Jules

Mild spoilers contained herein:

Truly one of my all-time favorite books. I read it at least once a year and have lost count of my total reads. It's not one of those where I "find something new every time." It's one where I feel I'm slipping completely into another world that I know, fear, and adore; at once comforting and fascinatingly uncomfortable.

Olympia's voice is singular and mesmerizing, whether she's detailing the bizarre, almost unfathomable appeal of Arty, the shame of her lustful, vengeful feelings, or her pride in (and fear of) her own daughter. She doesn't shy away from detailing the despicable things she's done, doing, or planning to do. She's honest. She's amazing. She's human.

The story is, on the surface, one of freaks. But at the heart of it, it's just about a family. Granted, it's a hyper-dysfunctional one, but still, just a family, complete with love, hate, loyalty, rivalry, and plenty of darkness, loss, pain, and yes, hilarity.

The story touches many facets of the human experience, from the above stated familial issues to the greater societal mores that define, defy, and challenge us all.

It's obviously not to everyone's taste, but I find it remarkable. Every time I read it, I find it remarkable. Oly is so strong yet vulnerable, so intelligent but bone-headedly human and stupid. So hard on herself but with the strongest survival instinct imaginable.

The story is twisted and twisting, always surprising. Once you think you've got a handle on what's going on; once you think you have an idea of what's to come, a violent u-turn takes your feet from you and you're pulled along in a completely different, darker, more fascinating direction.

I think Geek Love is a modern masterpiece, and I recommend it only to people I know personally, and only to those I respect and care for.