Zombies! discussion
This topic is about
Tankbread
Monthly Group Reads
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October Group Read #1: Tankbread
Elizabeth wrote: " ... So we should be up to chapter 22 by tomorrow. Does anyone have any desire to go faster than this? Or should we try to stick to the schedule I posted?..."I am ok with the current pace. This month has been a busy one for me as well.
I am done with the current assignment, and look forward to seeing the new set of questions.
My views of this book; the story and the MC have not changed though.
Mod
I have a lot to digest from all of your opinions though. Who knew a group read would be so much fun?
Elizabeth wrote: "You know what's interesting? My opinion IS changing. I think it started out strong, and still has a lot going for it, but....I have a lot to digest from all of your opinions though. Who knew a ..."
:-)
I feel the more participates willing to get involved by freely tossing out their impressions of the reading assignment, the more enjoyable a group read is.
TAMMY: Thanks for the compliment on my VERY rusty HTML skills...they will get MUCH better as time goes, I'm sure! :-)Also, I agreed with you and Randy that it would make more sense to use the clones for ANYTHING else but zombie food! Use them as soldiers; repopulate with them (although I'm not sure that's even possible); hell, stack them up and use them as barricades!!! ANYTHING but handing them over as food...now we are in a HUGE mess because of the 'peace treaty.' CHARLIE!!!! I HATE HIM!!! If he hadn't opened the gate, none of this would be happening. But because the zoms got used to a 'fast food' joint, if you will, they are now completely wreaking havoc everywhere! We'll see what happens...
ELIZABETH: I, personally, would be thrilled to kick it up a notch, and maybe finish by the 11th. We read a large portion of the book for the first chunk, and its moving along at such a quick clip, I can hardly set it down, yet I don't want to get too far ahead and forget stuff (although that's not likely with all my markings, highlights, dog-ears, etc. ;-) ). I, too, am done with the second chunk, and am struggling not to pick it back up. I'd be all in for just finishing it for the next round of discussion. Then, that would free up about 5 days before the second group read this month, thereby giving us a chance to focus on other books in other groups we are in. Obviously, its up to everyone else, but I for one think its a SPLENDID idea!!!
***TAMMY: could you be so kind as to either PM me the HTML for spoilers or post it on the Zombies, Inc. thread so it doesn't clog this one up? I didn't see it in the ones you posted. It would be much appreciated!!! :-)
HAPPY READING, ALL!!!
LOLI've been told to shut up on more than one group. :)
Nevermind, Tammy...JUST saw it :-( SORRY!!!
Teresa wrote: "CHARLIE!!!! I HATE HIM!!! If he hadn't opened the gate, none of this would be happening."I'm not sure that's true. Ever since Bad Dog entered the opera house, zombie hordes have arisen at whatever stronghold he (and/or Else) is at.
I don't know...I think that the initial release of zoms and the subsequent depletion of their chief food source is what did it. Well, that combined with Bad Dog's 'kidnapping' of Else. If he had just ran without her, I STILL think there would be roving bands of starving zoms, but I DON'T think they'd be 'organized' in their efforts to seemingly be hunting Else down. Plus, we know they must be hungry, and their cognitive abilities are supposed to go downhill the more starved they are. So why are they still so smart? I guess we shall see. But do you think they are chasing Else (that's the impression I get), or Bad Dog? I guess it depends on the way you look at it, but I guess I just feel as though if they had never lost their steady supply of 'food,' they wouldn't be banding together and roaming the countryside. Perhaps they know that Else could be cloned into inexhaustible food for them??? HE-HE...who knows WHAT goes on in the mind of a zombie! ;-) And I guess we will see quite shortly just why the zoms are following Else and Bad Dog around, and more importantly, why they aren't harming them....
The problem with going faster is that it limits the discussion time.Like in this section there are a couple points I want inquire about:
What/whom is causing the increase activity in the zombie horde?
Are there any foreshadowing parts that you would like to guess about?
Like when Else and Mad Dog discussed death? page 163 chapter 22
Do you find the dialog to be crass?
and so.
