The Passage by Justin Cronin

[Sarah]

A few of us have talked about reading The Passage during October. It's a chunky book so it might take (some of us) a while to read it, especially as we have a toppler mid month too. Feel free to join in - the more the merrier!

[Ariane]

Is it ok if I listen to the audiobook and join the discussion?

[Sarah]

Of course Ariane.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I really liked this one. Hope you all enjoy it.

[Canadian Dragon]

I will like to join in too, it may take me a bit to get through but this book looks good

[Cherie]

I read it when it first came out, but I may join in for a re-read. I started The Twelve, but it had been so long between books that I was lost. I want to be ready for the 3rd book when it is released in November.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I think that's going to happen to me with book 3, Cherie.

[Cherie]

Kristie wrote: "I think that's going to happen to me with book 3, Cherie."

I have the same problem with the Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie. I read the first two pretty close together, but by the time the third came out I tried to read it, but I had no idea what was going on. I put it aside, but have never gone back to it. I really want to kill it off, but I need to review the second one again at least. There are parts of the first that are very vivid, but I think I was hurrying so quickly through the second that it did not stick.

It is not so bad when the next book picks up where the previous one leaves off, but that is not the case with The Passage and The Twelve. Did you have a hard time getting into The Twelve?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I'll try and join in. I may stick towards the end of October. I have some flights over the Halloween weekend so I might be able to knock it off then. But I have two long weekends in a row starting this weekend, so I may get over excited.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I read The Twelve about a year and a half ago. I vaguely recall bring confused in the beginning, but I don't recall why. Last time I checked, the final book had been pushed out to Dec 2016, so I'm sure I'll have to do a re-read. I will warn you that there were some parts in The Twelve that were hard to read.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Oh jeez. I went to grab it off my shelf and didn't realise it was so long! Ah well, all the better to read along with people!

[Sarah]

That's what I thought Rusalka. I thought discussing it might keep me focused.

[Cherie]

It is long, but I remember not being able to put it down. Something is always happening!

[[deleted user]]

Sounds promising :)

[Kristie, Moderator]

I felt the same way, Cherie.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Oh I am sure. It's also the first book Erica in this group recommended me in our small little office while she was in Aus, so I have to read it sooner rather than later.

[Sarah]

A perfect time then Rusalka!

[Sarah]

I'm going to start it today. It's my boat book so I'll only read it when I'm at home.

[Sarah]

I've read the first 50 pages so I'm mid chapter 3. So far, this book is great. It started differently to what I expected but I am intrigued from the beginning.
(view spoiler)[There is no mention in the first chapter of a world going to shit or viruses or anything like that. It's a more gentle start to the book, although I wouldn't call it a slow burner. I'm guessing those characters and their situations will come in to the story at some point. (hide spoiler)]

I had chosen to read this at home only due to it being pretty chunky to carry around but when I went to work yesterday and left it at home to then read another book, I struggled to get in to the new book as I wanted to be reading this one. That's a good sign!

Cronin is very good at creating characters I feel. Each chapter so far we're introduced to different characters in different settings. I wonder whether the whole book is laid out like this with the alternating POVs.

This book reminds me of so many other books and films I've read/watched - only snippets though. Not sure which ones came first (this book was published in 2010) but I don't care. I was reminded of bits from Alien Vs Predator, Predators, Swan Song, and The Green Mile whilst reading.

(view spoiler)[I really felt for Jeanette and Amy. Being homeless is an underlying fear that I have so this struck a chord for me.

I really liked how the emails told the descending in to chaos story in the jungle in chapter 2. The only other books I've read with reports, newspaper articles and emails in was State of Fear (if I remember correctly) and The Troop). This is where we get a glimpse of what is to come of the world.

This book, I'm guessing, is set in the not to distant future. There are mentions of a war in Iran (this being set after that).

I am wondering whether Anthony Carter really killed that woman. It sounds like she panicked and he tried to help but it escalated and she ended up drowning. He seems pretty confused at what happened too. I don't think he deserved to be put on death row when the case wasn't totally clear cut. But then again, I don't agree with the death penalty full stop. Anthony (Tone) doesn't really have a choice to sign up to this project noah - it's either die soon or probably die later but if you don't you'll get a pardon and just be in prison the rest of your life. His desire to live will have him signing that paper along with every other death row inmate they approach. I am intrigued what this project will be that they have to get people in this situation to do it.
(hide spoiler)]

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Jeez that's a good sign!

