Stephen Graham Jones is one of my favorite authors and I’m pretty sure his books can’t steer me wrong ever. This one was no exception! I loved all of the references and how close to Scream this book was.

I went into this really ready to love it. I loved the references to classic horror and the meta-narrative and the plot around the destruction of land, it never got beyond being so Scream adjacent. I just don't think there was enough in the writing or character to make it stand out. It's fun for the references, though. Stephen Graham Jones is clearly a horror buff and it shows in all of his work. I might give this another shot at a later date, but for now it just didn't work.

Stephen Graham Jones' first installment of his Indian Lake Trilogy is a beautiful and devastating love letter to slasher films and Native American women. These are favorite topics of Jones', and yet no matter how much he writes about them his work it always feels fresh and important. My Heart Is a Chainsaw follows a young woman named Jade who has had her family, community, and society fail her spectacularly. Her only solace are slasher films, and her greatest hope is for a slasher to come to her small mountain town and take care of everyone who has wronged her. When the events she only ever dreamed of begin to actually happen, Jade is torn about her true feelings. This book is about survival, resilience, and retribution. While Jones uses slasher formula and logic as the form of his narrative, and he leans on a distinctly noir tone, Jade's story is raw and deeply human. It can take a moment to adjust to Jones' signature style of writing, choppy and abrupt, but it ultimately serves the story well. Jade is a very distinct character who slowly opens herself to readers over the course of this first book, and the result is a deeply impactful finale that had me in gut-wrenching tears. My Heart Is a Chainsaw is a beautiful triumph.

My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones is a gripping homage to slasher films. The novel, seen through the eyes of Jade Daniels, a horror-obsessed teen, blends sharp humor with chilling suspense. Jones masterfully explores trauma and resilience, making it a must-read for horror enthusiasts.

I had no idea what I was letting myself in for when I started reading this book. I began very confused as it just seemed like the MC Jade was all over the place, like a stream of consciousness. In fact, I couldn't help but to think of my college days when we had to write a paper using stream of consciousness.

Jade is smart, knowledgeable about slasher films (I'm not), and she's quick on her feet to problem-solve. She's in high school and is a major slasher film fan and knows just about every single one ever made, if not all of them. There were at least 100 allusions to various slasher films, no hyperbole. My one regret is that I think the only one I ever saw was Friday the 13th, so I know that if I had seen the movies I would have understood the characters better and some of their actions. Jade constantly made analogies between a character and one of the slashers in different films. The only character I was familiar with in slasher films was Jason. But I saw it so long ago that I only remember his hand popping up out of the water at the end of it (I think). lol

Still, I really liked this horror/thriller and am glad that I read it. I'm almost positive that anyone who loves real horror will love this, especially if you've seen a lot of the slasher movies.
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Thank you Gallery Books | S&S / Saga Press and NetGalley for the early digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I apologize this is many years late, but I still want to give feedback anyway.

Sadly, I picked this up years ago, and I couldn't get through the first 30%. The writing style didn't work for me then, so I put it down in hopes I'd pick it up again later. Boy, am I glad I did! Before reading this, I picked up Mapping the Interior by Jones and immediately fell in love with his stories.

This one is a wild and chaotic journey. The reader gets to experience Proofrock, Idaho, a town next to Indian Lake. It's also where Camp Blood is, the site where a massacre happened 50 years ago. Enter stage right is Jade Daniels and her absolute obsession with slashers. Unfortunately, she has to deal with her abusive father, Tab Daniels. Jade feels that a real-life slasher is about to happen again. She can also spot a final girl a mile away, so is she willing to teach the girl to be one?

Jade is one of my all-time favorite protagonists. She's witty, intelligent, funny, and she teaches me about horror movies without making it boring. I'm not a horror girly, but this book almost made me one. Jade is so resilient and tough!
The ending of this book was a wild rollercoaster ride. It was chaotic and unbelievable, but I loved it nonetheless. What I also appreciate about Jones's storytelling is how he seamlessly weaves indigenous culture into his narratives. He doesn't shy away from discussing the discrimination and expectations they face, which adds a thought-provoking layer to the story.

After finishing this book, I almost immediately opened Don't Fear the Reaper. I'm pumped to read this trilogy this year.

