The Takeaway: Creepy kids are good birth control.
When this book first came out in 2018, it literally took over Instagram. I'm a big fan of the creepy kid theme, cue images of the "It's all for you, Damien" scene from The Omen. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed Zoje Stage's Baby Teeth. It was both creepy and suspenseful, with a steady escalation of dread that builds throughout the plot.
The POV switches between seven-year-old Hanna and her mother, Suzette, as the story navigates their complicated relationship. My only complaint is the ending fell a little flat. It was believable and logical, but the story's rising drama hinted that the end would erupt into a grand slam blowout.
Creating a buzz on social media, this book was marketed as one of the most controversial books of the year. Do I agree with that bold statement? Not particularly. I've read books that have shaken me to my core, books that have been banned because of controversy. This was not one of those reads.
Yes, it was creepy. Sure, it had some uncomfortable scenes. But overall, this was not quite as dark as I expected or wanted. I'm not sure I'd even classify this as horror but rather a dark psychological thriller. I know that sounds negative, but it's actually one of the aspects I enjoyed most about Baby Teeth. It's realistic. Although there is a scattering of supernatural references, Suzette and Hanna's predicament is something that feels very real. And that's what makes it scary.
The Plot
Meet Hanna.
She's the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He's the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she'll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.
Meet Suzette.
She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna's tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there's something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn't the best place for their baby girl after all
The Drink
With the times the way they are right now, I think we could all use a stiff drink. That's why I've chosen this perfectly tart Simple Grapefruit Martini. Made with only three ingredients, it's the ideal drink to sip on while you read this book, binge Netflix, or take care of your demonic child.
Simple Grapefruit Martini
Yield: 1 serving
What You Need
- 3 oz grapefruit juice
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- granulated sugar for rim (optional)
What You Do
1. If rimming glass: Pour a thin layer of sugar onto a small plate. Wet the rim of a martini glass with cold water. Dip rim in the sugar and swivel to coat.
2. Add grapefruit juice, vodka, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
3. Shake for 20 seconds.
4. Strain into a martini glass. Serve immediately.
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