personal history. Gurba captures the deep ambivalence toward people who have shaped us, even as we struggle to confront their flaws.
As someone from the Midwest, its portrayal hit close to home (not in a good way). Myriam’s callous descriptions of the region felt at times like generalizations that didn’t resonate with my own experience, but she often acknowledges that writing is always biased - in fact I would say this was a recurring theme. I am choosing to give a free pass though as her discomfort with the Midwest might be more tied to her relationship with her girlfriend, places become reflections of our personal experiences.
At times, the academic references and language used felt pretentious. Her allusions to Hieronymus Bosch and obscure postulations by academics, made the book feel like it wasn’t written for me.
Her decision to leave some of the Spanish untranslated further complicates engagement—it forces the reader to either look up the meaning to fully connect or be okay with a certain distance. In essence, Gurba seems to ask: How much do you care? Are you willing to work to understand this culture?
On the other hand, the historical references, though sometimes underexplained, set this book apart. Gurba frequently ties places and events to significant figures, like the Kennedys or Charles Manson. These references add a cultural layer but can sometimes feel disconnected from the more personal narratives. Still, I relate to pondering how we all fit into this larger societal picture and the subtle ways history shapes us.
One particularly memorable moment was when Myriam mentioned that Charles Manson could never have started a gang in East LA or in prison, a statement that almost reads like a backhanded praise of gang culture as a legitimate form of survival. Desiree’s story was intriguing, and what I took away is that gangs, despite their violence, provide safety and community to those who are otherwise marginalized—an idea that challenges mainstream views.
California, in particular, is portrayed in a way that veers far from the romanticized image. Gurba critiques its foundations and culture, often emphasizing the violence and trauma hidden beneath its surface. By the end, I found myself asking: *Does this author like anything at all?* Her critiques extend to everything—from geography to relationships to society to other authors.
Finally, the thing that will remain with me the most is the idea of death games, a chilling exploration of how violence becomes normalized and is maybe even inherently with us even in childhood. Violence here is treated almost as a game or later in the book as a joke, reflecting how deeply trauma can permeate everyday life, forcing people to adopt a detached attitude to cope with it.
Creep is a book that will stay with you long after you finish, leaving you to grapple with its raw, uncomfortable truths.
Take time to read this but remember to prioritize your mental health.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
courtney_scott1025's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Wow, this book was recommended by a friend and it was amazing. Myriam Gurba’s writing is beautiful, and I loved the appearances from famous true crime cases interwoven. Check your content warnings!!!! It can be very graphic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
bashsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Creep is an explosive and precise examination of abuse, one that challenges readers on their preconceived notions of who's a "good" guy, and who's a "bad" one. Full of nuance and humor, Gurba expertly threads her experiences through the eye of much larger societal issues. This essay collection is not for the faint of heart - Gurba is not one to mince words - but if you can stomach the content, it's well-worth the read.
Also, I read the audiobooks, which Gurba narrated herself. She gives the intended inflection of each word, even getting choked up at one point. And there is a little bell noise to coincide with line breaks, which I enjoyed.
My favorite essays were: "Locas," "Mitote," "Slimed," "Itchy," and the three-part, titular "Creep."
Also, I read the audiobooks, which Gurba narrated herself. She gives the intended inflection of each word, even getting choked up at one point. And there is a little bell noise to coincide with line breaks, which I enjoyed.
My favorite essays were: "Locas," "Mitote," "Slimed," "Itchy," and the three-part, titular "Creep."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Stalking, Murder, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Biphobia, Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, and Religious bigotry
30something_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Wow, this was insane
and chilling
and it made me angry
and it made me sad.
Consider me ready to pick up everything else Gurba has written.
and chilling
and it made me angry
and it made me sad.
