Swan Song by Robert McCammon buddy read (Spoiler Warnings.)

[Nickronomicon]

I've been intending to read this one for quite a while. Sounds like this is the perfect time! Count me in.

[Mehmet]

Hi Stephanie and Nick :-) welcome to our Swan song buddy read :-)

[Joanne]

I first read this in the 80s and just recently reread it so I won't join in the buddy read but am looking forward to what everyone else thinks of it -- especially the first timers.
I too at first thought it similar to The Stand, but as you read, you'll find that while it has some similarities, the story overall is completely different -- and completely excellent :)

[Veronica]

I also just read this book and loved it! i cant wait to see everyone's response to this read. 5 star read.

[Mehmet]

How is everyone ? Hope all going ok ?

[Nickronomicon]

I don't get as much free time as I'd like to read, so I have already started reading. I'm only about 50 pages in. Still in the setup and introduction phase but I'm liking it so far. The only other McCammon I've read is Boy's Life (which was awesome) but I love the way he writes.

[Jeff]

Yeah, Boy's Life is one of my favorite coming-of-age novels, right up there with Dan Simmons' Summer of Night. There's two more rereads I need to get around to one of these days.

[Terry]

I've also had this on my to-read list for a while, so I'd like to join in as well.

[Randy]

Trying to borrow a Kindle copy from my library using Overdrive.

This is a book I've had recommended a number of times, but there's just something about the blurb that dulls my interest. Not sure what, exactly.

[Jonathan]

Randy! It would be awesome for you to join us! I really hope you can get a copy. It would be nice to read along with you again.

[Mehmet]

Welcome Terry :-) and wishing you luck Randy in finding a copy, as Jonathan said, hoping you can join us.
All this excitement is making me really wanting to start this book. Cannot wait ;-) not long really.
This will be my first book by this author.

[Jonathan]

Welcome Terry.

I hope everyone is able to get a copy of the book as well. :-)

[Pamellia]

I hope that those of you who have not read McCammon are pleased with this selection. He is probably my favorite author. I'm looking forward to this read, but would like to see us discuss it for its own merits and not so much compared to other works by other authors.

[Pamellia]

I just checked Amazon.com. This kindle book is lendable. Of course one can only keep a loaned kindle ebook for 14 days.

[Jonathan]

I agree. I think Swan Song will be best judged on it's own. I don't think it should be judged with what it has in common with other books. I haven't read Swan Song or The Stand before, so my impressions will be genuine.

Though I do love apocalyptic reads, so I will take suggestions on other apocalyptic novels from anyone else. I also suggest a Dark Advent buddy read next year for all my friends who have similar reading tastes. ;-)

[Jonathan]

I don't mean to offend anyone with my last comment. What I meant by my last post is that I feel there are no original unique plot lines out in the fictional world. I feel in the end any story setup is going to be similar to another story setting that came before it. It doesn't matter if the author intended to copy another author's vision or not. I believe a author can genuinely believe his story is unique without realizing there is a similar movie or book out there. It is how that writer twists that plot into his own voice that matters to me.

So by my previous post I was simply saying that similar plot devices don't hinder my overall reading experiences.

[Pamellia]

Thanks, Jonathan. You explained yourself well. I agree with you and like you I am not interested in offending anyone, just enjoy a good discussion based on a novel's own story, merits or lack thereof.

[Mehmet]

Do not worry everyone, we will judge the book fairly and on its own unique qualities. It is my first book by the author and as such be my first steps into his world. Do not worry Jonathan my friend, sure everyone understood what you meant. :-) it is going to a fun ride, since it is one of the books that is mentioned quite a lot on HA and is very popular. That is high praise from all us bookworms, as for a book to be mentioned a lot means it has stayed in people's mind once read, and left a noticeable impact. :-)

[Mehmet]

I scanned the book version I have of swan song on to my goodreads to read folder, if anyone wants to compare versions :-)

[Jonathan]

It is reading time soon! Every one have the book ready?

