Welcome to the extremely belated 2024 Fates On Fire Book Awards! With nearly 200 entries, the competition was fierce, and the 6th annual award ceremony is going to be riveting. So grab your date, make your way down the red carpet, and take your seats – it’s showtime!

WHAT THE HELL ARE THESE AWARDS AND WHY SHOULD I CARE?

If you happen to read a lot, then you know that the Booker Prize is essentially the Oscars for books. This is my version of that. Like the Booker, each category receives a “short list” comprised of 6 books, with 1 being the winner. Unlike the Booker, but like the Oscars, I divide the awards into separate categories. The bottom line is that whatever kind of reading you are into, I hope there are a few books you may want to check out!

CAVEATS & CONDITIONS

There are a couple of caveats and conditions for the awards, which are:

• All 189 books I’ve read since the last awards are eligible candidates (with the exception of any re-reads).
• Eligible books can have been published at any time in human history, so long as I read them since the 2023 awards.

THE CATEGORIES

1. GENERAL FICTION – This category includes all types of fiction. From popular, mass appeal to more peculiar and independent books, they are all here.
2. NON-FICTION – No qualifiers needed. Just non-fiction.
3. NON-FICTION: MUSIC – With over 40 music-oriented auto/biography entries, this genre continues to have its own category.
4. GRAPHIC NOVELS – Amazing writing with amazing art – that’s what’s in this category.

FICTION

CATEGORY WINNER

YOU’D LOOK BETTER AS A GHOST by Joanna Wallace. With one of the most unique premises I’ve encountered in some time, this darkly hilarious book of an unrepentant, part-time female serial killer is thoroughly entertaining, though decidedly not for the squeamish or easily offended. It’s a credit to Wallace’s abilities that she makes the protagonist, Claire, quite likable, despite her murderous tendencies. Not to worry, though, as she only dispatches those who’ve done bad things or desperately need a comeuppance. A comic mystery novel at its core, Claire, is a compelling character enhanced by her frantic, bonkers inner monologues and flashbacks, all told in a sardonic tone. If you’re a fan of dark, despicable humor, this is a must!

EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE by Benjamin Stevenson. It would seem that this year’s Fiction category has a markedly dark theme running through it, but c’est la vie. While I am not a huge fan of mysteries, I am drawn to those that are both funny and do something different, and this book delivers. Integrating the past and present, the narrator attempts to solve the mystery while also revealing how 10 of his family members have killed someone, including him. It’s not at all what you might be expecting, and the continual breaking of the fourth wall to address the reader is an element that is pulled off staggeringly well. The 1st in a 4-book series, apparently, so we may be seeing Stevenson again at next year’s awards.

FANTASTICLAND by Mike Bockoven. When a massive hurricane demolishes most of Florida, including the nationally adored, FantasticLand (based heavily on Disneyland) and confines the young adult employees to the park for 5 weeks, all hell breaks loose in this wickedly delicious, if gruesome, take on William Golding’s Lord of the Flies meets Koushun Takami’s Battle Royale meets Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. The narrative is told as an unfolding investigation that includes reports, eyewitness testimony, and other related accounts. As someone who openly despises theme parks in general, this made the story all the more captivating, and just like the tagline for the FantasticLand park promises, “Fun is Guaranteed!”

THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET by Catriona Ward. Like mysteries, I don’t generally do horror-psychological thrillers that also include a mystery, but this book blew me away. Another story about a serial killer, but then again, perhaps not. It’s difficult not to give spoilers in describing it, but the twists and turns here amid layers and layers and layers of discordant plot are enveloped in a foreboding atmosphere that permeates the overall experience. This is a riveting read, and Ward’s craftsmanship is superb. Original, fresh, and will leave you saying “What the hell did I just read?” Save this one for a few dark, chilly late-October evenings.

A LONELY BROADCAST: BOOK ONE by Kel Byron. But wait, there’s even more dark humor! Kel Byron pops onto the scene in this captivating tale of a town with a dark secret and a protagonist who, unwittingly, finds herself the DJ of an odd radio station perched amid a watchtower in a lonely forest. An exceptional amalgamation of cosmic horror, humor, and a bit of gore, all interjected into a story of friendship, grief, and loss. Oh, and let’s not forget the protagonist’s continuous war with a bird. The second book in this series just dropped and I can’t wait to read it. *This book is independently published by the author, so please consider supporting her by purchasing a copy.

