Odd Thomas (Odd Thomas, #1) - Jan 2016

[Lynn, Moderator]

Judy wrote: "I'm stuck on book four of Outlander too. "

I was stuck on book four too ..... until I decided not to be stuck and give up on the series lol

[Lynn, Moderator]

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "I made the critical error of reading two non fiction books, plus a text book at the same time... INSTANT SLUMP. Trying to break free!"

::starts singing::

[Kristie, Moderator]

Matthew wrote: "I have been waiting for this to blow me away. Odd seems a bit stream of consciousness. I have beem looking more forward to reading War and Peace each day instead of Odd Thomas - which is not what I..."

That is definitely not a good sign for the Odd series!

[Matthew]

Kristie wrote: "That is definitely not a good sign for the Odd series!"

Yeah, I mean, I am enjoying it . . . but I haven't gone rushing back to it each day. Also, from reviews I have seen it sounds like the Odd series is inconsistent between 5 star books and 1 star books - I know that is in the eye of the beholder, but it still does not bode well.

Also, I read somewhere recently in a review (and it may have been from someone in this group, or even in this discussion - I can't remember) that the second book should be skipped . . . what is tough about this is that if book 3 is the best book ever, it doesn't matter if it takes two ho-hum books to get there because I may have lost faith by then!

[Valerie]

I couldn't make it past the second Outlander book. I made it half way and just could not go any further.

I am also on an Odd quest. I think it will be easier to make it through, since the books are light reading and not so long.

Plus, unlike Outlander, there isn't an attempted rape every few chapters.

[Lynn, Moderator]

Valerie wrote: "I am also on an Odd quest. I think it will be easier to make it through, since the books are light reading and not so long. "

That's my thinking

[Savanes]

Valerie wrote: "I couldn't make it past the second Outlander book. I made it half way and just could not go any further.

I am also on an Odd quest. I think it will be easier to make it through, since the books ar..."

Yes I'm still traumatized by the rape in book #1 of outlander!

[Kristie, Moderator]

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "I'm going to read book 2 with an open mind, but I have a feeling I will not make it to "

I picked up Brother Odd at my old library during a big book sale. It was $5 a bag or something like that. So, I already own that one and Audible has a deal where you can get Odd Interlude and books 5 & 6, all for 1 credit, so I'll probably do that as long as I am still enjoying the series after book 4.

Good luck with your book slump! I've been in a 'this book is meh' mood lately myself.

[Helen]

Some of the Odd Thomas books are a bit slow. The first was the best. I agree the Outlander series is becoming tedious. I have decided to enjoy the TV version instead. I believe book two will air this Spring.

[Valerie]

Kristie wrote: "ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "I'm going to read book 2 with an open mind, but I have a feeling I will not make it to "

I picked up Brother Odd at my old library d..."

Where did you find this Audible deal?

[Kristie, Moderator]

Matthew - I'm enjoying it because it's light enough, but there are definite flaws in the book. It does seem that this will be an inconsistent series. I think my enjoyment is inconsistent even through one book.

It was in this thread that someone said to skip book 2, but I plan to read it anyway. I just won't expect much.

I had a few different people recommend this series to me. People seem to love it. I am hoping that after book 2 the series gets progressively better and I end up loving it.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Valerie - On the Audible site. I searched for Odd Thomas, then clicked on the series name so it puts the series in order for me. I was surprised to see it. Here's the link to the series page: http://www.audible.com/series/ref=a_s...

[Valerie]

Thanks. I just searched "Odd Thomas" and did not click on the series. That is a great bundle! Thanks for the intel.

[Kristie, Moderator]

You're welcome!

[Judy]

I agree that Odd is so light it's easy to make it a quest. I will say that I always use my audible credits to help me get through books faster. I love to read, but five kids and a commute only makes audible practical. In book two (I know this isn't the thread) I have to warn you that the narrator sounds ridiculous when he does the voice of the female villain. I almost had to stop listening, or just laugh.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I heard that somewhere else too! I think in a review on Audible.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I just finished this one.... :'( So sad... I will be reading the next in the series and see where it goes from there.

[Taylor]

Judy wrote: "In book two (I know this isn't the thread) I have to warn you that the narrator sounds ridiculous when he does the voice of the female villain. I almost had to stop listening, or just laugh. "

Oh no. I plan to listen to book 2. Thanks for the warning.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I plan to listen too, Taylor.

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

Now I almost want to listen... so I can laugh at the ridiculous voice.

[Kristie, Moderator]

lol, ally! You would. XD

[Judy]

Trust me. lol. So now you have to post your thoughts. I'm telling you it's like a Disney Cruella de Vil!!

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

Judy wrote: "Trust me. lol. So now you have to post your thoughts. I'm telling you it's like a Disney Cruella de Vil!!"

Well... if I recall... If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will :P

[Matthew]

Just finished this one - the last 50 pages or so saved it!

[Taylor]

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "Now I almost want to listen... so I can laugh at the ridiculous voice."

With all this build up, I'm actually getting excited about the crappy narrator. ;-)

[Taylor]

Matthew wrote: "Just finished this one - the last 50 pages or so saved it!"

I felt the same way when I finished. I hear book 2 isn't that great, but I'm going to try to push through to the later books in hope of glimpse or explanation of (view spoiler)[the afterlife and if Stormy and Odd get to be together in the end/death. (hide spoiler)]

[Deb]

I'm about a third in. It took me a little bit to get settled in, but now I'm down for the ride.

