Out of Salem
Out of Salem
Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Oregon • 1990s
2019
YA
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
Out of Salem by Hal Schrieve follows Z Chilworth, a genderqueer teen who becomes a zombie after a car accident that kills their family. Struggling with their new undead status and societal rejection, Z finds refuge with a witch, Mrs. Dunnigan, and her werewolf granddaughter, Aysel. Together, they navigate prejudice, seek cures for Z's decaying body, and confront community dangers.
Dark
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hal Schrieve's Out of Salem is praised for its compelling exploration of gender identity and queer themes through the lens of a zombie protagonist. The narrative is lauded for its inclusivity and emotional depth, though some critics note a slow pace and convoluted plot. A strong debut that excels in character portrayal but may challenge readers with its complex structure.
Who Should Read Out of Salem?
Fans of LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction, particularly those who enjoyed the diverse and inclusive themes in Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire, will find Out of Salem by Hal Schrieve captivating. Readers interested in supernatural elements juxtaposed with real-world issues like identity and acceptance will be particularly drawn to this novel.
676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Out of Salem was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, highlighting its significant impact and recognition in the literary community.
Hal Schrieve wrote Out of Salem while they were working as a librarian in New York City, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and life experiences.
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448
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Oregon • 1990s
2019
YA
13-18 years
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