A review by misssleepy
A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

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

4.0

I have come across this book on BookTok several times. It’s a short yet existential read.

Overall I liked the book. I thought the concept and story was fascinating, yet it was overall very bleak and sad. I do always a joy something with philosophical undertones

It reminded me of how The Good Place (TV Show) ends. With the realization that eventually there is a desire for life/after-life to end. That the monotony eventually becomes too unbearable. That diversity (in all senses) and meaning are major parts of what drives the human will to live. 

I think this one will sit with me for a while. As someone who grew up religious and then eventually had to unwind many of the beliefs that were ingrained in me, the narrators struggle to unwind his morman beliefs in the face of his new truths really resonated with me.

I was kind of curious as to why the library only contained white people. It was a theme that kept being brought up but we were offered no explanation. Idk, maybe I need to think on it some more.  
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