This was like nothing else I've ever read, Jade's pain raw and brutal, her obsession with horror movies sometimes making it difficult to decipher what is real and what is the product of an over-excited imagination. Details remain murky, the book reading like a sped-up dream sequence, the different parts needing to be picked out and pieced together to form a cohesive whole. While I wasn't always sure if this was exactly for me, I also couldn't stop reading it and knew it would be one I'd never forget.

I'm incredibly bummed out that I didn't enjoy this book. While. I think Stephen Graham Jones is a fabulous writer and I thoroughly enjoyed The Only Good Indians, but this one just didn't work the same for me. I found the narrative style disjointed and choppy, too slow moving, and a bit too heavy on the slasher movie recaps for my taste and ultimately ended up DNFing this story for the time being.

I hope to return to it and find the same love for this story so many others have. Would recommend for longtime slasher fans and people who like their horror slow and creeping.

Stephen Graham Jones is an immensely talented writer. In MY HEART IS A CHAIN SAW he gives us really magnificent, wholly realistic and completely human characters (except for the inhuman ones). The story in unusual and imaginative and Jones does a great job of immersing us in a place most of us will never see. the horror creeps up on you and while I was reading it, this sense of foreboding stayed with me, even when I was not reading it, until the story was done. and then I still felt unsettled. ONLY THE GOOD INDIANS was its own masterpiece and I can hardly wait to see what he writes next! Buy a copy for every horror fan on your list.

I was very scared reading this book. I am not sure I would recommend this book to all of my high school students just because it was a bit much for me. But I know there are students out there that will enjoy it. I had to keep putting this book down to read it again. It was well written and the characters were excellent.

Stacey Stacey Stacey Graves
Born to put you in your grave
You see her in the dark of night
And once you do you’re lost from sight
Look for water, look for blood
Look for footprints in the mud
You never see her walk on grass
Don’t slow down, she’ll get your -

In yet another offering of the “final girl” movement of late, Stephen Graham Jones offers his own more nuanced version of the now familiar tale. Like others, his is a love letter to the slasher flick and much like Riley Sager and Grady Hendrix he doesn’t fail to drop all the pertinent names. The difference this time around is Jones' more verbose, literary style of horror storytelling which also features a darker twist than the norm. You’ll know right away if his style is for you. I’ve had this on my Kindle since months before its release date when I got an early copy, but never picked it up because I feared this author would not be for me. I even had it recommended by my real life book buddy and still continued to avoid it. But then it became time for the library Winter Reading Challenge and, well you know how it goes ….

While this certainly could have been whittled down, a quiet Sunday where I could really lose myself in the story worked in this one’s favor so it gets a generous helping of stars.

Another selection for the Winter Reading Challenge. One more step closer to free crap!

Waaaaaaay past due ARC review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley way longer ago than I should feel comfortable admitting. Thank you, NetGalley!

A very well done homage to slasher movies.
If you're at all a fan of the classic the movies of the 80's and 90's you'll love this one. I loved all the references while weaving it's own compelling story I couldn't read fast enough.
I Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this novel. There was a lot to unpack here but the way it all tied together worked for me! I love horror and this author.

This books is absolutely outstanding!

The way Stephen Graham Jones incorporates horror movie knowledge within the novel is so much fun!

It’s scary, funny and thought provoking.

It’s one of the best books of 2021. I highly recommend it!!

“My Heart is Chainsaw” is, first and foremost, a dissection of the slasher horror genre told through the perspective of a troubled young teen named Jade, who is convinced a real-life serial killer has come to her small town and that her encyclopedic knowledge of slasher movies will soon come in handy.

While “My Heart is a Chainsaw” is best appreciated by those who have a thorough understanding of the genre, others can also appreciate the depth of Jade’s characterization, the small-town atmosphere, and addictive mystery.

Jade is like no other character I’ve ever read before, and certainly not a character from any slasher I’ve ever seen, subverting final girl stereotypes left and right. She’s a character you’ll either love or hate and was equally entertaining and frustrating to read from.

Although the book is heavy with exposition and overly wordy in a way that can often be confusing and time-consuming (purposefully), it gains traction in the second half as the story ramps up into a crescendo of gore and horror that even a non-slasher watcher such as myself could thoroughly enjoy.

I rated “My Heart is Chainsaw” 3.5 out of 5.

Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon& Schuster for this ARC.

Nobody does it quite like Stephen Graham Jones. After reading The Only Good Indians, I was eager for more of his work, and My Heart is a Chainsaw did not disappoint.

First of all, best title EVER.

