Holy shit. Wow, but also what the fuck. This was brutal - in terms of gore but also emotionally. I have so many thoughts about Crane as a character and so much of what this book says. But idk how to do all of that without a very meandering essay. Perhaps I'll table it until I can get a finished copy. And Take the CWs in the beginning so seriously bc it is a LOT.

I felt this story in my bones. this might be a new favorite. "'I think we've each got a mystery inside of us,' I said, 'and it is our job to respect that mystery, give it room to breathe, to feed it, to take it out for lunch sometimes, whatever. We're all a part of a whole big picture and if we're not doing our best to unfold the strange somethings inside us, we're not doing right by everybody else. If we're not unfolding our hearts, we're holding them back. We're flinching. And that's how we hurt people. That's how we make ourselves and the whole world smaller.'"

This was an incredible read. This explores the history of the idea of ugliness and the social realities that come with living in it. With a blend of poetry, essay, and visual art, this was immersive, informative, and deeply moving. The only real note I have is that I would have loved to see more of some of the ideas in the final section explanded further. But this was really great over all

I don't love that miscommunication/just not communicating was central to parts, but I do like the characters and the discussion of accessibility. I am looking forward to the next volume