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Straight

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Who Would Like This Book:

This is not your typical zombie horror - Chuck Tingle brings his trademark sincerity and heartfelt social commentary front and center, making "Straight" feel fresh and uniquely powerful. If you’re looking for horror with a queer perspective, biting satire of allyship, and plenty of surprising warmth among the scares, this is for you! Fans of found family stories and those who crave a mix of thrills and genuine emotion will eat this up. Tingle’s loyal readers and newcomers alike might find themselves unexpectedly moved by the blend of social critique and classic genre fun.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some might stumble over the book's editing issues, such as typos and clunky grammar, which can pull you out of the story. If you prefer subtlety in your social commentary, the second half of the novella might feel a bit too on-the-nose. Those used to more polished prose or wanting a longer, more deeply developed narrative might wish this novella was either a sharper short piece or a fully fleshed-out novel. And if you’re not into strong queer themes or meta takes on horror, it may not hit the mark for you.

Quick, raw, and full of heart - this is a thought-provoking queer horror that’s as real as it is weird. Not perfect, but definitely worth reading if you want your chills with a side of genuine love and community.

About:

Chuck Tingle's book 'Straight' delves into the horror genre with a gripping and engaging storyline that keeps readers in suspense. The book explores themes of found queer family, survival, love, and perseverance in the face of despair, all while providing a poignant commentary on societal issues. The writing style is described as simple yet impactful, with compelling characters that readers quickly become attached to.

Characters:

The characters are compelling and relatable, featuring diverse representation, including a prominent trans character, and highlighting themes of friendship and survival.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its poignant, sincere, and culturally relevant tone, blending fun and horror while maintaining accessibility to diverse audiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot includes a zombie apocalypse that serves as a backdrop for exploring sociopolitical issues faced by the LGBTQ community, particularly relating to allies.

Setting:

The setting reflects a contemporary world undergoing a pandemic and incorporates themes relevant to the LGBTQ experience against a zombie apocalypse backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and easy, though some readers felt the first half was more engaging than the second, suggesting a need for more depth.

Notes:

Chuck Tingle writes in various genres, including gay Bigfoot erotica and horror.
'Straight' is a horror novella about a group of friends surviving a zombie apocalypse.
The book addresses LGBTQ issues, particularly the challenges with straight allies during difficult times.
Readers find Tingle's writing poignant and culturally relevant, providing a breath of fresh air.
The first half of 'Straight' is praised for its sociopolitical commentary, though the second half is critiqued for being heavy-handed.
Tingle's work is compared to classic works like 'The Twilight Zone' for its subversive commentary.
The themes in 'Straight' resonate with readers who have lived experiences in the LGBTQ community.
The book has a mix of horror, humor, friendship, love, and perseverance.
Some readers note editing issues like typos and grammar problems that distract from the story.
It features a trans lesbian as a prominent character, which adds to its representation of the community.
Tingle is appreciated for providing hope and comfort despite the horror elements.
Readers find the book a quick and engaging read, suitable even for those not familiar with horror.
It explores the strength of found queer family in trying to survive societal challenges.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers and content warnings for Straight include themes of horror, societal critique, and potential emotional distress related to LGBTQ+ experiences.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in the book, intertwined with its horror and satire elements.

From The Publisher:

When a strange tear in the cosmos appears within Earth's annual path, the consequences are disastrous. For one night a year, the vast majority of humans now undergo a frightening mental change, transforming into hateful, rage-fueled zombies who will stop at nothing to satiate their desire for brutality.

While not much is understood about this horrific mass hysteria, the demographic it effects is very specific: cisgender straight people.

A few years after the first of these tragic events, four friends from across the queer spectrum look for safety in solitude, hunkering down in a remote desert cabin for what is now known as Saturation Day. With a vaccine available for straight people to curb their violent episodes, some predict the worst is over. Others aren't so sure.

As night falls, it becomes clear that survival isn't guaranteed this Saturation Day.

This is the first horror novella from two-time Hugo Award finalist Chuck Tingle.

May 2021
130 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (6)
 
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