Watching Evil Dead: Unearthing the Radiant Artist Within

Movie night! Josh Malerman his fiancée (now wife) and two friends gather to watch cult horror classic The Evil Dead by Sam Raimi after he learns that his fiancée had never seen that movie. gaspSeriously, the mention of that movie brought back memories for me. As the friends gather, they talk, reminiscent, drink, smoke pot outside, and perhaps even watch the movie. Over the course of the night, reflections will be made, relationships with change, philosophical discussions will ensue, and Sam Raimi’s genius will be discussed.

This book is very much a stream of consciousness about creativity, art, writing, purpose, love, relationships,and talent. We learn about his path to writing, the early success of Bird Box and Malerman’s thoughts and experiences surrounding it.

This was a fast enjoyable read which can easily be read in one sitting. I enjoyed how Josh Malerman wrote this book. It is intimate, I felt as if were in the room at times as a silent observer watching the friends talk, spat, drink, relate, share, and be vulnerable with each other. They might have gathered to watch The Evil Dead, but they came away changed from their discussions, their openness, their pondering on what it means to be a published author, and their love of the cult classic that brought them together that evening.

This nonfiction book is a memoir of sorts where the author is looking back at one pivotal night in his life at the very beginning of his ‘published’ writing career. Fans of Josh Malerman’s writing will most likely enjoy Watching Evil Dead: Unearthing the Radiant Artist Within. Heck, it might even have you wanting to watch The Evil Dead. I know I am chomping at the bit to watch it again!

Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.