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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
First of all, it was SO long. I found it very difficult to get through at times. I was also made uncomfortable by the stereotypical Native American/magic connection, as well as the old Black woman with voodoo powers. The second half was better than the first, as that was where the story really started. I also didn't find it all that scary, just kind of gross. And I could have done without the sex scenes and Angela's juices.
What a legitimately terrifying book. Loved how dark and atmospheric it was, vacillating between Southern gothic and straight-up jump-scare horror.
I was surprised by how much the ending kind of undid a lot of the work of the story, but it was still a gripping read.
I was surprised by how much the ending kind of undid a lot of the work of the story, but it was still a gripping read.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have a new favorite author to add to my lengthy list, and a new favorite book to add to the towering stack.
Tananarive Due was described to me as a “female Stephen King”. I dislike the need to label authors as other authors, but the suggestion did cause me to seek out one of her books.
Female horror/supernatural writers are not given the due or respect they deserve, especially female authors of color, Octavia Butler, science fiction writer extraordinaire, one of the few exceptions.
I am so glad I picked this book up. Tananarive Due’s novel, published in 2003, is so much more that just a tale of supernatural horror, although it is that in every way, it is one of the best I’ve read of the genre I love so dearly, it is also a story about love, regret, family, ancestors, magic, and the tenebrous line between belief and disbelief (a subject always near and dear to my heart).
This is one of a handful books that, as I read it at night, I looked nervously over my shoulder, or sat bolt upright as the house settled in for the night around me as I read. I mean that as the deepest compliment I can give a book. This story is that good.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a good scare, but, more than just that, loves a book that reaches down into the depths of your mind and spirit and takes up residence there, leaving you just a bit different after turning the last page.
Do yourself a favor. Read this book…
I’m off to read another of Due’s books. Search her out. You will not be disappointed.
10 dry, fallen leaves out of 10. Best book I have read this year.
Tananarive Due was described to me as a “female Stephen King”. I dislike the need to label authors as other authors, but the suggestion did cause me to seek out one of her books.
Female horror/supernatural writers are not given the due or respect they deserve, especially female authors of color, Octavia Butler, science fiction writer extraordinaire, one of the few exceptions.
I am so glad I picked this book up. Tananarive Due’s novel, published in 2003, is so much more that just a tale of supernatural horror, although it is that in every way, it is one of the best I’ve read of the genre I love so dearly, it is also a story about love, regret, family, ancestors, magic, and the tenebrous line between belief and disbelief (a subject always near and dear to my heart).
This is one of a handful books that, as I read it at night, I looked nervously over my shoulder, or sat bolt upright as the house settled in for the night around me as I read. I mean that as the deepest compliment I can give a book. This story is that good.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a good scare, but, more than just that, loves a book that reaches down into the depths of your mind and spirit and takes up residence there, leaving you just a bit different after turning the last page.
Do yourself a favor. Read this book…
I’m off to read another of Due’s books. Search her out. You will not be disappointed.
10 dry, fallen leaves out of 10. Best book I have read this year.
I had to force myself to finish this, and I regret it.
This was sold to me as horror which *could* be the case, but I would classify this as family drama. Nevertheless, it was a good story, a bit sluggish at times, but good character development, beautiful prose, and an ending I loved. This is one I tackled via audiobook, and Robin Miles has firmly established herself as one of my favorite narrators. Overall I recommend this book.
A book picked up attempting to scratch my annual ghost-story itch. I've waited a little too long to give it a proper review, but it was an interesting story full of many-dimensional characters. Lack of communication between characters caused a lot of problems that felt rather unnecessary, but which would have made for a very short book otherwise. The resolution left me scratching my head a little, but I guess it was a satisfying way to go?
This was a decent horror story, I could have done without all of the unnecessary romance elements and I think that the whole book could have been a little less wordy but it was a pretty entertaining fall read. This book is NOT fantasy, so if you are picking it up because people have it shelved as such just put it right back down.
If you believe in the supernatural, if you are afraid of sounds in the dark, if you are superstitious or prone to carrying good luck charms or other talismans to protect against unseen forces -- if any of these things apply to you, then you might want to read The Good House with all the lights on and cheerful music playing.
Tananarive Due unfolds this story, layer by layer, removing strips of the present and the past like layers of skin to reveal the wriggling guts underneath. The pristine, rural setting brings a sort of ancient feel, even though most of the story is set in modern times. This is a fun read.
What it does not have: silly jump scares, gratuitously graphic violence, weak women who try to run in heels
What it does have: Strong female characters, strong non-toxic male characters, well-written but pretty graphic sex (completely plot-centric and not gratuitous).
This review is for the audiobook version, so let me say a bit about the narrator. She was perfect. I would not change a thing. Looking for more books read by this reader.
Tananarive Due unfolds this story, layer by layer, removing strips of the present and the past like layers of skin to reveal the wriggling guts underneath. The pristine, rural setting brings a sort of ancient feel, even though most of the story is set in modern times. This is a fun read.
What it does not have: silly jump scares, gratuitously graphic violence, weak women who try to run in heels
What it does have: Strong female characters, strong non-toxic male characters, well-written but pretty graphic sex (completely plot-centric and not gratuitous).
This review is for the audiobook version, so let me say a bit about the narrator. She was perfect. I would not change a thing. Looking for more books read by this reader.