Bobbi’s Comments (group member since Jun 24, 2020)

Bobbi’s comments from the Random Reads group.

I agree with you Brianna. Too many characters, and way too slow to start. By the time we got to the “scary” part I didn’t care much anymore. The horror part was like a dumbed down version of The Troop almost for me. I’m super excited for our read coming up in December!

I hate Keseberg but in the prologue it said he was the only one left alive. Which irritates me. What happened with Halloran reminded me a lot of The Troop. Only this seems to be a demon or spirit instead of worms. I also really enjoy Tamsen and how every single one of these people have secrets. It seems like things are starting to amp up but I want people to start dying. It’s time. 😂

I’m really loving the creepy atmosphere so far. It’s making everything feel uneasy. I like that everyone seems to be hiding a secret or running from something. I like Stanton as a character but I’m not so fond of anyone else so far, but we shall see how it goes. So far so good!

For our October pick, Vicky and I have chosen The Hunger by Alma Katsu! October is of course a spooky month so what better to read than a horror retelling about the Donner Party! This historical horror blends 2 genres that Vicky and I really enjoy. I personally love retellings of historical events, and that seems to be Alma Katsu's specialty.

I hope you join us in our journey west with the ill fated Donner Party!
Here is the synopsis:

Evil is invisible, and it is everywhere.

Tamsen Donner must be a witch. That is the only way to explain the series of misfortunes that have plagued the wagon train known as the Donner Party. Depleted rations, bitter quarrels, and the mysterious death of a little boy have driven the pioneers to the brink of madness. They cannot escape the feeling that someone--or something--is stalking them. Whether it was a curse from the beautiful Tamsen, the choice to follow a disastrous experimental route West, or just plain bad luck--the 90 men, women, and children of the Donner Party are at the brink of one of the deadliest and most disastrous western adventures in American history.

While the ill-fated group struggles to survive in the treacherous mountain conditions--searing heat that turns the sand into bubbling stew; snows that freeze the oxen where they stand--evil begins to grow around them, and within them. As members of the party begin to disappear, they must ask themselves "What if there is something waiting in the mountains? Something disturbing and diseased...and very hungry?"

Okay now that I’m done with this section I have a few more thoughts.

I like how some of the Mains question the use of slavery openly. They see how horrific it is, but on the flip side don’t do anything to change it. Charles is the perfect example of how racism is not something you’re born with, but something you’re taught.

I feel so bad for Madeline. Justin is a steaming pile of his prized horse’s shit. I hope he dies in a horrific way, but I agree with Monica in that he will wreak some havoc as a villain before we see the last of him.

It’s been so long since I’ve watched the miniseries I’ve forgotten how the story goes, which is great. I want to be surprised. I hope we get more of all the family dynamics before the war starts too.

I know with this being a Civil War epic, the triggers should be evident, but I’m going to include some anyways.

Slavery
Frequent use of the N word
Sexual assault/rape
War violence
Violence against POC
Human trafficking

I have been slow going to start this one. The prologue was a little dense, and I agree with Mike that I wish we had more time with the young Joseph Hazard. Considering the prologue was 200+ years before the start of part 1. I know the story isn’t necessarily about how the families started out, but I wanted a little more.

I’m only through chapter 1 at the moment, seeing as my work schedule isn’t letting up at all, but I will be continuing today. I think now that we are with Orry and George the story will progress faster than the prologue.

Sarah wrote: "Hi ladies! So excited for this and that you picked North and South. It’s getting me to finally pick it up and read it. Can’t wait!"

So glad you joined Sarah!! I actually called you out in my announcement video because I knew you had the trilogy on your TBR. 😂

Welcome everyone!! Thanks for joining us! Remember you don’t have to read North and South with us if you can’t squeeze it in, it’s not your thing, etc. Our picks will be all over the board and I promise not all as long as North and South. 😂