I have only read the assigned part right now, but I am reading to guess at its ending.
Tammy, I believe the increased horde activity is related to Else (which I guess is my reading into the foreshadowing we were given lol). But I'm curious as to why SHE is so special. Of another 'slice' of Tankbread had been saved, would the story be the same??? I did take several biology classes in college, and I DO know that viruses, bacteria, and mutations will do their very best to survive, even if that means adapting, evolving, etc. It was mentioned that a genetic mutation was responsible for the zombies. Maybe their DNA code is hardwired to sense when they are at risk of becoming over-powered or killed off. After all, Bad Dog and Else's mission is to find a cure. This may be the zombies way of self-preservation. Who knows, though? Your guess is as good as mine! ;-) And I don't really think speeding it up would detract from the discussion...none of us seem to be able to keep quiet about it anyway lol. Maybe if we broke it down even more and checked in like every 2 days, those of us reading ahead wouldn't have to wait so long to discuss. But I fear that would be too much trouble for Liz. I think I had the second chunk done before the questions for the first segment were posted! But I'm fine with sticking to the set schedule, too. Whatever works for everyone else. I just didn't expect the story to grab me like it did! But that ISN'T a complaint...too few books do that for me nowadays. And as for whether or not the writing is too crass...well...&%#* no!!! But then again, I'm a TOTAL potty-mouth! I think I'm part sailor ;-)
The foreshadowing is spot on here, I think. We are getting lots of clues, but I think many of them are red herrings. I'm curious about Else wanting a baby. Also curious where she learned jealousy from (over Lizzy)...its not innate, is it??? And I believe its pretty obvious that the 'death' speech was showing us how attached Else is becoming to Bad Dog. This is WAY out there, but do you think Bad Dog and Else will conceive some sort of 'messiah' child that redeems humanity? I feel like that's a bit far fetched, but who knows? What are some of your guesses about what's going to happen?
Mod
Back to work! BBL!
Elizabeth do not read this spoiler until you are done with the assignment!It is a real spoiler!
(view spoiler)
Teresa wrote: "I just feel as though if they had never lost their steady supply of 'food,' they wouldn't be banding together and roaming the countryside."The loss of Tankbread would only affect those in Sydney and nearby. Even the human settlements Bad Dog and Else have been to have never heard of Tankbread.
I think they're after Bad Dog, not Else. But I don't know what would make him special. But she could be special, so it would make more sense they are after her. Ah well.
Hmm. Since she "dreamed" of Bad Dog and "father", she was evidently aware, or had some type of psychic ability. Could that ability be somehow attracting the evols?
Tammy K. wrote: "What/whom is causing the increase activity in the zombie horde?"It would be disappointing if it was something we haven't been introduced to yet. So I am thinking either Soo-Yong, Else, Bad Dog (but why him?), or someone in Woomera (which is unlikely, because they're far removed from the events so far).
Tammy K. wrote: "Are there any foreshadowing parts that you would like to guess about?"
I like Teresa's comment about Else wanting to have a baby.
But instead of the baby being the "Messiah", why not Else herself?
Maybe she was a special project of "father" and has no expiration date, and has special powers?
Tammy K. wrote: "Do you find the dialog to be crass?"
A bit. But, in context, not objectionable. Even humorous. But that's me.
I remember the routine Robin Williams used to do about how his son, at a very young age, picked up his usage of the word, "f**k". He couldn't get his son to stop saying it. :)
In chapter 4 page 43 Haumann says ..The tankbread, they are the key. Go to Moore Park, ask Josh Mollbrooke where to find Richard Wainright. Tell him I have found the answer. Tell him...
That is my response to why the zombie increase occurred.
As for bad guys, I agree with Teresa that Charles was up to something.
Maybe he had a deal with Soo-yong?
