In 'We Are All Completely Fine', a group of survivors of supernatural events come together for group therapy sessions led by psychotherapist Dr. Jan. The novella explores their individual traumas, the development of their group dynamic, and the uncovering of a deeper connection between them as they confront both internal and external monsters. The narrative style, featuring a mix of first person plural and third person perspectives, adds a unique layer to the storytelling, creating an eerie and immersive experience for the reader.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, each deeply flawed and scarred by their unique traumatic experiences, creating a compelling and varied ensemble.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is distinct, using a first-person plural perspective at times, creating a cold yet intimate atmosphere that allows readers to delve into the characters' traumatic histories.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a therapy group for individuals who have survived extraordinary and terrifying encounters, leading them to uncover the deeper connections between their traumatic experiences.

Setting:

The setting primarily takes place in a contemporary therapeutic environment, enriched by supernatural influences that affect the group's dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast due to the novella format, packed with dense storytelling that sometimes leads to pacing issues as the plot unfolds.

There were six of us in the beginning. Three men and two women, and Dr. Sayer.Jan,though some of us never learned to call her by her first name. She was the psychologist who found us, then persuaded u...

Notes:

The novella focuses on a support group for survivors of traumatic supernatural events.

Each character has a deeply disturbing past, creating a unique bond among them.

The main character, Harrison, is now a famous author known for children's monster stories.

The narrative shifts from first-person plural to third-person perspective, offering a unique storytelling style.

Comparisons have been made between this book and The Breakfast Club, showing the group's dysfunctional dynamics.

The characters have unusual backgrounds, like a cannibal survivor and a woman with carved messages on her bones.

The story incorporates elements of horror, urban fantasy, and dark comedy.

Daryl Gregory's writing has been praised for its complexity and depth, despite some feeling it needed more development.

The novella raises questions about trauma, identity, and the nature of evil.

It is described as both creepy and imaginative, with a touch of Lovecraftian horror.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of extreme violence, trauma, cannibalism, abduction, body horror, and psychological distress.

From The Publisher:

World Fantasy Award Winner

Shirley Jackson Award Winner

Harrison was the Monster Detective, a storybook hero. Now he's in his mid-thirties and spends most of his time popping pills and not sleeping. Stan became a minor celebrity after being partially eaten by cannibals. Barbara is haunted by unreadable messages carved upon her bones. Greta may or may not be a mass-murdering arsonist. Martin never takes off his sunglasses. Never.

No one believes the extent of their horrific tales, not until they are sought out by psychotherapist Dr. Jan Sayer. What happens when these seemingly-insane outcasts form a support group? Together they must discover which monsters they face are within?and which are lurking in plain sight.

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
We Are All Completely Fine?

See the list (56 books)

About the Author:

Daryl Gregory is the award-winning author of We Are All Completely Fine, Pandemonium, The Devil's Alphabet, Harrison Squared, and Raising Stony Mayhall, which was named one of Library Journal's best books of the year. His comics work includes Planet of the Apes and Dracula: The Company of Monsters (with Kurt Busiek). His forthcoming novel, Spoonbenders, is a comedic tour de force starring a family of misfit psychics. Gregory lives in Oakland, California.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

We Are All Completely Fine

Daryl Gregory