Strike and a fallen Cuckoo

I figured it was finally time to blog my two-cents. Overall, I thought it was an alright, average read. I probably would not rush out and buy the next one, but I would add it to my ever growing to read list on Goodreads. As far as actual writing style and voice, Rowling is awesome. Her stories have a nice flow, all her sentences, paragraphs and chapters are concise and she knows how to pen a good read. She also really loves to use the adjective, pregnant. Which most people probably would not notice, but I just spent the last couple months re-reading all the Harry Potter books. So, it kind of jumped out at me. Anyways, lets continue.

Strike is a good character. He is very realistic and has just enough baggage to make him interesting but not too broody. And I think Rowling left him at a point, where should more books follow, there is room for growth. I also liked how she balanced his hardness out with Robin's accepting nature and support. I look forward to seeing how the relationship develops but I honestly hope it stays platonic. I like how they work as a team, but I find their individual lives interesting and merging them in to a romantic relationship would take that away.

Now as for the mystery, I had my suspicions but I didn't guess the killer. Some of the clues were so minuscule and in the end I was sitting there thinking: "For real! I was suppose to catch that?!" I like mysteries that play out more naturally. When it is time for the big reveal the detective and I our on the same page. But in this case, we weren't. Strike's big reveal really turned me off. The point of a mystery is piecing it together as you read. Taking notice of the clues and learning with the detective. I don't like reveals were the character's have to explain every little thing that happen resulting in so and so being the murderer. That is what Strike did. I think it takes away from the suspense and is unbelievable. If I was accused of murdering my brother and sister, I would not stand there for twenty minutes so someone can explain how I did it. I know how I did it. I was there, no recap needed. I feel those pages could just have been put to better use. Like character development or setting up for a sequel.

If she does chose to continue this as a series, I hope it shadows Harry Potter in suspense and well-crafted, complex story lines minus the five page reveal. Allowing us to be a detective with Strike instead of an observer.

Thoughts on Cuckoo's Calling

I liked that I didn’t figure out who did it until the end, that is why I can never watch most whodunits on TV, I always figure it out in the first 10 minutes.

I thought that Rowling did a good job writing an adult novel. I know that this wasn’t her first one, but I know that her other book wasn’t received well.

I have never really been a mystery novel fan, but I kept wanting to read on and see what was going to happen and find out who the killer was. So I applaud her for keeping my interest, I might just have to pick up some more mystery novels in the future.

I don’t know how many books Rowling plans on putting into this series but I felt that she paced this one very well and didn’t try to squeeze too much into it. The relationships were on a more realistic pace for me. A lot of trilogies try to fit in too much, and then it seems too fast and unrealistic.

I also wanted to talk about how this book was published! I think it speaks volumes about the publication industry. I did some research on this so bear with me. Basically J.K. Rowling sent in the manuscript for this book under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith. I don’t know if it is because her first adult novel, The Casual Vacancy, didn’t do as well. Or simply because she wanted to see what would happen. According to an article that I had read there were only 1500 copies printed, and while it received great reviews the sales were just ok. Once they revealed that J.K. Rowling was the author it shot to the top of the best sellers list.

I feel like it gives no hope for new authors, what if this guy had been real? He supposedly had an amazing book, but he wasn’t famous. Could his book have been great? Who knows. But it does make one wonder whether a name is all you need to succeed in the world of best selling novels.

Cuckoo for Cuckoo

Ok, so like Katie, I guessed all the way to the end about the killer. As far as whodunits go, that's a big thing for me, not figuring it out too early. I'm sure everyone has seen me praise The Devil Drinks Coffee for the same reason.

It was good overall. All the people Stike interviewed seemed to have their own version of Lula. It was interesting seeing the differences each person had. Cuckoo seemed a fitting nickname for her. Everyone seemed to want something from her. It was like she was a shining star everyone had to touch, except John.

Rowling did an excellent job defining her characters, which isn't surprising given the world she created in Harry Potter.

As far as Robin and Strike, I'm glad they didn't end up together in the end. One, given what Strike came out of in his relationship with Charlotte I don't think he'd be ready for anything serious. Two, it's really cool that Strike and Robin are slowly getting to know one another. If they do get together in a future book I would like to see it evolve naturally for them.

I was a little disappointed not to see a little more of Charlotte. The way she's described I wanted to see her pop in more, but that's probably a side story that didn't really fit in the book. 

The Cuckoo's Final Calling

I really enjoyed The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling.  It kept me guessing until the end as to who killed Lula which I think was easy to accomplish since Strike was still interviewing Lula's family and friends to the very end of the book.  I didn't not foresee that John Bristow was the murderer especially since he hired Strike.  Part of me was thinking it was Tony but it seemed too obvious.

I'm still glad there wasn't any romance between Strike and Robin. Since this is the first book, I really just liked getting to know Strike and Robin's individual backgrounds and how they began working together. I especially liked Robin and how she continually proved herself as an asset to the case. I am curious how Robin and Matthew's relationship will develop since it doesn't seem like he approves of Robin working for Strike. I'm not against anything developing between Strike and Robin in the future though I'm not sure if I can really see them together.