Randy...I think her statement about 'dreaming' of Bad Dog and Father was referring to when Dr. Haumann showed Bad Dog the Tankbread and the sheet slipped off one particular girl, who looked directly at them. Guess who that one special girl was? So I don't think she has any psychic ability or anything, I think she just caught a doped up glimpse of the two and later mentioned it. Perhaps that's just me, though...Also, your point about Tankbread not affecting areas outside of Sydney is true to a point. But after all the 'food' (humans) were eaten in Sydney, the zoms WOULD start moving in other areas looking for food. STILL...that doesn't explain why they seem to be after our duo in particular. I guess we'll find out, right?
One little thing that's niggling away at me is the fact that the zoms are relatively rot resistant (or they decay super slowly, at least), yet Tankbread's shelf life is short. But they are ALL supposed to be from the same mutation. How does this make any sense???
I think you may be on to something BIG, Tammy. He DID say he had 'found' the answer. Perhaps there was ALREADY a mutation occuring and that's why the Tankbread started becoming more conscious, as the zombies are becoming more conscious at the same time. What if the 'zoms' we are seeing is actually Tankbread??? That doesn't make sense at all though....how would they have become clothed? But I guess it is possible that Dr. Haumann set a bunch of Tankbread loose to try and get to Woomera. I don't know!!! Its late and I'm confused and I'm just gonna buckle and start reading the next chunk lol...we'll get some answers, damnit!!! ;-)
It is always great to get reader's feedback. The best thing is how it highlights obvious things that I had missed including, but as a writer, I had assumed were obvious. Some starter answers to some of the many comments:
1. How does the virus affect the already dead?
It doesn't. It only infects the living and then activates after they die. I realise I never clarified this - so the dead are dead. There are not skeletons or yawning graveyards. Only those who died and rose again after the infection spread.
2. "Bad Dog" (great name btw) doesn't have a backstory. He is a spaghetti Western style of anti-hero. No background and maybe no name. In the revised edition I added 10 years to his age (so he is now 39, instead of 29) because he seems older and reader feedback said that his comment he was 19 when it all started seems odd.
3. Sister Mary didn't lock the girls away to be eaten - she protected them. The evols will move on if they can't find anything to eat. The chapel was the safest place to hide.
4. Tankbread are only being made in the Sydney Opera House - so those who run the program are the ones making the decisions on how they are made.
5. LOTS of questions do get answered by the end of the book. But some will always remain.
6. Bad Dog doesn't suddenly have a change of heart. He takes convincing to take Else. Josh tells him he has no choice - and suggests that Else may be a solution to the evol problem. That is why he embarks on this journey. The rest of it is character development as the story progresses.
Teresa wrote: "Man, those are some spot on question, Randy! I'd LOVE to know the answers...Still, am I the only one getting that Else's shelf life doesn't seem to be wearing out???"Tankbread have a shelf life of 30 days. Keep reading...
Tammy K. wrote: "Question 1.... What is Soylent Green? If I had to compare this to something I guess I'd use Mad Max. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079501
But it's a pale version of it.
It has been compared to Mad Max. But Tankbread does lack the post-nuclear, car culture.
Question 2: I can't say I understand the appeal of creating clone food for your enemy. The fact that the clones have a potential of becoming a zombie (enemy) adds to the flaw.
Meh
Absolutely Meh. Except the evols eat Tankbread, specifically all of it. Right down to the chewy, chocolate centre. This could have been clarified and I can see why you raise the point. Tankbread don't come back because there is nothing to come back.
Question 3: Stereo typical characters. Weak character development. A prime example of a "man's man" character in a "man on a mission" plot. *Male ego/Lobito glorifying .*
Independent women need not apply.
"
Personally I feel strongly about complex female characters. There have been great discussions recently about how women characters in action/horror are either victims or "kick ass bitches." Because this is a novel, it has character development - so you get to see a complex person develop. It can come across as a "Story for Boys" because of the first-person narration and that character being male.
If you persevere to the end I would be interested in your take on all the other female characters who appear in the story. I think they display tenacity, independence, and their own unique agendas. If you still disagree, that's fine - but I'd like to know what I could do better next time to ensure better female characterisation.
