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Goblin Mode: How to Get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection, and Thrive in the Muck
Embrace your inner goblin! Learn to decorate, dress, craft, forage, and live according to the goblin principles of community, diversity, proud weirdness, and joyful mess.
Do you ever feel strange, gross, chaotic, underappreciated, or like you don’t quite fit in? Great news: you might be a goblin! That means your imperfections and idiosyncrasies are the most awesome things about you, and you can build a more balanced, comfortable, harmonious life by accepting and honoring them—taking inspiration from the frogs, fungus, moss, rocks, and dirt that goblins love.
Can a mushroom give you fashion tips? Can a snail teach you to be a better person? You bet they can—and in this book you’ll also learn to:
Build a moss garden for your lair
Grow and use medicinal plants
Forage for berries (even in the city)
Mend your cozy sweaters
Display your cool rock collection
And more!
Anyone can be a goblin, and Goblin Mode includes life advice for celebrating physical and mental diversity, rejecting prejudice, and generally hanging on to a little joy.
Featuring 25 whimsical illustrations by Marian Churchland, Goblin Mode will help you rethink your relationship with your body, your home, your community, and the earth.
Do you ever feel strange, gross, chaotic, underappreciated, or like you don’t quite fit in? Great news: you might be a goblin! That means your imperfections and idiosyncrasies are the most awesome things about you, and you can build a more balanced, comfortable, harmonious life by accepting and honoring them—taking inspiration from the frogs, fungus, moss, rocks, and dirt that goblins love.
Can a mushroom give you fashion tips? Can a snail teach you to be a better person? You bet they can—and in this book you’ll also learn to:
Build a moss garden for your lair
Grow and use medicinal plants
Forage for berries (even in the city)
Mend your cozy sweaters
Display your cool rock collection
And more!
Anyone can be a goblin, and Goblin Mode includes life advice for celebrating physical and mental diversity, rejecting prejudice, and generally hanging on to a little joy.
Featuring 25 whimsical illustrations by Marian Churchland, Goblin Mode will help you rethink your relationship with your body, your home, your community, and the earth.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2023
467 people are currently reading
4275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
November 3, 2023
Only 13 pages in, the author said that "goblins" are found among the LGBTQ+ community, among artists, introverts, nature lovers, etc... and are noted for being anti-capitalist.
I don't get this. What does your sexual preference, or personality type, or your political ideas have to do with the premise to "get cozy, embrace imperfection, and thrive in the muck"? It has nothing to do with the subject of this book, so why bring it up? It gets on my nerves when people use any and every excuse to drag their political ideology into things. Seems like although the author claims that the goblin community is so inclusive and welcoming, they just alienated half their audience.
Also she uses the word "capitalism" when she actually means "materialism", which are two separate things. She says, "...they're also anti-capitalist icons. ... Being a goblin isn't about spending lots of money on new things..." She obviously intended to say 'anti-materialistic', but instead said 'anti-capitalist'. I don't understand why someone who lacks knowledge of basic economic terms is commenting on economics in a book that is NOT about economics.
I picked up this book because it looked fun, but now I'm just annoyed. Why can't they stick to the subject!?
And it continued on and on with the same inane political references to capitalism on every other page!
Goblins "... are devoted to this fun, feral aesthetic that has a surprising amount of meaning and power in this late-stage-capitalist world."
"Spending time outside is a radical act of anti-capitalism..."
"If you can, visit a park or some other natural area. Take up space! Take your own Instagram photos! Be an anti-capitalist troublemaker!"
"Capitalism loves to categorize, so it's not surprising that most people have been conditioned to view nature through such a narrow lens."
None of that makes any sense. It is pure gibberish. Taking an Instagram photo is anti-capitalist? My main reaction is pity for this poor author who is so obviously confused to the point where she can't put together a coherent sentence.
There is also a lengthy section about how the imagery of traditional goblins from fairy tales is actually promoting antisemitism, and how "white America" has portrayed different groups "as being unclean". Nothing in that section made any sense either. The author gave no examples or sources to prove their point.
At one point the author literally refers to this book as their "manifesto". I guess that explains the constant political references. They didn't write a cute and cozy book. They wrote a political manifesto disguised as a cute and cozy book.
And then the profanity started. And that is when I gave up. I made it to page 37. I really wanted to like this book, but alas, it was not to be.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I don't get this. What does your sexual preference, or personality type, or your political ideas have to do with the premise to "get cozy, embrace imperfection, and thrive in the muck"? It has nothing to do with the subject of this book, so why bring it up? It gets on my nerves when people use any and every excuse to drag their political ideology into things. Seems like although the author claims that the goblin community is so inclusive and welcoming, they just alienated half their audience.
Also she uses the word "capitalism" when she actually means "materialism", which are two separate things. She says, "...they're also anti-capitalist icons. ... Being a goblin isn't about spending lots of money on new things..." She obviously intended to say 'anti-materialistic', but instead said 'anti-capitalist'. I don't understand why someone who lacks knowledge of basic economic terms is commenting on economics in a book that is NOT about economics.
I picked up this book because it looked fun, but now I'm just annoyed. Why can't they stick to the subject!?
And it continued on and on with the same inane political references to capitalism on every other page!
Goblins "... are devoted to this fun, feral aesthetic that has a surprising amount of meaning and power in this late-stage-capitalist world."
"Spending time outside is a radical act of anti-capitalism..."
"If you can, visit a park or some other natural area. Take up space! Take your own Instagram photos! Be an anti-capitalist troublemaker!"