After finding out that Bristow was the killer, I felt bad for Lula and her biological brother.  They never got to meet and have a sibling relationship.  Lula's adoptive family was so messed up and the lifestyle she was living was far from normal. I think it would have been good for her to have a brother to ground her especially since Agyeman didn't want any of the fame and money.

I applaud J.K. for writing a great mystery novel. I can't wait to read the next book!

J.K. said what?!

This book is fabulous! The flow of the book is great it doesn't have any slow or dull spots, and keeps me intrigued I'm loving every little bit of it! I'm so glad that Ms. Rowling hasn't fallen into the typical dulldrums of following an epic book series, much like the ones actors fall into when they're known for big movies.  I have to say I rather enjoy her writing, and kind of shocked to see her use the f bomb!  I love the character development and how she switches views and perspective between robin and strike! I'm anxious to know who murdered Lula, I'm with Katie its hard to say who it is yet!

The Mysterious Fall

I am really enjoying The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). I really like the flow of the novel and I feel there hasn't been any slow parts so far.  I also find the private investigating aspect interesting because Strike is having to come up with clues and evidence months after Lula's fall.  I would have a hard time knowing who to believe because you're having to go by different people's testimonies. 

I also like the relationship between Robin and Strike.  I'm glad its not a romantic relationship so the story can focus on Lula's possible murder and also finding out more about Robin and Strike as separate characters.  I do like that Robin while at the beginning is all absorbed in her engagement, she is still a very mature character.  She's takes initiative from the first minute Bristow comes into Strike's office to accommodate them and be professional. Also she has her secret desire to be involved in private investigating.

I believe Lula was probably murdered especially after Strike's comment about how she could have survived the fall.  I don't have any guesses so far on who it could be.  There are still people that Strike has not been able to interview like Some, Rochelle, and Freddie Bestigui.  I'm hoping it will not be predictable and will be a surprise as to what happened to Lula.

Love and Witchcraft

I found The Winter Witch to be a nice light read. Which was great because that was what I was hoping for when I chose it.  Sometimes I feel like I (or we) get bogged down in these epic fantasy adventures, dystopian series and even the beloved classics. A light read can be a good imagination "palette cleanser" between heartier books. So, yippee and one point to The Winter Witch!

Now overall the story was good despite being predictable. I liked that we got to see the world and characters through Morgana and Cai's POV. I think if Brackston did it any other way the story would have been lacking and flat. However, I did noticed that several times during Cai's POV the tense was off. While it didn't discourage me from continuing, it did distract me enough that I paused and was withdrawn from the story. Sometimes it was easier to get back in to the story sometimes not. But with a little editing, I think his POV could have been a little smoother.

Throughout the course of the story, I was really hoping we would learn much more about Morgana's father. When the moment arrived, I honestly felt let down. He was obviously an important story catalyst: he left hence Morgana stopped speaking. Everything big that happens to her from this point on is directly related to her not being able to speak. And at the end we are still unsure was to why she suddenly stopped talking. Was it magic, stubbornness, her father ... don't know! For me this was a big loose end that could have had great potential.

What I did really enjoy was the love story. I will fully admit that sometimes I have the urge to loose myself in a hot, passionate bodice-ripper story, but the love comes slowly stories can be a nice change of pace. At the end of the story we know Morgana and Cai really love each other. And not only that, it is a love that is built on hardship, perseverance and trust. They made vows and stuck to them. Talk about a refreshing romance.

Winter Witch Final Thoughts

I enjoyed reading The Winter Witch more than I expected to. Initially I was hesitant to read it because I thought we would only be reading from Morgana’s perspective.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy 1^st person POV, but in a story like this it seemed like it would be difficult to really appreciate the growth of the characters only seeing things through Morgana.  However, I really enjoyed the shift in POVs. It helped give an overall feel of everyone rather than the one-sidedness of Morgana.

               

There were some things I figured out early on in the story (Isolda, the mob) but on a whole the story was enjoyable. I felt so horrible for Cai and Morgana when the Reverend ran over Meg. Poor puppy. One thing that I really felt let down by was Morgana’s father. Much of the book is spent saying over and over how much Morgana adored her father and stopped speaking when he left. When everything came about regarding her father, I felt let down. I expected more.

What I think I liked most was the way Cai and Morgana fell in love with one another. They had a barrier against them with her being unwilling to speak, but they did find ways to communicate. Admittedly, I had my moments of wanting to shake them both. In my opinion, Cai was too blinded to see what was going on with Isolda. Of course, Morgana wasn’t without her faults either, but in the long run they found each other. 

The Tale of Two Witches

The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston is about a young and silent witch Morgana who is sent to be married to Cai Jenkins.  From the beginning of the novel, I knew Isolda was the villian.  To me it was obvious by how she was hanging all over Cai and I figured it would be another witch to challenge Morgana.  I think Brackston tries to throw the reader off with the reverend going after Morgana but I really couldn't see a person of his vocation being a warlock.  Like Morgana I felt bad for the reverend when it was revealed how Isolda was controlling him.  As a husband and father he had to protect his family and as a reverend, killing Isolda probably didn't seem like an option.