Stephen Graham Jones is a MASTER storyteller and this book only helps prove the point. Few others books are written this well and few other stories are told this well. The plot is fantastic, the characters are well-developed, and the atmosphere and storytelling are top-tier, near perfect. Highly recommend this book if you are looking for something good to read that will scare you.

DNF @ 32%

I was going to power through this novel because it’s not that long, and you never know, things could get more interesting… but then I remembered life is too short to spend time on things you’re not enjoying, and I just can’t get into this book, so I’m moving on. This is a bummer though, as I’m a horror movie fan and I do love a good slasher. But even I don’t need every element of a book to be a horror movie reference - that gets old really quickly, and I can just go rewatch these movies instead. There is a difference between paying homage to something and pulling a bunch of horror movie tropes together while also also filling pages with descriptions of famous movies. This book is the latter. The writing style was rough as well, felt like I was reading YA fiction from 15 years ago.

Though it took me awhile to crack Stephen Graham Jones' writing style, this became a un-putdown-able thrill ride around the midpoint and I flew through the end of the book. I didn't LOVE the reveal of the killer, but the referential style of the writing and the themes explored through the character of Jade made this book a memorable one, and I can't wait to tackle the rest of the trilogy.

In My Heart is a Chainsaw the mystery and supernatural tone are set at the beginning. Graham Jones is an expert at crafting a suspense that slowly builds up. While these interstitial of Jade's Horror 101 were a bit distracting at first - plus as a horror newbie it was a lot of info - I ended up understanding more of the connection as the story continues. Within My Heart is a Chainsaw, you can never tell what's real or what's not. For fans of unreliable narrators and questions of what is the truth this is for you!

My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones had all the potential to be a gripping and unique horror novel, but unfortunately, it fails to live up to expectations. While there are some interesting elements to the story, overall, it falls short of delivering a truly satisfying reading experience.

One of the main issues with this novel is its pacing. The story moves at a sluggish pace, with long stretches of exposition and introspection that detract from the suspense and tension that one would expect from a horror novel. Instead of keeping readers on the edge of their seats, the narrative often feels meandering and unfocused, making it difficult to stay fully engaged.

Additionally, the protagonist, Jade Daniels, while certainly unique, is not particularly likable or relatable. Her obsession with horror movies and her detached demeanor make it challenging for readers to connect with her on a deeper level, resulting in a lack of emotional investment in her journey.

Furthermore, the plot itself feels convoluted and disjointed, with too many disparate elements vying for attention. While I appreciate the attempt to incorporate themes of Indigenous identity and cultural trauma, these aspects of the story often feel shoehorned in and underdeveloped, detracting from the overall cohesiveness of the narrative.

In conclusion, My Heart Is a Chainsaw falls short of delivering the immersive and chilling horror experience it promises. While there are moments of intrigue and creativity, they are overshadowed by pacing issues, a lackluster protagonist, and a convoluted plot. Fans of Stephen Graham Jones may still find elements to enjoy, but those seeking a truly compelling horror novel may be disappointed.

I love My Heart is a Chainsaw.! Jade is one of my favorite female characters in a slasher.. If you love horror movies specifically slashers, you're going to love it. It's a slasher with heart.

(4.5 stars, rounded up to 5)

"My Heart Is a Chainsaw" by Stephen Graham Jones is a masterfully crafted novel that delves into the depths of horror and psychological suspense. Jones's character development is exceptional, with protagonist Jade Daniels standing out as a complex and compelling figure. As a Native American teenager navigating the complexities of small-town life, Jade's struggles with identity and trauma are deeply affecting, drawing readers into her world with empathy and authenticity.

The atmosphere of "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" is palpable, with Jones expertly conjuring a sense of dread and unease that lingers throughout the narrative. Set against the backdrop of a sleepy mountain town with a dark and troubled history, the setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery and suspense. Jones's writing style is immersive and evocative, with prose that crackles with tension and foreboding, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The plot of "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" unfolds with a perfect blend of intrigue and suspense, as Jade embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of grisly murders. The pacing is brisk and relentless, with each chapter building upon the last to create a sense of urgency and momentum. The relationships between the characters are expertly woven into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story. Overall, "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" is a chilling and unforgettable read that will leave readers spellbound until the very end.