"Capitalism loves to categorize, so it's not surprising that most people have been conditioned to view nature through such a narrow lens."
None of that makes any sense. It is pure gibberish. Taking an Instagram photo is anti-capitalist? My main reaction is pity for this poor author who is so obviously confused to the point where she can't put together a coherent sentence.
There is also a lengthy section about how the imagery of traditional goblins from fairy tales is actually promoting antisemitism, and how "white America" has portrayed different groups "as being unclean". Nothing in that section made any sense either. The author gave no examples or sources to prove their point.
At one point the author literally refers to this book as their "manifesto". I guess that explains the constant political references. They didn't write a cute and cozy book. They wrote a political manifesto disguised as a cute and cozy book.
And then the profanity started. And that is when I gave up. I made it to page 37. I really wanted to like this book, but alas, it was not to be.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
July 3, 2023
Goblincore is an aesthetic for those of us who are a bit too disorganized for minimalism, a bit too grungy for hygge, and probably a bit too sticky for anything else.
Ever read a book that feels as though it was written just for you?
Take a gander at some of the Goblin Tenets below, and see if you might be a goblin too:
* See beauty everywhere.
* Embrace your weirdness.
* Get cozy.
* Honor nature.
Sound like you or someone you know?
Even if you think you might not be a goblin, this quirky little book will teach you to better appreciate the finer things in life like mushrooms, mud, and bugs. You'll learn to respect, and take inspiration from nature, and how to hone and display your collections. There are soft, mossy crafts, and lessons in foraging for food and medicinal plants. The charming illustrations by Marian Churchland that pepper the book only add to the fun.
Mmmm-mmm . . . don't you just want to put on your coziest sweater and wallow in this book?
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for sharing.
June 1, 2023
If you read Legends and Lattes and thought “this is adorable and I love it, but I don’t think I’m made for the cute-fantasy-bakery lifestyle, I’d rather be a customer there who’s got their own thing going on and that thing is fantasy entomology” this book is for you
It’s thoughtful, funny, and!!! gives you fun little crafts to try!!!!!
10/10 all the way down
It’s thoughtful, funny, and!!! gives you fun little crafts to try!!!!!
10/10 all the way down
December 9, 2023
I REALLY wanted to love this book. I preordered it on Amazon, and regret it. Now I can’t return it. I just wanted a $10 cozy book about being a modern day goblin. The writing is fun, engaging, and cute…. Except all of the politics. I started highlighting them because there was so many! Just within the first two chapters!
Here are a few excerpts:
“It’s funny how many different groups white America has portrayed as being unclean” (I feel like this is just perpetuating the stigma)
“Spending time outdoors is a radical act of anti capitalism” (There is nothing “radical” specifically about being outdoors, especially after the author explains how being outdoors has so many free options).
“Of course, the outdoors are positioned more and more as a playground for rich, white, able-bodied people” (……how? And why? All the author is doing here is promoting nonsense)
“Probably the last person you saw post about going on a hike was a skinny white celebrity who ran up that “mountain” in LA that skinny white celebrities are always running up”. (The author might want to try following other people on social media, or maybe we just don’t follow the same people…? I dunno, being from the PNW the statement is crap.)
“Nature must be good for us if the wealthy are hoarding it for themselves” (How are they hoarding something that the author said is free? Are they keeping people from going on a walk?)
“We don’t always think of nature as something that needs to be made accessible, but of course it should be” (No complaints here about this statement! I am disabled myself and this is a great observation! Let’s fix this problem by talking to our local leaders 🙌🏻)
“Capitalism loves to categorize, so it’s not surprising that most people have been conditioned to view nature through such a narrow lens.” (Okay, maybe I don’t fully understand what the author means by this? They go on to say that we only think of wild animals as Grizzly Bears and Dall Sheep and not squirrels or rats, and says that we only think of “the great outdoors” as on mountain tops and not when we step outside. The author might try googling “the great outdoors” (I sure did))
And last, but not least
“Gender is fake” (I really loved most of the analogies about how we can be like certain creepy crawlies, except for this one. If they had said gender ROLES are fake, sure)
I only made it through the first two chapters, and think this book has as much prejudice as it does inclusiveness I’m tired of everything having to spread and perpetuate hate and drama. This is the authors book, and they had every right to write this book, my big point is that I felt like I was sold a cozy book, but it ended up being a cozy book laced with bitterness about “white America” and “skinny white celebrities”, etc. I give this book ⭐️⭐️ because it is well written, and I enjoyed learning how to make a moss garden, would have been 5 stars if it weren’t so politically charged.
Here are a few excerpts:
“It’s funny how many different groups white America has portrayed as being unclean” (I feel like this is just perpetuating the stigma)
“Spending time outdoors is a radical act of anti capitalism” (There is nothing “radical” specifically about being outdoors, especially after the author explains how being outdoors has so many free options).
“Of course, the outdoors are positioned more and more as a playground for rich, white, able-bodied people” (……how? And why? All the author is doing here is promoting nonsense)
“Probably the last person you saw post about going on a hike was a skinny white celebrity who ran up that “mountain” in LA that skinny white celebrities are always running up”. (The author might want to try following other people on social media, or maybe we just don’t follow the same people…? I dunno, being from the PNW the statement is crap.)
“Nature must be good for us if the wealthy are hoarding it for themselves” (How are they hoarding something that the author said is free? Are they keeping people from going on a walk?)