I really didn't get into the novel until Cai and Morgana were headed on the drove.  I think it was because this was the point in the novel where all the cards were on the table.  Isolda was revealed as a witch and she threatened Morgana so I wanted to know what Isolda had planned.

I liked Morgana most of the time except for when she would throw a tantrum (which was mainly when she was around Isolda).  I know she is "wild" as Cai often calls her but she's been trying to hide that's she's a witch her whole life so I expected a little more composure from her.

I feel conflicted over the showdown between Isolda and Morgana at Isolda's house.  It came down to Morgana using her wit to overcome Isolda instead of the power of the Grimoire.  I was really hoping that Morgana would come up with more of her own inner magical strength to defeat Isolda or maybe if she used her voice that would unlock some power.

What I did love about the book was the love story between Cai and Morgana.   I love that he truly does love her and is willing to accept her witchcraft without questioning her. I think it is Cai's caring nature that leads Morgana to fall in love with him.  The circumstances that bring them together enable them to fall in love.

Impressionable Minds

We ain't...we ain't doing civil rights here. We just telling stories like they really happen.

First of all, I must say how much I really loved this story. I felt a deep connection to many of the characters and was able to identify with several of them. Considering that the main characters came from different walks of life, I felt that being able to see parts of myself within them goes to show how skillfully written this book is. Kathryn Stockett did such a great job of sculpting this world, while, for the most part, keeping true to the ideals and aspects of that time.

It is baffling to read how poorly people used to, and in same places still are, being treated due to their skin color. Honestly, growing up I never really paid attention to how the kids around me looked. Why worry about skin color when there were games of tag to be played, bicycles to ride and ice cream trucks to chase. When you are little you just don't care. All you want is a friend. Skin color wasn't really noticeable to me till it was brought up in history during fourth grade. I remember all of us looking around and finally noticing the color of our friends. It was upsetting. In that moment it felt like we had all been forcefully pushed out of our childhood bubble and essentially been told, "Welcome to adolescent, were your outward appearance will be judged for at least the next ten years. Good luck."

 I think Stockett did I great job of showing how little kids don't notice till they are told. Like in the case of Aibileen and Mae Mobley. Color means nothing to Mae Mobley, she just knows that this women loves and cares for her. It must have been so confusing to a child to watch someone that took care of them be put down and humiliated. Not to mention those times, like with Mae Mobley, when she imitates or brings up wanting to look like Aibileen then proceeds to get punished or told off in some way. I just can not comprehend instilling those kind of confusing and conflicting ideals on to a child.

I find it amazing that Skeeter grew up with a level head and different view of the world. But also a hunger for the truth. I love characters who are driven by truth and are willing to sacrifice to obtain it. Even when it came to finally having love, the one thing she wanted more than anything, she gave it up and stayed true to herself. I would like to think that her passion and determination was something that was taught to and instilled in her by the women who raised her, Constantine. Not only was this book a great insight in to history, but I think it really shows how impressionable children really are. Despite what the world says, I believe that the most important lessons are always learned within the home and I think Stockett did a great job bringing that to light.

You is kind. You is smart. You is important.

So I finished The Help and immediately went out and rented the movie from Redbox. And I'm glad that I did, it was such a great adaptation. Obviously they took some liberties and left out some things, but I think that over all they did a great job.

I like most of you ended up loathing Hilly. I think they way she treated her help staff was abhorrent, I think if she had a dog it would have been treated better. Her only redeeming quality was that she liked and actually cared for her children, instead of relying on the maids to do so. But I like to think that she got her comeuppance in the end.

I think my favorite characters were Minny and Celia. They were both two women who were mistreated in different ways and they ended up helping each other face their own demons and become friends.

This book and the movie made me face the reality that (some) whites treated blacks with such hatred and loathing. It was just disgusting to me that they were so ignorant to think that they carried different diseases, and they had a book of laws on how you should interact with them. But it was the 1960s, a different time.

In the movie they didn't elaborate Skeet and Stuart's relationship the way they did in the book, but I think that he was jerk for not supporting her. But I agree with Lyss and Katie, when she moved to NYC she met a great man who loved her and supported her writing and career.

I didn't think I was going to like this book, even though I am a huge fan of period pieces. I just figured it would be full of never ending descriptions of daily chores, but it was full of heartfelt stories and relationships. I guess I shouldn't judge a book after all huh?

In the end I got the impression that Hilly came to believe the words she had been telling Mae Mobley, she finally understood that she was trying to convince herself of them all along...."You is kind. You is smart. You is important"

Last thoughts!

Having just finished the novel, I have to say, I can't stand Hilly. From the beginning, my opinion of Hilly wasn't that high, and as the book continued it just came to the point of not wanting anything to do with her. I loved watching Skeeter's eyes open up to the behaviors around her and fighting to become free of it all by moving to New York. Like Katie, in my mind she succeeded in New York and met the right man for her. I sorta hoped things would change for her and Stuart, but based on his family's political ambitions I had a feeling it wouldn't.

