Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Boo (Boo)

by Rene Gutteridge (Goodreads Author)

3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 · rating details · 506 ratings · 69 reviews

Talk about Working out Your Faith with Fear and Trembling.

The biggest thing to happen to Skary, Indiana, is renowned horror novelist Wolfe Boone–or, “Boo,” as the locals fondly call him. For the past sixteen years, the reclusive writer has been the town’s greatest attraction, having unintentionally turned the once-struggling Skary into a thriving tourist-trap for the dark...more

Paperback, 304 pages

Published September 16th 2003 by WaterBrook Press

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Best Christian Fiction

221st out of 947 books — 1,426 voters

T is for Title

35th out of 66 books — 35 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 737)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Nov 30, 2010 Ann rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-about-books, celebrities, christianity, do-gooders, fluff, homemaking, jealousy, religion, small-town-america, indiana, christian-fiction, prejudice, thanksgiving

**Read for S524: Adult Readers' Advisory** Oh man...I am so not cut out for Christian fiction. I thought it would just be casual mentions of church life, and moral living, but I didn't understand the references to a lot of this kind of Christianity. But whatever, I belong to a religion that has a lot of terms that other people don't understand, so I can get past that. I think Mormon fiction is freaky too, so I'm all about equality of religious culture weirdness. But I guess it bothered me that B...more **Read for S524: Adult Readers' Advisory** Oh man...I am so not cut out for Christian fiction. I thought it would just be casual mentions of church life, and moral living, but I didn't understand the references to a lot of this kind of Christianity. But whatever, I belong to a religion that has a lot of terms that other people don't understand, so I can get past that. I think Mormon fiction is freaky too, so I'm all about equality of religious culture weirdness. But I guess it bothered me that Boo is considered evil by the Christian community (or at least, the only "true" Christian in the book) because he writes horror novels. It took me forever to figure out that he was supposed to be a bad person based on this fact, and that he can no longer write once he converts (which was instantaneous, and shallow, to be frank). But I can also deal with that too. I can also look past the fact that a 30-year-old woman lives with her father, and he can tell her that she's not allowed to wear makeup. But I can't look past how terrible of a person the female protagonist actually was, when she's supposed to be the moral backbone of the town. She is SO horrible to Boo at the beginning of the book, but she's supposed to be this pillar of the community. I know that she's supposed to change in throughout the story and learn that she was wrong, but I had a hard time seeing someone described as Christian that behaved that way - and, ultimately, the reader is supposed to think that she is right because Boo himself views her as right in her hatred of his profession. She repeatedly acts on the basis of a moral high ground, but is really just being a jerk. And her perfection...ugh. She could do absolutely no wrong. She bakes her own bread, she single-handedly makes Thanksgiving dinner for dozens of guests, she visits the elderly, she wears quilted vests with turtlenecks (seriously, that was supposed to be a good thing?). Ugh, actually, was there ANY character with any redeeming value? Maybe the minister? It just seemed like a town full of manipulative people, with very few "lovable" quirks.

I chose this book for class because it takes place in Indiana and because I liked the premise of a spooky town with eccentric characters, but there was such a lack of depth in every aspect of this book (the characters, the religion, the formation of the town, the thought put into the ways the tourism industry could work in the town, the relationship between the romantic interests, etc.) that it was completely boring and obnoxious to read. I'm giving it an extra star just for the idea and because it wasn't quite as bad as The Amber Room or Mary, Mary (Alex Cross, #11), but it was BAD.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 23, 2012 Ellie rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you're looking for an entertaining read that provides you with plenty of offbeat humour, quirky characters, a devious conspiracy, an unlikely villain, heart-warming romance, enduring faith, and leaves you with a satisfied smile of a book well worth the read... look no further than Rene Gutteridge's BOO.

When bestselling horror-novelist Wolfe "Boo" Boone suddenly becomes a Christian and leaves his days of writing horror novels behind, his home town of Skary, Indiana, suddenly panics, as their i...more

like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 Sheila DeChantal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Wolfe Boone, known as "Boo", is why Skary Indiana is even on the map. A horror novelist who keeps pumping out the best sellers and drawing in the tourists. The town, adores him and does everything they can to draw in the additional revenue of the tourists by playing up to the "scary" theme.... the local restaurant is called the Haunted Mansion Restaurant, famous for it's bloody fingers (fires splattered with ketchup) and bookstore is Spooky's Books (where employees dress like the walking dead).

T...more

like · see review

Oct 10, 2011 Josie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Oh, boy. I honestly don't even know where to begin with this one. It's pretty horrid. I had such high hopes for this book. All I wanted was a light, enjoyable read to balance out "Catch-22". This book CLEARLY proves that all the clever synopses and cool covers in the world won't distract from really bad writing.