“We don’t always think of nature as something that needs to be made accessible, but of course it should be” (No complaints here about this statement! I am disabled myself and this is a great observation! Let’s fix this problem by talking to our local leaders 🙌🏻)
“Capitalism loves to categorize, so it’s not surprising that most people have been conditioned to view nature through such a narrow lens.” (Okay, maybe I don’t fully understand what the author means by this? They go on to say that we only think of wild animals as Grizzly Bears and Dall Sheep and not squirrels or rats, and says that we only think of “the great outdoors” as on mountain tops and not when we step outside. The author might try googling “the great outdoors” (I sure did))
And last, but not least
“Gender is fake” (I really loved most of the analogies about how we can be like certain creepy crawlies, except for this one. If they had said gender ROLES are fake, sure)
I only made it through the first two chapters, and think this book has as much prejudice as it does inclusiveness I’m tired of everything having to spread and perpetuate hate and drama. This is the authors book, and they had every right to write this book, my big point is that I felt like I was sold a cozy book, but it ended up being a cozy book laced with bitterness about “white America” and “skinny white celebrities”, etc. I give this book ⭐️⭐️ because it is well written, and I enjoyed learning how to make a moss garden, would have been 5 stars if it weren’t so politically charged.
November 2, 2023
Absolutely not. I quit reading this when she said that all outdoors were positioned towards rich white people- that is absolutely ridiculous. Parks are free and even state parks are priced reasonably for both lower and middle class individuals. We attended Reservoir’s, state parks, hikes, and local parks while growing up on food stamps. This is a good example of an author ringing out a towel to get as much problematic venting out as she can. I thought that this book was going to be fun and stay on topic, but so much of this was politically charged and riddled with race issues in places that I didn’t think it was necessary. There’s a time and a place for everything. As a reader who is white, I felt like there was an us versus them theme and it almost made me feel like I wasn’t even allowed to read this because of how many comments she made about white people. Very very uncomfortable to read. She even said that most hiking was only done by skinny white celebrities. WHAT?!?!!!! Absolutely not- this had so much potential to be cute and fun, but she took a topic and made it nauseating to listen to.
March 19, 2024
This was a dreamy, little comforting advice read for the queer, the eccentric, the anti-capitalist, or anti-capitalist, eccentric queers. The audiobook was excellent - narrator Julia Atwood has a lovely, soothing voice that really emphasized the "get cozy, love yourself" vibes of this book.
Don't expect a life-changing, thoroughly educational read here, but I was amused by the wide range of topics this covered, virtually everything you can find in the goblincore tags on Tumblr or elsewhere. Coyle explains tons of anti-capitalist, eco-friendly and cheap ways to live, from decorating with cute papercrafts, thrifting clothes effectively, how to sew and mend clothes, making your own remedies and cosmetics, planting a garden.
This is very much a broad overview, and readers will want to find a more specialized book for tackling any of the tougher categories like medicinal plants, preserving fruit, making a community garden, foraging, making your own makeup and such. I love that Coyle explicitly said to not even try foraging mushrooms. Instead, grow your own on those logs from a kit and use it as cool, organic decor.
I particularly liked the passage near the end about embracing your human body - ugly parts, oozing parts, etc. And the permitted self-wallow sessions advice was helpful to me, personally.
The overall idea here is embracing the goblin side of life will help you love your imperfections, from your body, to your organization style, to your fashion. Reminiscent of those gentle little self-help books about Hygge and the like, I very much enjoyed this by not holding it to strict expectations going in.
Don't expect a life-changing, thoroughly educational read here, but I was amused by the wide range of topics this covered, virtually everything you can find in the goblincore tags on Tumblr or elsewhere. Coyle explains tons of anti-capitalist, eco-friendly and cheap ways to live, from decorating with cute papercrafts, thrifting clothes effectively, how to sew and mend clothes, making your own remedies and cosmetics, planting a garden.
This is very much a broad overview, and readers will want to find a more specialized book for tackling any of the tougher categories like medicinal plants, preserving fruit, making a community garden, foraging, making your own makeup and such. I love that Coyle explicitly said to not even try foraging mushrooms. Instead, grow your own on those logs from a kit and use it as cool, organic decor.
I particularly liked the passage near the end about embracing your human body - ugly parts, oozing parts, etc. And the permitted self-wallow sessions advice was helpful to me, personally.
The overall idea here is embracing the goblin side of life will help you love your imperfections, from your body, to your organization style, to your fashion. Reminiscent of those gentle little self-help books about Hygge and the like, I very much enjoyed this by not holding it to strict expectations going in.
Read
December 3, 2024DNF @ pg 47
I'm not sure how to describe what I expected from this book, but it wasn't this. There's nothing wrong with the book if it's what you're looking for, but the very literal steps (like going out and looking for mushrooms) weren't what I was hoping for.
Also, while I personally appreciated the author's political takes on capitalism, etc., I think it got a bit misguided at times. The book presents a sort of mindset that the wealthy have overtaken outdoorsy behaviors and the lower and middle class need to "take it back", which may be the case in some parts of the US (I truly don't know); however, as someone from the southeast (where outdoorsy adventuring is something that primarily belongs to the lower and middle classes), I couldn't help but feel like some of the author's mindsets came from a critically online sort of "twitter activism" perspective that didn't actually align with the real world as much as one might hope.
———
bookstagram | booktok | blog | storygraph
I'm not sure how to describe what I expected from this book, but it wasn't this. There's nothing wrong with the book if it's what you're looking for, but the very literal steps (like going out and looking for mushrooms) weren't what I was hoping for.
