Reviews

I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You, and Other Stories by Julianna Baggott

bzzlarabzz's review

4.0

 I went into this collection of stories pretty much blind. I picked it up at a sidewalk sale because it looked interesting and it was a bargain. I had no idea how it would sometimes devastate me and sometimes perplex me. I never considered how many versions of a dystopia could exist. 

allisonrae13's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

grace_ann's review

4.0

If black mirror were a book and had a bit more sparkle. Absolutely loved it, one of my favourite short story collections of the year.

grazy's review against another edition

2.0

The concepts are interesting, but they feel incomplete. They have a well developed beginning and suddenly they end. A book that says a lot but does not really reach a message, though it clearly means to. 

ashleycc93's review against another edition

dark mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

2.0

Very twilight zone/black mirror-esque but unfortunately a lot of the stories fell flat for me. There were two maybe three stories I enjoyed.

reiowashere's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Very Black Mirror. I’m not the smartest so a lot of the stories’ lessons and morals went over my head but still a fun read. 

cursedepub's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I found this book browsing what was available on Audiobooks.com for my free trial. It collects 15 short stories, all of which are speculative fiction in a Black Mirror-esque style (our world but not quite, with notes of horror and sci-fi, and a focus on technology). The stories use that lens to push and probe into the human psyche, with poignant and real emotion being the backbone and heart of each. The result is a very well-written, powerful collection that also really makes one think. Was moved to tears a couple of times. My favourites: How They Got In, Backwards, The Drawings, Portals, The Knockoffs. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Blood, and Grief

Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic relationship

amandadelbrocco's review

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This title is everything.

I liked some stories more than others.

livres_de_bloss's review against another edition

4.0

Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes horrifying, sometimes heartwarming… this is a wild ride from start to finish. Thought-provoking, gripping, and all with an incredibly unique and defined voice, I’m so glad I read this and I will absolutely re-read this book again.

Individual Thoughts:
Welcome to Oxhead: 2.5/5
I’d Really Prefer Not To Be Here With You: 4/5
How They Got In: 4/5
The Now of Now: 4/5
The Versions: 5/5
Nest: 5/5
The Gaslighters Lament: 4/5
Backwards: 5/5

stellar_stella's review

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5