I Was a Teenage Slasher

I Was a Teenage Slasher cover
Good Books rating 3.83

Technical:
  • ID: 1001
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9781668022245
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2024-07-16
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 3
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Set in 1989 Lamesa, Texas, 'I Was A Teenage Slasher' follows Tolly Driver, a seventeen-year-old with untapped potential, as he navigates the complexities of small-town life where everyone knows each other's business. When a curse forces him to become a killer, the story takes a dark turn, exploring themes of revenge and the unfairness of being an outsider. Stephen Graham Jones crafts a gripping narrative from the perspective of the killer, making readers question who the real monster is. This novel is a unique blend of summer teen movie vibes and blood-curdling horror, offering a tragic and unforgettable journey. The book delves into the Texas landscape and culture that Jones grew up in, providing a rich backdrop for Tolly's story. It's a tale of a good kid turned killer, written as an autobiography, which adds a layer of intimacy and complexity. The novel challenges readers to empathize with the killer, creating a morally ambiguous and thought-provoking experience.

Reviews
BiblioSanctum · Mogsy · 2024-08-03
mixed 2.00

The reviewer finds the book to be a fun and thoughtful riff on the slasher genre, though they feel it falls short in some areas. The rural horror elements are particularly noted.

Mogsy's review on BiblioSanctum offers a mixed perspective on the book. While they appreciate the fun and thoughtful take on the slasher genre, they feel the book has some shortcomings. The rural horror elements are highlighted as a strong point, but the overall rating reflects a more critical view. Mogsy's review suggests that while the book has its moments, it may not fully satisfy all readers.


Quick quotes

    I Was a Teenage Slasher is an especially fun and thoughtful riff on the genre.

    Definitely pick this one up if you're interested in rural horror.

    Book Review: I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones ; Mogsy's Rating: 2 of 5 stars ;

Books, Bones, Buffy · Tammy · 2024-07-18
excellent 5.00

The reviewer finds the book a top-notch coming-of-age story that masterfully combines 80s nostalgia, humor, horror, and heart. The setting and main character are particularly memorable.

Tammy's review on Books, Bones, Buffy highlights the book's unique blend of 80s nostalgia and slasher elements, creating a compelling coming-of-age story. She praises the book's humor, horror, and emotional depth, making it a standout read. The reviewer finds the setting and main character particularly memorable, adding to the book's overall appeal. Tammy's enthusiasm for the book is evident, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.


Quick quotes

    80s nostalgia and slashers come together in this top notch coming-of-age story full of humor, horror and heart.

    The setting is great, and the main character is memorable.

    Plus, how many slasher stories have been told by the killer themselves?

The Library Ladies · Kate · 2024-07-16
enthusiastic 4.50

The book is praised as a standout in horror literature, blending epic slasher moments with emotional depth and dark humor. The reviewer highlights it as a favorite work by the author.

This review from Kate on The Library Ladies is full of enthusiasm for Stephen Graham Jones' work. She calls it her favorite novel by the author yet, highlighting its unique blend of horror, humor, and emotional moments. The reviewer appreciates the way the book reads like a love letter to the slasher genre, making it a standout in horror literature. Kate's review underscores the book's ability to balance thrilling slasher moments with deeper emotional resonance, creating a compelling and memorable read.


Quick quotes

    I Was A Teenage Slasher is probably my favorite Stephen Graham Jones novel yet.

    We are so blessed to have him in the horror literature world.

    It honestly reads like a love letter to the slasher genre.