[Sarah]

Oh yes. Especially when it's not far off a 1000 pages. I think like Cherie said, it will be a quick(ish) read despite its length.

[Cherie]

I wanted to listen to the audio version since I read the book so long ago, but too many people are in line ahead of me. I will start as soon as I finish The Golem and the Jinni. I have un-archived it on my Nook and it is ready and waiting.

[Ariane]

I started listening to it, I am in chapter 7 but I think the audio version doesn't have the same chapters because they are really short.

[Sarah]

The chapters in the book are reasonably sized. I'm in chapter 6 which is 119 pages in (15%). Can you tell what % you are at Ariane?

I didn't realise you were going to join us with a reread Cherie.

I'll come back and comment later on the chapters I've just read.

[Ariane]

I was looking for the % I'm in but I can't see it. I tried to look in the parameters but I can't find it. That's a shame because I like knowing where I am in the book, if I ever want to switch to a physical copy of it.
How many chapters do you have in total in your copy, Sarah?

[Sarah]

When you create a bookmark, are you able to then look at a list of your bookmarks? In overdrive that is where I find out the percentage of that bookmark.

[Ariane]

I'm on Scribd and I only see the duration in the chapter, not in the book.

[Sarah]

Ah I see! I don't know about that platform. If they are using chapters I guess they must correlate to the actual book chapters.

End of chapter 3 (view spoiler)[OK so now I understand (as much as Wolgast does) what the project is. The inmates aren't told anything at all, just that their death penalty will be revoked if they help them. Still not much of a choice.

I can see why the military want hold of the virus, to prolong life and keep their soldiers fighting. I am also wondering if it would bring people back from the dead. And will they be the same person?!

I'm guessing the feds will struggle more with recruiting the next person on the list - a civilian!
(hide spoiler)]

ch 4(view spoiler)[SHIT! The civilian is Amy! How can they really even think about testing on a 6 year old?! And she seems to be settling in with the Sisters. Poor girl.

I thought it interesting the way they explained New Orleans since Katrina (and another hurricane) and how it is now cordoned off and no one can get in.
(hide spoiler)]

ch5(view spoiler)[Some more new characters added. So it looks like not only are the test subjects chosen for the fact they have no ties to others in their life, but also the staff members of the project. The guys that work in the holding cells are pedophiles. Ex-Prisoners keeping prisoners-turned-vampire? imprisoned - It's bound to go wrong. Are pedophiles given medication in real life to reduce their testosterone?! If so, I never knew that and it's an interesting thing to contemplate. And if so, are rapists?!

I found this chapter a little creepy getting to hear about the test subjects. They seem to have some characteristics of vampires - they hang in their cell for example. But they glow?! I wonder why that is. They've gone off their food so it makes me think that they are wanting something else - next stop - humans?!

And Subject Zero was a mate of the lead Scientist. I would not want to be his friend. And his emails seemed so normal and friendly. I guess things changed for him in the jungle. Especially that they want to turn a kid in to one of these things.

I found it especially spooky that these beings seem to be able to penetrate their minds and effect their dreams. (hide spoiler)]

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I pulled out the book properly last night, and mentioned to Lexx your feelings on it, Sarah. He was looking it up everywhere for audio version, but mentioned he liked reading creepy books more. I slid it over...

So I'll join in when Mr slow poke finishes it.

[Cherie]

Sarah wrote: "When you create a bookmark, are you able to then look at a list of your bookmarks? In Overdrive that is where I find out the percentage of that bookmark."

See, I learned something new today! Thank you, Sarah.

[Sarah]

Rusalka wrote: "I pulled out the book properly last night, and mentioned to Lexx your feelings on it, Sarah. "

I hope he likes it.

[Sarah]

Cherie wrote: "Sarah wrote: "See, I learned something new today! Thank you, Sarah. "

Glad to be of assistance. It's really frustrating when you don't know how far through a book you are. I like the fact you can find it in overdrive even if you do have to go around the houses for it. Unfortunately, OneClickDigital doesn't show percentage at all.

