Li’l Weirdos

Come join us for Li’l Weirdos, where we’ll explore the world of literature through the lens of short, strange books. Often literary, sometimes freaky, but always weird, these books will span genres, and they will all make you say “what the fuck did I just read?” Come join Ellyn, one of Dog-Eared’s co-owners, and Mariah, its most voracious book-clubber, as we dive into some of the most ineffable books the world has to offer.

This month’s book is Horsefly by by Mireille Gagné, translated by Pablo Strauss. Li’l Weirdos will meet at 6PM on Friday, August 8th.

In 1942, a young entomologist, Thomas, is sent to a remote island to work on biological weapons for the Allied military. The scientists live like prisoners while they produce anthrax and look for the perfect virus carrier among the island’s many insects.

Sixty years later, in the same region of Quebec, a heat wave unleashes swarms of horseflies while humans fall prey to strange flights of rage. Theodore is living a simple life, working double shifts and drinking to forget, when a horsefly bite stirs him from his apathy. He impulsively kidnaps his grandfather, whose dementia has him living in the past on Grosse Île.

The horseflies, meanwhile, know a few secrets…

Loosely based on historical fact, Horsefly is a terrifying tale about the ways in which we try to dominate nature, and how nature will, inevitably, wreak retribution upon us.

Purchase a copy to read, or grab it from the library, and join us at Dog·Eared Books at 6 PM on August 8th, to discuss the book with book club hosts, Ellyn and Mariah! This book club is free to anyone who wishes to participate, no registration necessary.

Want to continue the conversation? Join the Li’l Weirdos Discord server!

Also, for 20 minutes after each club meeting, you will receive 20% off all books and merchandise!

Content Warnings for Li’l Weirdos in 2025
Content Warnings for Horsefly
Content Warnings for Catalina
Content Warnings for It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over
Content Warnings for Comfort Me with Apples
Content Warnings for Audition