Starters by Lissa Price Buddy Read!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Chiqui, Jenny, Jen and I are buddy reading Starters by Lissa Price beginning on Thursday, January 23rd!

Feel free to join us for an awesome discussion :)

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

It will be interesting rereading this one. I don't remember most of the story, except the ending, which was really good!

[Chiqui]

I AM EXCITED c:

[Karen’s Library]

I will try to reread this one with you guys!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Yay Karen!! Glad you'll join us :) Can't wait!! I'm excited too, Chiqui!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

11%! LOVE THIS BOOK! So far I'm really enjoying the world building and the fact that the (view spoiler)[ main character has a tough life but doesn't complain. Also that she didn't jump at the offer right away and that it wasn't until she was really desperate that she took the plunge. The thing I really don't get is why the Enders are so awful to the Starters immediately after the war. Seems a bit unrealistic and more something that would evolve over years and years rather than so quickly after a traumatic experience, especially since it's the Starters who will keep the world going after the Enders die. (hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

David wrote: "11%! LOVE THIS BOOK! So far I'm really enjoying the world building and the fact that the [spoilers removed]"

David - (view spoiler)[I think that's just the point. The Enders know the Starters are the only hope for the world, but because of their youth they'll just screw it up. It's the age old mindset that youth is wasted on the young. (hide spoiler)]

This idea gets answered as the book progresses -

[Karen’s Library]

I have 30% left on a VERY special book I happen to be reading (THAT I AM IN LOVE WITH!!) so if I finish tonight (which is the plan) I will start in on this one! :)

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I haven't read yet at all today, I spend the morning getting a whole bunch of chores done, then I had to drive to Boone for a meeting, then took Tessa out to dinner and we did some quick shopping errands. Hoping to start reading here in a little bit!

[Chiqui]

19% done but (view spoiler)[I can't get over the fact that her dad calls her "Cal Girl," it sounds like "call girl" with a twang LMAO! Why would you do that, Cal's dad??

Nah j/k aside from that I actually like the book so far! I have tons of questions about the war that keeps being referred to, though I hope at least some of them will be answered soon. Still haven't warmed up to any of the characters yet, although Doris is a dear. (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Karen wrote: "I have 30% left on a VERY special book I happen to be reading (THAT I AM IN LOVE WITH!!) so if I finish tonight (which is the plan) I will start in on this one! :)"

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! OK, I'm done screaming :)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Jen wrote: "David wrote: "11%! LOVE THIS BOOK! So far I'm really enjoying the world building and the fact that the [spoilers removed]"

David - [spoilers removed]

This idea gets answered as the book progresses -"

Gotcha, thanks. I'm at 60% and the picture is getting MUCH clearer. (view spoiler)[ Senator Harrison is horrible! (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Chiqui wrote: "19% done

LOL!! That's too funny, I didn't even think of that!

Glad you're enjoying it :) The world building is nice and slow, which I like. Some parts seem really realistic and others silly, but then again our grandparents might have thought a lot of the technology we have today to just be silly! I'm going to send you all a Zing someday! If you don't get that reference, keep reading :)

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

David wrote: "Chiqui wrote: "19% done

LOL!! That's too funny, I didn't even think of that!

Glad you're enjoying it :) The world building is nice and slow, which I like. Some parts seem really realistic and ot..."

LOL that's probably how they feel about us tweeting on Twitter! lol

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I'm at 30% right now, and loving the reread! The basic concept of this one is soooo creepy!

[Chiqui]

39% aaah it's getting good! (view spoiler)[I knew it!! I knew her body was getting hired for murder! I was surprised that it's practically a suicide mission though! (hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

My weekend is all about re-reads, and I'm finding that it's helpful to know the ending. I'm catching so many more pertinent details the second time thru! I'm at 50% on audio, and the narrator is Rebecca Lowman who did Fangirl and Eleanor&Park. She's not perfect for the voice of Callie, but she does the secondary characters so well and has such great expression that I don't care. It's a good listen.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Chiqui wrote: "39% aaah it's getting good! [spoilers removed]"

LOL I didn't guess it, well done!!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

70%! Things are not looking too good (view spoiler)[ She's in the institution and I'm really wondering how she's going to get out! (hide spoiler)]

[Kristina]

I really liked this book and love reading everyone's comments. This thread reminded me that Ender's is out and I requested it from my local library. Can't wait to read it!