It's very hard for me to not have a level of contempt for the way women treated their help. Perhaps it's because we live in a different world than the 60s at this point. Or, perhaps it was because my parents raised me with the mentality that it doesn't matter what someone looks like. Which is something that I really loved with Aibileen and Mae Mobley. I loved the secret stories they had together and how Aibileen did her best to make sure Mae knew she was loved and a good girl despite what Elizabeth kept telling her.

Out of all the women, Minny seemed to do the most growth. She's hard as nails but watching her with Celia and seeing everything she was going through at home, I wanted her to have something good come her way. Finally getting away from Leroy made me really happy for her. Plus, I have to admit, I really liked that Celia refused to see "the lines" between them and kept treating Minny like a person. Johnny and Celia telling Minny she'll always have a job with them was the best. I already liked Johnny once we met him, but I loved him even more by the end. He wasn't there a lot, but the little actions he did toward his wife and Minny made me want to see more of him. If Hilly did call them, I imagine he and Celia would tell her to go eat a PIE :-D

I really enjoyed the book and messages in it. That there were good stories about some of the employers were great, showing not all of them were horrible people. Oh, and I have to say I loved Hilly's mom for buying that pie in Hilly's name, LOL.

Thanks for the great read, Katie! :-D

The sacrifice of doing what's right

So my review is going to have a lot of comparisons to the movie since I did see that first.  I would still recommend the movie for those who have not seen it.  There are a lot of minor differences/details left out but overall I think the movie captured the characters from the book.  For whoever has not seen it yet, I would like to know your opinion of the movie once you see it.

I loved the book and I think the book demonstrates more of the sacrifice and danger that Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny went through.  In writing the book, Skeeter sacrificed her friendships with Elizabeth and Hilly and became a social outcast.  Also in writing the book, it opened her eyes about the mindset of her friends and how she could have ever been friends with them (especially Hilly).  My heart especially broke for Skeeter when she lost Stuart for the second time.  There was more to Skeeter and Stuart's relationship in the book than the movie so it was more heartbreaking to read.  It also seems like a blessing in disguise because Skeeter realizes she wasn't meant to get married and settle down just yet.  While there is not a sequel to this book, I imagine Skeeter went to New York and lived her dream of a writer/editor and probably found a man that had the same views as her. 

One thing I liked about the movie better than the book was Skeeter's mom.  There is redemption for her in the movie and I think I would have liked to seen it in the book as well.  In the movie, her mom figures out Skeeter wrote the book and when Hilly drives over in a rage, her mom puts Hilly in her place.  Then later she tells Skeeter how proud she is of her.  I felt it provided that mother-daughter bond for Skeeter and her mom which used to be between Skeeter and Constantine.  

I think the only redeeming quality Hilly has is that she loves her children.  I don't remember any scenes with her showing affection to her kids and I wish it would have been included.  I could understand Hilly having this misconception about the help having diseases and her coming up with the initiative to protect her children but Hilly is drunk on power.  She just wants to ruin people who get in her way like Minny and Skeeter.  I think its ironic though that if Hilly and the other ladies are concerned about diseases then why have the help at all?  Oh yeah, that means they would have to do actual work.  

 

All I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries.

I haven't seen the movie for this book, but I am interested in watching it. I might check it out, now that it is at Red Box.

Just a side note, I have been listening to the audiobook, which has been really awesome. Each of the characters has a unique voice, and the actor does the dialects spot on.

I love period novels! And this one delivers so far, it involves what I am assuming, the south in the late 50s/60s, and how the lines of racial division have been drawn.

In very first chapter we are told about how the black maids feel about their employers, and it isn't that high. I think it is horrible that the white employers accuse their maids of stealing from them, and can often just fire them without warning or reason. There is also racial tension from the black side as well, Aibileen does blame the white men for not getting help for her son too.

I really like Skeeter, she seems to be a forward thinker in these turbulent times. I thought it was upsetting when she learned why Constantine really left, she seemed to be so close to her.

The part that really got to me, about the cruelty that these women are facing is when Aibileen is forced to fake a sickness so that she can have time off to grieve for her son.

I thought it was funny that Johnny finally discovers that Minny has been the one cleaning and cooking, and now he is the one who wants to keep the secret. It shows that in this relationship no one really wants to admit that they have asked for help, and are grateful for it.

I am beginning to really like Minny, I think she is one of my favorite characters. I also really like the friendship that Minny and Celia share, I think they are both outsiders and it helps that they have each other.

A New Tom's Cabin?

"This could be one of the most important pieces of fiction since To Kill a Mockingbird..."

        -NPR.org

I have to agree so far. Stockett is doing an awesome job of showing us the world of the south in 1962. I find myself getting so angry at the way the white women are treating their help. The only one I'm finding redeemable right now is Skeeter because she's willing to expose everyone she knows for their attitude. 

Seeing what will happen should Skeeter get everything in print the way she wants will definitely be interesting. The way she thinks and Aibileen and Minny think in regards to what'll happen makes me think of Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. Lincoln's words when he met her were, "So you're the little lady who caused this great big war," showed how powerful the book was. I have to wonder if Skeeter's work could be a close second.