Things I Liked:
Nothing. I continued reading purely out of curiosity, not that it was even the kind of book that you would expect a twist ending from. And true to form, there were no surpr...more Oh, boy. I honestly don't even know where to begin with this one. It's pretty horrid. I had such high hopes for this book. All I wanted was a light, enjoyable read to balance out "Catch-22". This book CLEARLY proves that all the clever synopses and cool covers in the world won't distract from really bad writing.

Things I Liked:
Nothing. I continued reading purely out of curiosity, not that it was even the kind of book that you would expect a twist ending from. And true to form, there were no surprising.

Things I Disliked:
Everything

I was drawn in by the premise. And the location, which is presumably fictional. I live in Indiana, and much though I hate it here, I was psyched to have discovered a book that takes place in Indiana, even if it is only a fictional town in a fictional book. I'm not a big fan of living in a small town, but sometimes I enjoy reading about small-town life. It's like a coping mechanism, you know? Reminds me that I'm not alone. Anyway, even I was offended by the way Gutteridge portrays small-town people, though I'm unsure if this is because I felt offended that she didn't have one truly subversive character (All small towns have their progressive misfits! I'm my town's.). They were all caricatures. So hard to believe. So hard to sympathize with -- nay, impossible! Or maybe I was offended by her lack of creativity in creating her characters. They were just overpoweringly archtypical. There was the overbearing father who cleans his gun when his 30-something daughter brings home dates. (Incidentally, he's also Skary's sheriff -- what is this, Twilight??) The good daughter. Kind. Beautiful. Blonde, naturally. Home-makes everything. Adheres firmly to her wholesome Christian beliefs. Idolizes Martha Stewart. Dreams of getting married and having children. The sleazy agent. The old busybody. The busty, bubble-headed BFF to the Virgin Mary. The "bad guy/underdog" with a heart of gold. The eccentric preacher. The pathetical middle-aged women who wastes her life dreaming about men and marriage. That annoying guy who wants to deflower Virgin Mary/Martha Stewart. And a bunch of other lovesick dopes.

I find everything about the book impractical. First off, Wolfe Boone ("Boo", Skary, Indiana's saving grace and resident evil), has some sort of completely unemotional meltdown one morning because he can't figure out how to start his new horror novel, and so apparently he looks out his window (he lives in the house on the hill! he can see the whole TOWN from there! how trite!) and sees the church and trots on down there and is converted and is suddenly a Christian. Now let me take this opportunity to state that while I am an atheist, I have no problem with Christian art. I like Switchfoot. I coulda liked this book. But Gutteridge just get BEATING me over the head with the theme, and that bothers me with ANY theme, not just Christian ones. At some point it's like, "Okay, I get it! Stop condescending to me! I know you're saying God is the saving grace that I need in my life! Chill the fuck out, lady!" But I digress. So it's a small town so of course the news spreads like wildfire, and everyone is skeptical, especially wholesome Ainsley Parker with whom he is deeply in love from afar and has been for years. She's supposed to be this shining example of Christian goodness, but she's pretty rude to him in the beginning. Of course she changes and gives him a chance and all, but I still think she's a wholly improbable character. And apparently Woolfe is this inherently bad person because he writes horror novels? Come ON. I know some extreme Christians, and none of them think that, even.

Then there are all these hardcore Christians engaged in a plot to de-convert a man so he'll start writing horror novels again and bringing money back to their town? And the plot was completely deviant and illogical and nonsensical and it makes my head spin and OBVIOUSLY it failed! Duh, with a plan like that, success was not an option! And then Wolfe popped the question to Ainsley and she said, "Yes! Yes! Yes!", which seemed completely out of character for her, considering that they'd only been dating a month and hadn't even kissed. Oh my. Lots of things to hate that I'm forgetting.

In closing, this book can be read for laughs -- as in laughing at how bad it is.(less)

like · see review

Feb 09, 2013 Leya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book

I picked up this book on a whim. The cover which is nice and bright , all that white(as you can see) really did it for me. And the title wasn't too shabby either, I have a weakness for Boo's. Hehe.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised on how much enjoyed this story. I admit that it took me a while to get into the story, but once I got to know the characters I found it easier to follow and was laughing out loud in no time.

Ainsley and Wolfe are great together, slowly getting to know each other and h...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2012 Andi rated it 3 of 5 stars

I admit that this book has flaws, but I don't think it was really a big deal. It's one of those books you read for fun some day when you're feeling down and you have a little time on your hands.