Also, while I personally appreciated the author's political takes on capitalism, etc., I think it got a bit misguided at times. The book presents a sort of mindset that the wealthy have overtaken outdoorsy behaviors and the lower and middle class need to "take it back", which may be the case in some parts of the US (I truly don't know); however, as someone from the southeast (where outdoorsy adventuring is something that primarily belongs to the lower and middle classes), I couldn't help but feel like some of the author's mindsets came from a critically online sort of "twitter activism" perspective that didn't actually align with the real world as much as one might hope.
———
bookstagram | booktok | blog | storygraph
July 17, 2023
Thank you to the author, Quirk Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had never heard of goblincore, but was intrigued enough to request it. I would certainly identify with some of what the author describes as the tenets of goblincore, e.g. being attuned to nature, foraging, coziness rather than consumerism. However, in my opinion the author perpetuates as many stereotypes and prejudices as she claims to skewer in mainstream culture. For example, a big focus in the book is capitalism, and how goblins are anti-capitalists - but I think she means materialism/consumerism. There is a definite political ideology behind the writing, which got on my nerves after a bit, and the substance of the book was very thin. An insta account (can't get much more capitalistic than that...) does not always translate to a good book.
I had never heard of goblincore, but was intrigued enough to request it. I would certainly identify with some of what the author describes as the tenets of goblincore, e.g. being attuned to nature, foraging, coziness rather than consumerism. However, in my opinion the author perpetuates as many stereotypes and prejudices as she claims to skewer in mainstream culture. For example, a big focus in the book is capitalism, and how goblins are anti-capitalists - but I think she means materialism/consumerism. There is a definite political ideology behind the writing, which got on my nerves after a bit, and the substance of the book was very thin. An insta account (can't get much more capitalistic than that...) does not always translate to a good book.
July 9, 2023
This was not for me, unfortunately. I felt like this was more of an introduction to goblincore, and as I'm already familiar with it, I didn't get much out of this. In addition, I found that:
- The author was often confusing or hypocritical.
- I did not care for the "us vs. them" mentality.
- There were many places where I wish there was more research, or the author explored the history of something. The information felt shallow in places, like the book was being stretched out.
- Way too many uses of the word "capitalism" as a buzzword, and not actually addressing the issue, then mentions several capitalistic actions.
- Some of the suggestions would be unsafe or detrimental to someone like me. This is just a personal problem I have, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't feel the same way. But I wanted to point this out. She is very understanding and accommodating to some, but not for others. (mentions of using food as comfort, not having to shower, as expressions of self care).
- Author talks of the love for animals but then suggests ethically questionable products, or keeping certain animals as pets.
There are a few other points, but these were the main issues I had. I am sure this book can really help some introduce people to goblincore, and I think that's wonderful. For me, I just oddly felt uncomfortable in several sections, and so I didn't enjoy it like I thought I would.
Thank you to the author for touching on the antisemitism in the portrayal of goblins. I thought that was a very important note to make, and I'm happy to see it here.
- The author was often confusing or hypocritical.
- I did not care for the "us vs. them" mentality.
- There were many places where I wish there was more research, or the author explored the history of something. The information felt shallow in places, like the book was being stretched out.
- Way too many uses of the word "capitalism" as a buzzword, and not actually addressing the issue, then mentions several capitalistic actions.
- Some of the suggestions would be unsafe or detrimental to someone like me. This is just a personal problem I have, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't feel the same way. But I wanted to point this out. She is very understanding and accommodating to some, but not for others. (mentions of using food as comfort, not having to shower, as expressions of self care).
- Author talks of the love for animals but then suggests ethically questionable products, or keeping certain animals as pets.
There are a few other points, but these were the main issues I had. I am sure this book can really help some introduce people to goblincore, and I think that's wonderful. For me, I just oddly felt uncomfortable in several sections, and so I didn't enjoy it like I thought I would.
Thank you to the author for touching on the antisemitism in the portrayal of goblins. I thought that was a very important note to make, and I'm happy to see it here.
May 24, 2023
If minimalism squashes your soul and following every trend exhausts you, the goblin life may be for you. In this truly adorable book, Coyle expertly weaves heart-warming goblin imagery with practical application so that every reader can create a cozy, quirky, true-to-yourself life. Each chapter is dedicated to a different facet of goblin life - connecting to nature, creating a cozy abode, adorning yourself in a loving way, and nourishing your body. You can read the book from beginning to end or pick and choose which aspects of goblin living you would like to try first. Once you engage with this book - even if just one chapter - you’ll see your life in a more compassionate and joyful way.
I appreciated Coyle’s acknowledgement of racial stereotypes used to describe goblins in folklore while also encouraging a reclamation of goblin imagery. Goblins in pop culture aren’t usually characters to emulate, but Coyle does a great job of clearing away the gunk and illuminating the comfort and joy goblins embody.
This book is a true all-around gem. It can serve as a fun coffee table book as part of your cozy goblin clutter while also encouraging anyone who picks it up to try a new craft or see the world around them more intentionally. This book has already helped me examine my current habits and passions to understand what brings me joy, what sucks my energy, and what I’m doing / wearing / thinking because someone else said I should. I will absolutely buy this book for my collection when it is published.
I appreciated Coyle’s acknowledgement of racial stereotypes used to describe goblins in folklore while also encouraging a reclamation of goblin imagery. Goblins in pop culture aren’t usually characters to emulate, but Coyle does a great job of clearing away the gunk and illuminating the comfort and joy goblins embody.
