Scan barcode
shinesalot's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this years ago. I remember being extremely grossed out, but that the story was pretty amazing. Loved the characters...even the creepy, gross ones.
barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know about this book. It starts slow and normal. There's grave robbing, it's not very shocking, but then all of a sudden the second half of the book kicks into high gear and then it's just what? what?! what?!?! whaaaaaaaaat?!?! I was telling my coworkers what was happening in the book, and they were shocked to hear that these were plot points in a teen book. I don't know what genre this is, and the only thing I've read that seems similar is Chuck Palahniuk. Anyway, it's not really 'my' genre, but I've read stuff like this before, and I guess I'm just surprised that a teen book can get away with this much after I hear all the normal minor things people complain about as being inappropriate in teen books. Have I suddenly become an old lady? The reviewers didn't seem to find it all that shocking. Maybe it seemed worse listening to it on audio? The reader was excellent though.
In conclusion if like gory shocking books like this, and you can slog your way through the boring beginning, I think you'll like the second half. But I have to imagine that a number of people have been taken by surprise - and my library has fielded requests for reconsideration for much less objectionable content.
In conclusion if like gory shocking books like this, and you can slog your way through the boring beginning, I think you'll like the second half. But I have to imagine that a number of people have been taken by surprise - and my library has fielded requests for reconsideration for much less objectionable content.
munsie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
This book is really hard to describe, more so if most people are used to hearing you recount the plots and twists of dystopia novels. No, really, it's about grave digging in modern day time!
But it's also about fathers and sons, loss, death, decay and descent, descent, descent.
The second half of the book is like a sheer drop, taking you away from the story that you can sort of wrap your head around to the one that leaves you silent. There are severed body parts. There are open eye sockets. There are graveyard blues.
Some of the plot points I found harder to swallow than others and not because of the gore factor. But the attention to detail and sheer volume of information I never gave a second thought to about (two words: PVC pipes) more than made up for it.
kristi_starr35's review against another edition
2.0
Macabre. Not as disgusting as expected. Disturbing. It's not so much the concept of grave robbing. A TALE OF TWO CITIES and THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST touch on that. It's hard to put a finger (flesh or wooden) on it. Everyone is mental. Some worse than others, but everyone is mental. There is little goodness, little normalcy. And there is no peace, no rest. Not quite. No empathy.
I stuck through it, but for rot?
I stuck through it, but for rot?
moonblink39's review against another edition
1.0
Didn't finish it. Not my kind of book. Too depressing. The type of abuse this kid received at school wasn't horrific. It was just very sad.
librariandest's review against another edition
3.0
Dark, disgusting, disturbing. There were a few choice passages that almost had me gagging from the wretchedness of it all. If you're the kind of person who watches The Killing or likes zombie books, this might be for you. Otherwise, not recommended--especially for people who eat while they read.
I have to say, the audiobook (winner of the 2012 Odyssey Award) was so exquisitely done. I'd probably give the book itself two stars, but the audio performance bumps it up to three. Kirby Heyborne, the narrator, gave each character his own voice, from the low grumble of Joey's father Harnett, to the insane shrieking of Boggs. His voices for Reverend Knox and Lionel were distinct and old and magical.
Still, a completely deranged book.
I have to say, the audiobook (winner of the 2012 Odyssey Award) was so exquisitely done. I'd probably give the book itself two stars, but the audio performance bumps it up to three. Kirby Heyborne, the narrator, gave each character his own voice, from the low grumble of Joey's father Harnett, to the insane shrieking of Boggs. His voices for Reverend Knox and Lionel were distinct and old and magical.
Still, a completely deranged book.
typesetjez's review against another edition
4.0
Note, my rating refers to the book & overall story. The audiobook deserves 5 stars easily. Kirby Heyborne is amazing on this title, providing an astounding range of voices and a very creepy feel to this book.
This book is excellent for horror readers who may not want another supernatural thriller, but prefer something a little closer to life. Many readers (myself included) assume this to be about zombies, but let me clear things up by saying this is realistic and does not involve any supernatural or fantastical elements. Kraus provides a look at a unique situation with a small grouping of grave diggers in the US, drawing on much history of diggers throughout the world. There is also plenty of high school and teenage boy life here, especially focusing on bullying (and revenge). There are scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat with your hair standing on end, and scenes that will have you gagging from the horrifyingly descriptive nature of this book.
My only complaints with this title are that it seems too long and the end feels too convenient and easy in comparison to the rest of the novel. Even as someone who never reads horror, I found myself riveted to this audiobook.
This book is excellent for horror readers who may not want another supernatural thriller, but prefer something a little closer to life. Many readers (myself included) assume this to be about zombies, but let me clear things up by saying this is realistic and does not involve any supernatural or fantastical elements. Kraus provides a look at a unique situation with a small grouping of grave diggers in the US, drawing on much history of diggers throughout the world. There is also plenty of high school and teenage boy life here, especially focusing on bullying (and revenge). There are scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat with your hair standing on end, and scenes that will have you gagging from the horrifyingly descriptive nature of this book.
My only complaints with this title are that it seems too long and the end feels too convenient and easy in comparison to the rest of the novel. Even as someone who never reads horror, I found myself riveted to this audiobook.
arounds's review against another edition
4.0
First: gorgeous, gorgeous storytelling.
Second: There were times I absolutely hated this book and wondered if I’d finish it. Why? The absolute heartbreak at some parts, and stomach churning descriptions of the most decayed and dirty this earth can create that made me feel sick — both physically and emotionally.
Third: I am elated I stuck with it. The journey of this novel wrapped itself around my heart, and will stay there for quite some time. I keep thinking about all of the layers (accidental graveyard pun), and it just keeps getting deeper the more I think about it...
Second: There were times I absolutely hated this book and wondered if I’d finish it. Why? The absolute heartbreak at some parts, and stomach churning descriptions of the most decayed and dirty this earth can create that made me feel sick — both physically and emotionally.
Third: I am elated I stuck with it. The journey of this novel wrapped itself around my heart, and will stay there for quite some time. I keep thinking about all of the layers (accidental graveyard pun), and it just keeps getting deeper the more I think about it...
mengler87's review against another edition
Perfect time of year to read a book about grave diggers!