You Weren't Meant To Be Human

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is incredible, one of the best full-on horrors I've read. The fact that it's full of wriggling worms is just too perfect because it's burrowed its way into my brain and will absolutely stick with me for a long while. This book is also the closest I will ever (hopefully) be to getting slapped in the brain with a hunk of raw chicken, and I'm still recommending it, so well done, Andrew Joseph White. There are BRUTALLY disturbing scenes, which fit the story amazingly/are necessary, and to avoid any spoilers, I'll just recommend that anyone who's interested look up this book's trigger warnings before diving in. Major props to the narrator and the added sound effects for really making this book come alive; it's an excellently crafted listen. ”

— Liam • Tsunami Books

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

“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

“Distressing, culty, and super dysphoric. Andrew Joseph White has once again written a banger. The depictions of self-mutilation and suicidal ideation were intense to say the least! Pro tip: Do not read this if you like babies, and PLEASE be in a good headspace! ”

— Eddie • Cavalier House Books

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

“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

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

“Do not skip the content warnings. Andrew Joseph White has shed the constraints of YA, and he absolutely shines. Gruesome and devastating. Completely suffocating at points. This is horror in its truest form, reaching into your chest to examine all of your worst fears. ”

— Chelsea • The Lakewood 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

“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

“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