The Lovely Bones in Audiobook Junkies

May 09, 2018 Darlene rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own, bought, read-in-2018, mystery, contemporary

I like going into books blind, so I avoid read the synopsis until AFTER I finish the book. For this one, I also had to avoid the movie trailer. It wasn't what I expected, but I still really enjoyed it!

This book takes place in the 70s. Susie Salmon, age 14, is murdered by a serial killer living in her neighbourhood who lures her to an underground dug-out that he made. He then rapes, kills, and dismembers her. Three days later, a neighbour's dog finds Susie's elbow. The story is told from Susie's I like going into books blind, so I avoid read the synopsis until AFTER I finish the book. For this one, I also had to avoid the movie trailer. It wasn't what I expected, but I still really enjoyed it!

This book takes place in the 70s. Susie Salmon, age 14, is murdered by a serial killer living in her neighbourhood who lures her to an underground dug-out that he made. He then rapes, kills, and dismembers her. Three days later, a neighbour's dog finds Susie's elbow. The story is told from Susie's point of view, in heaven. Right from the start, we know exactly who the killer is, so it isn't exactly a mystery or who-dun-it (which is what I was expecting). Instead, it is about how her family and friends deal with her death in the aftermath and how that changes them.

My heart ached for Susie's little brother, Buckley. He was only four years old when Susie was killed, and his family was never the same. As a mom, I don't get how Susie's mom Abigail could just abandon her family and leave those grieving kids behind. She was utterly selfish, and I totally get Buck's anger and coldness towards her. Even in his grief, Susie's dad Jack was the rock that held his family together without the support of his wife. By the way, I think Jack was way too forgiving at the end!

I loved the storyline with Susie's sister, Lindsey, and Samuel. I think out of all her family members, Lindsey is the one who probably dealt with everything the best. Grandma Lynn was great, and I loved how she changed and picked up the pieces when Abigail bailed.

Parts of the story were strange, like Susie's visit with Ray through Ruth. Also, I was expecting that Susie would lead Ruth to where her body was, and that never happened. I was pleased that the killer received justice through a bit of divine intervention!

Memorable quote:

"But I came to believe that if I watched closely, and desired, I might change the lives of those I loved on Earth."

This review was posted on my book blog:
https://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/... ...more

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Aug 24, 2011 Jacqueline rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, audio-challenge-2015

I enjoyed The Lovely Bones. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I found that I kept wanting to go back to it and know more of Susie and the Salmon family's story. Tragic in its own way and while a work of fiction, speaks the truth of how grief and loss is dealt with. I would definitely recommend this one. ...more

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