It was cute, though I too confess that I found the main character borderline annoying. I don't really think that she's supposed to be presented as perfect - her hobby is hospitality/homekeeping, and I don't see a reason to be annoyed by it. Her personality is a little grating, but the Martha Stewart thin...more

like · see review

Jan 10, 2012 Nicole rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Hmmm... What can I say about this book besides that I'm utterly grateful I listened to it on audio book, so as not to waste my ever waning eyesight on something so horrible? I know, that probably sounds just a little overdramatic, but everything about this book was bad... everything except the guy who read the book (he did separate voices for the characters and everything!). Where to start? This is a book about a town called Skary, Indiana, which is famous because a world-renowned horror novelis...more

like · see review

Aug 07, 2009 Jess Michaelangelo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library, series, fiction

This is such a cute book. I can totally picture this as a Hallmark movie. Now, that being said, if you're not into the heartwarming kind of story, then this probably isn't for you. This is a Christian fiction, so I can imagine that would turn some people away, as well. However, I admit, I was hesitant about this book at first, but for being a Christian fiction, it wasn't too overbearing.

Skary, Indiana sounds like such a charming little town--I'd live there! The characters really pulled the stor...more

like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Siobhan Parker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Instead of just reviewing this light-hearted, cutesy, fun read, I'm going to take on one of the criticisms of this book: Some folks were bothered by the fact that Ainsley wasn't very friendly to Wolfe (aka "Boo") at the start of the book. Um...if there was one person who had always been the "thorn in your flesh," to use the language of 2 Corinthians 12:7, and continually made your life needlessly more difficult, how would you feel about him or her? Would you want as little to do with him or her...more

like · see review

Jun 14, 2009 Virginia rated it 4 of 5 stars

The town of Skary has built a booming tourist trade around the occupation of its most famous resident, a reclusive, best-selling horror novelist. Everything has been built around a horror theme, like the local diner, the Haunted Mansion, with a menu full of entrees like Bloody Fingers (fries with kechup). But the town's economy is threatened when the writer gives his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and decides he can no longer write horror novels. Something must be done to convince him to keep wri...more

like · see review

Aug 25, 2010 Johanna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

Wow did I ever fall just for the tittle and cover.
And then I got one chapter in and went WTF?
A lesson I was shown again.
Don't judge a book by it's cover.
I'm glad this was just a library rental.

Yes the novel was fairly well written in an easy and comfortable style.
But the over the top Christian narrative was extremely annoying.
I'm not a fan of any one who bashes horror novels and this one does for sure in a fairly snotty God is holier then thou way.

The author might be a nice lady but I will not b...more

like · see review

May 22, 2012 Lizabeth rated it 1 of 5 stars

Horrible, horrible writing although the premise of the book is relatively cute. I had to finish it just for closure but will forever remember it as a guide as to "what not to do" if I ever get around to writing. The thing that bothered me the most is the author kept using unconscious when it was supposed to be subconscious. The characterization is trite and shallow and rang as un-authentic throughout the book. The main character is annoying and there are too many cliches in characterization and...more Horrible, horrible writing although the premise of the book is relatively cute. I had to finish it just for closure but will forever remember it as a guide as to "what not to do" if I ever get around to writing. The thing that bothered me the most is the author kept using unconscious when it was supposed to be subconscious. The characterization is trite and shallow and rang as un-authentic throughout the book. The main character is annoying and there are too many cliches in characterization and plot throughout the book. Perhaps this is why one shouldn't listen to whatever audiobook is available at their library just because it's there! Lesson learned.

To be fair, I think I might have received the book a little more positively if had read it personally instead of listening to it on audiobooks. The man who narrated it did different voices, which was nice, but his reading didn't help with my appreciation of the text.

Specifically, the scenes I found intolerable are as follows:

1) The scene between the pastor and Ainsley was unbelievable. I get that he was doubting his effect on the congregation but a "test" and having Ainsley (wise and perfect as she is) explain to the pastor a basic gospel principle of planting a seed is not very realistic. Any pastor already knows this -- even in times of deep despair!

2) The scenes where Ainsley cooks for everyone, all the time. A religious person doesn't need to be a slave. Others can cook for themselves. It doesn't make her more perfect because she makes things as difficult as possible (a la Martha Stewart) in a very elitist way -- meaning that shortcuts or occasionally letting others serve you is beneath her! Sometimes letting others learn and grow is the most Christian thing to do!

These are two examples of how I felt that this was almost a farce or parody of Christian people -- although I found it somewhat insulting to most people who call themselves Christian. We all most likely find ourselves at least marginally aligned some one stereotype or another during our lives but to make such basic generalizations and stereotypes with all of the characters in a novel does a discredit to Christians everywhere! (less)

like · see review

Sep 04, 2007 Deb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, fiction

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]In the town of Skary Indiana, a man awakens to a sudden realization. Horror writer Wolfe Boone (nicknamed "Boo" by the town) walks into a church and asks how he can be saved. His sudden conversion rocks the small town, which has built up a tourist industry around his best selling novels. The mayor, an older woman who you might call your typical busybody, is particularly horrified and soon launches a plot to...more

like · see review

Jul 03, 2010 Nona rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

Wolfe Boone, know as Boo to the locals, lives in the town of Skary Indiana and writes horror novels. Until one day he realizes something in his life is not right. First he finds God, then he finds the girl of his dreams. Part inspirational chritian novel, part awkward romance. The most entertaining thing about this novel is Old Missy Peeples, who is trying her best to break Boo apart from the love of his life, and get him back to writing the horror novels that put Skary on the map.

