Get Me Out of this Shimmering Oasis

by Lucy Leitner

OMG this place is amazing. I can feel all the remnants of my leaky gut clearing right up. A few more days and I may even be able to tolerate dairy again. These innovative treatments are truly elevating my wellness. They are literally scaring me to death, but doing good for yourself never feels good, right? Right?

16 pages, ebook

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

Lucy Leitner is the author of five novels and many published short stories that blend horror, sci fi, black humor, and irreverence to explore “the terror of knowing what this world is about.” Her books have been classified as transgressive fiction, satire, splatterpunk, and, her personal favorite, “goofball noir.”

Reviews

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a chilling short story involving mental health, social media and the unnerving practices of wellness facilities. Take heed.

[Daniel Volpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read that delves into the deep world is mental health, social norms and treatment. A must- read short.

[Dakota Dawe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The formatting done in this story is brilliant, telling an influencer’s stay at a wellness center entirely through her Instagram feed. As her viewers watch, our rising star slowly realizes that not all is what it seems, and only tries to get out when it’s too late. I feel like there’s a metaphor somewhere in this story for how social media and trends sucks our individuality from us and creates mindless dummies who can’t think for themselves.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.


1. This was my introduction to Lucy Leitner, and it’s safe to say I fell in love with her writing style and subject matter.
2. As someone who ‘needs’ to use social media for my hobby (book reviews/promotion), I find it both necessary and disgusting; more disgusting by the day, sadly. Many large influencers become super cringy as they try to keep contracts/make money/etc. on social media, and while I understand the point behind what they’re doing, I cannot, CANNOT, understand harmful “wellness” influencers – people like Gwyneth and Goop, for example. Leitner sweeps in with a hilarious take on one such influencer in an incredibly well written and entertaining short story. With an ending that just makes sense.

[Todd Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something is different about you …
Loved the format of this amazing short by Lucy. Fantastic idea for a story. A story that starts out with a weekend stay for wellness treatment quickly turns into something very different. Gripping read! Loved it!
Get Me Out of This Shimmering Oasis by Lucy Leitner

[Christine H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, punchy send-up of Instagram healthism, much like Puritea. I didn't like this one quite as much, but it was still fun. I admire the level of ambivalence such a brief, broadly satirical tale has evoked for me. Is the story just viciously derisive of @wellnesswarrior497? Or is it truly sympathetic to her on some level? Is she getting what she needs/deserves, or is she a victim of a horrific cabal?

Also, the description of the sensory deprivation room was really chilling - that will stay with me for a while! Very impressive for a mere four paragraphs!

[Tim Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leitner paints a morbid, realistic, transgressive world of social media and all the tropes that anchor the characters involved. Social media is obnoxious, fake, and this story paints that picture, with a unique style, and gave me a lot of laughs in the reality of the posts being made to tell the story. The build in this story is fast, furious, holds nothing back, and punches you in the gut at the end. A sense of enjoyment and "just desserts", as the old saying, goes, unfolds delicately. This story was great and if it's your first Leitner read, will only be the "gateway" drug to her lengthier fiction, and transgressive style.

[Donald Armfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever short from the Wellness Warrior Lucy Leitner. Or should I say Instagram post?
There is something going on… And getting that bootylicious bod is more than just keeping fit.

If you like this you’ll also like Puritea from Leitner too!
Get your yoga pants on and follow the Wellness Warrior. She’s to die for!!

[Ryan Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great set up and fun read. After all, a key to wellness is keeping your head in a good place.

[Jeanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting this up as an Instagram feed was clever!

[Steve Kincheloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, interesting read about abuse suffered at a healing clinic. Notable mainly for the format. It's told via Instagram posts, and convincingly so. Very cool story.