What a strange but delightful book! I loved Olive’s narration, and empathized with her struggles. I loved the way “closeness” was explored through different ideas and metaphors, both literal and figuratively. I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get a resolution with the situation with Olive’s mom, but that’s ok. Would definitely recommend this book to those craving a bingeable, quirky, “weird girl” book.
My thanks to the author and publisher for the eARC!

I'm not sure that I'm weird enough to understand what just happened in this book that has to renew the #wtfthatending hashtag. Is this about obsession? Abuse and trauma? Escapism? Pasta? Zippers? All of the above and then some?

Olive is obsessed, as she says, with Theo. Theo is... heck, you know what the blurb says. This book is weird. Olive is the epitome of a "weird girl." Theo is weird. Poor, sweet, innocent Felix likes yellow slime, among other disturbing things (for which the blame lies with Olive), so maybe he's weird, too.

Parts of this story are endearing, others disturbing. Still, I couldn't look away and had to keep aggressively tapping the side of my iPad's screen for the next page. I finished reading hours before bed last night and I'm still not sure what it is I just read or how I feel about it. Should one include a trigger warning for the dog? I don't even know.

WHAT? HOW? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND!!! WHAT IS HAPPENING?! WHAT? WHY? UGHHHHHH.

Surely we can at least all agree the torso is better than the ear, right? RIGHT?!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Abrams Books for this memorable, funky, original e-ARC.

Open Wide is easily one of the most unique books I’ve read lately. Jessica Gross takes the “obsessive girl” trope — which is definitely having a moment — and puts a fresh, compelling spin on it. The story feels intimate, intense, and unlike anything else out there.

Gross’s writing is absolutely captivating. There’s something hypnotic about her style that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. That said, you definitely need a strong stomach for some of the imagery and themes — it’s visceral, raw, and not for the faint of heart.

I was nauseated, I was unable to put it down, I was unnerved, the perfect insane girl book.

Jessica Gross has taken the obsessive girl sub-genre and completely turned it on its axis. She’s managed to capture a woman’s romantic obsession to the point where you as the reader can feel the all consuming power of it. This is such a unique book that my words won’t be able to do it justice.

I’m obsessed just like the main character, I’m sat for another reading, I’m adding her debut novel Hysteria to my Barnes and Nobel cart.

This book is truly bizarre, kooky, disgusting, unsettling, and deeply addictive. It is one of those novels where you don’t know why you like it, but you can’t stop reading it. Our protagonist, Olive is deranged, obsessive, needy, and brutally human to a fault. Olive falls madly in love with Theo, a surgeon she meets while volunteering at a food bank. Olive comes across as a teenage schoolgirl than a 33 year old woman. Around the halfway mark, this book really enters into bat-shit crazy territory. I must admit, the plot twist threw me for a loop, but I couldn’t stop reading this creepy little book. I think the author’s writing style is what made this story really captivate me. Her prose was so electric and felt so achingly surreal. You really have to suspend your disbelief because the twist is so insane and cringe worthy. I thought the ending perfectly summed up what the author intended to get across. The main theme centered around obsession. I was truly engrossed into Olive and Theo’s unconventional love story. This book won’t be for everyone but boy, it was made for my quirky little heart. Definitely a weird girl lit fic to the T.

This was a DNF for me. I got about half way through and was very confused on what was happening and felt like I had to read several paragraphs again to full grasp what was going on. I was excited to read this book because the description sounded like a fun thriller..but it is definitely the opposite. Maybe it’s just a theme that’s my favorite to read? I’m not sure..I truly thought it was going to be like obsessed girlfriend takes things too far (kidnapping, murder, etc) but I was not expecting her to like swim around in his organs and zip him up like it was nothing. The chapters dragged on which lost my interest as well. It just wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley for an arc of this! This book was so weird but in a good way? I am not sure what I was expecting but somehow, I was grossed out and enjoying the story at the same time. There were a few times where it was a little too much for me and had to take a break. But if you love David Lynch and David Cronenberg, this book is definitely for you. Any lover of the genre of "weird girl literature" will love this.

Open Wide – Jessica Gross
A sharp and provocative novel that delves into desire, power, and vulnerability. Gross’s writing is both bold and introspective, making Open Wide an unflinching look at intimacy in all its messy complexity. A book that challenges as much as it compels, perfect for those who appreciate fearless storytelling.

Hysterical. Dark. Occasionally gross, but always in a way that keeps you wanting to read more. One can't help but relate to and pity Olive in turns. Her obsession is something I think many of us have experienced (though obviously to a lesser degree) at least once in our lives, and Gross is sympathetic even as she turns a harsh light onto the ugly, often sad emotions inspiring them.

A unique take on the romantic obsession subgenre. Jessica Gross is very talented at writing about all-consuming obsession with other people, in all its forms. Disgusting at times, but an apt metaphor for how we completely surrender ourselves to love in the early days of infatuation. Very much enjoyed this read! Love a good weird girl book.