Enjoy.

[Chiqui]

Jenny wrote: "David wrote: "Chiqui wrote: "19% done

LOL!! That's too funny, I didn't even think of that!

Glad you're enjoying it :) The world building is nice and slow, which I like. Some parts seem really re..."

I can just imagine my grandma going "You young uns and your tweeters and facebooks and instantgramps..."

[Chiqui]

David wrote: "Chiqui wrote: "39% aaah it's getting good! [spoilers removed]"

LOL I didn't guess it, well done!!"

(view spoiler)[
LMAO to be honest it was more of like:

~5% in: lol but what if they use the body for assassination
~30% in: SHIT
(hide spoiler)]

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

Chiqui wrote: "Jenny wrote: "David wrote: "Chiqui wrote: "19% done

LOL!! That's too funny, I didn't even think of that!

Glad you're enjoying it :) The world building is nice and slow, which I like. Some parts ..."

LOL YES, exactly!!

[Karen’s Library]

26% in. This is a reread for me and I really enjoyed it the first time. There's just something I love about dystopian sci-fi.

I'm really enjoying the concept and world building of this story. (view spoiler)[Renting out your body is so weird and scary. That would feel like such a violation of all things personal. But because of the no s-e-x clause, I understand why Callie has to do it. (hide spoiler)]

[Chiqui]

50% done (view spoiler)[and I still am out of cares to give about Blake and their forced love story GET ME BACK TO THE ACTION ALREADY PLEASE! :c

On a side note if Blake isn't actually some super secret government spy or something I am going to be severely disappointed lmao. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I'm at 47% (view spoiler)[ I remember hating the instant love thing with Blake, wasn't well developed at all, but it does become sorta important later--it more the fact that his Grandfather is the Senator. (hide spoiler)]

[Chiqui]

DONE!

(view spoiler)[Oh my god the reveal about Blake sure was something! Plus the Old Man is super creepy LMAO! Cal is only 16 oh my god can you imagine going out with someone who's actually way older than you thought and is a terrible person to boot? I AM CRYING.

Anyway, I really liked it! The concept of renting bodies was pretty cool, and I really liked the descriptions of the Old Man's mask, one of the scariest parts for sure. My favorite character is Madison! She kind of reminds me of Effie, kind of air-headed but sweet and caring and mostly as much of a victim of society as Cal and the other Starters.

I surprisingly liked Blake 100 times better at the end of the book, he actually made me smile with how awkward he was. Now maybe I can actually ship him with Cal lmfao

I didn't get the explanation of the war that I wanted, though. :c It seemed just tacked on there as an excuse to create this kind of society. I hope it gets to be explained in future books, although I really wanted even the vaguest of explanations as to why it happened in the first place. Even if it's just a one-liner like "A Serb killed an Austrian in Bosnia and then the countries took sides and everything sort of spiralled out of control." LMAO I was desperate for anything! (hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

Chiqui you are hilarious. Please be in every single buddy read I do.

I'm almost done with the audio. (view spoiler)[She's about to escape the institution - so sad but I'm really glad she gets out! (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Kristina wrote: "I really liked this book and love reading everyone's comments. This thread reminded me that Ender's is out and I requested it from my local library. Can't wait to read it!

Enjoy."

Awesome, thanks!! We might be able to do a buddy read with you on that one :)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

87%. Hahaha Chiqui! You definitely need to be in more buddy reads, you're hilarious! I'm with all of you on the Blake thing (view spoiler)[ a bit too convenient that he happens to the grandson of the Senator. I was really hoping he was working for the baddies actually lol!! (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

Enders is currently checked out at my library, but I put a hold on it!

[Chiqui]

LMAO I AIM TO PLEASE :3

[Kristina]

Enjoy."

Awesome, thanks!! We might be able to do a buddy read with you on that one :)


Yes, a buddy read would be awesome. I pick up my copy at the library today.

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I finished the reread today! I had forgotten a lot of the things that happened with Michael and Blake, so its probably good I did a reread before Enders! I would rate it about the same, 4 stars. Good read, not the best dystopian but interesting concept, with a good ending!

