Little Paranoias by Sonora Taylor

Sonora Taylor's 'Little Paranoias' is an eerie compilation of short stories that take a stark look at the complications of the human condition, that will leave you feeling paranoid and your skin crawling. Covering topics ranging from the after life to nature taking over the world, I dare anyone who says they have no paranoias to read this and not come out the other side a delightfully hot, twitchy, mess.

'Little Paranoias' by Sonora Taylor consists of 20 tales of the little things that drive our deepest fears. She tells of terror and sorrow, lust and death as a second chance. These works delve into the darkest corners of the mind, laying eggs that are ready to hatch and send you over the edge at any moment. Everyone has something to fear. And Sonora Taylor plays on those fears in her fun and creepy collection.

I was introduced to Sonora Taylor's work last year after reviewing 'Without Condition'- which is fantastic and you need to read it. Trust me. So I was thrilled to get the chance to review another piece of her work! My expectations were high, and she did not disappoint in the least!

Miss Taylor immediately puts you in your discomfort zone and your fears only grow from there as she slowly cranks up the dark, bizarre, and creepy to 11.

She starts out strong with a story titled “Weary Bones”, setting the tone for things to come. The story plays on the dark and the disturbing revelations of humanity. Taylor proves her worth as an amazing world builder in “Seed” and “Quadropacalypse”. Both stories are set in a natural background that is brought to life through Taylor's skill of crafting lush and beautiful world through her vivid imagery.

“Salt”, “Never Walk Alone”, and “Perfection in Shadow”, will all send a shiver up your spine and have you looking over your shoulder at every creek you hear. Honorable mentions go to “Death is a Hunter”, “Part of you”, “Crust”, “Always in Your Ear”, “Drops”, ”Snowfall”, and “Stick Figure Family”. These take a look at perfectionism, our society's obsession with true crime, and our culture's obsession with social media and how we measure ourselves and self worth through “friends” and “likes”.

'Little Paranoias' is an entertaining and evocative compilation of stories in which Sonora Taylor uses your own little ticks against you. Taking pleasure at preying on your weaknesses. But, these tales of terror all come with a lesson to be learned. Taylor uses these cautionary tales to freak you out and learn a lesson along the way. This collection will either cure you of your fears, or create all new ones to join with the ones she's already amped up. A lesson well learned Miss Taylor. I'd say Thank you, but I can feel something crawling up my neck.......