B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Steven L. Peck’s A Short Stay in Hell into the ol’ VCR. 

Yes friends, the rumors are true: I’m officially in my reading era. 

I’ve always loved reading, but with work, life, running a pop culture blog, etc…, I just don’t have a lot of time to read. 

I decided last year that I give myself more time to read, so I started bringing a book to read between movies, and I’ll have you know that I actually read six whole books last year. 

This year, we’re already on #4. 

(Hold for applause) 

And we’ve gotta talk about one of the books I’ve recently read. 

A Short Stay in Hell came as a recommendation from my brother-in-law, and I read the entire novella in just shy of 24 hours. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the plot: 

The story is told from the POV of Soren Johansson, a life-long Mormon, dies after a battle with cancer, only to find the ideas of heaven and hell he’s subscribed to his entire life are vastly incorrect. 

As someone who deconstructed, I was in love with this novella from the very first page. 

From the Adult Swim-esque opening to the tragic love story between Rachel and Soren and the mirror it holds up to religion, I was hooked. 

A Short Stay in Hell is not only brilliant for its existential themes but its ability to paint a poignant and vivid picture in your mind’s eye; I could sincerely picture every single character and scene perfectly. 

However, there’s one problematic angle I do want to address here. 

From what I can tell, Steven L. Peck is still a practicing Mormon. 

As will all religions, I’m not here to say that every single person within a religion is bad or hypocritical. 

But, as with all religions, there are some really dark and inappropriate practices (to say the least) within the Mormon faith. 

Personally, I do believe this novella reads from the perspective as someone questioning their faith and/or beginning a journey of deconstruction, but according to my research, he’s still practicing. 

I would just be remiss if I didn’t address this because y’all know I have religious trauma and major critiques around religion as a whole. 

Moving on. 

If you’re looking for a quick read that’ll live rent-free in your head for several weeks and love movies like Saved!, I definitely recommend this one. 

Also, pick it up from your local bookstore, if you can. 

Times are hard for small businesses, and we need to look out for each other when and where we can.