[Matthew]

What I have been wondering - and perhaps this was discussed elsewhere - is did he write this with the intention that it would be the first in a series, or did he plan for a stand alone, but get to the end of it and think "huh, there's more here to explore"?

[Lynn, Moderator]

Matthew wrote: "What I have been wondering - and perhaps this was discussed elsewhere - is did he write this with the intention that it would be the first in a series, or did he plan for a stand alone, but get to ..."

I'm not sure Matthew. There is a good couple of years between book 1 and book 2 publication which may indicate he didn't have anything up immediately ..... but that's just plain guessing! :)

[Cathie]

Just started this a few days ago and am up to the part where Odd has been in the black room, talked to Sheriff Porter, Elvis has left his car and floated into the church and Little Ozzie's cow has exploded.

You should have seen the looks on my son's and his girlfriend's faces when I explained what the plot was so far, lol. Best entertainment read I've had in a long time.

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

Cathie wrote: "You should have seen the looks on my son's and his girlfriend's faces when I explained what the plot was so far."

Too funny, Cathie! I can only imagine.

[Vicki Willis]

Well, this is where I leave you my Odd friends. I just cant continue with this series. This book took me an eternity to get through and it was bad. It did not hold my attention and I didnt care about the characters. Odd had some funny lines and the ending was good though. The most enjoyable part for me were the two scenes with his parents. I guess at least I dont have to add 6 more books to my TBR! Enjoy!!!

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

Vicki wrote: "Well, this is where I leave you my Odd friends. I just cant continue with this series. This book took me an eternity to get through and it was bad. It did not hold my attention and I didnt care abo..."

I'm going to give book 2 a go, even though I only gave this one 3 stars. I'll be joining you if book 2 isn't OUTSTANDING. My TBR is so long if its less than 4 stars, its not even worth pursuing anymore (The only reason I'm trying book 2 is because its a GCA Winner).

[Judy]

Book 2 was a winner? Oh boy that's disconcerting. I still have book 4 sitting on my nightstand. Not sure yet if I can go there, but probably will because now it's a quest.

[Savanes]

@Judy: Book 2 was not a winner but book 7 was.

[Matthew]

The feedback on this one is interesting. I also struggled to get into this one, but I have heard others say that this series is Koontz's best . . .

[Kristie, Moderator]

I don't know that this is Koontz's best, though I've heard that before too. I think I would disagree, unless it really does get a lot better towards the end of the series. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite of his.

I plan to continue with the series, as I already own it, aside from book seven. I am not expecting much from book 2, so will continue on regardless. Actually, even though my expectations aren't very high, I am looking forward to starting book 2 in March.

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

Judy wrote: "Book 2 was a winner? Oh boy that's disconcerting. I still have book 4 sitting on my nightstand. Not sure yet if I can go there, but probably will because now it's a quest."

Sorry, I meant leads up to the winner.

[Kirsten]

Taylor wrote: "ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "Taylor - your cat is gorgeous! I had siamese cats when I was younger. Every time I see one it makes me smile :)"

Thanks Ally! His name is Stoli (I got him in college, hence th..."

Really? The Siamese cats in L&T were the villains!

[Connie]

Loved the Odd Thomas series. Read them all long ago. All Dean Koontz books are amazing. Actually, all books are amazing.

[Cathie]

I loved the whole ride through this book! I like horror and mystery and paranormal and fiction that is fiction for the sheer sake of make up story telling and this seemed to fit into the whole enchilada for me :-). I was finishing up the book last night after 2 am (you know a good book when you can't go to sleep because you have to keep reading it) and I was yelling in my head "nooooo, nooooo, it can't be, noooo" and then I had to remind myself that this was a book, lol. (view spoiler)[ (And then I couldn't fall asleep for an hour because I felt like I had "lost someone, seriously) (hide spoiler)].

Loved this whacky ride into Koontz's imagination. My review (sort of like what I just said here) : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Can't wait for the 2nd in series.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Glad you loved it, Cathie! I hate when I can't sleep because I'm thinking about the book I'm reading or just finished. That happens to me a lot.

[Cathie]

Kristie wrote: "Glad you loved it, Cathie! I hate when I can't sleep because I'm thinking about the book I'm reading or just finished. That happens to me a lot."

It doesn't happen to me a lot so when it does I really notice it, lol (and my body the next day notices it!). I finished it just after 2am and couldn't get to sleep until gone 3:30am! (Then I had to get up for 6:15 am...I slogged through work).

I'm hoping to pick up the 2nd one by this weekend :-)

[Kristie, Moderator]

Oh wow! That is late! You must have felt foggy all day. I plan to start the next on (or around) the 1st of March.

[Cathie]

Kristie wrote: "Oh wow! That is late! You must have felt foggy all day. I plan to start the next on (or around) the 1st of March."

yeah, it was definitely a book hangover day, haha.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks of the 2nd book :-)

[Kristie, Moderator]

Me too!

[Deb]

I finally got around to finishing this book from the library.

The book was a decent read, but I think I've decided that I don't care for Koontz' writing style. The language seems overly formal and almost stilted at times, and the action tends to proceed slowly (too slowly for my taste). In the case of this series beginning, I felt there was a bit of familiarity in this type of character (I.e., it felt like it had been done before), and the plot twist at the end was predictable. I haven't decided yet whether I will continue with the series.

[Deb]

P.s. After reading all the comments here, I will definitely NOT be continuing with this series! I'm definitely one that can't skip books, and I just can't force myself to read 1/2 dozen boring books to get to maybe one good one. Lol.