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU’RE GOTH IN THE COUNTRY: AND OTHER STORIES by Chavisa Woods. As I am a former deathrocker (the correct term for goth btw) and live in the country, I figured I was destined to read these 8 stories, all based on characters that exist on the fringe of rural America. The stories are distinctive as they possess the quality of being both contemporary and timeless. Aside from some touching tales, you also get truck stop zombie prostitutes, loads of methamphetamine, double-wide trailers, and other fantastical trappings of hillbilly life. The writing here is sharp, honest, and, of course, darkly humorous. Standouts are the title story, “Zombie,” and “How to Quit Smoking in Nineteen Thousand Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven Seconds.” *This book is from an independent publisher, Seven Stories Press, so please consider supporting them by purchasing a copy.

NON-FICTION

CATEGORY WINNER

GLOP: NON-TOXIC, EXPENSIVE IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOOK RIDICULOUS AND FEEL PRETENTIOUS by Gabrielle Moss. I hold Gwyneth Paltrow and her “lifestyle brand,” Goop, in the same high regard as I do L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology and Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan in that I envy their brazen temerity to intentionally create businesses specifically designed to shamelessly fleece morons by exploiting their stupidity and getting filthy rich in the process. That said, in Glop, Gabrielle Moss expertly and mercilessly eviscerates Paltrow and her pretentious, condescending “brand” as well as her “more money than sense” cultists. I was reduced to tears of laughter with this scathing, skillful parody that brings the entire farce into sharp focus and then ferociously skewers it. Fuck celebrity worship, fuck diet culture, fuck ridiculous aspirational blogs, and more intelligent piss-taking, like Glop, to those who perpetuate them.

THE FREAK TABLE by Gavin Highnight. I need to reveal my bias here, as Highnight’s experience as a suburban punk rock teen in the 80s effectively mirrors my own. If my book, Rock ‘N’ Roll Zero: A Magical Life in the Margins of Music, were a trilogy, The Freak Table would be Book 1. Highnight presents his accounts of being a “freak” in high school, covering the numerous joys and tribulations we all experienced. Whether it’s being a part of a small, insular scene, going to clubs, or getting continuous beatdowns for being at the vanguard of culture, the book does a splendid job not just telling these stories, but conveying the overarching message that there’s always room at the table for all of us. *This book is from an independent publisher, Rebel Sidekick Studios, so please consider supporting them by purchasing a copy.

Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career by Kristi Coulter. A memoir that details Coulter’s decade-long experience being an early employee of Amazon. We’ve all heard stories about the abject shite-show working there can be as well as Bezos being a colossal twat to work for, but Exit Interview, blows the doors right off. While Coulter had great success during her tenure, it came at the cost of having to suffer open misogyny, glass ceilings, organizational chaos, and a devastating, soul-crushing workload that devoured her life. It’s no surprise she left with a drinking problem. Anyone who ever contemplates working for Amazon needs to read this book, and they’ll quickly realize why the average tenure there is 11 months.

BLACK NERD PROBLEMS by William Evans & Omar Holmon. I am an admitted dork, and I enjoy writing and reading cultural critique, so this book was right up my alley. From the creators of the wildly popular website of the same name, Black Nerd Problems is not simply a collection of well-crafted essays on geek culture, including comics, movies, video games, and the like, but also provides a glimpse into the black experience and identity within it. While some of the essays opine on what a casual reader would consider ultra-obscure, there’s a lot going on here with thoughtful insights into racism and social injustice. But, with titles like, “Blade II Still Has the Most Disrespectful Superhero Fades My Black Ass Has Ever Seen,” you know it’s going to be a downright hysterical read.

ONE DAY WE’LL BE DEAD AND NONE OF THIS WILL MATTER by Scaachi Koul. As an essayist, I’m always searching for others, and I was delighted to discover Scaachi Koul and her uproarious book about growing up as the daughter of Indian immigrants in Canada – “a land of ice and casual racism.” Admittedly, she covers a lot of ground with a vast array of subject matter, including fear, grief, anxiety, sexism, race, and family, just to name a few. However, the side-splitting way in which these are addressed keeps it poignant, yet palatable. Whether she’s shaving her knuckles or getting both hands stuck in 2 separate salsa jars, you’ll be laughing aloud throughout the book.