[Sarah]

ch6(view spoiler)[The events at the zoo were pretty weird. So can Amy speak to animals? I'm wondering whether Wolgast has ever seen the subjects once they've been tested on. It might sway his involvement in this if he has. (hide spoiler)]
ch7(view spoiler)[I thought the guards (I think that's what they were) were really mean to Anthony in the car. There was no need to upset him like that. I really felt for him. (hide spoiler)]
ch8(view spoiler)[The fun fair brought out the caring side of Wolgast. I thought he might have a crisis of conscience but unfortunately Doyle is on to him. I really hope Amy doesn't end up being one of the subjects. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Wow, I just finished reading the first two chapters. I didn't remember them at all.

I have these strange scenes in my head when I think about this book. It has been several years though. Maybe I am thinking about other stories, but this didn't start out with what I remembered by a long shot. More tomorrow!

[Sarah]

I hope it was a pleasant surprise for you Cherie.

[Cherie]

Not pleasant, just a surprise. I do remember getting to a point in the book where I thought I was going to quit and Amy (my daughter) convinced me to go on. I am not there yet though. Interesting how you can blow so fast through the beginning of a story and not remember it at all. I remember who Amy (the girl in the story) is, but I did not remember her mother leaving her.

I just read through your spoilers, Sarah, and I only have a vague feeling of recognition about them. Bizzar. I think some of it might be left over from the beginning of The Twelve, which I started once, but never got back to. When I started it, I could not figure out what was going on and I quit reading it. I always intended to re-read The Passage and thanks to you guys, I am doing it now. ;0)

[Cherie]

I talked to my Amy the other day and asked her if she ever finished The Passage. She said no, and I told her we were doing a buddy read. She is listening to Redshirts right now, but maybe she will join us.

[Ariane]

So, I am trying to catch up since I am pretty sur I don't have the same chapter numbers but I'll follow your lead, Sarah.
ch4(view spoiler)[I really liked the description of New Orleans, post-Katrina, post-another hurricane, I understand how they found their quiet place (hide spoiler)]
ch5(view spoiler)[I am listening to it, so there are things that I don't totally get about this test things but I know I'll get it further in the book.
This part about the tests is really creepy. And those vampires who glow? And their skin is a hard thing?
And yes, in real life, pedophiles can have a medication treatment that reduces something, I don't know if it is testosterone or something else. (hide spoiler)]
ch6(view spoiler)[the zoo episode was really weird in fact; so she can talk to animals? And she knows "what" she is? And how do other people know, since they know they have to get her? (hide spoiler)]
ch7(view spoiler)[the guards are really mean to Anthony and he is a bit slow, isn't he? (hide spoiler)]
ch8(view spoiler)[Wolgast seems to be a nice guy but I don't see him save Amy (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I am so tempted to read the spoilers but I must be strong and resist! I am starting this book tonight.

[Sarah]

I highly recommend avoiding the spoilers Anna, tempting as they may be. Glad you'll be joining us.

[Sarah]

You had very similar thoughts to be Ariane! I didn't get much read over the weekend unfortunately but I hope to get through a bit more this week. Ideally I want to finish it before the toppler.

ch9 and 10(view spoiler)[I find it creepy how Fanning/Subject Zero is talking to Grey, and not only in his dreams now. Paulson is a really nasty piece of work. He was pretty mean to Grey in the canteen but I guess he is pretty shook up by having dreams about Grey. I wonder what they entailed. It seems that a lot of people are being affected by dreams. I wonder whether Grey has caught the virus or whether him being sick was just a reaction to what Grey implanted in his mind. The power of our imagination is phenomenal so I can see how the thoughts/images could have induced such a severe reaction. You just know that subject zero is going to convince Grey to let him out. There was some foreboding earlier when Grey mentions having hypnosis from his prison therapist and being told he is highly susceptible. I don't think these creatures are hypnotising people, but they are implanting suggestions and general information directly in to their minds via dreams/daydreams. And it's against their will which is the creepy part.

I hope Amy never shows up at the facility - I particularly don't want Grey near her. That will make my skin crawl.

Anthony's story was heartbreaking. Reading about how he was given a new life by Mrs Woods, what it was liking working for her and then what happened on the day she died. Poor Anthony. Poor Mrs Woods! She must have known how it would look to the authorities. If she had wanted things to end, she should not have involved Anthony in it. Anthony didn't deserve being charged for her murder, given a death sentence, locked up and treated as he was on death row and now being tested on with a virus they do not fully understand. I don't necessarily think he's slow, just living on the edge of his nerves which can really impact on communication and personality traits.

