You Weren't Meant To Be Human

Bookseller recommendation

“Listen to every single trigger warning given in the beginning, because Andrew Joseph White delivers a meaningful stomach churning piece of writing for every single last one of them. The elements where horror intersects science-fiction pale, when compared to the elements where horror intersects a plausible reality for those concerned about their reproductive rights. ”

— Jess • River Bend Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“What a devastating adult debut. White managed to pull you right into the bowels of this dark, dystopian Appalachian setting. I went into this book expecting folklore and horror (which I did find) and came out with a deep and uncomfortable understating about the state of the world. Would highly recommend the audiobook- Meyers does an incredible job with this story.”

— Kelsie • Red Balloon Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“The premise of this book sells itself...if you're into this kind of thing. Like, if you're interested in true trans disempowerment horror; in fiction that delineates what it feels like to drown, sputtering and alone, in the bowels of your own fleshy well; in stories that put you inside a Body that doesn't want you there, that would do anything to expel you; in exploring, in the safety of fiction, the experience of being a fetish object whose sexual agency is a punchline; in characters whose guts are twisted with guilt and whose minds are full of screaming suicidal worms---well, this book is for you, then. If that isn't your cup of malodorous goo, though, I understand. Best stay clear and avoid infection.”

— Char • Flyleaf Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Andrew Joseph White’s adult debut is possibly his best book yet. In the blood and guts is the very real fear behind loss of abortion access, written with all the severity the situation requires. I devoured this book.”

— Elle Dunne • Wellesley Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Not for the faint of heart, this incredible book about agency (or the lack thereof) is a beautifully grotesque coming of age horror story that is sure to leave you squirming. While there may be a classic monster from which the horror stems, the real fright comes from the human elements. I will not quickly forget Crane’s story, or Andrew Joseph White’s visceral writing.”

— Christine • Bromley's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Bloody horrific exploration of bodily autonomy, mental illness, the illusion of choice and how far life choices can spiral. Despite his circumstances and all the ways he was betrayed by his hive, trans autistic lead Crane still prioritized leading with love and saving those he could. Please pay attention to trigger warnings, this was a deeply disturbing read full of gore and difficult themes. Left me feeling physically nauseous and mentally unwell, but wow what a journey. This is one of those books you just stare at the wall blankly after finishing. Couldn’t recommend the audiobook more, narrator Max Meyers captured the emotional tenure of the text unlike any other. The special effects post production were hugely successful and gave me goosebumps. ”

— Victoria • Underdog Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“It's not too often that I find a piece of media that has me simultaneously engaged and unsettled for the duration of the entire work, but Andrew Joseph White nailed it. The creepy voice Max Meyers gave to the Hive entity also added to the unease. I found it very interesting how the author wrote this piece of horror to explore identity, bodily autonomy, and violence against a person, alongside the emotional and physical response to horrific acts. This really is one of those pieces that nails horror as a genre since it simultaneously frightens and repulses, but also exists as a means to process fears a person/society overall may have. This read is personal and visceral and so well written. This book is not going to be for everyone (and those who do read it will need to be in a good headspace to do so); however, those who do read it will experience *something.* It's also a heavier read considering the state of the country and the political landscape... So yeah... I said something about horror helping us process the horrors of reality, right? Reader beware, check trigger warnings, and hold on for dear life. ”

— Chesli • Murder by the Book

Bookseller recommendation

“We have all been eagerly anticipating Andrew Joseph White's adult debut, and now that it's here, we can't stop talking about it! Visceral, disturbing, and also a powerful, moving tribute to trans life in a post-Roe v. Wade America, this book is unlike anything I've ever read. ”

— Lex • The Little Gay Shop

Bookseller recommendation

“Holy mother of horror, when AJW enters the adult spectrum, HE ENTERS IT. Bringing his particular form of body horror brutality and political vigor, White crafts a pregnancy horror for the ages. Crane has become one of my favorite AJW protagonists of all time due to his overall complexity and arc over the course of these 200-some pages, showing the emotional, physical, and psychological realities of not only forced birth, but forced birth as a trans man. Horrifying, heartfelt, and shocking, this is unlike any trans horror book yet.”

— Violet • Big Blue Marble Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“An absolutely harrowing and gruesome tale of the consequences of someone’s bodily autonomy being ripped away. Andrew Joseph White has made a name for himself in young adult horror, and this book shows him to be a formidable writer of books for adults as well. Horror has always reflected the fears of society, and You Weren’t Meant to Be Human is a feral, sweaty, and desperate example of a horror for the modern age. ”

— Mo • Bookshop Santa Cruz

Bookseller recommendation

“A West Virginian worm cult. A forced pregnancy. A trans, autistic, mute protagonist. Andrew Joseph White’s debut into Adult Horror is a true tour de force! It’s a haunting and all-too-real exploration of survival, identity, suicidal ideation, the complex relationships between sex and trauma, and so much more! You Weren’t Meant to be Human is reminiscent of Stephen Graham Jones, Eric LaRocca, and Gretchen Felker-Martin with powerful commentary on our hostile world. I cannot recommend this book enough to those who have the stomach for it. Lastly, this is a great audiobook for its incredible monster voice effects and Max Meyers' perfect voice, making a smooth, enriched, and haunting listen! ”

— Vern • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“White really throws you right into the middle of this creepy, broken-down mountain town. I thought it would be all scary myths and ghost stuff (which it had), but I ended up learning a lot about how messed up things can really be in real life. ”

— Heber M • Inklings Book Shoppe