HORROR MOVIE FREAK by Don Sumner. This is clearly a very niche choice, but what this book does, it does exceedingly well. Specifically, Sumner takes us on a fun, frightful tour of horror movies throughout the ages from old-school masterpieces like Dracula and Nosferatu to mid-century gems like the Universal monster flicks to more current fare. It’s a very effective, erudite compendium covering over 130 films from the genre, with another 250 photos to round out the experience. Neatly organized and presented, this is a great introduction and roadmap for those new to horror films.

NON-FICTION: MUSIC

CATEGORY WINNER

REBEL GIRL: MY LIFE AS A FEMINIST PUNK by Kathleen Hanna. I first met Kathleen after her band, Bikini Kill, blew me away at their 1st show in Los Angeles in 1993. My previous girlfriend had turned me on to them with lo-fi cassettes and I was hooked. In Rebel Girl, she recounts her career as a feminist musician from Bikini Kill to Le Tigre to the Julie Ruin in a positively engaging way. In addition, she shares her experience being a seminal force in the Riot Grrrl movement that openly challenged the prevailing notions of sexism, female empowerment, and social justice in and out of the punk scene. A true feminist icon, boundary mover, and dynamic front-woman, Hanna changed the landscape for all female musicians who followed. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. Rebel Girl is not only the winner of this category but also wins my “Best of the Year” award. Stop reading now and go grab a copy of this remarkable book.

ECHOES: A MEMOIR CONTINUED by Will Sergeant. Will is back with the 2nd iteration of his glorious memoir. Picking up where Bunnyman left off, he takes a much deeper dive into Echo & the Bunnymen’s global stardom including sold-out shows, wild nights, and writing the classic Heaven Up Here album. EATB were indeed, for a moment, the greatest band in the world, and it’s a delight to experience it from the inside, and from Will’s perspective. Wry, intelligent, and full of humor, Echoes is a must for any self-respecting post-punk or Bunnymen fan.

33 Percent Rockstar: Music, Heartbreak and the Pursuit of Rock Stardom by S.C. Sterling. So, if The Freak Table was Book 1. of my Rock ‘N’ Roll Zero trilogy, then this would be Book 2. Sterling shares his story of becoming a musician in his youth, cutting his teeth playing in all manner of bands to getting somewhere close to legitimate rock stardom. He does a magnificent job at providing a very realistic portrait of what being a musician is really like, covering all the key moments: first band, first gig, first recording session, 1st tour to playing with your idols. Moreover, Sterling’s casual, conversational tone makes this a fun, insightful read. If you ever wanted to know what being a non-famous musician is like, here’s your chance. *This book is from an independent publisher, No Bueno Publishing, so please consider supporting them by purchasing a copy.

YOUR FAVORITE BAND IS KILLING ME by Steven Hayden. I’ve always said that one of the best things about loving music is hating it. In this book, Hayden makes a critical examination of 19 well-known music rivalries from the past to the present. Stones v. The Beatles, Tupac v. Biggie, Hendrix v. Clapton, Miley v. Sinead – you get the picture. All of this is done in a fun, vibrant fashion that not only makes you laugh but really apply some thought to where you stand on these “life-defining” feuds. He’s basically made a book comprised of the types of music-related arguments I’ve had with friends and strangers my entire life. Most importantly, he captures the spirit and passion of deeply caring about music, irrespective of what your opinion may be. He could do a number of sequels to this book and I hope he does. Sex Pistols v. The Clash, anyone?

ON BOWIE by Rob Sheffield. What can I say? If you love Bowie, then you’ll adore this wonderful, very open love letter to the pioneer and legend. Sheffield’s tenure as a music critic for Spin and Rolling Stone serves him well as he chronicles Bowie’s history and ascendancy to global stardom. We travel with Bowie from city to city from character to character as he evolves as a musician and a person. More than a mere compilation of readily available facts, there is a genuine love and warmth that is felt throughout this book. As it was written shortly after Bowie’s death, there is also a palpable undercurrent of grief. Nevertheless, this book does him justice in an elegant and endearing way.