It's looking like Wolgast and Doyle are going to go to the cops, now that their cover has been blown. Sounds like Amy might be safe (for now). I hope Richards and Sykes don't order the three of them dead. I'm guessing Lacey will eventually catch up with her again now she's on the run. (hide spoiler)]

[Canadian Dragon]

I am picking this book up this week at the library then I can join you

[Sarah]

That's great Tasha!

[Cherie]

I am a couple of pages into chapter five.

I wonder about the length of time between chapter four and five. I can't remember if it is mentioned. I did not remember the beginning, but I did as soon as I started on chapter five. This is not where I wanted to stop yet, but I was worried about where it was going. You know that I am a big chicken, Sarah.

[[deleted user]]

I managed to read into the middle of chapter 3 last night. My thoughts so far:-

Chapter 1 - (view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Jeanette. Losing her Dad, losing her job, finding it difficult to look after Amy. You can just tell things are going to go down hill. Amy is described as the "Girl from Nowhere", "The One Who Walked In", and "The First and Last and Only". It is clear Amy will play a huge part in this story. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 - (view spoiler)[ Bats, god, I hate bats! This just isn't good! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 - (view spoiler)[Subject #12, Prisoner number 999642. References to Anthony Carter as a number makes it very impersonal - he is not important. A prisoner who can be used to be tested on. He is still a person, even if he has committed a crime and I am not entirely convinced that he did. The lady he was cutting the lawn for may have just drown. (hide spoiler)]

Now to read a few of your spoilers, (my favorite part! It is like opening up a wrapped gift, not knowing what is inside!).

[[deleted user]]

Sarah wrote: "I've read the first 50 pages so I'm mid chapter 3. So far, this book is great. It started differently to what I expected but I am intrigued from the beginning.
[spoilers removed]

I had chosen to..."

I agree with you Sarah. I like how we are taken gently by the hand to start, (not thrown into the deep end). This way, (view spoiler)[ we get to know Amy from the beginning, her history, which I think may be important as I think she is going to play a big part in this story. (hide spoiler)]

I see we also have the same view re Anthony Carter.

[Sarah]

I understand Cherie. I think the time frame is pretty consistant with no major time jumps. There certainly aren't any times/dates mentioned at the beginning of chapters like in some books. I have just read my spoilers for chapter 5 and I do mention it being creepy but I don't recall anything msjor happening but i can't guarantee that. I've not found myself being particularly squeamish while reading so far.

Funny you should mention bats Anna. I think that very same night I'd read about them in this book, we were surrounded by bats while we walked along the towpath back home. I really like them but i understand why people are scared of them.

[Sarah]

I agree with you Anna about the prisoner (view spoiler)[Yes he has committed (possibly) a crime but he still has rights as a human being. He's being used and given the chance to live but this is a false hope. They don't understand what the tests will do to him. It's the first human tests. Yes there have been a few before him but i guess they need more because those ones didn't work out. So there is no guarantee he will live through the tests to be able to live the rest of his days out in prison. And to make it worse, he may not have even murdered the woman in the first place. (hide spoiler)]

I too love reading the spoilers. Other people often spot things i miss or have a different take on things.

[Cherie]

I have read all of the spoilers up to where I am. I think we all have the same feelings about Amy and her mother.

I was not upset about the test subjects, Sarah. Actually, I thought it kind of interesting. When I read this book before, I think I was much more squeamish than I am now. I have a lot more of these kinds of stories under my belt, thanks to GR and this group. In the past, I totally avoided these kinds of stories. My girls were the ones that devoured this genre and Steven King, etc.

[Sarah]

I too found it interesting with the test subjects.

It's interesting what you said about the difference between when you read it last time and this time around Cherie and how you feel less squeamish now. I read a piece of research the other month for work which talks about why we rewatch films when we are sad/happy (I can't remember which emotion it was). I can't remember all the details (as you can see) but it said that we generally do it to show us how far we've come as a person/in life/mood wise since the last viewing (at a subconscious level). I'm wondering whether it applies to rereads of books too. I might have to try dig the info out and refresh my memory (and see how far I've come since I last read it and forgot it ;-))