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11th out of 437 books
—
435 voters
Cemetery Street
by
John Zunski (Goodreads Author)
In a world where dreams are possible and nightmares come true, can you romance a memory? James Morrison thinks so. In a snowy cemetery, James reenacts a childhood ritual unleashing an avalanche of memories. Laugh, cry and blush with James as he recounts a late 20th century American life.
Paperback, 310 pages
Published
May 16th 2011
by Smashwords
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Cemetery Street is not a book, it is a life. There is more emotion in this story than any TV drama can ever evoke in a whole season of daily episodes. I’m struggling to find a genre that would encompass such a wide range of sensations.
I suppose it is a ‘coming of age’ in essence. James Morrison, aged twelve, moves to a town he doesn’t know, in a house opposite a cemetery (which frightens him) and the family atmosphere isn’t all that special. Luckily, his next door neighbour, Shannie, aged thirte...more
I suppose it is a ‘coming of age’ in essence. James Morrison, aged twelve, moves to a town he doesn’t know, in a house opposite a cemetery (which frightens him) and the family atmosphere isn’t all that special. Luckily, his next door neighbour, Shannie, aged thirte...more
BEC'S REVIEW
Cemetery Street is a compelling story and one that had me hooked, despite the disjointed nature of time in the story. While maintaining the basic chronological order of the story, many events occurred via flash back or flash forward without any notice in regards as to when in time these events occur. While the reason for this somewhat disjointed nature of the story is explained by events later on, it does serve to cause some confusion that could be avoided in some way.
Another aspect...more
Cemetery Street is a compelling story and one that had me hooked, despite the disjointed nature of time in the story. While maintaining the basic chronological order of the story, many events occurred via flash back or flash forward without any notice in regards as to when in time these events occur. While the reason for this somewhat disjointed nature of the story is explained by events later on, it does serve to cause some confusion that could be avoided in some way.
Another aspect...more
I've recently come across quite a few authors that have just an undefined category as to where you need to stick them. Labels seem so harsh at times. This book was unique in many factors. It was told from a man's perspective, as he was visiting the grave of his lost love. It seems that James was caught in a turmoil of drama ever since the day his parents decided to move to Cemetery Street. Only somethings are just not meant to be, no matter how much your heart longs for them. Love is unique to e...more
Cemetery Street is not the kind of book I like to read, but I’m not saying it’s not good. It was okay. It’s like an autobiography, where the main character, James Morrison, tells his life story. What I don’t like in these kinds of stories is how time flies by so fast. 20 years pass by so quickly as each page grows. I hate how there’s no specific problem in the story. Though the end was kind of a beginning of some sort for James.
It’s a coming-of-age novel. Fast and straightforwardly written. Star...more
It’s a coming-of-age novel. Fast and straightforwardly written. Star...more
"CEMETERY STREET" BY JOHN ZUNSKI
I loved this book. I feel one reason is that I lived those times and was around the same age during the 80's and 90's as the characters in the stories. This book spoke to me in volumes. The characters are written with a knowledge that shows the author knew those years as well and felt a kinship with his characters as I did while reading it. The 80's the way I remember them, were a time when friendship meant everything and the mother in this book, unfortunately, re...more
I loved this book. I feel one reason is that I lived those times and was around the same age during the 80's and 90's as the characters in the stories. This book spoke to me in volumes. The characters are written with a knowledge that shows the author knew those years as well and felt a kinship with his characters as I did while reading it. The 80's the way I remember them, were a time when friendship meant everything and the mother in this book, unfortunately, re...more
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This book is not just about families and friendship bonding through the years. It is an in depth exploration into the trials and tribulations of the late 80's- into the early 90's, 20th century which a close group of friends experienced, the joys and sorrows of daily life. It is very descriptive, poignant and realistic with the raw emotions of human feelings, the deep attachment one's has with another and they all are intertwined into life's journey through being a friend, support network and co...more
As a reader, I expect a book to be completely finished by the time it gets into my hands. It should be properly formatted, edited and the grammar should be impeccable. This book is not finished in any of those regards. I found the prose to be choppy, discombobulated and schizophrenic. One paragraph had no connection to the next, many times make me ask what just happened. I had to go back a reread sections to understand what Zunski was trying to say and when he was trying to say it. The story jum...more
Cemetery street is a story about so many things. Mainly, it is the story of James Morrison's life. It is told so beautifully, and with such detail and explicit emotion that it is not even slightly boring. This books gives us such a spectacular view on the commonplace complexities we face constantly in life. Zunksi breathes life into everyday occurrences and shows them to us in a brand new light. While reading this, you will get a startling insight on life, love, loss, hate, anger, joy, family, f...more
A brilliantly written coming of age story about a boy named James Morrison. Him and his family move into a house on Cemetery Street. After moving in he befriends a witty spirited young girl named Shannie who he eventually falls inlove with. He also became friends with an older boy named Count who just so happens to be the local cemetery caretaker’s son. All Three soon started spending time, doing almost everything together. They loved playing games of course, especially one called catch the trai...more
James Morrison is your average foul-mouthed teenager living in small-town Pennsylvania, except that he's in love with his best friend, Shannie. Cemetery Street chronicles his life, from the day he moves in next to the cemetery, to the day he leaves.
Cemetery Street was a long, engrossing personal saga. I enjoyed the characters, who I found nuanced and believable. Reading this book reminded me how much I used to swear when I was a teenager.
