2013 MAR - This is Not a Test (This is Not a Test #1) by Courtney Summers

[Kate]

I'm 80% through with this book and I like it. :)

Though I do got to say that it's an acquired taste, so it's not for everyone.

[Kate]

Wow. I don't even know what to say right now, but right now, I'll just say that I love the ending. I think the ending can be interpreted in a bunch of different ways because it's one of those open-ended kinds that leaves the reader thinking. And I'm just like . . . wow. I don't know if any of you will like the ending as much as I did, but I really hope you do.

[Kate]

Well, the thing is: it's set during a zombie apocalypse, but it's not so much about that. I mean, it's the big problem that the characters face, but it's so much more than that. It's more about Sloane's lack of will to live, as well as how others change when faced with no hope and tragedy. It's a pretty brutal book. Nothing is prettied up.

[Linda]

Hmm...I've never read a zombie apocalypse book before, although I started Warm Bodies. How is the writing - really fast-paced or kind of slow-ish? Is it really, really violent?

@Kaitlin: do you know if there's a sequel? I'm a bit afraid of open-ended endings lol

[Sophie]

Don't like zombies. *shudders*
I can't take reading about them, let alone watch a zombie movie, and I would friggin DIE if they were real. My imagination is just way too hyperactive- I imagine the moans of the zombies in the middle of the night as my cat fighting outside the window, the rain against the roof as flesh pounding on windows, the wind through the trees as the shuffling footsteps...

God, now I've freaked myself out.

-That's partly why I love reading so much- movies are in a set way, and once you've seen them a character is seen as "this actor" or particular parts of plots are cut out/put in. Reading allows you the freedom to imagine the reality inside the book, and for me, my imagination is just waaayy too graphic when it comes to apocalypses.

[Kate]

@Linda: I don't think there will be a sequel because it just doesn't seem like the type of book to continue onward with the storyline. I guess it could be thought of as a slower book to some, but it kept me drawn into it.

The thing about this book (and what may disappoint some of you) is that this book isn't a paranormal or dystopian type of story. It is set during a zombie apocalypse, but I still wouldn't associate it with dystopian book like The Hunger Games or Cinder.

What isn't in the book
-No extra powers, no going against the government, no stand-out hero type.
-The zombies are not the central story; they're the background, a conflict that the characters go against.
-There's no special plot with prophecies, or pre-built-up systems against zombie attacks. The book starts the day of the apocalypse, and then it jumps to about a week later when the teenagers are at the school.
-No real reason why the apocalypse occurred.
-Don't expect a big romance to be a big part of the book. I mean, there is a little bit, but its not a central part of the story.

It does have, though:
-Yes, there is violence (but its not really bad if you're used to violence in books. I wouldn't say the violence is any worse than in .
-Harsh language.
-Realistic characters.
-The main story is about Sloane's depression and how she copes with her older sister leaving her house--basically abandoning Sloane with her abusive father. As the story progresses, she considers believes that suicide is what she needs to do. I could tell from the very beginning that she was depressed in the way that she acted and saw things, and even by the writing style.
-The other characters each deal with their own issues (mostly grief and fear), and each find a way to deal/cope with them (some better than others).
-An open-ended ending that makes you think. Personally, I read the last two pages twice to fully get it. But I still think it was the perfect way to end the book.

And if you want a little more incite into the characters-
Characters: information from the Book Extras on my kindle app

Sloane the narrator, a girl who’s already given up on surviving the apocalypse. She was physically abused by her father

Rhys his lancer, a decent guy and a voice of reason

Cary a pot-selling slacker turned ace survivalist

Grace the beautiful/perfect student body president

Trace Grace's short-tempered twin brother, who blames Cary for the death of their parents

Harrison the youngest, a freshman, and a crybaby

And I would say that there are three other characters, but I don't want to spoil anything.

I hope this helps.

[Chelsea]

Kaitlin wrote: "@Linda: I don't think there will be a sequel because it just doesn't seem like the type of book to continue onward with the storyline. I guess it could be thought of as a slower book to some, but i..."

Thanks Kaitlin!