I found myself nervous for Minny until Johnny appeared. At the moment, he seems like a very likeable man. Hopefully things will work out. I'd love to know what's going on with Celia. I'm sure (and hope) I'll find out soon.

The Help: An inspiration

Don't waste your time on obvious things.  Write about what disturbs you, particularly if it bothers no one else.

I think this may be the best writing advice ever.  It was only when Skeeter explored the idea that she liked, that Ms. Stein expressed interest in Skeeter's work.  Ms. Stein's advice really inspires me to write and to write with a purpose.

I love the different first person perspectives.  I was afraid at first that Aibileen and Minny's chapters would sound too similar since I figured they would use a lot of the same language but Kathryn Stockett does a good job of establishing each character's personalities. I also love the descriptions used in the book. For instance Aibileen describing Elizabeth: "Her face be the same shape as that red devil on the redhot candy box, pointy chin and all."

I keep wondering why Skeeter is friends with Hilly.  I'm guessing Hilly was a different person before she got married and now she's trying to take on this role of housewife and mother.  I'm also guessing that Hilly and Elizabeth were not close with their help.  Skeeter sees Constantine as her mother figure while her mom is the one who disciplines her.  It breaks my heart seeing Elizabeth and Skeeter's mother in this book.  They have little to no involvement with their children.  I suppose this was the norm during that time but with having Abby, I can't imagine missing everything in her life and knowing so little about her.  The reason Nathan and I decided I should stay home was so that I could help shape Abby as a person and not leave that responsibility to someone else.

The Dead Shall Roam the Earth

When I read the synopsis for this story I was excited. I have always loved the idea of necromancers, and the concept of "minding" the dead. I think that Melissa Marr created an exciting world, full of an amazing concept and a great setting. But the magic seemed to stop there.

As a previous reader of Melissa Marr I found myself wanting more out of this book than I got. I felt like Marr didn't live up to her characters, there were a few that I would have loved more of a back story on, and she just didn't provide it. And then there were some that I learned more than I cared to know. Not only that, but I felt the character of Rebekkah, was for a lack of a better term, annoying. She seemed so drawn to Byron only to ruin it all and run away. Ummm...hello?! Why would you run from he, he is awesome and gorgeous I'm sure! She just reminded me of a damsel in distress, only of her own making.

I agree with the other ladies, she spent so much time in the first, second, and probably third parts of the book building up the world, and just getting to the funeral that by the time anything interesting or exciting happened, I was left exhausted.

Now my intention was not to bash the author. I adore Melissa Marr, and her Wicked Lovely series is right up there in my top 10, but unfortunately this was not her finest work. This is her first try at adult fiction, and I am hoping that it won't be the last, I would still like to read anything she plans on publishing. I was hoping that she would be doing a sequel, because I feel that it could add more to the story, but alas it seems she is not planning too.

So in conclusion I would like to say that I didn't completely hate this novel, contrary to what my review here states. I just found more flaws in it that likes. Hopefully those who did enjoy the book don't find this too harsh :D :D :D :D :D

The Graveminder Fizzles

So, I have kind of been putting off my last post. But alas, here it is and I hope my opinions will not seem too harsh. But there are several things about this story that just did not appeal to me at the end. In regards to characters, I still do not like Rebekkah. Minus crazy killers, I for the most part felt more of a connection with and liked everyone but her.

The whole instinct to constantly run away is a major put off but then she does this unbelievable 180 at the end that left me dumbfounded. A person just does not instantly change and if being a Graveminder was instinctual  then there should have been major personality changes from the beginning. I was also hoping that being a Graveminder would have been more of a struggle. All the dead just lined up and followed her and in the end, at least to me, the town perceived the job to be harder then it was. The dead pretty much came to her, followed her without question or struggle and TA DA the world is a better place. 99.9% of the struggle was emotional, but that was about it.

I also agree with Katie that some of the chapter lengths were frustrating and more then once I wondered why certain scenes that did not seem crucial to the plot where inserted. But the thing that irked me the most was that Marr spent so much time in the beginning building this world then BOOM -- All the action takes place in the last 60 or so pages. What? Where is the buildup? I would rather have had the book longer to accommodate for a smoother transition. Everything felt so rushed at the end.

Then we get to Cissy. Honestly, I felt having her be the bad guy was kind of a cop out. And I agree that I didn't see her as someone that would be willing to get her hands dirty. And in regards to the murders, I was hoping for something more unique. Maybe an unearthly influence from the outside or someone that Mr. D had wronged. In a world full of infinite possibilities, I just felt Marr could have done better then Cissy.

Marr where is my love story twist?! Alas, it is non-existent. I understand that most people love happily ever afters, but I was hoping for something else--A twist of any kind. But there was none. They seemingly end up together forever. Now, there is nothing wrong with that but I wish it was less idyllic. Who knows, maybe Marr has a sequel up her sleeve that will add some more oomph to the story. If not, then I still view Marr as a great writer and understand that though I might now like all her books, I still admire the work she has and will do.

