some of my fav quotes from DON’T LET THE FOREST IN

After diving deep into 'DON'T LET THE FOREST IN,' I just knew I had to share more about why this book completely captivated me. It's not just a collection of pretty words; it's an immersive experience that leaves you thinking long after you turn the last page. One of the most striking aspects for me was the intricate dance between Thomas and Andrew. Their relationship is anything but simple – it's a raw, sometimes brutal exploration of codependency, vulnerability, and the fear of letting someone truly see you. Remember that quote, 'You'll cut me open and find a garden of rot where my heart should be'? It perfectly encapsulates Thomas's internal struggle and Andrew's desperate need to understand him, even when Andrew feels he isn’t needed in the same way. The book bravely tackles questions of identity, making you wonder alongside Andrew if he’s asexual or gay, and how his feelings for Thomas and even Dove shape his understanding of himself. It’s a journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of emotional turmoil, where everything inside him had turned brittle. Beyond the words, the imagery this book evokes is so powerful. I've seen some of the fan art and illustrations out there, and they truly capture the dark, moody, almost gothic feel that permeates the story. Even the simple idea of a book cover for 'DON'T LET THE FOREST IN' makes me think of tangled vines and obscured faces, reflecting the hidden complexities within the characters. It's like the prose itself paints these vivid, sometimes unsettling, pictures in your mind – figures with root-like limbs, thorny vines, and a general sense of being 'brittle' inside. This artistic atmosphere really amplifies the emotional weight of the narrative, especially with depictions of grotesque, skeletal figures and obscured faces with thorny vines. This isn't a light read, but it's incredibly rewarding. It delves into the anxieties and internal battles we often face, especially when questioning who we are and where we fit. The author, C.G. Drews, has a way of crafting sentences that cut straight to the core of human emotion. It speaks to anyone who's ever felt like life didn't quite fit against their skin, or who's struggled with being 'anxious, queer, and Vietnamese' as mentioned in one of the powerful quotes. It’s about finding those rare individuals who love you for exactly who you are, even when you're convinced you're a 'garden of rot.' This exploration of embracing every emotion, even the difficult ones, is what makes the book so impactful. It's a testament to how beautifully cruel and complex human connections can be, and how Thomas and Andrew knew how to ruin each other, but also be so beautiful. If you’re looking to dive into this emotional journey, 'DON'T LET THE FOREST IN' is widely available. I highly recommend picking up a copy to experience the full impact of these characters and their story. You won't regret getting lost in this forest, even if it's a bit dark.