As I Lay Dying was my 2021 game-changer, what a classic masterpiece.

Written in raw stream of consciousness and divided into 59 bite-sized chapters, I easily devoured this classic.

Narrators: the literally poor Bundren family—including the dying mother, Addie herself—and some of their neighbors. Faulkner let the readers step into the characters' shoes. The distinct writing for each highlighted their unique personalities. You'd hate some, you'd love some, and you'd certainly like to kill some (not exaggerating!).

Fun fact that I learned after reading: William Faulkner wrote this in 6 weeks, for 4 hours each day from midnight till four in the morning. He was working in a power plant at that time. He wasn't coined yet as one of the greatest American authors that time so talk about real brain and dedication!

This book was not something I'd hear on a normal day. Not even in my not-so-normal days. So I'm sure I'll treasure this gem forever. So many life realizations. I'd definitely reread this as I get older and naturally approach death, particularly Addie's chapter.

Heck and now, I crave more gothic reads.