This book is a true all-around gem. It can serve as a fun coffee table book as part of your cozy goblin clutter while also encouraging anyone who picks it up to try a new craft or see the world around them more intentionally. This book has already helped me examine my current habits and passions to understand what brings me joy, what sucks my energy, and what I’m doing / wearing / thinking because someone else said I should. I will absolutely buy this book for my collection when it is published.
December 19, 2022
Thank you to Quirk Books, the author, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on June 27, 2023.
It is, perhaps, totally ridiculous to be reviewing a book in December that won’t release for another 6 months, but the moment I got approved for this eARC, I couldn’t help myself. I lasted all of 5 minutes before I indulged my goblin nature and cracked it open, so to speak.
Within the first few pages, the author perfectly sums up what goblincore is in a way that speaks to me on a personal level: “Goblincore is an aesthetic for those of us who are a bit too disorganized for minimalism, a bit too grungy for hygge, and probably a bit too sticky for anything else.” So, you know, finally a lifestyle book for me! And the sentiment behind that description really carries through each chapter—there are frequent reminders that being a goblin is all about embracing your individuality, your personal weirdness, doing things in a way that work for you, and, of course, connecting with nature and being a bit more sustainable.
There were three chapters that I enjoyed the most: Goblin Finery, Adorn Your Lair, and Gobin Market—also known as clothing, home decor, and foraging/gardening. This was like a perfect little capsule of some information I might have found elsewhere, like how to reevaluate your wardrobe and seek out what really makes you feel good and comfortable, what to do with the clothes that don’t serve you any more, and beginning mending tips. The same went for home section, and I really loved that the author provided alternatives for—just as an example—people who live in the desert who may have to lean towards succulents rather than mushrooms, or people who do prefer to live a more minimalist life by offering cleaning and organizing tips (and something I truly needed to hear: a reminder that you should not conflate cleanliness with morality). In general, the book is really good about acknowledging that not everything it contains will work for everyone and encourages experimentation to find your own individual interests and styles. As for the foraging and gardening chapter—well, I’m already trying to learn more about those two, and this book just cemented my desire to learn more and improve while also providing encouragement and little ways to bring greenery and nature inside in case I turn out to be… less than adequate at growing plants.
As I was reading, I noted (not a very goblin thing to do, I’ll admit) that I felt the introduction and first chapter felt the teensiest bit repetitive, but that quickly passes; as I said earlier, I do like the repeated affirmations that “Being a goblin is all about finding what empowers you and building a life around that” and the other ways that message is worded and expressed, so I figure I don’t have all that much room to complain about it. I also should say that although much of the content here doesn’t dig very deep, it’s clear from the outset that this is more of an introductory course than a goblin masterclass, and there are so many good books on each individual point of interest that’s brought up that anyone interested in further resources will definitely find something. This is especially important when it comes to foraging, canning, and animal care, because you don’t want to misidentify a mushroom or forget that pesticides are rampant if you’re city foraging, forget that you need new lids when canning, or not know how to take care of living being dependent on you! Goblins may be silly little guys, but they’re also responsible when it counts. It also should be mentioned that the “Goblin Problems” section is important, and that I particularly appreciate the author’s cautioning to avoid perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes of goblins because unfortunately, the two are often connected. So, this is something we should all keep in mind as we try to live our best goblin lives.
And now, if you will excuse me, I have a blanket nest to build and some wallowing to do as we close out the year.
It is, perhaps, totally ridiculous to be reviewing a book in December that won’t release for another 6 months, but the moment I got approved for this eARC, I couldn’t help myself. I lasted all of 5 minutes before I indulged my goblin nature and cracked it open, so to speak.
Within the first few pages, the author perfectly sums up what goblincore is in a way that speaks to me on a personal level: “Goblincore is an aesthetic for those of us who are a bit too disorganized for minimalism, a bit too grungy for hygge, and probably a bit too sticky for anything else.” So, you know, finally a lifestyle book for me! And the sentiment behind that description really carries through each chapter—there are frequent reminders that being a goblin is all about embracing your individuality, your personal weirdness, doing things in a way that work for you, and, of course, connecting with nature and being a bit more sustainable.
There were three chapters that I enjoyed the most: Goblin Finery, Adorn Your Lair, and Gobin Market—also known as clothing, home decor, and foraging/gardening. This was like a perfect little capsule of some information I might have found elsewhere, like how to reevaluate your wardrobe and seek out what really makes you feel good and comfortable, what to do with the clothes that don’t serve you any more, and beginning mending tips. The same went for home section, and I really loved that the author provided alternatives for—just as an example—people who live in the desert who may have to lean towards succulents rather than mushrooms, or people who do prefer to live a more minimalist life by offering cleaning and organizing tips (and something I truly needed to hear: a reminder that you should not conflate cleanliness with morality). In general, the book is really good about acknowledging that not everything it contains will work for everyone and encourages experimentation to find your own individual interests and styles. As for the foraging and gardening chapter—well, I’m already trying to learn more about those two, and this book just cemented my desire to learn more and improve while also providing encouragement and little ways to bring greenery and nature inside in case I turn out to be… less than adequate at growing plants.