Till Death Do Us Part

Till death do us part...or may not if you live in Claysville.  Melissa Marr gives us a great concept with a town that has made a deal with Death and therefore requires a Graveminder.  While I love the concept, I'm going to start with what I didn't particularly like first.

Sometimes I had a problem with the chapter length.  Some of the chapter weren't even two pages on my Nook and on some of the really short chapters I was wondering if this info could just be cut altogether.  For instance there's a brief chapter with the mayor and a couple of council members and another scene between Mr. D and Alicia.  While the short chapters did make the book an easier read, I felt like it left me wanting more details and I got a bit frustrated with that.

The other thing I didn't like was Rebekkah's running away routine.  This might just be a personal issue I have because I am a commitment kind of person.  It just seemed really immature and then at the end of the book she does a complete 180.  This was really the only aspect of Rebekkah I didn't like.  Otherwise I love her and I love her with Byron.

So what I liked...I liked the concept of the land of the dead where all these different eras are mashed together.  I loved visualizing this in my head where there are modern buildings and people mixed with an western environment.

The twist with Cissy really caught me by surprise.  I really thought Cissy was the kind of person who wouldn't do the dirty work herself so I never suspected it.  I think part of me is kind of confused why she wanted the Graveminder position and this may be because we only see her briefly in the beginning.  She seemed like she was one that wanted a high position in the town and as Rebekkah described Maylene's life, it seemed the Graveminder position made you an outcast.

I also like that she brought up this question of if what Byron and Rebekkah had was really love if the Graveminder and Undertaker are always drawn together.  Byron made a good point that he was drawn to Rebekkah while Ella was still alive.  This question also applies to Maylene and William (and every Graveminder and Undertaker before them).  Does it make the love less real or sincere?  I don't know if I really have an answer to this but I loved that Marr explored this idea in the book.

I read on Melissa Marr's website that she is not planning on writing a sequel right now.  I'm kind of disappointed because I feel like this story of Rebekkah, Byron, and Clayville's contract with Death is not finished.  I would like to see if Rebekkah and Byron could break the cycle of the Graveminder or not.  I'd also like to see more of what Alicia has planned for Mr. D.

Death, Love and Alcohol

"Death lies dormant in each of us and will bloom in time." 

Dean Koontz

So, I am about 1/3rd of the book left. Secrets are coming to light, feelings are coming out and dead people are wandering around snacking on people. I will admit I find the story concept very intriguing. And having read most of Marr's other books, it is the a good quality story filled with many of her writing elements that I love.

One of my favorite "Marr-isms" is how truthfully she depicts and stays true to her characters. She writes them as they are and doesn't necessarily try to make them likable. And that is how I feel about, Rebekkah. I am not her biggest fan. I find her flighty,  unsure of herself and selfish, in regards to how she doesn't really consider the feelings of those around her. Horrible homecoming situation aside, I really hope to see some tremendous growth in the last part of the book. A lot of responsibility has been placed on her, and she really needs to pull on some big girl panties and deal.

Bryon on the other hand, is a whole different story. TAKE ME AWAY UNDERTAKER! Not only do I love his name (*wink*), but his assertiveness and openness really appeal to me. He learns what is going on and doesn't ran, but mans up and bares his mantel. Honestly, this doesn't surprise me. Marr has a history of creating great, sexy, take charge men. Probably one of the reason why I keep picking up her books.

I am interested to learn more about Rebekkah's ability to have one foot in life and one in death. One thing I am really surprised about is Marr going in the whole soul mate/fated direction. Which I haven't really seen in her other books. So, it will be interesting to see her spin on it. Because I know there is going to be a spin! It wouldn't be a Marr's book without it!

The Dead Continue to be Minded

I’ve come off Graveminder loving it. I would love to see Marr go revisit this world with another story. She has left it open to explore more aspects, like what Alicia’s ulterior motive might be. Something else that could be interesting to see is what Amity has kept writing in her journals. After saying she doesn’t want to forget anything, it makes me wonder what could happen by her keeping a log of things happening.

Discovering Charlie’s secret and why the deal was made in the first place made me a bit sad for Charlie. Granted, he’s a clever dude and clearly does a brilliant job of pissing off the Undertakers, it’s still sad for him that he did something so drastically bad to impress someone he fell in love with. This makes me think that Charlie is in love with all his graveminders. He’s said they’re his, and they are surrogate mothers to all the dead he’s the father of.

    

           Byron and Rebbekah learning  how to do everything without the guidance of their predecessors definitely made it an experience, one that we got to ride along with. The guidance they did have was extremely helpful and made me love those who were there to help even more. I did really like seeing Rebbekah coming to terms with Ella and her feelings for Byron. 

               I was honestly a little surprised by Cissy being the culprit. I knew she was angry that she had been passed over for Graveminder, but I hadn’t pegged her for being a murderer and creating her own little army of walking dead. I expected to see more of Cissy in a different capacity, especially since I didn’t think she knew enough about the dead to do anything. Since she got her mother’s journals, she clearly knew what to do. 

