Zee Carlstrom has crafted something truly exceptional with this novel—a voice so unique that it captures pain, realization, identity, and utter hilarity, often all in the same breath. The protagonist, previously known as Holden, is on a journey not just across the country but into the depths of self-discovery. This character, in a perpetual state of reinvention, is grappling with their past while speeding towards an uncertain future in their childhood home in Arkansas. The sense of urgency and desperation is palpable, and every twist in the road is as emotional as it is literal.

Driving a stolen BMW, the narrator—armed with perhaps the quirkiest, most quotable sidekick ever—takes us along for a journey that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable. The chemistry between the narrator and their sidekick brings humor that is sharp, biting, and often tinged with sadness. Their banter is endlessly entertaining, but it also reveals the narrator's vulnerability and the search for a true sense of self that lies just beneath the surface.

To go into more detail would risk simplifying the story, which is anything but simple. It may seem straightforward—a road trip back home—but it’s in the nuances, the detours, and the introspective moments that this story reveals its depth. Zee Carlstrom masterfully tackles big themes like gender, class, anger, and family, blending them into a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The exploration of identity is raw and unfiltered, giving readers a rare insight into the journey of someone who is shedding an old skin while searching for a new one.

There are political undertones here—'Trumpy' parents, misguided fathers, and the struggle of reconciling a past that doesn’t quite fit with who you are now. The narrative doesn’t shy away from these complexities; instead, it embraces them, presenting the contradictions, the love, and the tension that exist within families. It’s this willingness to explore the uncomfortable that makes the novel so powerful and affecting.

Zee’s prose is a revelation. Every line feels deliberate, every joke perfectly timed, every moment of pain so vivid that it cuts to the core. The author’s ability to balance humor and heartache, to make you laugh one second and leave you breathless the next, is nothing short of genius. It’s rare to find a book that can evoke such a wide range of emotions with such authenticity.

Make Sure You Die Screaming is an adventure, a coming-of-age story, and an exploration of identity that is as messy and beautiful as life itself. The road trip is wild, yes, but it’s the internal journey that is the most compelling. Zee Carlstrom has created something rare—a novel that’s equal parts exhilarating and profound, one that stays with you long after the final page. I can only hope that Zee is already hard at work on their next masterpiece.

#flatiron #makesureyoudiescreaming #zeecarlstrom

This book was such an amazing read! This book had all of the vibes! An amazing cast of characters, a solid plot, and a very interesting storyline! Ultimately a great debut!

Loud, tragic, funny, and thought-provoking!

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing title, story, and characters! Definitely a book that I feel everyone that reads would really enjoy.

Really interesting story and characters. Nice representation and twist. Goes a lot deeper than I expected.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I was hoping I would. The pacing was off and there were large swaths of the novel that felt as if they were dragging on so slowly (I almost dnf'd this one on three separate occasions). However, the characters and settings were so well-constructed that I could vividly see the people and the landscape. I did love those components. If you like a slow burn, this one is perfect for you. I know a few people who frequent my local library that would enjoy this one, so I'm going to suggest the district acquire a few copies for circulation.