HIT SO HARD: A MEMOIR by Patty Schemel. Schemel’s memoir is a gritty, candid tale of music, addiction, and recovery in the 90s. Very raw and utterly real, she tells of her time coming out of the Seattle grunge scene to gain international attention with the band, Hole. While there are all manner of interesting stories involving Kurt Cobain, Nirvana, Courtney Love, et al., what stands out is the cautionary account of the total wreckage heroin made of her once enviable life. It’s utterly gut-wrenching when she tells of all the harrowing and heartbreaking situations she found herself in while consumed by drugs. Good on her for getting clean and moving forward and taking a moment to document this period of her life.

GRAPHIC NOVEL

CATEGORY WINNER

THE SANDMAN UNIVERSE: NIGHTMARE COUNTRY by James Tynion IV & Lisandro Estherren. James Tynion IV has now become the winningest author in the Fates on Fire Book Awards since they began in 2019 with this fantastic delve into the lauded, legendary world of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman universe. Certainly, massive shoes fill, yet Tynion’s rock-solid horror roots make him a more than worthy successor for this series. If you happened to enjoy the unhinged frights that the Corinthian character delivered in the original series, you’re in for a treat here. The stellar narrative is vastly heightened with Estherren’s gorgeous, evocative dark illustration work. Zero surprise that it won the 2023 Eisner Award for best writing.

I HATE FAIRYLAND by Skottie Young. Young’s newest series is truly spectacular to behold. A forty-year-old woman is trapped in the body of a 6-year-old and relegated to a surreal, hyper-demented Alice in Wonderland-inspired world called Fairyland. The protagonist, Gert, with her massively oversized battleaxe, attempts to find her way home over 30 years, leaving a hilarious trail of mayhem and gratuitous bloodshed.

MANIFEST DESTINY: VOL. 1 – FLORA & FAUNA by Chris Dingess, Matthew Roberts & Owen Gieni. Lewis and Clark. And monsters! A brilliantly contrived mash-up of the (mostly) true account of the famed expedition to explore the American frontier, overlaid with fictitious tales of the sundry eldritch beasts and terrors they encounter along the way. Clever, inventive, and utterly engrossing. This series was turned into an absolutely stellar board game in 2025! Check both out!

iZOMBIE: VOL. 1 – DEAD TO THE WORLD by Chris Roberson & Mike Allred. My bias for Allred’s illustration aside, iZombie is as unique as it is good fun. A detective series at its heart, iZombie is told through the perspective of a female zombie, Gwendolyn, who must feed on a brain once a month. In doing so, she internalizes the thoughts and personality of her victim, until the following month anyway. During this time, she commits to fulfilling the person’s last request and solving a crime. It’s done in a very empathetic, deft way. Humor abounds as well with Gwen’s cast of spooky pals that include a 60s ghost, a deranged mummy, a love-struck were-pup, and, of course, a gang of vampires.

SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN: Vol. 5 by James Tynion IV & Werther Dell’Edera. And James nails it again in 2024 with the 5th installment of this magnificent series. Beginning a new story arc, we find Erica Slaughter taking on a new kind of monster as well as attempting to dodge the consequences of her past transgressions against the Order of St. George. It’s simply more of a great thing and there’s a very good reason why this series continues to consistently win award after award.

SECONDS: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Brian Lee O’Malley. After the colossal success of Scott Pilgrim, O’Malley is back with a new graphic novel and a quirky tale. Katie is a chef who owns a well-known restaurant with designs to open another, but these plans, as well as her personal life, get rocky right quickly. When a strange girl appears in the witching hour, she gives Katie an occult ritual to perform to get a “do-over.” And, of course, nobody can stop at just one. The book adroitly avoids slipping into Groundhog Day pastiche, and the book is made all the better by O’Malley’s creative and superb use of color, sharp-witted dialogue, and a great cast of characters.

THAT’S A WRAP!

That’s a wrap, and I hope you enjoyed the ceremony! Please join me in one last toast to celebrate all of our 2024 category winners and short-list finalists.

I also hope you found a book or two that piqued your interest to read yourself or that would make a nice gift for someone. Now, I’m off for a few photo ops before hitting the after-party! Until next year, darlings. In the meantime, keep reading!