As I was reading, I noted (not a very goblin thing to do, I’ll admit) that I felt the introduction and first chapter felt the teensiest bit repetitive, but that quickly passes; as I said earlier, I do like the repeated affirmations that “Being a goblin is all about finding what empowers you and building a life around that” and the other ways that message is worded and expressed, so I figure I don’t have all that much room to complain about it. I also should say that although much of the content here doesn’t dig very deep, it’s clear from the outset that this is more of an introductory course than a goblin masterclass, and there are so many good books on each individual point of interest that’s brought up that anyone interested in further resources will definitely find something. This is especially important when it comes to foraging, canning, and animal care, because you don’t want to misidentify a mushroom or forget that pesticides are rampant if you’re city foraging, forget that you need new lids when canning, or not know how to take care of living being dependent on you! Goblins may be silly little guys, but they’re also responsible when it counts. It also should be mentioned that the “Goblin Problems” section is important, and that I particularly appreciate the author’s cautioning to avoid perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes of goblins because unfortunately, the two are often connected. So, this is something we should all keep in mind as we try to live our best goblin lives.
And now, if you will excuse me, I have a blanket nest to build and some wallowing to do as we close out the year.
January 30, 2023
Goblin Mode is a brilliant guide on how to nurture the little imp in all of us. Scrounge for your favorite plants and foliage, craft your chaotic heart away and get in touch with your ugly side!
As soon as I saw the title, I knew I had to read this. I’m living in my goblincore peak right now and could always use some new ideas! You can look at it like a form of self care. A messy form of self care but one none the less. I hope this book connects with as many people as possible who need to be taught that sometimes the ugly and the messy can also make us happy!
As soon as I saw the title, I knew I had to read this. I’m living in my goblincore peak right now and could always use some new ideas! You can look at it like a form of self care. A messy form of self care but one none the less. I hope this book connects with as many people as possible who need to be taught that sometimes the ugly and the messy can also make us happy!
August 2, 2023
Poorly written, boring.
This really reads like the author collected a few tumblr posts written by teenagers and added very minimal editorial framing to make them a book. The prose was clunky, the ideas were stale, and it was so focused on not excluding any whim or preference or aesthetic from being goblincore that it lacked coherence.
This really reads like the author collected a few tumblr posts written by teenagers and added very minimal editorial framing to make them a book. The prose was clunky, the ideas were stale, and it was so focused on not excluding any whim or preference or aesthetic from being goblincore that it lacked coherence.
January 4, 2024
tell me you were extremely on tumblr in 2010 without telling me you were extremely on tumblr in 2010
January 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, and I found quite cozily inspiring. I kind of wish I'd come across it in my early 20s, back when I was trying to be a Very Serious Adult with a Very Serious Household. Goblin Mode is a great reminder to enjoy and embrace all your quirks, clutter, and the things that truly bring you joy. I especially loved the chapter on "Adorning Your Lair" and it made my look at my home with an eye towards the things I truly love and that make me feel warm and safe cozy, rather than what HGTV might think my home should look like. I also particularly enjoyed Coyle's goblin take on self-care. This book was fun and sweet and sprinkled with cool little crafts and activities, most of which were pretty new to me. Marian Churchland's illustrations were charming and added to the text.
I read this as an EARC on NetGalley, but I plan on getting a physical copy once it's out. I would love to have this book in my collection to write and makes notes in.
I read this as an EARC on NetGalley, but I plan on getting a physical copy once it's out. I would love to have this book in my collection to write and makes notes in.
August 8, 2023
Meh. This book really missed the mark. For a book that claims to be very welcoming, it felt rather targeted. I read the whole thing, but aside from the bits on animals, foraging and thrifting, it felt preachy and exclusive, and nothing you couldn't find on the internet.
November 9, 2023
I found this book childish and very uninformational.
May 24, 2024
Just to start: If you don't like the first chapter of this book, then you'll probably only like chapters 3, 4, and 6, along with the interspersed recipes and activities. If you aren't vibing with a particular section, I 100% recommend skipping it!
I found this book cute in some aspects:
- It has cute activities on various pages, including how to make scented rocks, sew on buttons, hem clothes, and make infused oils! These are all neat, and I'd be happy to go back and look at them again.
- I loved the illustrations of goblins scattered throughout the book.
- I liked the inclusiveness regarding different sensory sensitivities!
However, to me, it also had a number of flaws:
- The book very often seemed to be lazily rehashing political commentary that did not seem to have a place in a book of the "get cozy" genre. I know that the world is full of "muck" I'm trying to thrive in, a half-hearted passage about capitalism destroying nature is not why I pick up a book like this.
- The frequent use of the adjective "anti-capitalist" seemed trite and meaningless -- especially when the simple act of going outside is suddenly a "radical anticapitalist" move. It overall left me unsure what the author even meant by it.
- The book lacked instructional illustrations in places it *really* could have used them. Reading a paragraph about how to tie a knot without any visuals of the steps just didn’t do it for me.
- This seems silly, but I was severely disappointed that the author so vehemently nixed mushroom hunting -- it's something that half my family has done literally forever and it's perfectly safe for them with a good guidebook or just their memory (although they live in Czechia, where this is normalized). Acknowledgement of cultural differences would have been nice.
- I think capitalism was mentioned EVERY time the author talked about nature, and the take is always the same. It gets quite tired.
Note: I feel like this book falls around 2 stars for me, but I rated it down since I saw the author gave it a 5 star rating and removing the star felt like correcting a bias.
I found this book cute in some aspects:
- It has cute activities on various pages, including how to make scented rocks, sew on buttons, hem clothes, and make infused oils! These are all neat, and I'd be happy to go back and look at them again.
- I loved the illustrations of goblins scattered throughout the book.
- I liked the inclusiveness regarding different sensory sensitivities!
