Eric LaRocca

A beautifully crafted, devastating short fiction collection from the Bram-Stoker finalist and author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes. Includes an introduction from acclaimed bestselling author Chuck Wendig. Eight stories of dark fiction from a master storyteller. Exploring the shadow side of love, these are tales of grief, obsession, control. Intricate examinations of trauma and tragedy in raw, poetic prose. A woman imagines horrific scenarios whilst caring for her infant niece; on-line posts chronicle a cancer diagnosis; a couple in the park with their small child encounter a stranger with horrific consequences; a toxic relationship reaches a terrifying resolution... A beautifully crafted, devastating short fiction collection from the Bram Stoker Awards® finalist and author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes.

The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories

you follow wherever they go - 3.5 - too short, but the gloomy vibe made me uncomfortable.

bodies are for burning - 4 - actually kinda sad because one just lost control for something and gave in to the temptation. tragic, brutal, entertaining.

the strange thing we become - 3.5 - grotesque, disgusting, but also sad.

the trees grew because i bled here - 4.5 - HORRIFYINGLY BEAUTIFUL, GROTESQUE, VERY MUCH ERIC LAROCCA THE PEOPLE (me) LOVE YOU.

you're not suppose to be here - 3.5 - too intense for my own good buuuut i love the playfulness here hehehehehehehe don't play truth or dare with strangers, people.

where flames burned emerald as grass - 2 - too much going on, i lost the plot.

i'll be gone by then - 4 - heartwrenching, angry was what i felt once i finished this piece.

please leave or i'm going to hurt you - 2 - HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. GROSS. I PUKED.

Chloe

you follow wherever they go - 3.5 - too short, but the gloomy vibe made me uncomfortable.

bodies are for burning - 4 - actually kinda sad because one just lost control for something and gave in to the temptation. tragic, brutal, entertaining.

the strange thing we become - 3.5 - grotesque, disgusting, but also sad.

the trees grew because i bled here - 4.5 - HORRIFYINGLY BEAUTIFUL, GROTESQUE, VERY MUCH ERIC LAROCCA THE PEOPLE (me) LOVE YOU.

you're not suppose to be here - 3.5 - too intense for my own good buuuut i love the playfulness here hehehehehehehe don't play truth or dare with strangers, people.

where flames burned emerald as grass - 2 - too much going on, i lost the plot.

i'll be gone by then - 4 - heartwrenching, angry was what i felt once i finished this piece.

please leave or i'm going to hurt you - 2 - HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. GROSS. I PUKED.

My favorite story collection by Eric LaRocca so far. Every story conveyed its own distinct feeling, and I think a lot about the tender cruelty that’s woven through each one of these.

Nezumi

I really enjoyed reading this book, the stories were varied and unique and I really like the authors writing style. Despite the challenging themes and grotesque imagery I found the writing at times to be so tender and earnest. I think the best phrase for it is "oddly touching". In the introduction Chuck Wendig said that Eric LaRocca has empathy for his characters despite their glaring faults and I can't help but agree. I think the authors writing feels so intimate like we truly are peeing into someones inner most thoughts. Definitely worth reading if you want to see relationships, love and loss explored through horror.

The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories

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