               Now, what I’d be curious to see is if Melissa Marr would write one of the graveminder’s journals for us. It would be really neat how to what others went through while they minded the dead. Since I’ve finished, I might just have to grab Carnival of Souls off my shelf and see what she has set up in that world J

Alluring Death

So, it appears in my decision to cut the chapters in half, I had us end this week on a cliffie chapter. Rebekkah has plenty of questions that could potentially be answered now!

First and foremost, I have to say, I love Melissa Marr as an author. She does a beautiful job of weaving together worlds and bringing her characters to life.  Originally I picked this book up when it came out in hardcover and got most of the way through it before I set it down somewhere and caused it to become buried under a mini mountain of things.  I've been wanting to finish it and this seemed like the best time to do it.

I really like the concept she has in this world. The relationships between Undertakers and Graveminders seem to be intimate, something that Maylene and William only allowed themselves to go so far. Byron and Rebekkah come off as going to have a much closer relationship than their predecessors.

I've still got questions about Ella. Right now, I'm assuming she took her life (and bare in mind, it's been awhile since I read the book so I don't quite remember either). I want to know what about the world of Mr. D lured her into taking her own life, if that's what she did. Did she find the responsibility to be too much and just couldn't take the idea of being Graveminder? What will Rebekkah do when/if she discovers why Ella did what she did?

Then there is Daisha. How many more people will she eat before Byron and Rebekkah get her to where she belongs?

Down, Down, Down We Go

“He’s body slammed enough people to start a new country. And there could be a neighbouring city for the people he’s punched in the throat”
― Gena Showalter, Alice in Zombieland

I'm so thrilled that everyone has enjoyed this book!! As you all know I'm a huge fan of Alice In Wonderland, so when I saw this book at Barnes & Noble, I jumped at the chance to read it. Not to mention my equal but sometimes overly obsessive love of zombies.

I am also a big fan of Gena Showalter's Alien Huntress (YA) series. A few of her other series look just as intriguing as well.

At first I had a little trouble getting into this book, which I know is a shocker! But I just found the dialog when Ali firsts starts school a bit dry for me. But I persevered and when Ali begins to see the "creatures" as I call them, I was hooked, and I couldn't wait to get through this book.

Showalter brought such an interesting take to the whole zombie craze, and I welcome it! I think it is good when new ideas come into a fandom, it shakes things up and makes me a big fan.

I too am hoping for a happy ending for Cole and Ali, I had become a fan of their relationship ever since Ali's first vision of her Cole battling together. Kat is probably my second favorite character in this book, she was quirky and fun, and I think she brought an air of happiness to a world filled with danger and "creatures".

I am so looking forward to the sequel, which has a date! Through The Zombieglass is due out in September! Which is a long way off, so I will have to find a new series to occupy my time an interests :D

The spiritual Zombie battle begins.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12

Like you all, I found Showalter's take on zombies to be unique and very refreshing. When I first picked it up, I was worried it would be similar to many of the other zombie related movies, t.v shows and books out there. I am not saying those aren't good and I still love my Resident Evils, but I feel the zombie market is becoming a little over saturated and I am glad Showalter attacked the subject from a different angle.

By putting the zombies in the spiritual realm, she gave herself a whole new realm to work with. She is not limited to the physical realm and I feel that gives an exciting and unpredictable edge to the story. As well as, opening up great discussions and insight to a spiritual world that I find many people and writers are shying away from these days. 

For the most part, I found the character's enjoyable and I feel like Showalter left room to fully develop each significant character. Which is not often done when there are several characters seemingly crucial to the story. Kat was totally a favorite. I found her funny if not kind of dramatic. I agree with Katie, sometimes the teen drama was a little too much and a lot of hearsay and misunderstandings could have been avoided by communication. But it is high school so who am I to talk! Haha!

Some aspects of the book were kind of predictable. As soon as Ali started seeing her sister, I know her dad was a zombie. But I was glad in the end there was enough of him there to fight for his daughter. I found that sweet and kind of reassuring that love can still conquer all.

I will be picking up the next book not only because I am intrigued but I still have so many questions. I want to know more about the journal and the connection Ali and Cole have. I also hope more insight on her parents courtship come up, because I believe it was implied by her Grandmother that her parents had the same visions. Which for me represents them having a spiritual connection also know as "Soul Mates." I can't wait to see if my hunch is right. Good pick!

Soul eating zombies

Firstly, I have to say I find this take on zombies refreshing, unlike the brain eating zombies, I love the concept of the soul eating kind.When I bought this book the first words out of Joe's mouth were, "you're reading WHA?!" he thought it sounded like it would be weird but this book is awesome and like Katie and Lyss, I can't wait to read the others.

Secondly, while the visions fascinated me and I wanted to know what was going on with them, I honestly was more intrigued by the journal she was reading.  I was dying to know who wrote it, and at first I was thinking her mom did, but we learned it was dated before then.  The whole encryption aspect of it was a great idea.