A couple other things that stand out.... 20 years after the zombie apocalypse and they are all out of canned food?
Must be an island thing.
Ten years. And yes, it probably is.
Also the settings are barely described.
I've never been to Australia. I'm sure many have it on their to do list, but in the meantime a bit more descriptions of life/landscape/wild life in Australia might give the world within the book more vividness, and help the reader to envision scenes.
Water shortages? Is this common in Australia? Am I envisioning a desert? What about this boat ride? Am I envisioning swamps? The Mississippi river? Salt water? Because the book talks about water shortages?
Water shortages are very common in Australia. The entire continent is pretty much a desert. Sydney Harbour - which is a harbour -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Jac... is where the boat ride happens. The comparison to a river boat on the Mississippi is accurate. The boat operates on the same wheel concept.
I do not find "eye candy", "footwear" (sitting at someone's feet like a dog), (speaking of pet dogs) "attack dog behavior" (look at the way cool way that she fights to save his apple. Good girl!)...now what was my point? Something about sexism ... .... Independent, fully fleshed out women?
This is mostly because if "Bad Dog" was a feminist he would be an entirely different character. You aren't meant to agree with his attitude or his behaviour.
It's just accurate, not politically correct.
You are the first person to note sexism as an issue - others have noted that it's just how the world is. Australia is an incredibly sexist county. Not having some sexist elements in it would be wrong.
Anyway, I have to log. Work tomorrow. Will keep reading through the comments and answer any questions I can.
Tammy K, thanks for your specific comments. It's good to be challenged.
Side note, my children never sat at my feet... I must have done something wrong, because neither of them came out as submissive pets.I thought they said that the tankbread were allowed to develope their body's and minds.... Which is why they given lobotomies.
Else isn't a submissive pet. There just weren't any more chairs. Bad Dog himself said that "patting her was weird, so I stopped."
The reason for the lobotomies is that Tankbread ARE a blank slate. They have these hugely functioning brains, but very little stimulus to develop the neuron connections. Imagine a newborn - but developing mentally within 30 days. They are lobotomised because it makes them passive and easy to ship. Else has the opportunity to develop her brain's full potential. Which as you go, proves to be a really interesting concept.
Thanks for some of the clarification, Paul! I have NO CLUE why I thought the already dead (like dead dead BEFORE the zom-pocalypse began) came back. For some reason, I thought there was a passage about the dead 'crawling back out Of their graves,' which I guess COULD happen if you tried burying someone before they turned. Zombies ARE super persistent, as we all know! Anyway, thanks, Paul!
Paul wrote: "Tankbread have a shelf life of 30 days. Keep reading... "LOL. The very next page of the book I read had:
"If she somehow made it past her 30 day life span..."
Elizabeth wrote: "By October 8 : Chapters 13-22"Oh my goodness!
Did you know chapter 22 ended on such a cliffhanger when you set up the schedule?
How am I supposed to stop there?
Tammy -- the pace is definitely going too fast now. There's hardly a point at which to catch my breath.
Randy wrote: "... Did you know chapter 22 ended on such a cliffhanger when you set up the schedule?How am I supposed to stop there ..."
Suck it Buddy, we all did :-)
Paul,I respect your insight and efforts to clarify.
However for the remainder of this read, I will be politely ignoring it. I mean you no offense. However, I strive never to give fluff reviews, and to keep my reviews "fair and honest". Tips from the author might sway the genuine nature that I strive for.
While you may not be an American, you may have heard this famous line from one of our past Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld,
“You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.”
The same applies here
I will review the book I have in my hands. This edition. Without any added elements.
Again, I mean you no disrespect.
I have but one voice, one review, one opinion to offer, and I want it to be genuinely reflect my reading experience.
Respectfully,
Tammy k
Tammy K. wrote: "Randy wrote: "... Did you know chapter 22 ended on such a cliffhanger when you set up the schedule?How am I supposed to stop there ..."