Consider me ready to pick up everything else Gurba has written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Colonisation, and Classism
yajairat's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Very powerful and informative essays. I really only knew Myriam Gurba through her essay on American Dirt, but wow does she have a voice and a way with words. Her commentary on the creeps around us, the systems currently in place, misogyny and racism was sharp. All of her essays were great, but Creep, Cucuy, and Navajazo stood out to me. This is my second time reading about Lorena Gallo in the span of a month or two, and I will now regard her as a female folk hero!
some quotes, more on the informative side:
"Chief William H. Parker ruled the LAPD from 1950 to 1966. His involvement in Dragnet, the show that created the template for all future copaganda, made Parker the country's most influential policeman. Parker used the show to "publicize his views on law and order" and advisers scrutinized scripts to make sure that Dragnet portrayed LAPD officers as "ethical, terse, efficient, and white.."
"California doesn't deserve its reputation as a progressive state. If it were so damn progressive, it wouldn't rely on jails and prisons to take care of its problems." - also thought of NY while reading this
"Mom's half siblings, the children of la otra mujer, attended the funeral too. Offspring who'd been denying the existence of one another for decades were now gathered around the husk of the man who'd made them and hurt them."
"Tyrants revel in the chasm separating the literate from the illiterate. Hoarding literacy gives them the power to define, defraud, and shatter."
"Some people in my family mention my grandfather's misogyny as if it were a charming yet harmless quirk. Something to giggle about... When a man leaves his wife and children to subsist on water for seven days, it's the opposite of charming."
"What irks is [Joan] Didion's racial grammar. A conceptual metaphor developed by the sociologist Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, racial grammar is what gives racism its elemental quality, the sense that its natural, no different from earth, wind, or fire." - very interesting essay about Joan Didion!
"Some men will shatter the mirror you hold up to them. Next, they'll take the shards and stick them in you."
"When asked how he knows that a trauma patient has recovered, Dr. Jack Saul, director of the International Trauma Studies Program, answers that a survivor's ability to exercise spontaneity is his sign. Spontaneity happens when avoiding death or injury stops being a survivor's primary concern."
"People who hurt people can be charmers. It works in their favor. Charm disarms victims and make us feel special. Chosen... Those who believe that if they encountered someone like Q they'd immediately sense danger delude themselves. It's not like you're on your first, second, third, fourth, or fifth date with a Q when they announce, "Pass the salt, you dog-faced cunt, or I'll slice you from neck to stomach!". That part comes once they, with the help of others, have lured you into the fog."
some quotes, more on the informative side:
"Chief William H. Parker ruled the LAPD from 1950 to 1966. His involvement in Dragnet, the show that created the template for all future copaganda, made Parker the country's most influential policeman. Parker used the show to "publicize his views on law and order" and advisers scrutinized scripts to make sure that Dragnet portrayed LAPD officers as "ethical, terse, efficient, and white.."
"California doesn't deserve its reputation as a progressive state. If it were so damn progressive, it wouldn't rely on jails and prisons to take care of its problems." - also thought of NY while reading this
"Mom's half siblings, the children of la otra mujer, attended the funeral too. Offspring who'd been denying the existence of one another for decades were now gathered around the husk of the man who'd made them and hurt them."
"Tyrants revel in the chasm separating the literate from the illiterate. Hoarding literacy gives them the power to define, defraud, and shatter."
"Some people in my family mention my grandfather's misogyny as if it were a charming yet harmless quirk. Something to giggle about... When a man leaves his wife and children to subsist on water for seven days, it's the opposite of charming."
"What irks is [Joan] Didion's racial grammar. A conceptual metaphor developed by the sociologist Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, racial grammar is what gives racism its elemental quality, the sense that its natural, no different from earth, wind, or fire." - very interesting essay about Joan Didion!
"Some men will shatter the mirror you hold up to them. Next, they'll take the shards and stick them in you."
"When asked how he knows that a trauma patient has recovered, Dr. Jack Saul, director of the International Trauma Studies Program, answers that a survivor's ability to exercise spontaneity is his sign. Spontaneity happens when avoiding death or injury stops being a survivor's primary concern."
