Horror was rooted in sympathy, after all, in understanding what it would be like to suffer the worst.


“The demon gave a mirthful laugh. “Well, it was fair when you were sending all the Chinese to Hell who had never heard of Jesus. Wasn’t it? And what a cruel and vicious Hell it was. And your Hell was not our short little correct-you-a-little Hell. This was eternal damnation. At least in the true Zoroastrianism system you eventually get out of Hell. Do you have any idea how long eternity is? My heavens, what an imagination you humans have. What kind of God would leave you burning forever? Most of you wouldn’t do that to a neighbor’s dog, even if it barked incessantly at two a.m. every morning. After about ten minutes watching a dog suffer in the kind of Hell you imagined God was going send his wicked children to, you would be pleading for the damned beast’s mercy. It’s crazy. Create a few beings; those that don’t obey you roast forever? Give me a break.” The demon shook his great head in wonder.”
― A Short Stay in Hell
― A Short Stay in Hell

“Oh, I miss her so much. I think our love could have lasted forever. I’m sure it would have. She was so … no, I won’t cheapen it by trying to express it in words and short sentences. I loved her. That is enough.”
― A Short Stay in Hell
― A Short Stay in Hell

“But what is a few days of feeling cold compared to a new albatross in the World?”
― Piranesi
― Piranesi

“made a promise to myself that if I came out of my situation alive, I had to make something of myself. I would be the best person that I could be. Today I am. I made sure I let go of my past, accepting the fact that that part of my life was only a small fraction of my life. I knew the black hole was out there, waiting to suck me in and forever control my destiny—but only if I let”
― A Child Called "It"
― A Child Called "It"

“Lester by this time was screaming at the top of his lungs about the injustice of it all. “Injustice?” queried the demon sarcastically. “You were never concerned with justice a day in your life except when it was in your favor. Bye.”
― A Short Stay in Hell
― A Short Stay in Hell

life's too short to read crappy books. this is why readers' advisory exists. feel free to join if you are looking for "a book like____" or "a book tha ...more
Nim’s 2024 Year in Books
Take a look at Nim’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
Favorite Genres
Polls voted on by Nim
Lists liked by Nim