Suck it Buddy, we all did :-)"
Really? You did? How did everyone know there was SUCH a cliffhanger like that??? How come I keep getting in trouble for reading ahead when everyone else already knows the cliffhangers??? ;-)
JUST A JOKE!!! But seriously...that was one HELL of a cliffhanger. And it only gets better! ;-)
Oh, and one other thing. While I completely understand Tammy's viewpoint, I, for one, very much enjoyed Paul's feedback. It helped clarify several things I was wondering about, and I loved the comment about how 'some questions will always remain.' I wouldn't mind him popping in to post every few days...we could even ask him questions about some of his writing choices and plot development after we complete the read. I think that would be like the icing on the cake! We'd have the author to tie up any loose ends we might end up with. Its up to you guys, but I think it is a great idea to welcome his feedback...I think I can still manage an objective review. I've done so several times for several authors I know. Even if I don't like the book, I'll offer up constructive criticism rather than just pointing out the negatives, and then its up to the author whether they take my advice or not. Anyhow, the point is that I liked Paul's response. If its bothering or distracting other group members, I'll do the dirty work and message him and ask him not to post on our thread. Majority rules! Let me know, folks! :-) Happy reading, all!!!
Teresa wrote: " Really? You did ?..."If you mean, I stopped at chapter 22, than yes.
I have been patiently waiting for Elizabeth to post the discussion questions.
I was able to be so patient all day long because I spent 5 hours at a mandatory meeting at work today.
Now I am patiently reviewing posts in the groups I belong to here on goodreads, wondering when Elizabeth will be posting the discussion questions.
I don't mind really because I'm patient......
OK, I'm not patient but there is only so much you can say to a discussion leader, when that leader is a "Real" group moderator, right?!
Lol Tammy...and UGH...work meetings SUCK!!! Yes, I too am waiting for the discussion questions, but we must keep in mind that Liz is just one human being...who knows? Maybe SHE had a work meeting. Or a family emergency, or a sudden crisis, or, well, anything! So we'll continue to be patient. I always try to keep in mind that a lot of us are from different time zones, as well...even different countries, so our times are definitely different. Its almost 9:30 here in EST, and I'm tired as a whipped pup, so I probably won't do the discussion questions tonite unless they are posted in the next hour or so. But lets continue being patient. I don't want Elizabeth to get in a hurry trying to throw just any old questions up; I'm sure you'd appreciate well thought out questions as well. I'm gonna watch an episode of Dexter, then check back in...if there's no questions, I'll talk to you all in the A.M. Happy Reading, all!!!OH, and P.S. Tammy- good job exerting self control! I COULD NOT put the damn book down after chapter 22. I only have 2 chapters left to be caught up to the NEXT chunk lol. Yeah, I think I'll be done with this book before the 11th, THAT'S for sure!!! ;-)
Tammy K. wrote: "If you mean, I stopped at chapter 22, than yes."Then you missed out on Else's pregnancy in chapter 23 and giving birth to twins in chapter 24. Wow, talk about a fast pace!
Randy wrote: "Tammy K. wrote: "If you mean, I stopped at chapter 22, than yes."Then you missed out on Else's pregnancy in chapter 23 and giving birth to twins in chapter 24. Wow, talk about a fast pace!"
Randy
See message 39
Teresa wrote: ".... I always try to keep in mind that a lot of us are from different time zones, as well...even different countries, so our times are definitely different. Its almost 9:30 here in EST, ..."West coast here (Pacific Time zone) it's currently 6:42 PM
Randy wrote: "Tammy K. wrote: "If you mean, I stopped at chapter 22, than yes."Then you missed out on Else's pregnancy in chapter 23 and giving birth to twins in chapter 24. Wow, talk about a fast pace!"
NO DOUBT!!! The birthing scene was C-R-A-Z-Y. Then, when the SECOND baby started coming out...whoa! Just WHOA! lol
*Tammy- we probably shouldn't poke you while you're waiting on the questions...I get antsy as hell when I'm waiting on something, and usually irritable, but we are teasing you ;-) No spoilers, here dear.
I do feel worse for you because its at least 10:30 here, so I'm already Im bed. I'd be a lot antsier if it was only 7:30 :-( Sorry...
