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Survive, whatever it takes: Reviewing Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I have said this before in previous reviews, but I want to preface this by saying I fully understand that some books I’m reading aren’t for everyone. A lot of the books I read deal with uncomfortable topics that you reading might not want to read about. I understand my limits and have adapted to reading books about sensitive topics. This is why I’ve been leaving content warnings in my reviews because I too don’t like to surprised by graphic content. Typically, I know what I’m getting into when I choose a book and I want you all to know what you are getting into. If you have stuck around for my ramblings, then you are clearly just as weird as me so let’s talk about Earthlings.

Content Warning: Graphic Sexual Content, Graphic Violence, Depictions of Non-consensual sex/Sexual Assault, Harm and Neglect towards Children, Incest

As a child, Natsuki believed that she was an alien who was sent to Earth on a special mission. Her closest friends were her plush hedgehog named Piyyut, who came from the planet Popinpobopia, and her cousin Yuu. Natsuki and Yuu formed a close relationship and pledged to each other to survive in order to get back to their home planet. After a series of tragic events, Natsuki and Yuu are separated but Natsuki still held onto their promise. Now an adult, Natsuki lives a quiet life in her unusual, but comfortable marriage. When her husband suggests they take a vacation to her grandparents’ old home in the mountains, Natsuki agrees in hopes of finally getting away from the pressure from her family. To her surprise, Yuu is still living in the family home where Natsuki spent most of her childhood. Now, away from society, Natsuki, her husband, and Yuu all bond together and found out what it really means to survive, no matter what it takes.

I’ve read quite a few unhinged books in time and this one definitely just entered my “top ten most unhinged books” list. Sayaka Murata masterfully depicts the different ways people cope with trauma and how society often desensitizes itself to trauma. The writing was as surreal as it was heartbreaking at times. This book does delve into some very uncomfortable topics but does so unflinchingly. I also found it interesting that this book was as much about the dangers of nonconformity as it was about conformity. It is almost hard to articulate how I feel about this book without giving you a ten-page essay because there is so much I want to say. I couldn’t look away from Earthlings and I honestly do recommend this if you want a surreal, yet shocking book that you won’t be able to put down.

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There she is, a human being, diving into the unknown: Reviewing My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Hi everyone! In case you couldn’t tell, I got a bit of reading done on my “holiday break.” The “BookTok” girlies suckered me into this book as it had been making the rounds as a favorite for a couple of months. Mostly, I was sold on it being “weird” and I just love a book with a bizarre plot or writing style, even if it is not a genre I normally read. Now, if you are so curious, let’s talk about My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

Content Warning: Discussions and Depictions of Drug Abuse, Discussions and Depictions of Alcohol Abuse, Discussions of Grief and Loss of a Loved One, Sexual Content, Offensive Language, Depictions and Discussions of Self-Harm

Our narrator seems to have it all; she’s young, pretty, rich, and educated. Everything is falling apart for her, though. She lost her parents, her Wall Street boyfriend has serious commitment issues, and her best friend is becoming co-dependent on her. She decides to take extreme measures to get her life back into place. Her solution: she is going to “hibernate” for a year. It’s the year 2000 and the perfect time for new beginnings.

I am going to be honest right away and say that I do think that this book was somewhat overhyped. Not to a ridiculous degree, but still. I did, however, really enjoy how Ottessa Moshfegh made a mostly stream-of-consciousness novel actually very entertaining. The narrator is certainly a walking disaster in the most entertaining way. Her character voice was rather crude at times, though, so that might not fly with a lot of people. I do appreciate how well-rounded the narrator was, though. She walked a thin line between irredeemable and sympathetic. I personally enjoy unreliable or unlikable narrators when they are well-crafted. Also, let’s be honest, hibernating for a year isn’t the worst idea ever. My Year of Rest and Relaxation was certainly a thought-provoking read and I’m going to say that you should definitely give it a try if you want something that is unique and character-focused. (PS: If you love “Fleabag,” then I almost guarantee that you’ll like this book.)