I really enjoyed some of these stories and some went completely over my head. These were all a bit mind bending and all were very well written! Overall, this wasn't my favorite but I think it could easily be someone else's.

I really love speculative, weird short story fiction, and Ma's work is spot on. She has a remarkable way of making seemingly outlandish things feel so close to home, making sense of the inexplicable, and finding unique ways to explore complex feelings or circumstances.

I loved this collection - each story feels like a singular nightmare, pristine in their concise sentences and acute telling, yet harboring a foreboding liminality. Check it out if you dig some darkness lurking in your short stories.

Favorite stories: “Los Angeles,” “G”

I enjoyed this short story collection, Ma has a way of playing with ideas and fantastical elements without going overboard.

I loved this book. Idk why it took me so long to read it it. But it was so good! I need the physical copy. It literally had me in from sentence one.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

"Bliss Montage" is a captivating collection of eight surreal stories that blend whimsy, darkness, and social commentary. Ling Ma's inventive prose explores themes of relationships, identity, and cultural nuances, particularly focusing on Asian American women's experiences. Standout stories like "Los Angeles," "Oranges," and "G" offer unique perspectives on vulnerability, resilience, and the complexities of human connection. While some may find the abstract nature of certain tales challenging, Ma's ability to weave surreal elements into emotional depth makes this collection a compelling read for those who appreciate inventive storytelling and nuanced themes.

DNF - I kept trying to get into this but it ultimately just wasn't the anthology for me. I've seen others really enjoy these stories & maybe later I will come back & try again but for now, i'm leaving off.

tysm to netgalley for this rockin arc.

i really wanted to read this because i loved severance so much, and this wasn't quite as moving for me, but i loved these strange little stories nonetheless. i am going to reread when I'm in a better spot mentally!

I couldn't get through this title. It ended up not being for me, but I hope it finds a hope with other readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Ths book is an anthology of futuristic short stories delving into themes of intergenerational trauma, race, sexuality, and relationships.

This surreal and thought-provoking collection by Ling Ma is a true delight, presenting compact yet immersive narratives that inhabit the realm of liminal spaces. Inhabited by solitary protagonists, these tales offer a diverse array of experiences, from drugs that render one invisible to a passionate encounter with a yeti who dons human skin as a disguise and boasts a penchant for collecting records and chain smoking. There’s a story featuring a woman cohabiting with her husband and 100 ex-boyfriends, passages into enigmatic realms, and an abundance of other surprises that keep readers guessing at every page turn.

“Bliss Montage” offers a captivating literary experience, offering not only engaging stories but also thought-provoking discussions on identity. Ling Ma’s boundless imagination shines through in stories that are both extraordinary and whimsically fantastical, making it a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression.

4.5 stars rounded upto 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I had to give up on this collection about halfway through. This just isn't my style for short stories—everything felt a bit too smart for me honestly, and right as I felt like I was catching on a story would end. I definitely think that pieces of it were really compelling (leading me to believe that I would maybe like Ling Ma's novels), but these stories just weren't for me.

I was obsessed with Severance, and knew I needed to read these stories. I was so incredibly pleased with this collection. Ling Ma does an incredible job at exploring humanity and the struggles we all face.

This collection has definitely solidified Ling Ma as a must-buy, must-read author for me. I love this particular brand of weird, domestic horror/fantasy that somehow manages to remain rather subdued in tone. I think a good read-alike might be Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung, or Out There by Kate Folk (both of which I also enjoyed very much.) Would definitely recommend to any fans of Severance, or short speculative fiction. Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ebook arc for review.

Bliss Montage - Ling Ma is such a gifted writer. Through her eight stories in this book, she explores love, connection, relationships, unhealthy friendship, and a mother-daughter immagration experience. While some are a little bonkers (I can’t get the Yeti lovemaking fiction story out of my head), it was overall well done

This was definitely a book that made me stop and think about each of the stories. It was a journey. Ling Ma's writing is something special and this one didn't disappoint.

This was such a fun story collection! Very wacky and unusual stories which was up my alley. Left me thinking about them afterwards!

This was incredible. One of the most unique writing styles I have been blessed to read. I want more. Also the best and only audio book I have ever enjoyed listening to. It was perfect. I read most of this physically, and listened to a few stories while in the shower. At times, I forgot where I was or what I was supposed to be doing, and was just living in the words that I was hearing. I was so engaged with these stories and didn’t want the collection to end. I will now read anything by Ling Ma, and I genuinely look forward to experiencing more.

I selected this title for my library's fiction book club. I absolutely loved it! I am a huge fan of Ma's first book, Severance. I did enjoy her novel a bit more than these short stories but as far as short stories go these are fantastic. Only three of us in the book club loved the collection because the stories are quite weird. The other attendees disliked that there are not many concrete endings and were put off by the weirder parts like the Yeti although most said they were glad they read it to try something new.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. These eight short stories take you on a journey through different relationships. The stories were odd but also provided something that drew me in.