Fit for Consumption: Stories Both Queer and Horrifying* by Steve Berman

 **Book Review: *Fit for Consumption: Stories Both Queer and Horrifying* by Steve Berman**

Steve Berman’s *Fit for Consumption: Stories Both Queer and Horrifying* is a mesmerizing collection that deftly blends the macabre with the queer, delivering a series of tales that are as unsettling as they are deeply human. This anthology invites readers into a world where appetites—both literal and metaphorical—drive men to confront the strange and the monstrous, often within themselves or their closest relationships.

The stories in this collection are a rich tapestry of the grotesque and the poignant, inspired by literary giants such as Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, and Ramsey Campbell. Berman’s writing pays homage to these influences while carving out a unique space that explores queer experiences through the lens of horror and dark fantasy.

In one standout story, a high school athlete finds himself at a wrestling camp where the true challenge is not physical prowess, but the eerie, insatiable appetites that seem to consume the campers from within. The tension between the mundane and the monstrous is palpable, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread that lingers long after the story ends.

Another tale follows a fix-it man on a bizarre rescue mission, only to find himself entangled in a twisted role-playing scenario orchestrated by a captor with a penchant for pulp heroes. This story masterfully balances suspense with a surreal humor noir, showcasing Berman’s ability to blend horror with darkly comedic elements.

The anthology also delves into supernatural territory with the story of a New Orleans fraternity pledge who discovers a magical flask. This flask, capable of filling with any desired drink, ensnares its bearer with a growing, uncontrollable thirst. The cursed object becomes a metaphor for the destructive nature of unchecked desires, both intoxicating and terrifying in equal measure.

Berman’s prose is both elegant and eerie, capturing the essence of each tale with a deft hand. The stories are tightly woven, each one delivering a satisfying, often chilling conclusion without the need for a digestif. The thematic exploration of hunger and desire—whether for acceptance, love, or something more sinister—resonates deeply, making this collection not just a series of horror stories, but a profound examination of the human condition.

*Fit for Consumption* is a must-read for fans of queer literature and horror alike. Berman’s ability to infuse traditional horror motifs with contemporary queer issues creates a collection that is both unique and timeless. The thirteen tales offer a range of emotions from the weird to the monstrous, each one leaving an indelible mark on the reader. This anthology is a testament to Berman’s skill as a storyteller, and a chilling reminder of the strange appetites that lurk within us all.