Josh Malerman has created something truly special with his latest release, WATCHING EVIL DEAD. In no way is it a primer on how to watch and enjoy the classic Sam Raimi horror film. Instead, it is a book about the nature of art and what inspires those who live in the creative realm. It is remarkable and at times unnerving to see how deep Malerman is able to dig under the skin of anyone who has ever utilized a muse to propel them down the path towards pursuing their dreams in a world that enjoys crushing you with criticism.

"It is remarkable and at times unnerving to see how deep Malerman is able to dig under the skin of anyone who has ever utilized a muse to propel them down the path towards pursuing their dreams in a world that enjoys crushing you with criticism."

Rather than hitting readers over the head with suggestions or chapter upon chapter of his method for success, Malerman greatly details one special evening that he and his then-new girlfriend, Allison, spent at the home of two of her closest friends --- Kenickie and Rose --- as they watched the movie The Evil Dead. During the course of the night, whether it be spurred on by the limitless imagination and beauty of the film or through the intense, occasionally alcohol- and marijuana-fueled discussions they had, we get to tag along and soak in the deep education that is being shared with us about Malerman’s guide to life, music, and being on the verge of a horror-writing career that hasn't begun yet.

Malerman opens this inspiring book with a great dedication: “This book is for anyone who’s ever had a revelation mid-party and woken up the next morning to discover it wasn’t just the punch talking.” The first chapter, “Sex in a Holy Place,” discusses not only Malerman and Allison doing the deed in a public place but more importantly Malerman learning that Allison had never seen The Evil Dead, which he knew needed to be addressed.

At this point, before Malerman became a published author --- he already was part of a semi-successful rock band, The High Strung --- he was about to sign a deal for what is still his top-selling book, BIRD BOX. He jokes about having 14 novels that he never got around to presenting for publication. This is something else that would be remedied once BIRD BOX took off and was made into a terrific Netflix film starring Sandra Bullock.

One of the book's major subplots is watching the end of Kenickie and Rose’s relationship at the same time The Evil Dead is playing and in the midst of the salad days of Malerman and Allison’s relationship. Malerman refers to this night as being phenomenological --- remembering how something like a great film or book makes you feel while you are experiencing it. Allison comes up with probably the best and most profound description of the movie when she states that “this is a dark painting in motion.”

Near the end of WATCHING EVIL DEAD, Malerman realizes that “what the artist deserves…is the work of art itself.” This is a concept that he can live with, and thankfully he is such a creative force that there are sure to be countless more works of art to come from him.