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Summer is upon us, the sun shining brightly, the birds chirping.

Usually such thoughts would bring relaxation and comfort, but readers of Josh Malerman’s Bird Box know better.

The tagline reads “don’t open your eyes,” and doesn’t get much more specific than that.  All that’s known is that going outdoors with your eyes open causes insanity.  I mean, complete lunacy.  Just don’t do it.

When a group is forced outside, though, they must make their ways through the darkness, eyes closed.  There’s just no choice.

I realize that this review doesn’t give much away, but that’s sort of the point.  Bird Box reinforces the idea that the dangers we cannot see are often much more terrifying than the dangers we can.  The novel builds up, up, up, never pausing until you’re leaned forward, gripping the book in suspense because you just have to know what happens next but goodness knows it won’t be good.

Yes, this book holds the labels of horror, thriller, and suspense.  Not everyone’s cup of tea, I get it.  But when a book can send chills down your spine on a warm summer afternoon…you know it’s good.

Thanks for reading!

This book is one of Traci’s favorites.  Get more staff suggestions here.

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