I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Pros

• Masterful at building a surreal, creepy, and "slightly off" atmosphere of growing dread.
• Short, quick read that many find impossible to put down once started.
• Thought-provoking dialogue and deep psychological themes.
• Highly recommended audiobook version with excellent narration that enhances the surprise ending.

Cons

• Extremely divisive ending that some find confusing, messy, or a "massive disappointment."
• Slow pacing in the first half, particularly during the lengthy car ride conversations.
• May feel like it "falls flat" for readers seeking traditional horror or graphic scares.
• The execution of the twist can feel like a "hard left turn" that frustrates some readers.

Caveats

• The book suggests a second reading to catch details missed the first time, though some readers find once is enough.
• It is often compared to House of Leaves for its ability to induce discomfort rather than standard scares.
• The plot shifts significantly from a suspenseful mystery to a study of mental illness and isolation.

Best for

• Fans of psychological suspense and existential horror.
• Readers who enjoy liminal spaces and unreliable narrators.
• Those looking for a short, atmospheric book that lingers long after finishing.

Avoid if

• You prefer fast-paced action or graphic, gore-filled horror.
• You dislike endings that rely on a total recontextualization of the plot.
• You are frustrated by dialogue-heavy narratives with minimal physical action.