However, to me, it also had a number of flaws:
- The book very often seemed to be lazily rehashing political commentary that did not seem to have a place in a book of the "get cozy" genre. I know that the world is full of "muck" I'm trying to thrive in, a half-hearted passage about capitalism destroying nature is not why I pick up a book like this.
- The frequent use of the adjective "anti-capitalist" seemed trite and meaningless -- especially when the simple act of going outside is suddenly a "radical anticapitalist" move. It overall left me unsure what the author even meant by it.
- The book lacked instructional illustrations in places it *really* could have used them. Reading a paragraph about how to tie a knot without any visuals of the steps just didn’t do it for me.
- This seems silly, but I was severely disappointed that the author so vehemently nixed mushroom hunting -- it's something that half my family has done literally forever and it's perfectly safe for them with a good guidebook or just their memory (although they live in Czechia, where this is normalized). Acknowledgement of cultural differences would have been nice.
- I think capitalism was mentioned EVERY time the author talked about nature, and the take is always the same. It gets quite tired.
Note: I feel like this book falls around 2 stars for me, but I rated it down since I saw the author gave it a 5 star rating and removing the star felt like correcting a bias.
June 27, 2023
whoa this book is so good!! i’m a completely unbiased reader & i love this extremely cute book! everyone should read it asap!
March 24, 2023
From the beginning, this book is so cute and fits the goblincore aesthetic quite nicely. I've seen so many definitions or explanations of the terms goblin and goblincore over the years and this one sort of nailed the community to a 'T'.
This book delves into the history of the term "goblin" and its negative connotations throughout history. It talks about how it is often used as a slur, but has recently been sort of reclaimed to mean something very positive and relatable for its specific community. You get passages on being an exemplary member of your community and finding the positivity, beauty, and joy in the world around you. It has wonderful notes about being respectful and safe while enjoying yourself; an example being to admire any animals from afar. (No booping the snoots!) You get craft ideas on how to embrace nature and do some fun little science in the process. And more... [insert disgustingly hyped fangirling on how there's actually a book for the goblin mode girlies]
Overall, this book is stellar and would make a great gift for your less than "normal", frog loving, suspected fae in a human suit, ren faire admiring besties of all ages.
This book delves into the history of the term "goblin" and its negative connotations throughout history. It talks about how it is often used as a slur, but has recently been sort of reclaimed to mean something very positive and relatable for its specific community. You get passages on being an exemplary member of your community and finding the positivity, beauty, and joy in the world around you. It has wonderful notes about being respectful and safe while enjoying yourself; an example being to admire any animals from afar. (No booping the snoots!) You get craft ideas on how to embrace nature and do some fun little science in the process. And more... [insert disgustingly hyped fangirling on how there's actually a book for the goblin mode girlies]
Overall, this book is stellar and would make a great gift for your less than "normal", frog loving, suspected fae in a human suit, ren faire admiring besties of all ages.
January 8, 2023
If your aesthetic doesn't quite fit either the clean looks of minimalism or the sweet charm of cottagecore, maybe you're... a goblin? Goblincore is apparently the latest fun aesthetic, and the beauty of it is its playful, messy, subversive nature. In this book, you can find a more detailed description of what it means to be part of the goblin community (including putting an end to the nasty image of goblins as greedy and dirty and used for antisemitic purposes) as well as tips for creating a goblincore lifestyle through exploring nature, thrifting and mending clothes, creating a messy but cozy home, foraging, and more.
A fun read, one that appealed to me more than some of the other -core movements I've come across, and one that welcomes and celebrates all "weirdos" and humans who have ever felt left out or who have wanted to bust social norms.
Thank you, Quirk Books and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
A fun read, one that appealed to me more than some of the other -core movements I've come across, and one that welcomes and celebrates all "weirdos" and humans who have ever felt left out or who have wanted to bust social norms.
Thank you, Quirk Books and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
December 4, 2023
that poor dead horse did not deserve to be beat like this.
October 12, 2023
Hi, it's me. I'm the goblin, it's me.
That was in my head through the whole book, sorry, haha. I am definitely the correct audience for this book! If maybe a bit older (I'm a millenial and the book is geared for a bit younger audience). Thank you NetGalley for ARC, I enjoyed it a lot.
Being a goblin is about embracing your messy side, and loving what you love even when it doesn't look like expensive, neutral, minimalism. I've always found minimalism difficult to apply as someone scared to throw things away. What was lovely about this book was how inclusive this mindset is. The book really addresses a lot of beautiful homemaking ideas that can be attained by people who struggle financially, who have disabilities, or mental health needs, or in any way "different". The author's thoughtfulness about inclusivity was so apparent.
Overall, it gave me good, warm feelings to read this book. I love bugs, reptiles, vintage, trinkets, and it felt like a warm hug to people like me. It made me appreciate my messy little home and yard.
My criticism was just that some of the specific chapters were a bit all over the place (I suppose not an ungoblin writing structure). The chapters very lightly touched on things like herbalism, animals, pets. green spaces, crafts, meditation, community, and skincare, but never went deep into any one topic. I didn't mind this reading, but at times it felt a bit like a last minute book report.
Aside from that. I overall adored the style/vibe/lifestyle being written about so overtly. It put to words a kind of coziness I've felt my whole life but didn't have a label for.
That was in my head through the whole book, sorry, haha. I am definitely the correct audience for this book! If maybe a bit older (I'm a millenial and the book is geared for a bit younger audience). Thank you NetGalley for ARC, I enjoyed it a lot.
