Wow wow wow what a disturbing and weird ride this story was. So basically we follow a shape-shifting alien stranded on Earth. To survive, the alien seduces humans through dating apps, then kills and consumes them.

This gruesome survival tactic described throughout the book reflects the way marginalized identities are often pushed into dangerous performances in order to exist. Through this horrifying premise, the author explores themes of alienation, gender identity, and the desperate longing for connection. The shifting text layouts and abstract illustrations mirror the alien’s unstable body and emotional state and it took me off guard multiple times throughout the book.

Although the repetition and graphic scenes may not be for everyone, I found the novel bold and unexpectedly moving. I recommend Walking Practice to readers who appreciate experimental fiction, psychological depth, and stories that challenge familiar ideas about what it means to be human.