It was a good zombie week for me. Not only did I read Vol. 17 of The Walking Dead and Zombies Calling (more on those later!), but I saw World War Z. Score! I read the book about a year and a half ago and loved it. I thought Max Brooks’ approach to telling the story was unique and gave a cool picture of how the world went through the zombie attack – most of the zombie literature (it’s very important reading, so I call it all literature) focuses on isolated individuals and communities. Anyway, the movie focuses on Brad Pitt’s character (honestly, I don’t really care about the character’s name, in my mind, Brad Pitt is the hero, sue me) formerly of the UN, who has experience in hostile situations. Brad Pitt has to help research where the outbreak began and spread, because perhaps that might lead to finding a cure. Our hero travels the globe investigating possible origins, other countries’ reactions (and why) and getting out of close calls. Of course, Brad Pitt saves the day in a sequence that includes what is perhaps my all time favorite product placement. I thought World War Z was awesome, but I am very biased in this genre. There was lots of action and a cool story, that stayed true to the concept of the book. It was enacted in it’s own way but stayed true to the overall concept and feel of the book. I think this approach is better than following the book exactly because it then becomes a side-by-side comparison, which is why book to movies are often disappointing. Husband thought it was a fun action movie, but that was about it for him. He just doesn’t appreciate zombies (and I keep telling him that his survival chances are hurt by his ambivalence, but hey, his choice, survival of the fittest, man). I did find the zombies suspiciously fast, but that did increase tension and action, so I will allow it.
Zombies Calling, by Faith Erin Hicks: This little gem came out in 2007, and is Hicks’ first book. Short and sweet, the book is about zombie obsessed Joss going through university finals. Finals are disrupted by a zombie outbreak on campus, and the only way Joss and her friends can survive is by following the zombie movie rules. It doesn’t have the depth and story development of Friends with Boys, but at about 100 pages it still did a nice job. The zombies aren’t exceptionally gross and there isn’t anything gory, so it is pretty accessible to all readers.
Overall Assessment: Cute, fun pick that can be finished in an hour or two.
The Walking Dead Vol. 17: Something to Fear, by Robert Kirkman: This was a hard volume to read. As Rick and his fellow survivors are expanding their reach, they are also encountering new enemies who are more dangerous than initially thought. The “Saviors” is a group led by Negan; they launch large and deadly assaults on the community, leading to two important deaths. Andrea’s and Rick’s relationship changes, as do the mind-sets of Rick and Michonne in the face of these new attacks. Carl, is still a pain in the ass doing whatever he wants showing up where ever he wants. Sigh.
(Image from the awesome tumblr Get out of here, Carl!)
Overall Assessment: As much as I hated some of the turns in this volume, they were necessary to keep the story going. Seeing the cracks of hardened characters lets you see that they are still human after everything. Hopefully the next volume will give some background to Negan.
Will I Read the Sequel? (Or in this case, the next volume?) I’ve gone too far with them to turn back now!
The Elite, by Kiera Cass: I have so many mixed feelings on this book and the series. On one hand, I think about how I feel as I explained the premise to a friend…yeah, kinda silly. But on the other hand, once I started listening, I couldn’t stop! The Elite picks up right where The Selection left off – Maxon narrowed the field down to six. We learn a bit more about Illea’s history, Illea’s douchey founder, Maxon’s jerk father and the rebels (though not as much as I would like). There are also interactions with other countries that sheds more light and mysteries on the politics and goings on of the castle and country. America is super lame and super indecisive, she flip-flops from Maxon to Aspen at the drop of a hat. She makes stupid and irrational decisions, and then turns around and apologizes for her decisions. Both of these guys (who have their own flaws), could do much better.
Overall Assessment: Despite my dislike of America, the story still draws the reader in. Cass creates some great tension in secret meetings, rendezvous and lingering mysteries. Some of the dialog is a bit cliche, and many of the secondary characters lack a lot of depth (though many who were flat in The Selction became more fleshed out).
Will I Read the Sequel? I’ve come this far, and have very strong opinions about the first two so, yes, I feel compelled to finish it out.
Cat Scale: Still not enough. There was only 1 cat fight – 1!! C’mon, I think we all want and expect more than that.
Coming up next: American Vampire Vol. 5, Scrivener’s Moon, and The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls.
Backbends and Bookends 