Teresa wrote: " *Tammy- we probably shouldn't poke you while you're waiting on the questions.. ."*Shakes heads, sighs loudly*
Why would you two poke at me ?
I
I'm gonna tell Elizabeth on you both :P
Tammy K. wrote: "Teresa wrote: " *Tammy- we probably shouldn't poke you while you're waiting on the questions.. ."*Shakes heads, sighs loudly*
Why would you two poke at me ?
I almost never ... seldom ... o..."
LOL! Well, at least we can all have a laugh and curl up with a good book. I'm sure the questions will be up in the morning! :-)
Good night, and happy reading, all!
Mod
I'm only on and off during the day this week, due to several unexpected pressing commitments. Most of my screen time is in the late evening. I might also be in a different time zone than some of you - we are MST. Hopefully I can be on earlier next week and through the weekend.
QUESTIONS!!!
1) So far, Bad Dog and Else have encountered several survivors, or groups of survivors. Do they make sense to you? Which ones do you relate to most closely?
2)The evols have taken an interesting behavioural turn. Else seems to have an unusual connection with them. What does this mean for the rest of the book?
3)Else has obviously become attached to "Bad Dog". Is this a healthy attachment? Is it the attachment that you expected?
4)Love interests are a big deal in any book. Did you find the relationship with Lizzy to be believable? How about the end of the relationship?to occur?
5)The cliffhanger! Just for you, Randy! Let's speculate! What's gonna happen with Leandro and what is the fate of our two young heroes?
DUM DUM DUMMMMMMMMMM
And by the way - I've written several of your names on the chalkboard. See me after class. Troublemakers. Pffffffft.
Mod
I don't know where ya'll got the impression that Mods are human.
1) So far, Bad Dog and Else have encountered several survivors, or groups of survivors. Do they make sense to you? Which ones do you relate to most closely?It's tough to tell, because the evol threat didn't seem to be all that much of a threat in the communities until BD/E showed up.
But I liked Port Germein. Makes sense to be able to get food from the sea.
The kids at North Stirling was strange, since Harris said it was deserted.
2)The evols have taken an interesting behavioural turn. Else seems to have an unusual connection with them. What does this mean for the rest of the book?
Well, assuming the 30-day time limit can be defeated, it should be able to go almost anywhere.
But I still have to think someone in the know (Soo-Yong?) is after them. Else seems to be able to sense them, so maybe some other Tankbread like Else is out there, but more advanced and able to direct the evols. But that would imply they have already breached the 30-day time limit.
3)Else has obviously become attached to "Bad Dog". Is this a healthy attachment? Is it the attachment that you expected?
It seems to be a natural "imprinting" kind of thing. It may be an issue for BD though. Hard to say...
4)Love interests are a big deal in any book. Did you find the relationship with Lizzy to be believable? How about the end of the relationship?to occur?
Shocked the heck out of me. I had to go back and read what led up to it, to see what I had missed. Nothing, apparently.
The whole incident at North Stirling was just strange.
The book from Port Germein to Leandro is just too fast paced for me, and not enough description of what is going on. I found myself thinking, "WTF?", too often.
5)The cliffhanger! Just for you, Randy! Let's speculate! What's gonna happen with Leandro and what is the fate of our two young heroes?
Not a clue. I guess I'm leaning towards cannibals. But, obviously, BD/E will get out of it somehow. With the help of Evols, maybe?
6) Is Tammy getting a little uppity?
Maybe. We'll see how it plays out. :)
Mod
*makes popcorn*
Mod
I also thought Else's reaction to the whole thing was a bit "off". Harris didn't pick up on any unusual vibes, but she did? That seems unlikely given her age of less than 30 days.
It forcibly jarred me out of the reading experience.
Elizabeth wrote: "I also thought Else's reaction to the whole thing was a bit "off". Harris didn't pick up on any unusual vibes, but she did? That seems unlikely given her age of less than 30 days."I wondered if she had actually picked up a sense of them doing it, real time. Psychically, so to speak. But then I figured she would have been (more) angry.