Named a best book of 2021 by NPR, My Heart is a Chainsaw follows horror fanatic Jade Daniels as she leans into her slasher-film expertise to cope with and narrate some grisly events in her gentrifying lakeside town of Proofrock. With a classic sardonic tone, the novel uses the structures of horror to paint a powerful picture of native pain, colonialism, and triumph.

An incredible take on the slasher movie, this book does a great job of playing homage to the genre while feeling like a new fresh story. Can't wait for the sequel(s)

This book was very slow-moving, and unfortunately, it could not keep my interest. I was hopeful for this novel because it includes many of my favorite things. It was challenging for me to keep track of what was happening throughout the story, and I just wished that I enjoyed it more.

I don't think that I was the best audience for this book. My teenage or twenty-something self would have loved it. Especially since it's an homage to the slasher films of the 70's and 80's.

This book falls into the horror genre, which isn't my favorite because I cannot handle the too scary anymore. This book isn't too scary. There are moments, of course.

Jade is an about to graduate high-schooler. Her town in Idaho is small. There is a large lake in the center that was created when the valley was flooded - on purpose. So, there are many wives tales surrounding the lake and the abandoned camp on the other side of the lake. It would be a perfect setting for a slasher film. Another reason Jade is obsessed with these films. She has seen every movie and believes there is a formula. She is just waiting for these type of events to happen in her town.

Construction begins on the far side of the lake. Bringing some very wealthy people and a girl that Jade believes will be the Final Girl in the real life slasher film that will play out in her town. In looking for the start of these events, Jade gets herself into trouble with the police chief. They think she is acting out because her father abused her, which she denies.

Deaths do start occurring, but no one believes Jade's ideas. To keep her safe and from being the cause of the troubles, the chief locks her up. She manages to escape just in time for the final curtain call. Who is the killer?
Is there more than one, like in Scream? Jones gets credit for a unique story and ending to this book. But it can't be the final end, right? - like every good horror movie franchise. Just like you cannot kill Jason Vorhees - you can't kill the Lake Witch.

I had a hard time getting into this book as it is written almost as a stream of consciousness type writing of the main character's, Jade, thinking. There are also chapter inserts that are titled Slasher 101 that are her papers she's written for history class that really detail the history of the slasher film, but again her thoughts are inserted (like a high-schooler might write a paper). It was a little disconcerting and made it hard for me to find my groove.

Ultimately, I liked this book. I just don't think I was the right audience for it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.

I really do like Stephen Graham Jones but this wasn't my favorite and DNF it about half way through. Jade Daniels really got on my nerves and she is the main reason why I stopped reading it.

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for letting me read and review this book

SGJ is not for everyone but I love his writing. This book is no exception. Quirky characters, serial killer on the loose, hundreds of horror movie pop culture references! There's lots of action to move the story along and wonderful writing with a depth most wouldn't associate within the horror genre. A must read for horror fans

This book was no for me, but I've seen many many rave reviews so I think I'm one of a select few that didn't enjoy it. I will also admit that horror is not one of my most commonly read genres so I'm not entirely surprised that I wasn't able to complete this one. I do thank you for the opportunity to try it!

Jade is a recent graduate from Idaho who loves slasher films. When a new girl moves to the area, she is sure that she will be the final girl and things are set in motion. Jade has had hopes forever that a slasher type event would come to Proofrock. I am not a horror film fan, so I think I missed some of the references. But overall, book was enjoyable with well developed characters.

Chilling, gory and jaw-dropping, My Heart is a Chainsaw is an unforgettable ride.

Slasher horror is not for everyone (or the faint of heart) but Stephen Graham Jones’ writing style never disappoints. I first read The Only Good Indians on a camping trip, and on subsequent trips I find myself only wanting to read his work.

I will be honest—you will either love this book or hate it. I would probably not recommend this to most people, but for fans of the genre it’s unmissable.

Actual rating: 3,5/5
This book was such a unique read! While this story is creepy, thrilling and grisly, it also has so much more to it. This book touches on culture, gentrification, upbringing, and family relationships. There are some heavy topics discussed in this book, so I would recommend looking up trigger warnings prior to reading. Stephen Graham Jones gave the main character Jade such a distinct voice in this story and she is truly one of the most interesting characters I have read. As a fan of horror movies, I really enjoyed the way slasher films were at the center of the story. All the references to movies such as Scream and Friday the 13th were super fun as a reader who is also a fan of those films! This story truly picks up in the last quarter of the book and the ending was one I did not see coming. For fans of horror movies and thrilling books, this is a great combination for you!

Stephen Graham Jones is a great writer. This was actually my first. Admittingly so, it took me a little while to get used to his style, but once I did, the book takes off and you really get involved. The attention to detail is remarkable.
Next up, the rest of Jones' library.