I also read Portrait of a Spore: The 3rd Unhidden Storywhich was in the back of the book. Its a day in Callie and her mom's life right before the spore attack. Very good short story. I may have to read the rest of them!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Finished! Really enjoyed this book overall, and was so satisfied when Blake (view spoiler)[ turned out to be the Old Man the whole time!! Loved that twist and made everything with him make much more sense :) (hide spoiler)] Can't wait for the sequel!

[Chiqui]

Jenny wrote: "I finished the reread today! I had forgotten a lot of the things that happened with Michael and Blake, so its probably good I did a reread before Enders! I would rate it about the same, 4 stars. ..."

Ooh, I definitely need to check this out too!

And I'd love to join the buddy reads of Enders when you guys get to reading it. :3

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

David wrote: "Finished! Really enjoyed this book overall, and was so satisfied when Blake [spoilers removed] Can't wait for the sequel!"

I had COMPLETELY forgotten about that, too!!! So I'm really happy I reread it! It had been almost two years, but still, I can't believe I forgot that, it was HUGE!!

[Karen’s Library]

Slowly but surely I'm catching up. I'm 62% in now.

I forgot most of this except the overall concept. (view spoiler)[What dude would put up with a girl as hot and cold as Callie? 0h Blake, yes, I like you, please go find my *cough* "friend" and give him all this money. Oh wait, get the hell out of here. Oh Blake I like you, *kissy kissy*, will you go give my *cough* "friend" money?? Oh and can I go to the ball with you? I'm Cinderella and just lost my shoe because it's midnight and I'll turn into a pumpkin.

Whoops! Wrong story!

Ok, ok... Overall I do like it! Some parts are a little cheesy. I like the sci-fi of it! :-) (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Hahaha! I was thinking the same thing about the "Cinderella" part! And also the bit about the money. He was very patient with her ;) At first I didn't like all of that, but then later it gets all cleared up so it was fine :)

[Karen’s Library]

Finished. Geez, what a slow poke I am!

But ohmygosh, I completely (view spoiler)[forgot the whole thing with Blake! What a huge twist, and I've even read this before! And woahhh!!! Is her father really alive?? (hide spoiler)]

Now I know why I rated this a 5 the first time!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

LOL!! That was a great twist and made me forgive everything about Blake, thanks for reading along with us :) And you had a good excuse for taking a bit longer as you were beta reading for me (and you did an AWESOME job)

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I forgot all about it, too Karen! What is wrong with us to forget that big twist?? lol

So glad I reread it just for that!

[Karen’s Library]

Aaawwwww, thank you my friend. That was so much fun! And can I just say I am officially in book withdrawal now. I want more of the world and characters you created!!!I can't get it out of my head.

I am reading so many different books right now because of that. I keep picking one up, putting it back down, picking another up, putting it back down after a chapter or two. I just can't find one to stick with all the way. I just want your world BACK!!

[Karen’s Library]

Jenny wrote: "I forgot all about it, too Karen! What is wrong with us to forget that big twist?? lol

So glad I reread it just for that!"

I'm SOOOOO glad it's not just me, Jenny!! I was telling myself it was due to senioritis! My brain just doesn't retain books after so long. That's why I have to do so many rereads before reading the next book in the series.

Funny, I can retain everything of David's books. Every character, plot twist, the entire story, everything... ;-D

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

LOL that's probably because I write such weird stuff most of the time :P Oh and I'm sure the bad jokes stick with you too!

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

David's books are sooo memorable--they definitely have their own vibe going on!

It has been almost 2 years since reading Starters...and its one of those dystopians that isn't real memorable, unlike Legend, or Partials, Delirium, or Across the Universe...it just kind of fades in the woodwork. I felt the same way about The Testing and The 5th Wave, although I thought Starters is better than the 5th Wave!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Thank you :)

I also thought Starters was better than The 5th Wave :) I'm reading The Testing now.

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I think I would say I feel the same way about The Testing as I did about Starters. The ending was good, so there is hope for the sequel to be really good! I think I'm more excited about reading Independent Study than I am Enders. I didn't feel the need to buy either one, so I'm thrilled my library has them!