"Some girls just don't know how to die."

Jade Daniels is convinced that her hometown of Proofrock, Idaho is in the midst of a slasher gearing up for its big, bloody climax. The problem is, even as the bodies start to stack up, no one believes her.

SGJ has a very distinct writing style that can feel perplexing and disjointed. Numerous times after picking the book back up after having set it down I needed to reread previous pages to reacquaint and ground myself back into the story. Once back in the rhythm and flow of things though, I found the book hard to put down.

My Heart is a Chainsaw demands effort from its readers but that effort is warranted.

There's such great humor strewn throughout this novel full of underlying emotions and issues. Despite some confusion, and the need to drop down a reddit rabbit hole of interpretations immediately upon completion, I am invested and curious to continue on with this series. I'm looking forward to having some of my lingering questions (hopefully) answered 🤞

If you're a fan of slashers, you'll love all of the recognition & regard that the subgenre gets.

"Horror's not a symptom, it's a love affair."

I give My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones 3.75 stars ⭐⭐⭐✨ (rounded up to 4 stars for NetGalley)

Thank you Gallery Books / Saga Press / Simon & Schuster for providing me with an eARC of this book, it only took me 3 years to finally read it! I suppose the upside to my lanquidity is that both book 2 & 3 of The Lake Witch Trilogy are now published & ready to be consumed by me 📚

I sometimes struggle reading books based on folklore I’m not familiar with, but this horror mixed with Native aspects was great. The audiobook was well done and the book felt well-paced. The twists were fun, never knowing who was really the killer, or honestly if even the MC was reliable. I enjoyed this overall and recommend it to those that love horror with some gore!

Whoa. This was intense!

I am equally in awe of SGJ's horror movie knowledge and petrified. This book was so good, I'm looking forward to reading book two and three. Just wow!

MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW is a love letter to horror's slasher era. It's horrific, melancholy, and a perfect Stephen Graham Jones read. Jade Daniels is a social high school outcast with an abusive father and an absent mother. She watches the world through the detached and dissociated lens of a genre she loves, and for this reason, she keeps you at arm's distance, but what we find underneath it all is a severely traumatized child trying to fit into a world that doesn't understand or accept her, one who's yearning for connection. The story keeps you guessing, flipping pages through the night to find out if real life will play out like a horror novel after all. Love it and you will, too.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW.

Stephen Graham Jones is a master of his craft. He's essentially the only horror writer I'll read, because, yes, his stories are endlessly creepy and have me keeping the lights on after dark -- but his characters also carry so much depth and dimension. In this book, I was consistently unsure whether I liked Jade, and more importantly, whether I trusted her. But at every turn, I was rooting for her. I'm going straight to the second book in this series -- I can already tell I won't want to put this trilogy down.

"This is the real world, not a movie, and the real world doesn't have to follow any special rules." This pretty much sums up this book for me.

Jennifer "Jade" Daniels is a young Blackfeet girl who is an outcast in her town of Proofrock, Idaho. Living with her alcoholic father is a horror show in itself, but Jade is a huge fan of slasher movies. Not horror movies, but those 1980's slashers like Friday the 13th and Halloween. The book is written like the inside of Jade's mind (which is pretty messed up most of the time), so it takes some effort to follow the storyline.

I think that I would have enjoyed the book more if I was more of a slasher fan since much of the book is based on knowledge of those movies. But, the book also touches on abuse/neglect, friendship and rich vs. poor. The town is on one side of Indian Lake and a group of "founders" (aka billionaires) are building houses in the former National Forest. And, oh yeah, there is an old camp complete with cabins across the lake, too. Don't forget the legend of the Lake Witch aka Stacy Graves. See a pattern here?

The narrator of the audiobook did a great job and was perfect for the voice of Jade. I admit that the author's writing style takes getting used to, but he can definitely write a great, creepy story. My main complaint with this book (other than my ignorance of the slasher references) is that the ending left me wondering about some of the many unanswered questions raised throughout the book. I hope that the next book in the series might rectify that problem.

I love horror and slasher films so I knew from the description alone this book was for me. This is definitely a book that will keep you up at night. I enjoyed all of the urban legends surrounding the town and the slasher references throughout. This story is definitely heavy but beautifully written.