Being a goblin is about embracing your messy side, and loving what you love even when it doesn't look like expensive, neutral, minimalism. I've always found minimalism difficult to apply as someone scared to throw things away. What was lovely about this book was how inclusive this mindset is. The book really addresses a lot of beautiful homemaking ideas that can be attained by people who struggle financially, who have disabilities, or mental health needs, or in any way "different". The author's thoughtfulness about inclusivity was so apparent.
Overall, it gave me good, warm feelings to read this book. I love bugs, reptiles, vintage, trinkets, and it felt like a warm hug to people like me. It made me appreciate my messy little home and yard.
My criticism was just that some of the specific chapters were a bit all over the place (I suppose not an ungoblin writing structure). The chapters very lightly touched on things like herbalism, animals, pets. green spaces, crafts, meditation, community, and skincare, but never went deep into any one topic. I didn't mind this reading, but at times it felt a bit like a last minute book report.
Aside from that. I overall adored the style/vibe/lifestyle being written about so overtly. It put to words a kind of coziness I've felt my whole life but didn't have a label for.
July 27, 2023
I picked this book up since the algorithms that control my life often tell me I have a "goblincore" aesthetic. I mean, they're not wrong. Pinterest often recommends "goblin" decorating styles to me as I've decorated our house in what I call a "faux-Victorian eclectic collector" aesthetic. We've literally painted every room a different color, and we have a 5-foot long sword displayed in our bedroom along with 1000 paper cranes in a shadow-box. I definitely aced the test when it comes to whether I'm "goblincore."
However, I think that's why this book didn't appeal to me. Everything explaining the "goblincore" aesthetic in Goblin Mode were things I already do and have been actively doing for years. There wasn't anything new I could incorporate into my lifestyle.
Additionally, I realize I'm coming off as illiterate, but I really wanted pictures. The book had cute illustrations of goblins doing stuff, but there weren't pictorial examples of the crafts or decorating discussed. I've been actively working on our interior and exterior, and I wanted to see some examples of what others have done with their spaces. I realize this may be against the idea of "goblincore" since you kind of just do as you please, but I want ideas for my fairy gardens, dang it!
In conclusion, I think this book is meant for people who are trying to get into the aesthetic, not people who have been unintentionally living it for years.
However, I think that's why this book didn't appeal to me. Everything explaining the "goblincore" aesthetic in Goblin Mode were things I already do and have been actively doing for years. There wasn't anything new I could incorporate into my lifestyle.
Additionally, I realize I'm coming off as illiterate, but I really wanted pictures. The book had cute illustrations of goblins doing stuff, but there weren't pictorial examples of the crafts or decorating discussed. I've been actively working on our interior and exterior, and I wanted to see some examples of what others have done with their spaces. I realize this may be against the idea of "goblincore" since you kind of just do as you please, but I want ideas for my fairy gardens, dang it!
In conclusion, I think this book is meant for people who are trying to get into the aesthetic, not people who have been unintentionally living it for years.
March 3, 2023
This is just the cutest book I've ever seen. The writing is accessible and very "on theme" and the artwork is stunning. There are also surprisingly decent information in it as well. I find that a lot of these kinds of books are just cheap attempts to capitalize on a trend. Goblin Mode is actually very inspiring and informative. I already preordered my copy and plan on giving this as gifts to all the goblins in my life.
10/10 would recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
10/10 would recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2023
The concept is great, and timely. The writing is average. But what's really bad about this book is the lack of resources for the projects. There are no pictures, photos or illustrations, of the projects described. In the "Edible and Medicinal" plants section, the text urges us to "determine" which plants are edible or medicinal after we have foraged for them either in fields or city streets, but gives us no advice about how to do that. The "Edible Plants in Urban Areas" section (pp. 169-173) gives descriptions of common plants and only a few have a drawing accompanying them, and these drawings are not very good. Living in the information age, when there is way too much information, it is incumbent upon an author writing a book like this to do research and provide a list of resources. There's really no excuse not to do it. Goblin mode is fine, and I do feel the truth of it, which is why this book got more than the minimum star rating. But it's irresponsible to extend the concept to your research when writing any sort of how-to book, especially when you're including recipes for food or what not that people might actually eat.
October 23, 2023
For being marketed as an self help book, this feels like blurbs were taken from 20 different web pages and copied and pasted into an informative “book” written by a 10 year old without any real editing.
I only made it 10% into the book so maybe I’m not being fair, but in that 10% the author shares that goblins have historically been used to promote antisemitism and xenophobia without really giving much further information and tells you to read up on it yourself…. But isn’t that why I bought a book on goblincore?
This book just wasn’t what I was expecting, maybe if I was also 10 this would be great but I don’t think adults are the target market for this.
I only made it 10% into the book so maybe I’m not being fair, but in that 10% the author shares that goblins have historically been used to promote antisemitism and xenophobia without really giving much further information and tells you to read up on it yourself…. But isn’t that why I bought a book on goblincore?
This book just wasn’t what I was expecting, maybe if I was also 10 this would be great but I don’t think adults are the target market for this.
January 23, 2023
I enjoyed the quirkiness of this book but I found it to be inconsistent in its views and it just wasn't for me. This book talks about respecting nature and animals and admiring them from afar (no touching - yes!). But then it encourages keeping creatures like stick insects as "pets" in tiny tanks (what?). And finishes by recommending beauty products with snail mucin (poor snails!).
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2023
I’ve gotta stick to fiction because this book was not for me. So pointless and can be summed up in “be yourself.” It was great to fall asleep to though.
December 17, 2023
Annoyingly, but more importantly: dangerously under-researched.
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