A review by bebidocrimes
Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez

funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Imagine American Gods but with Halloween monsters, written for YA before YA was a genre (and was neutered), that's what this book felt like. I could easily read more stories about Duke (of Werewolves) and I suppose I could stand it if Earl (of Vampires) must be included. Duke was my favorite by far even if he had so little to say, so stoic but cares so much about helping people, he doesn't say more than needs to be said. Earl's running anxious thoughts felt really familiar to me, and it hurt seeing him so clearly projecting his own insecurities onto how he thinks others perceive him. I'm glad he found Cathy. Though, I'm not sure I can get over the overt 2005 fatshaming throughout the whole book to want to read much more from this author. Maybe somday.
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