Odd Little Library

Another book choice based on liking the work of the author. Tender Is the Flesh was quite the hot topic when it was released in 2020, but I didn’t read it until 2023. Why? Who really knows—but probably because I didn’t want to put it on hold at the library and wait months for it (and libraries were likely closed during the pandemic anyway). I was also in grad school, and there was a solid five-year stretch where I read almost exclusively Stephen King.

ANYWAYS.

I was curious what Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird was going to be like, and I was not disappointed. This collection of 20 short stories was altogether bizarre and a wild ride. Most of the stories are very short, and a lot of times they ended before I even realized they were over.

I never knew what to expect—and when I thought I did, psych.

As a whole, the collection is a good blend of horror, absurdity, and dark humor. Many of the stories have layers and metaphors that probably went over my head, but I tend to take things at face value and I’m content with that. If you enjoy the bizarre and unexplainable, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.

Favorite story: Teicher vs. Nietzsche— fun and ironic, and I was very pleased with the ending.

Least favorite story: The Wolf’s Breath — this felt like one of the more layered stories, and I didn’t fully understand it (or try to).

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Library Notes

Checked out: January 7, 2026
Returned: January 14, 2026
Rating: ★★★☆☆

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