I have to warn anyone considering this book, however, tha...more
Cemetery Street was a long, engrossing personal saga. I enjoyed the characters, who I found nuanced and believable. Reading this book reminded me how much I used to swear when I was a teenager.
I have to warn anyone considering this book, however, tha...more
With a variety of situations that happen in all levels of the society you live in, no matter where you are in the world: angst, pain, love, death, Cemetary Street is set in what I would consider Anytown, US, but what I understood to be emotionally engaging to some, didn’t grab me. I could certainly feel the power of the author’s vision in this “slice of someone’s life” tale and what they wished to present, yet the “all-American” theme especially when including military life has never been one I...more
John Zunski's book is a poignant look into the mixture of happiness and tragedy that accompanies many of us as we navigate our way through the volatile teen years on through to the indecision of early adulthood. He beautifully captures the evolution of an early teen friendship (James and Shannie) and its often confused and conflicted entry into the realm of love. Along the way, Zunski helps to remind us that the bonds we establish early in our lives echo into our futures, shaping who we are and...more
A triumph! This is truly a fabulous book! Zunski artfully tells the coming of age story of James - a young boy faithfully enamored with Shannie, a spunky, smart and funny young blonde, and their friends growing up in a small town near Philadelphia.
This book has stuck with me through some personally overwhelming times of late. I've thought about the characters, wondered how they were doing, and when I had time to pick up the book through some very busy months did so as though I was visiting with...more
This book has stuck with me through some personally overwhelming times of late. I've thought about the characters, wondered how they were doing, and when I had time to pick up the book through some very busy months did so as though I was visiting with...more
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Review by: Chaz Young on Aug. 04, 2011 : star star star star star
This is refreshingly unique book that looks at death and how it affects friends who grow up with each other. A very thought provoking piece of work.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Tanya Contois on July 30, 2011 : star star star star star
The author of Cemetery Street has created an intriguing story about love, loss, and friendship.I enjoyed the way that I was able to see each of the younger characters grow and matur...more
This is refreshingly unique book that looks at death and how it affects friends who grow up with each other. A very thought provoking piece of work.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Tanya Contois on July 30, 2011 : star star star star star
The author of Cemetery Street has created an intriguing story about love, loss, and friendship.I enjoyed the way that I was able to see each of the younger characters grow and matur...more
Get your tissues out! A great novel written about the "coming of age" of the kids that lived on Cemetery Street in a small town, starting mostly in 1985 and onward. Their triumphs and tradgedies weave a compelling story with unexpected twist and turns that will turn into a tearjerker as you get imbedded into their lives. This is truely a "must read" you don't want to miss. I had a hard time putting it down and can't wait to read the next book by this author!
A darker, post-modern take on Bridge to Terabithia. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a young adult book, but it is a coming of age story–the sort of hard growing up that one attains through depth of living and loss.
While not without its lighter, humorous moments that sparkle with delight (my favorites involve the cemetery caretaker and his family), this story is rich with struggle, difficulty, doubt and grief. Altogether its a wonderfully crafted, thoughtful and satisfying tale revolving around a...more
While not without its lighter, humorous moments that sparkle with delight (my favorites involve the cemetery caretaker and his family), this story is rich with struggle, difficulty, doubt and grief. Altogether its a wonderfully crafted, thoughtful and satisfying tale revolving around a...more
This was a really good book ... had me laughing ... even out loud at some points (I read on the commuter train, so I was getting weird looks). Had me crying too, that, I hid from my traveling mates.
My opinion of this book is that it's a comfortable book to read. You start reading and you're carried away with the characters. You are living with them in that dead end street, you feel the train rushing by, it was amazing. When you put the book down, you're calm and relax ... that makes it a great b...more
My opinion of this book is that it's a comfortable book to read. You start reading and you're carried away with the characters. You are living with them in that dead end street, you feel the train rushing by, it was amazing. When you put the book down, you're calm and relax ... that makes it a great b...more
Zunski has created a very believable story that is more than just another 'coming of age' story. It is a candid look back on events of the heros life as a young man. The details and insight of this story are flawless and give life to Count, Shanie, and most of all to James. It is impossible to not fall in love with the people in this story and the moment you put the book down to look for James's phone number. By stories end James will have become a friend and you will want to call him, to let hi...more
I wouldn't mind crying and laughing some...hope I can win this book!
Cemetery Street was a wonderful book filled with every emotion you can think of. From the mid 80's the book follows the lives of James, Shannie, Count, and a host of other characters giving you a first-hand glimpse of their lives. All characters were impeccably detailed and it was great to follow them on their journeys. I will most certainly be reading more of this authors work.
Starts out as a coming-of-age novel, but goes beyond that to explore love and tragedy. A moving book that really conveys the feelings of the characters.
Jun 13, 2013
Dana
marked it as to-read
Jun 12, 2013
Alessia Crescenzi
marked it as to-read
Jun 11, 2013
Seasiadh Linne Fraser
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Jun 06, 2013
Yabsera
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Jun 06, 2013
Patricia Carter
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Jun 05, 2013
Camille
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Jun 03, 2013
Moira Mcglynn
marked it as to-read
Jun 03, 2013
Jackie
marked it as to-read
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John was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia. In 2003, he sailed across the country in a U-haul and settled in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana with his wife Tammy, their dogs and an occasional meandering bear. He is the Author of Cemetery Street, Shangri-la Trailer Park, and Nightwatching. He is currently working on Cemetery Street's sequel, Montana Rural.
More about John Zunski...
