Death: A New Beginning

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

LAO-TZU, Tao Te Ching

  So the journey is over, we have gone to heaven, travelled through hell and managed to come out on the other side. And here are my thoughts: I prefer the movie. I know it is rare for a hardcore book lover to choose the movie over the book but the movie, in my opinion, really is better.

Matheson is an excellent writer and I do enjoy his story telling and descriptions. But I agree that the characters did not have the emotional depth I needed in order to care and be really interested in what was happening to them. I feel like the story could have been expanded which would have allowed for more character development. But at the same time, due to Matheson's writing style and the point of view he chose to write in, I understand logically why he didn't write it starting with Chris "living." Chris's death was sudden, unexpected and confusing. And I am sure that is how Matheson wanted the reader to feel as well. But I have always preferred a little back story.

Despite being a little disappointed in the character part, I still enjoyed the love story. And I am glad it was very similar to the movie. Not only because it is my favorite part, but in today's stories most male characters are not willing to eternally die for the women they love. They are all trying to find ways to live forever. I find Matheson's idea to be a refreshing take on the love story.

So, when all is said and done, this is a book that I am happy to own but will set on my shelf till I feel like taking the journey again. Which isn't going to be anytime soon. As I read the last few paragraphs, I got the feeling that one of the purposes of this book was to push the reader's personal boundaries and comfort zone. Which, at least for me, it accomplished. Because as much as I felt enlightened during certain parts, like Chris's verbal Thank You Note, there were other parts that just made me feel bleh, uncomfortable and at some points a little angry. And I am glad to know that despite the love/hate perspective it seems most of us have with the book, at least one thing was the same: It made us all feel.

Kudos, Matheson. Kudos.