You Shouldn't Worry About the Frogs

by Eliza Marley

Amidst the sprawling plains of the Midwest, a young woman walks through a cornfield to find a bus stop. A chicken-line worker becomes involved in a missing persons investigation. A small town adopts a strange new custom and a magician puts on a show. Meanwhile on the coast, hikers are going missing and something's lurking out in the woods. Routine, ritual, and habit turn against those they are meant to serve. When the familiar is called into question, there will be frogs. Tales of disappearance, self-fulfilling prophecies, and ghostly revenge weave together in You Shouldn't Worry About the Frogs .

Genres: Short Stories, Horror

174 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2023

Reviews

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve said before, I admire greatly anyone able to write a good short story. Mainly because I can’t and I’m jealous… Marley writes a good short story.

I loved the magical realism of each story, a genre I’ve read more of recently, and the fact that Marley’s brand of magical realism isn’t twee and charming but dark and brooding. Each story is unique and each one prompts you to continue thinking about it long after.

When I first finished I was incredibly satisfied until the final, eponymous story, which at first I believed ended too abruptly. Have I thought about anything since? No. Do my thoughts continue to return to the croaking of the frogs and how they transform the narrator’s apartment into a humid, pond-like paradise? Of course they do. So the idea of this story ending too soon is clearly the point and I admire Marley for this.

There is a huge risk in originality, particularly in a world where books can now be published through various means left, right and centre, but Marley held fast to their style and it pays off. You Shouldn’t Worry About the Frogs is brilliant and has reminded me why I love short story collections.

[Almudena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is magical realism done exceptionally well.

In this short story collection, Eliza Marley indulges in dark and contemplating magical realism in every single one of the brooding tales. She travels through perspectives, different character traits, and unique Midwestern settings. Each of these stories follows a desire or a mystery that moves the plot along. Those mysteries are never fully solved but left for the reader’s contemplation and interpretation, which I found to be really compelling, as each story has an open ending and left me wondering where the characters are headed. I really liked the different elements that are brought into each account, not following a singular aspect of magical realism or scene style. I was surprised by each story and character and I found it ingenious how well-crafted they are, especially how poignant and understanding the development and dialogue are.

This book is available at Barnes & Noble!

[Bonnabelle Dogood · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was so fun. very twilight zone vibes. loved how unexplained everything was, almost wish some of the stories went on longer! 4.5/5

[Shilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with every short story collection, I had my favorites. I particularly loved the title story, "You Shouldn't Worry About the Frogs," and wanted to enter right into that marshy world. I also loved the story "Buried in the Sleep" as I'm a sucker for ghost stories, and it had wonderful spooky vibes.

[River Snowdrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut book from Eliza Marley perfectly encapsulates the unsettling atmosphere of being in the Midwest. Each story threw me directly into the action with its descriptions, characterizations, and tone. One of the best things I love about Marley's writing is how accessible the language is, and how that ENHANCES the writing. I know I could recommend this book to everyone because it has something FOR everyone! Animals, plants, baking, small-town rituals, urban mysteries, etc.

One of my favorite stories was "Buried in the Sleep", which was about a chicken factory worker involved in a missing persons investigation. This story had so many elements of horror and dread done incredibly well - the ending had me reeling! I thought about this story for days after in the best way.

Honestly, I do not think there were any stories in this collection that I would give less than 5 stars. Eliza Marley has shown that she is a talented author we should all keep an eye on for future works!

[Kari]

Some reviews written about You Shouldn’t Worry About the Frogs suggested these were short stories involving magical realism, but to me it seemed more like horror or the macabre. It just so happens that it was October while I was reading this, so it worked out.

As far as the stories go, I’m not sure how I felt about the collection. The endings were ambiguous and felt like they didn’t tie up the story. Not that it needed to tie it up neatly, but they just kind of ended so it didn’t leave room to speculate what occurred? Personally, I was left feeling like “oh”.

I don’t know how to rate this. So just leaving some thoughts.

[Kandace Dukes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the stories were really creepy and I enjoyed them a lot. Some were strange and just didn’t click for me.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best short story collection I’ve ever had the privilege of reading! This book captivated me from the start. Each short story will draw you in and leave you wanting more. The writing is excellent and so are the stories/plots! Each story is unique yet the writer somehow connects all of them in its themes of horror, folklore, and surrealism. I am so excited to read more from a local Chicago neurodivergent and queer author!

[Stephanie Parent · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are innovative, well written and emotionally resonant. Each one will surprise you and make you look at an aspect of life and the world in a new way. Highly recommended!

[Siena Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m just not a short story person

[Karissa Blum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection was alright, but I think I didn't get it.