[Ken]

I'll join.

[Latasha]

I'm ready!

[Mehmet]

Yep I am ready and raring to go :-)

[Randy]

OK. Got my copy from the library. Do we have a reading and discussion schedule?

[Tina]

Just have to find mine in this house somewhere.

[Jennifer]

I will join too!! :)

[[deleted user]]

I am ready and super pumped!!!!

[Jeff]

Ready like a Freddy.

[Terry]

I'm good to go.

[Jonathan]

I got my book too!

;-)

I hope everyone had a nice summer. I am glad Autumn is almost here.

[Jonathan]

@Randy

I suggest a read and post as we go method if that works for everyone else.

Is that ok? I am used to having a flexible schedule to accommodate everybody.

[Mehmet]

Autumn is my favourite time of year also :-)

[Randy]

Jonathan wrote: "@Randy

I suggest a read and post as we go method if that works for everyone else.

Is that ok? I am used to having a flexible schedule to accommodate everybody."

One method I've used in the past is to set up multiple discussion topics, based on reading progress (i.e. 20%, 40%, ...). Then spoilers can freely be posted in each section without worrying about anyone having something spoiled because they haven't gotten that far yet...

But that can be confusing if someone asks a question in the 20% topic, and you're 50% done, trying to remember what would or would not be a spoiler at that point...

[Jeff]

Autumn always makes me want to read horror novels from the 70's and 80's. Luckily, Swan Song fits that category, though what I really crave is the pulpier stuff, like from the Zebra Horror imprint. I always scour used book stores this time of year looking for books with creepy dolls and demons and evil little ghost kids on the cover.

[[deleted user]]

Jonathan wrote: "I got my book too!

;-)

I hope everyone had a nice summer. I am glad Autumn is almost here."

I worked through the week of summer we had in the UK :)

[[deleted user]]

I'm easy, whatever the group decides is fine by me

[Jonathan]

@Jeff

Have you ever heard of Lakeview Cabin? It reminds me of horror movies from the 70's and 80's. Even if you don't like video games it is entertaining to watch.

Link: https://youtu.be/WWDNJUqApw8

Warning. The game is surprisingly graphic for a video game with 8bit graphics.

[Jeff]

Jonathan wrote: "@Jeff

Have you ever heard of Lakeview Cabin? It reminds me of horror movies from the 70's and 80's. Even if you don't like video games it is entertaining to watch.

Link: https://youtu.be/WWDNJUqA..."

Ha! I'd never heard of that one. That's pretty great!

[Mehmet]

4 days lefts until 1st of September, just reading Blood on the page the complete short fiction of Brian Keene. Once I finish this I going to start Swan song :-)

[Terry]

What about The Wolf's Hour? I was wondering if that one was any good?

[Terry]

Sounds like an excellent endorsement! I'll have to move that one up farther on the TBR list.

[Mehmet]

Sorry to intrude but even I thought that sounded like a great recommendation. If I enjoy Swan Song I will definitely look out for Wolf Hour :-)

[Mehmet]

Thanks Maxie :-) always love a recommendation

[Latasha]

I'm starting Tuesday.

[Jonathan]

Awesome. Jennifer and I will start tomorrow! ;-)

[Mehmet]

I hopefully start tomorrow also my friend :-)

[[deleted user]]

I may have to get the ebook version, as the copy I ordered hasn't arrived yet. I'll give it a couple more days and then buy the ebook if it hasn't arrived. :(

[Mehmet]

D.M it's a long book so you could just wait for the physical version, no need to spend extra money on kindle unless you really really want to start reading. Just do not feel pressured to buy to start.

[Jeff]

I'll probably start it tomorrow, or possibly late tonight since I only have an hour left on the book I'm currently listening to.

[Randy]

My Kindle tells me I have 17 hours left of reading time on the book...