A review by karin_goodreads
I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You, and Other Stories by Julianna Baggott

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Wrapped up my second audiobook! (9 hours 8 minutes ✔️)
Julianna Baggott's "I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You" is a collection of speculative fiction short stories revolving around human nature in its many shades. An interesting listening experience, granted some stories I was keenly listening to, while other times I was waiting to be done with. Despite that, most were a pleasant experience. Some thoughts for each story, but no plot spoilers:

  • Welcome to Oxhead - what an opening, definitely set the mood for the coming stories and themes. 
  • I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here with You - the ~drama~ was here, also the name of the book. 
  • How They Got In - eerie and mystical, with a creepy vibe. 
  • The Now of Now - wanted a little bit more of something..
  • The Versions - aww? a little bit in a cute way, but mostly in the sad way.
  • Nest -🔸a personal attack, so it probably hit the most, plus I liked the horror of it too!
  • The Gaslighter's Lament - this one got stretched out for me, couldn't focus, but an interesting plot twist.
  • Backwards -🔸cool take, liked this one too.
  • The Drawings - kind of sad, kind of messy.
  • Portals -🔸"curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back" and I liked the vibes.
  • The Knockoffs - wild (but not crazy) with a hint of sorrow.
  • The Virtuals -🔸that's actually a great idea, I would like to try that and it doesn't even seem that unrealistic. Liked.
  • The Holographer - the twinge of suspense was always in the air, disturbing, but so delicious.
  • Inkmorphia -🔸really liked the concept and the execution of this storyline, the right amount of distress.
  • Mental Diplopia: An Eradication - insane, but somehow grounded in our collective experiences—hard to explain, but it left me with mixed feelings. 

I think I enjoy the systematic progression of listening through a short story collection one story at a time. That way there isn't any confusion and breaks. One story in one sitting and soon the book will be over. Each story takes about 30 minutes to an hour, so it’s a good timeframe. Though some stories stuck with me more than others, the collection overall was thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. A solid listen, and I’m definitely eager to dive into more short story audiobooks in the future! 
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