Penpal

"What I offer you here is a combination of what I remember, what I've learned about my past from my mother, and what seems most likely; through my guesswork was restricted that are ultimately unimportant."

I loved the atmosphere at times, and I have to admit, some of the scares really got me good. Still, this book does a lot. It initially frames its use of memory as a plot vehicle and device, and demonstrates how its incompleteness and unreliability were vital in capturing the horror, especially from the perspective of a child. It then introduces the main character's mother as crucial to remedying his incomplete memory, (allegedly) providing a complete recollection of his childhood. As they shared "a series of increasingly strained conversations" over the course of several weeks, one might expect the mother's account of his childhood to be peppered throughout the chapters, with its frequency gradually increasing until it culminates in a whole, climactic, and all-questions-answered conclusion.

Instead, we are met with what reads like an anthology of memories taken from random moments from the main character's ten years of being stalked, and the answers (enter: the mother) only arrive in the last twenty pages. How... anticlimactic!

These 'strained conversations' could have really taken centre-stage, and it would have made way for a slower, more unsettling unravelling.

This reddit story turned book was a great little read! Was the writing the best I've ever read? Of course not- but the story kept me on the edge of my seat and managed to shock me a good few times. It's a great little horror story to read and the ending doesn't leave you disappointed.

Step into the chilling world of childhood trauma and psychological horror with PENPAL by Dathan Auerbach. This story begins innocently enough in a small town, with a kindergarten project of writing letters to imaginary pen pals. But when the protagonist’s letters receive creepy, disturbing responses, the terror begins. As the protagonist grows, eerie incidents escalate. Strange photographs capturing moments he doesn’t remember and a sense of being watched transform his life into a nightmare. The once-safe small town becomes a claustrophobic prison, where the realization that a sinister stalker has been shadowing him since childhood creeps in. Auerbach masterfully combines psychological horror and the loss of innocence, creating a relentless tide of dread. Each character, particularly the protagonist and his mother, is tinged with an impending doom that keeps you hooked. Why read it? PENPAL is a haunting experience that grips you from the first page. Auerbach’s writing is perfect for fans of spine-chilling suspense and intricate, mind-bending plots. This book will leave you questioning every shadow and sound around you. Why 7? While PENPAL delivers an intense psychological horror experience, some parts of the plot feel disjointed, and a few unanswered questions may leave readers wanting more. Despite this, the chilling atmosphere and compelling narrative make it a must-read for horror enthusiasts. Dare to read it? Prepare to lose sleep.

Just wrapped up "Penpal" by David Auerbach, and gotta say, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Intriguing for sure, but the horror didn't hit me as hard as I hoped. There are these spooky scenes, but the whole thing felt like a puzzle missing a few pieces – kinda confusing. Auerbach spins the tale using letters and memories, tracking this character from kid to adult. The storytelling technique is cool, giving it a personal vibe, but it left me hanging a bit. The scary bits felt disconnected, you know? Like, where's the big payoff? Despite the confusion, "Penpal" does dive deep into this dark side of childhood. It captures innocence gone haywire, which is cool. But it's like the plot got lost in its own maze, leaving me with more questions than answers. Sure, there's a creepy vibe here and there, and Auerbach nails the messed-up parts of growing up. But if you're looking for a horror story that ties everything together, this might not be it. It's got potential, especially if you're into the whole exploring the darker side of innocence thing. Just be ready for some head-scratching along the way.

This is a parents worst nightmare, written from the child’s perspective after coming into adulthood and getting all of the details that were hidden to protect him. Perfectly spooky, well written, will read again soon.