I have to start this by saying—Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman was absolutely horrifying, but I could NOT put it down. I don’t even know what I was expecting when I randomly picked this up at the library, but wow… this was an experience. Horror? Check. Social commentary? Check. A mind-blowing and disturbing reflection of the world we live in today? Double check. And let me tell you, I absolutely loved every second of it.

Chapman really did his thing with this one. The way he took something as simple as watching the news and turned it into full-blown chaos? Genius. Because let’s be real—the news is already terrifying on its own. Then you have social media influencers trying to “inspire” us to live our best, healthiest lives, selling us on habits and lifestyles, and suddenly… boom. We’ve got zombie-like, possessed people losing their minds. Influence. The power of influence is at the heart of this book, and honestly, it’s a little too real. This book isn’t just horror—it’s a warning. And if I go on any longer, I might start sounding like one of the crazy people in this book, so let me chill.

The writing? Chef’s kiss. Clay Chapman has this insane ability to make you feel like you’re inside the story. Like your own inner monologue is bleeding onto the pages, reacting in real-time. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, “WTF is happening?!” and yet, I couldn’t stop.

Let’s talk about the absolute chaos in this book:

• People addicted to watching the news.
• Social media influencers like YOGAMAMA, completely sucking people in.
• Kids glued to their iPads, totally obsessed.
• Something out there possessing people, and it’s NOT random.
• Race, political parties, and society’s deep-seated issues all woven into the horror.
• Anderson Cooper, yes Anderson Cooper.

The way Chapman ties it all together? Brilliant. Disturbing, but brilliant.

If this ever became a cinematic audiobook, I’d be the first in line. If it became a movie? I’d be seated opening night. This book is giving major Bird Box, The Walking Dead, and Parable of the Sower vibes. If you’re looking for your next horror read, this is it. And if you’ve already read it—PLEASE let’s talk about it.

My Favorite Quote:

“So let’s be clear on this salient point, okay? This is not everybody. This is not some worldwide takeover. Look. Just look at who’s attacking who. This is- and I’m going to say it here- this is some white people shit.”

5 stars. 10/10. Highly recommend. Now go read it!