"People who hurt people can be charmers. It works in their favor. Charm disarms victims and make us feel special. Chosen... Those who believe that if they encountered someone like Q they'd immediately sense danger delude themselves. It's not like you're on your first, second, third, fourth, or fifth date with a Q when they announce, "Pass the salt, you dog-faced cunt, or I'll slice you from neck to stomach!". That part comes once they, with the help of others, have lured you into the fog."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Rape
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Sexual harassment
vickywoodburn's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I typically don't read too many essays or memoirs, but I am pleased I took the time to read Myriam Gurba's "Creep: Accusations and Confessions."
Through a series of essays, Gurba explores topics ranging from the stereotypes that are placed on a Queer Mexican woman, to her family's history, to her personal experiences with abusers and creeps. The result is an emotional, complex, heavy, and even funny understanding of the creeps in our world and the dangers that creep around us. It challenges readers to confront their biases and think critically about the people and systems that define our society.
Gurba's unique voice shines through in each essay as she invites us into her life and gives a voice to many victims who cannot tell their stories. Summarizing the complete book is a challenge, but it is certainly a worthwhile read. Perhaps a better descriptor would be to share that I was reading this book while sitting at a restaurant one day. As I got up to leave, the server approached me because she "had to know what I was reading" since I appeared so engaged while reading. Admittedly, I struggled to describe the subject matter, but I showed her the cover and highly recommended it.
While each essay is intriguing, my favorites were "Locas," which told the heartbreaking story of Myriam's cousin Desiree, and "Cucuy," which ties mythical monsters to a real-life serial killer.
The final essay, in particular, which goes in-depth into Gurba's own experience with domestic violence, is exceptionally well-written and provides an intimate look at how easily creeps can blend into modern society. Regardless of one's past, I think many themes and experiences in this book will be relatable to readers, especially those sharing similar identities. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this book to all readers interested in challenging their assumptions and better understanding the creeps among us. I am eager to read more of Gurba's work.
Through a series of essays, Gurba explores topics ranging from the stereotypes that are placed on a Queer Mexican woman, to her family's history, to her personal experiences with abusers and creeps. The result is an emotional, complex, heavy, and even funny understanding of the creeps in our world and the dangers that creep around us. It challenges readers to confront their biases and think critically about the people and systems that define our society.
Gurba's unique voice shines through in each essay as she invites us into her life and gives a voice to many victims who cannot tell their stories. Summarizing the complete book is a challenge, but it is certainly a worthwhile read. Perhaps a better descriptor would be to share that I was reading this book while sitting at a restaurant one day. As I got up to leave, the server approached me because she "had to know what I was reading" since I appeared so engaged while reading. Admittedly, I struggled to describe the subject matter, but I showed her the cover and highly recommended it.
While each essay is intriguing, my favorites were "Locas," which told the heartbreaking story of Myriam's cousin Desiree, and "Cucuy," which ties mythical monsters to a real-life serial killer.
The final essay, in particular, which goes in-depth into Gurba's own experience with domestic violence, is exceptionally well-written and provides an intimate look at how easily creeps can blend into modern society. Regardless of one's past, I think many themes and experiences in this book will be relatable to readers, especially those sharing similar identities. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this book to all readers interested in challenging their assumptions and better understanding the creeps among us. I am eager to read more of Gurba's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
kklecornu's review
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This was a masterpiece of a memoir. The author seamlessly wove cultural critique and historical fact with personal narrative. Gurba's analysis of the interplay between trauma and humor was a completely fresh perspective, and the way she threaded that duality through multiple essays hammered at the nuance of her point. The last essay may be the most horrifically accurate description of domestic abuse I've ever read. Gurba's writing is confessional without being extravagant, and this work instantly puts her in the top tier of memoirists of our generation. Move over Joan Didion, California has a new literary queen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Child death and Police brutality
auteaandtales's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
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