like · see review

May 24, 2012 Nadine rated it 5 of 5 stars

I did not know this was considered a Christian book when I started to read it, saying this(and I'm not against Christian books this is my first one though) I loved the characters, some where a little far fetched but all in all this was a very funny book. This could possibly be made into a comedy movie with a happy ending. Very predictable at times but the funniness makes up for it. Go with the flow, it really is a good read and just a "BOOK" enjoy :) on to the sequel " Boo Hoo "

like · see review

May 20, 2010 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I didn't realize this book was Christian Fiction until I was almost halfway through the book. Usually I am turned off by CF, however this was such a cute read! And they don't force God down the readers throat as much as I had thought they would have.
The characters are adorable, though I think Gutteridge forgot during scenes between Ainsley and her father that Ainsley was an older woman versus a twelve year old girl.

like · see review

Jun 24, 2011 Joe Faust rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, christian

Gutteridge’s novel walks the tightrope between romantic comedy and farce. Most of the time it falls. It might not have done that if the eccentricity knob for some of the supporting cast members had been turned down a bit. And I know that the leads were Christians, but there’s a difference between forgiving wrongs and letting them go unpunished.

like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Donnie Hazle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sweet, humorous book. Christian background but has some humor and the religion isn't too much in your face. It mentions God/Christianity alot, but it wasn't offensive with the message. Enjoyed this the two times I've read it and look forward to more Rene Gutteridge books.

like · see review

Dec 28, 2011 Libby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

I normally would never have picked this up as I am not fond of supernatural, Halloweeny stuff. But a friend told me she loved it and so I read it. It was wonderful! I loved the characters who seemed so real to me. This one is a keeper as are the two others in the series.

like · see review

May 12, 2012 Randi rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book had such mixed reviews, I wasn't sure I wanted to read it, but I did and I'm glad. It was a fun story with very colorful characters. Although it was kind of Christian lit, it wasn't super heavy with it. It thought it had a good message in a fun simple story. Not sure if I'll read the others in the series or not.

like · see review

Feb 04, 2011 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's hard to find a book that you are luaghing out loud when your reading it but this was one of them! just the small town feel of everyone in your business was just great and left me turning the pages wondering what else could posibly go wrong!

like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love the whole Boo series but this one is my favorite of them all. It's been some time since I've read them, so I need to again! Just trust me when I say, you will be cracking up while reading this. I laughed so much I cried!

like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Laurie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I found this book to be interesting and did offer a good moral story; however, I was put off by the religions/preachy slant it took. I do believe people who enjoy a book with a Christian type moral story will like this book.

like · see review

Feb 16, 2012 Dexter/Persy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, romance, religion, wishlist

I rarely enjoy Christian fiction, but Rene Gutteridge is amazing at it. I also rarely enjoy romances, but Miss Gutteridge is amazing at that too. I love the characters, love the plot, and love the ending.

like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun book to read. Many times, I just picked it up while waiting in line, or at a light, Yes I know, but I just waned to see what else would happen. It is sort of like a sitcom.

like · see review

Apr 25, 2009 Joy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a lighthearted read. The characters are a bit cartoonish, ie, one-dimensional, but it works. The book has a little bit of everything: romance, inspiration, etc., and a LOT of humor.

like · see review

Apr 26, 2012 Darlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book, it has so many twist and turns not to mention good christen values. Its a quick read and has two more books in the series. Boo Who and Boo Hiss.

like · see review

Aug 11, 2010 Mindy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Mildly entertaining Christian fiction. Very light read. The premise was fun and I liked some of the minor characters... the main characters lacked depth to me.

like · see review

Oct 20, 2011 Kaethe marked it as stricken

the words "a community forever changed by God" do not evoke positive feelings in me. Historically, God changes a community by killing everyone in it.

like · see review

Oct 18, 2010 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational

This is a fun book! Never expected it to be a Christian novel from its cover nor from its description. Great author.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 24 25 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Christian Fiction

22 users

Christian

13 users

Adult

5 users

Mystery

5 users

Romance

4 users

Inspirational

3 users

Contemporary

3 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

3 users

Suspense

2 users

Adult Fiction

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Rene Gutteridge

Rene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBroo...more

More about Rene Gutteridge...

Books by Rene Gutteridge

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Boo (Boo Series, ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Boo
avg rating	preview: Boo Goodreads rating: 3.73 (506 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/369393.Boo?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320469747l/369393.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/369393.Boo?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Boo by Rene Gutteridge[/url]

Boo (Boo)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website