Thirdly, I'm with everyone about loving Kat! She is an awesome friend, love her! I think I'm with Lyss in the fact that I thought she might be a zombie with her being sick and that maybe she got bit or something along those lines, total shock when her grandfather was turned though.  Another thing with her that I was waiting for, was her to be like the other girls of that group, or totally think Ali was crazy and bash her in school, but was glad when this wasn't the case and that she had her back the whole time!

I love that Ali tells her grams about everything that's going on,  making life easier for herself and everyone involved, and making her grandma aware of the situation!

Great book Christine!!! I can't wait until the other books are out, and see where the story goes!

(sorry it's kind of short, gizmo keeps dropping his toy on the keyboard!)
<3

Death is only the Beginning

Truly, that's what came to mind for me when I finished reading. Granted, if you become a Zombie after dying, then there's another death to go through too. I'm not huge into the Zombie fad, but I really loved the book. I thought the way Showalter did the concept of Zombies was very unique and original compared to what we generally get for Zombies.

(one minor note that makes me laugh, Showalter is generally kept in Romance, but this book is classified as a Harlequin Teen, lol. Who knows what might happen!)

I do love that Ali ended up telling Nana everything that was going on. A lot of books have their superheroes leading double lives and doing so much lying. Plus, you know, Ali is kinda similar to Buffy in the sense she's a Slayer (of Zombies not Vamps) but by Nana knowing about it, she'll be under less surveillance for being a troublemaker b/c she knows what's going down already.

I'm with Katie, I love Kat. She's the kinda friend you know will have your back like no one else will. I'm also going to have to buy the next book because I'm gonna have to know what happens. I hope we see an HEA for Cole & Ali and also for Kat & Frosty. However, given Kat's problem, I'm afraid she could end up in Zombie form making it super hard for Ali in the long run....holy crap why aren't the other 2 out yet?!?!?!?! I've got all this stuff playing around in my head....

Christine, I blame you.

That is all <3

Going down the rabbit hole that's filled with zombies

Once I started reading Alice in Zombieland I was hooked.  I was wanting to know what happened next.  I love the first person narration from Alice. And I also love anything with zombies and this book did not disappoint with the zombies.  

First, I really love the concept that the zombies are spirits that eat your soul.  For me this was very original and I enjoyed learning about this Zombieland.  With this Alice seems to be a rare type of spiritual being so I think we've only just begun learning about this world and what Alice can do.   

Of course I have to say I love Kat. She is so fun and vibrant even though she is sick.  I'm very glad she gets included into the zombie hunter circle and that she's with Frosty.  Now her and Alice can be on the same page and no more secrets.

The only negative comments I have about the book was I got tired of all the teenage drama in the beginning after Alice and Cole started having their visions.  I just wanted someone to shove them in a room together so they would just talk about what happened.  The other thing was some aspects of the book were predictable mainly when Alice started at Asher High.  I knew Cole and his friends were going to be zombie hunters and that Alice was destine to join them.

While that was predictable there were a few surprises I didn't expect at all.  First is Alice's grandfather being turned.  I really expected what happened to him to happen to Kat.  I had a feeling something would happen to her mainly because in my literary experience bad things happen to lovable characters (which sort of happened just in a different way).  It breaks my heart that Alice's grandfather was made into zombie.  She's already lost so much of her family.  But it does work well in the story line because Alice can't lead a double life forever. 

The other twist I didn't see coming was Dr. Wright being a spy for Anima Industries.  It caught me off guard because logically it made sense for the hunters to have a contact in the school.

What I would like to see more of with the future books is more Alice In Wonderland references.  I haven't read Lewis Caroll's version but I think there are some well know aspects like the white rabbit that was in this book that we can all recognize.  I don't know if Gena Showalter is just holding back for the future books but I would like to see more than just the chapter titles and the white rabbit referencing Alice in Wonderland.  And if there is other imagery I'm missing please tell me.  All I know if the Disney version of the tale.

I am looking forward to the second book and hopefully having some questions answered like whose journal does Alice have and will Justin come back from the dark side? 

Curioser and Curioser

6 Chapters in and I am very hooked into this book. I

I haven't finished it yet, like Katie, but I think I'm well on my way to finishing it before the weekend is out. The set up has been really good. I am firmly on Team Cole so far. I took a peak at the book at work the other day and immediately thought, "Damn it, Christine! You're going to get me hooked on a trilogy that isn't complete! I'm already liking this and I know I'm gonna want to know what happens immediately!"

Christine, I hope you're proud! :P

The characters have been easy to picture, especially Kat. She's one of those you know you're going to enjoy throughout the book/series. I'm intrigued by Cole. Chapter 6 ended with them needing to talk, so I have no idea what's about to go down.

I did look at reviews of this on B&N because I thought I was supposed to be seeing a lot of correlation to Alice in Wonderland, but as I'm not totally familiar with the original story, just Disney's, I wasn't sure if I was missing it. From what I've gathered I'm not missing much in the way of correlation. To be honest, that's a relief for me because I think I would have felt like something wasn't clicking that was supposed to.

I'm having fun with the book so far. Seeing where this goes is going to be a lot of fun!