That Tender Feeling: A Conversation with Marissa Higgins on “A Good Happy Girl”

That Tender Feeling: A Conversation with Marissa Higgins on "A Good Happy Girl"

[ad_1] It was the cover of Marissa Higgins’ debut novel A Good Happy Girl that initially caught my eye: a young woman in profile, mouth open so wide her jaw nearly distends as she devours a burger. It speaks to the unbridled need in its pages, and I knew, right away, I had to read … Read more

The Anxiety of Choice in “How to Care for a Human Girl” – Chicago Review of Books

The Anxiety of Choice in “How to Care for a Human Girl” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] Ashley Wurzbacher’s debut novel, How to Care for a Human Girl, feels exceptionally timely as it explores unwanted pregnancy in the years leading up to the Dobbs decision. Wurzbacher captures the tension caused by inflamed political divides in families and communities around abortion-related healthcare with artifacts of the distinct cultural moment—including the rise in … Read more

A Transformation Unnamed in “GIRL” – Chicago Review of Books

A Transformation Unnamed in “GIRL” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1]  “Some languages, but by no means all, have the luxury of the word ‘daughter,’ but in many—and French is one of them—your sex is not distinct from your relationship to your parents. You will only ever have this one word to describe your being and your lineage, your dependence and your identity.” This entwinement … Read more

Girl Oil | Tor.com

Girl Oil | Tor.com

[ad_1] The second place winner of the LeVar Burton Reads writing contest, as co-presented by FIYAH Literary Magazine and Tor.com! Chelle’s friend, Wenqian, has everything Chelle doesn’t. A slim figure, pale skin, and most notably the affection of her longtime friend Preston. Like the ocean waves she calls home, Chelle feels transparent and overflowing all … Read more

The Pathological Bloodlust of the Public Eye in “The Final Girl Support Group” – Chicago Review of Books

The Pathological Bloodlust of the Public Eye in “The Final Girl Support Group” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] The defining element of slasher film franchises of the ‘80s and ‘90s was the “final girl.” The one who runs for her life as a serial killer cuts down her friends one by one just behind her. The final girl is plucky and resourceful. She runs from the monster until backed into a climactic … Read more

COVER REVEAL: The Moth Girl

COVER REVEAL: The Moth Girl

[ad_1] Cover reveal time! The Moth Girl by Heather Kamins follows the story of Anna. She runs track with her best friend, gets good grades, and sometimes drinks beer at parties.But one day at track practice, Anna falls unconscious . . . but instead of falling down, she falls up, defying gravity in the disturbing first symptom … Read more

Solidarity and Jealousy in “The Other Black Girl” – Chicago Review of Books

Solidarity and Jealousy in “The Other Black Girl” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] Zakiya Dalila Harris’ debut novel, The Other Black Girl, is set in the predominantly white and fiercely competitive world of publishing. Nella Rogers is Wagner Books’ only Black employee, so she’s thrilled when another Black woman, Hazel, is hired. Initially, the women bond, but soon everything shifts, and Nella finds herself at the bottom … Read more

Storytelling is Power in “A Girl is a Body of Water” – Chicago Review of Books

Storytelling is Power in “A Girl is a Body of Water” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] Kirabo presses against the boundaries of tradition in her small village of Nattetta, Uganda. She does not outright reject her people’s customs, but her desire to learn where she comes from—specifically, the history of her mother—drives her to seek help along the edge of what tradition allows to find her own way into womanhood. … Read more