J. S. Wong
Bio
Fiction writer, compulsive book reviewer, horror/Halloween fan. Subscribe if you like stories on writing, books, and reading!
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Stories (18/0)
Stephen King Returns To Short Fiction With "You Like It Darker"
I always look forward to Stephen King’s books. In particular, his short stories got me into the horror genre, so I was excited he’s made a return to short fiction in You Like It Darker. Based on the title, it’s no surprise these twelve new tales explore the darker parts of life.
By J. S. Wong11 days ago in BookClub
"The House That Horror Built": An Unexpectedly Enjoyable Gothic Mystery
I enjoyed Christina Henry’s 2020 novel The Ghost Tree and its classic take on small town horror. Her latest published novel, The House That Horror Built was one of my most anticipated books of 2024. The premise of a housekeeper working for a famous horror director sounded like a treat for fans of the genre.
By J. S. Wong22 days ago in BookClub
"The Return": A Creepy Horror Debut Echoing "The Shining"
As a longtime horror fan, I haven’t found too many authors who’ve made me want to read all their books. I read Rachel Harrison’s latest novel, Such Sharp Teeth, and she’s fast becoming my go-to author for fun and comedic horror. I decided to backtrack and read her 2020 debut novel, The Return. I was hesitant at first given the lower ratings on Goodreads, but I was glad I gave it a chance.
By J. S. Wongabout a month ago in BookClub
"You'd Look Better As A Ghost": A Serial Killer Story About Grief
Originally published in the UK in 2023 and released in the US in 2024, I first discovered You’d Look Better As A Ghost in an email from Penguin Books. I haven’t read many serial killer protagonists in fiction that I’ve liked, but the novel struck me with its clever title and cover. Plus, the idea a part-time murderer going to a grief support group sounded like a fun read.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
"Your House Will Pay" Explores America's Racial Strife
Your House Will Pay takes place in Los Angeles in the wake of the shooting of a Black teenager, echoing the riots from the 1990s. According to the author, the novel’s premise is based on the 1991 murder of 15-year old Latasha Harlins by Soon Ja Du, a Korean grocer, who accused Harlins for stealing orange juice, and shot her in the back of the head. Although Soon Ja Du was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, she served no jail time. Published in 2019, the book’s subject matter continues to have cultural relevance today with the Black Lives Matter movement.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
"The Ghost Tree": A Classic Coming-of-Age Horror Novel
Missing dead girls. A monster in the woods. Witches and curses. Visions of murders. Small town secrets. I don’t usually buy books at a bookstore without reading reviews, but as a horror fan the story’s elements and premise led me to believe I’d enjoy this novel. And my first impression proved to be right.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
"Yellowface": A Compelling Critique of Race, Writing, and Publishing
When I first found R. F. Kuang’s 2023 novel Yellowface on Goodreads while browsing Asian American books earlier this year, I immediately requested a hold for it at my library. Although it’s easy for writers to write about writers, I have a soft spot for those stories. Combined with the novel’s exploration of cultural appropriation and the invisibility of Asian American voices, Yellowface promised to be a compelling read.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
Is "The Maid" The Best Mystery & Thriller of 2022?
It’s been a long time since I picked up a mystery or thriller novel. Having read my fair share of the genre over the years, I got burned out after seeing similar plots and concepts. However, after receiving a recommendation to read The Maid, I decided to give it a chance. It helped that Nita Prose’s debut novel had high ratings and was also winner of the Best Mystery and Thriller Novel for the 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
Is "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" Worth The Hype?
I’ve seen The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo everywhere from social media to bookstore endcaps to book-related emails promoting buzzworthy reads. Although I don’t seek out historical fiction, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel intrigued me. Along with the high ratings, the premise of an enigmatic movie star reminded me of one of my favorite novels, The Life and Death of Sophie Stark, featuring a troubled filmmaker, so I hoped Evelyn Hugo would be similarly enjoyable.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
"Lock Every Door" Takes Inspiration from Horror Classic "Rosemary's Baby"
Riley Sager’s first book, Final Girls, established his unique brand of horror-inspired psychological thrillers. As mentioned by thriller writer Ruth Ware in her book jacket endorsement, and Sager’s dedication to Ira Levin, Lock Every Door takes inspiration from Levin’s horror masterpiece, Rosemary’s Baby. As one of my favorite horror novels of all time, Sager sets a high bar for himself, channeling the quiet dread from Levin’s novel while delivering his own compelling premise.
By J. S. Wong2 months ago in BookClub
"Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet": A Poignant Coming-of-Age Tale
I don’t typically read historical fiction, but as a Chinese American with family history in the Seattle area, the premise piqued my curiosity. Jamie Ford is a Seattle native and son of a Chinese American father. In an interview featured in the ten year anniversary edition of the book, Ford opens up about the inspiration for the novel. As a child, his father had to wear a “I am Chinese” button during WWII to distinguish him from the Japanese. Ford expanded his original short story until it became his debut novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
By J. S. Wong3 months ago in BookClub
"The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires": Hendrix's Best Book To Date
I’ve read all of Grady Hendrix’s novels and each one has been a delight. He’s established himself as a unique voice in the horror genre, blending darkness, humor, and pop culture nostalgia. The only thing obviously missing is a cover design as brilliant and quirky as his previous books (like the IKEA catalog for Horrorstör or the high school yearbook and VHS tape from My Best Friend’s Exorcism). Nonetheless, the artwork retains that similar cleverness — the hardcover features a “Town of Mount Pleasant Public Library” stamp. While Exorcism was amazing, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires edges it as his best book to date. Echoing his second novel, Hendrix revisits a late 1980s (and 1990s) Charleston neighborhood as well as the theme of friendship overcoming evil. But instead of adopting another teenage perspective, Hendrix wanted to pit Dracula against his mother.
By J. S. Wong3 months ago in BookClub
