Review of Make Sure You Die Screaming by Kelsey R. Scott
When I first heard about Make Sure You Die Screaming, it was the blend of dark humor, complicated characters, and a raw exploration of trauma that drew me in. Kelsey R. Scott’s newest novel promises a wild ride that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe throw a book across the room in frustration — and let me tell you, it lives up to that promise.
At the heart of the narrative is our nameless narrator, a wonderfully chaotic representation of someone who’s wrestling with their identity while careening through an emotional minefield. After flaming out at a corporate job, they embark on a whirlwind road trip to Arkansas to find their missing father, who happens to be a MAGA-friendly conspiracy theorist. In tow is Yivi, their self-proclaimed "garbage goth" bestie, who’s as flawed and complicated as our narrator. Their journey unpacks a multitude of themes — from toxic family dynamics to the search for belonging — all while steeped in humor that sometimes verges on the absurd.
As I dove deeper into the story, I felt an emotional tug-of-war. The relationship between the narrator and Yivi can be both infuriating and illuminating. Yivi is a character who oscillates between being a support and a burden, epitomizing the messiness of friendship. There were moments when I wanted to scream at them — especially when Yivi showed her reckless side, like robbing a gas station while having cash on hand. I found myself pondering: is this how women are perceived in fiction? The gaslighting and guilt-tripping they inflict upon each other felt both realistic and troubling, reflecting the complexities of their pasts and their struggles with addiction and trauma.
The writing style is sharp and punchy, with Scott’s wit illuminated by the narrative’s darker undertones. It was a rollercoaster ride of pacing that had me frantically reading to see what would happen next while also needing to take a breather sometimes from the characters’ antics. While the 12 mentions of "iPhone" could feel like an ad placement gone wrong, the raw and real conversations about heavy topics like mental health and addiction keep the story grounded.
Yet, as maddening as Yivi could be, her presence reminded me of the naive hopefulness we sometimes cling to in our darkest moments—an understanding that even in chaos, we seek connection. This is beautifully illustrated when Yivi insists on keeping the narrator company, despite the chaos spiraling around them. The gravity of their shared traumas made the ending resonate deeply; it left me with a bittersweet understanding that we often choose our family just as much as we endure the one we were born into.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of this novel, I appreciate Scott’s portrayal of complicated relationships in all their forms—romantic, familial, and platonic. It feels vitally important to explore these themes, especially for those of us who navigate our own complexities.
Overall, Make Sure You Die Screaming is for anyone who enjoys a wild narrative filled with dark humor and poignant emotional moments. Whether you’re drawn in by the queer representation, the messy characters, or the emotional depth, this book has something to offer. Just be prepared for the occasional bout of frustration as you navigate the trials of the narrator and Yivi!
I’m grateful to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the early copy—this one’s bound to linger in my mind long after the last page. So, grab a copy, a drink (if you need to commiserate with the characters), and buckle up for a ride that might just leave you laughing while you reflect.
Happy reading!
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