Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, a physical copy of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.  

Wow. Where to begin with this novel? I've been trying to gather my thoughts on it for nearly a week. I guess the first word that comes to mind is: WILD. I can honestly say that I've never read a thriller quite like Baby Teeth. The only problem is, I can't figure out if that's a good or a bad thing. My mind was unable to process fully what was happening sometimes--I had so many questions and so many more theories. The term mind f*ck was essentially made for books like Baby Teeth--and I mean that.

Unexpected, and confusing, as many parts of Baby Teeth were, there was also a familiarity of the novel. It's not as if we've never read a book where a child is so... troubled. I can name a few characters similar to young Hanna. What makes Zoje Stage's work standout is not because of the various parallels between this book and others, it's the way that she executes every plot turn in Baby Teeth. I found myself disturbed and chilled during many moments and the narration of Hanna was a real treat--because it made me feel A LOT. How can a child's mind be so dark? I was shocked. There was that childlike naivity that you'd expect of someone her age, but then she'd turn the reader around and frighten you.

It takes a lot for me to be freaked out by a child. Baby Teeth had the goosebumps appearing full on and never really left me. From the moment we met Hanna and Suzette, until the final words of the book, I was startled. I was shook. I was completely out of my skull with curiosity, fear and to some degree, I was intrigued.

Also, it reminded me why I never want children. Kidding. Mostly.

(I really don't want children.)

This book is, ultimately, about the relationships of one family.

A father who loves his wife and daughter with all his heart, but who often can't see what's right in front of him. A mother at her wits end, struggling with a daughter who can't seem to behave. And a daughter who loves her father a little too much, and sees her mother as an obstacle she must get rid of.

Baby Teeth had its flaws, such as confusion as to whether Hanna was truly mentally ill or if she is actually possessed by an evil entity, and an ending that was inconclusive but still steady and chilling. Stage creates a disturbing tale that will stick with readers long after they finish. Baby Teeth will leave your skin crawling and your mind wandering