What'd you think of Harris' death? I thought it a bit contrived. But it could explain why he wanted them to go into North Stirling alone. Maybe he was already feeling bad...
Mod
I'm not sure he knew - I mean, would he want Gordon to be around if he thought he was going to kick the bucket?
To be perfectly honest, the whole Lizzy incident has started a slide downhill for me with this book. I'm still enjoying the pacing, but I need what I read to make sense, and this doesn't make sense. Elements of it make sense, and certain scenes are very vivid and appropriate - but then you have the random sex scene thrown in there, and my brain explodes.
Elizabeth wrote: "...but then you have the random sex scene thrown in there, and my brain explodes. "For me too. I mentioned several WTF moments:
-- The Lizzy sex scene
-- The North Stirling boys
-- Lizzy's death
-- Harris' death
-- Leandro
Up until that point, we've been to reasonable settlements and people (well, maybe not the nuns). Since these characters are on the rail line, they can't be too far removed...?
And the transitions between those also kind of throws me off. Most of those had be going back a few pages to see how I got there. It just felt awkward.
OK I'm off to look up my answers. You'll probably both be asleep by the time I post them
This next spoiler is just for Randy (view spoiler)
1) I can't say I relate to any of the survivors so far. As I said before the entire lot of the survivors seem amoral. When I think back over my world history lessons, I can't recall learning of a whole society's moral compass going so far south. There was always a core group of individuals joining together to work towards hope and humanity.
So let me think, which group was like that?
The father who offered up his daughter and son to mad dog for food? Heck no!
The nuns lead by sister Mary, nope she left them locked in the chapel praying.
Josh and his hippy commune, big no! He helped to create the and then hide away leaving the world to rot.
Lizzy and her brother Gordon? Sad and disturbing on many levels. Some things should remain in an authors head, those are two.
Harris? Meh
Sorry can't relate.
Tammy K. wrote: "Paul,I respect your insight and efforts to clarify.
However for the remainder of this read, I will be politely ignoring it. I mean you no offense. However, I strive never to give fluff reviews, a..."
Tammy K. wrote: "Paul,
I respect your insight and efforts to clarify.
However for the remainder of this read, I will be politely ignoring it. I mean you no offense. However, I strive never to give fluff reviews, a..."
That's fine Tammy. Really. I don't learn from fluffy reviews. Sure they are nice to have and even better if they translate into future sales. I will NEVER think worse of someone for not liking something I write.
Your opinion is just as valid as anyone elses. You have raised some interesting points and some that I don't agree with - but that's okay too. :-)
2. I am thinking two things, either she'll become some sort of Queen of the Zombies or she will die. 3. Else's attachment to Mad Dog is like having a crush on your school teacher. For her its innocent, she is not only young but clearly a bit ''broken".
It does not sync that her bodies abilities have jump so rapid but not her mental abilities. My 6 year old granddaughter is far more advanced the Else. I'm not buying the character.
4. Both Lizzy and Mad Dog are twisted and not the good kind of twisted either.
When mad dog lead Lizzy to believe that he'd take her on his journey with him so he could have sex with her again ugh!
Not to say Lizzy was a moral gal herself, when she admits to watching her retarded brother playing with himself (page 142), and with that the story crossed over the last lines of decency (for me).
Question 5 was for Randy so I skipped it.
Mod
"
I'm quite frustrated with this. There doesn't seem to be a growth pattern. Now, I understand that there are some intuitive leaps made by kids during their development, but this is so wildly inconsistent to me. I understand that her learning is possibly accelerated by having a super soldier brain or whatever the deal is - but I want to follow that logically.
Sigh.
So we should be up to chapter 22 by tomorrow. Does anyone have any desire to go faster than this? Or should we try to stick to the schedule I posted?
I'll be back later tonight - what a crazy busy couple of days it's been! Love all the discussion, and I can't wait to jump in more thoroughly. But I need the book here, so I don't give anything away.