August 2014 Group Read: Bird Box by Josh Malerman

[Christina]

not sure how I feel about spending $15 on a 300 page book. I prefer my books to be lengthy so I have time to get familiar with the characters and spend some time adventuring with them as well. Also, I'm cheap, I like a book I'm going to buy to last me at least a week. While the premise sounds cool I'm going to wait till a lengthier book is chosen.

[Kimberly]

I just started tonight! I'm actually right on time for once! :)

[OddModicum Rachel]

Oddball question, but do any of you guys who've finished happen to remember the full names of the main characters in Bird Box? They're not listed in the GR data, and I'm trying to work it into another book challenge I'm on, but it all depends on character names. lol I'd love to start this now if it'll work for both... otherwise I have to wait a few days. ;)

[Cathie]

Starting this tomorrow!

[K4tie]

I'm starting tomorrow too, I almost started early, but then decided to hold off.

[Cathie]

K4tie wrote: "I'm starting tomorrow too, I almost started early, but then decided to hold off."

:)

[Marc-Antoine]

My book is in, I also will start tomorrow.

[Kasia]

Just read a quarter of it on my couch trying to take my mind off my day and it's deliciously mysterious and creepy, love it! I'd keep reading but sleep is kicking my eye balls, ugh!

[Monica]

Kasia: Same here. I totally agree.

[Marc-Antoine]

I'm 10% in as well and am thoroughly intrigued. The build up is amazing so far, and I can't wait to see where this is going.

[Kasia]

Kinda sad to see that my last update was 6 hours ago, I work more than I sleep boo! But yeah when I woke up the first thing I though if was this story. Can't wait to read more on my commute.

[OddModicum Rachel]

Thanks so much, Stacker! I appreciate the extra effort! Yeah, not the best choice for my other challenge, then, which means I'll be starting this one late Fri 1st or early on 8/2. Can't wait!!! So unusual for EVERYONE to be sucked in like you all seem to be in a group setting. Must be a killer read.

[Marc-Antoine]

I'm at the 22% mark and I don't want to stop, unfortunately the responsibilities of work are calling, then I'm off to the campsite where I will probably get through this in no time. I just finished the part where (view spoiler)[ they meet up with the other boat on the river, It spooked me out, but find they got away too easily. I wonder if they will meet up again? (hide spoiler)]

[Kirstin]

Just started. The dedication is odd. I can't tell whether he's being sweet or mean??

[OddModicum Rachel]

Kirstin wrote: "Just started. The dedication is odd. I can't tell whether he's being sweet or mean??"

ooh, tongue in cheek snark. I think I like Malerman already, and I've not yet picked it up! I'll make note of dedication when i do, though.

[Karla]

It's been on my bookshelf for a while,but now I think the time to read it has arrived! I am so excited to start reading this book,it just sounds so awesome.

[KIMBERLY]

Before I get any further into this book, can someone who's already read it tell me if (view spoiler)[ the children are killed or tortured?. (hide spoiler)] The last few books I've read have had that kind of content and it's really depressing. I don't think I can handle anymore.

[Cathie]

So, thoughts on (view spoiler)[not naming the twins (hide spoiler)]!

What a mess thus far!

[OddModicum Rachel]

Kimberly wrote: "Before I get any further into this book, can someone who's already read it tell me if [spoilers removed] The last few books I've read have had that kind of content and it's really depressing. I d..."

Sounds like you're in need of a 'cozy mystery' palate cleanser. I go thru that when the degradation and trauma just gets overwhelming with the intense ones. Um, I've got a thread somewhere with a ton of sug for good 'light' cozy mystery reads if you ever want me to hunt it up.

[Kirstin]

Cathie wrote: "So, thoughts on [spoilers removed]!

What a mess thus far!"


That definitely adds to the creep factor. The first few pages have me taking deep breaths because it's all so horrible. (view spoiler)[I keep thinking that they would be dead or diseased from lack of vitamin D and I am wondering how they are finding food?? (hide spoiler)]

[Mike]

Cathie wrote: "So, thoughts on [spoilers removed]!

What a mess thus far!"

I liked that part.

[Mike]

Kimberly wrote: "Before I get any further into this book, can someone who's already read it tell me if [spoilers removed] The last few books I've read have had that kind of content and it's really depressing. I d..."

I think you'll be alright.

[Catster]

1/3 in and liking it so far. The entire gloomy atmosphere creeps me out and the suspense is klling me. I really like mysteries, but they have to get solved. If we won't meet(view spoiler)[the creatures (hide spoiler)] I will be very disappointed.

I keep wondering what would I have to see (view spoiler)[ that was so gruesome it would lead me to suicide. (hide spoiler)]. Creepy.

[Kasia]

I can't believe that Josh didn't have an author page, it was sort of blank so I added some stuff to it, this guy should be know amongst people who love to read great stories.

[Kasia]

He does write as if it was second nature, maybe writing songs helps? I'm so glad that I'm keeping up with the monthly reads lately, after this I have some buddy reads to catch up to :)

[Addy]

Wow, I'm not far, just 10% but I'm feeling like I'm there and I want to panic with everyone else in the book!

[Katy]

Mike wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Before I get any further into this book, can someone who's already read it tell me if [spoilers removed] The last few books I've read have had that kind of content and it's really..."

I agree. You'll be OK

[Katy]

Kirstin wrote: "Cathie wrote: "So, thoughts on [spoilers removed]!

What a mess thus far!"


That definitely adds to the creep factor. The first few pages have me taking deep breaths because it's all so horrible. ..."

Yeah, this is claustrophobic and creepy. Isolation...

[Cathie]

I agree with you all on the detachment and isolation!

Thoughts on (view spoiler)[the Divide? (hide spoiler)]

[Kirstin]

This book is intense! I love the writing, it's putting me right in the story.

Cathie- I'm not there yet, but I could see myself finishing this tonight.

[Cathie]

Yes, I had to pause at parts too...

[Katy]

Cathie wrote: "I agree with you all on the detachment and isolation!

Thoughts on [spoilers removed]"

Wasn't real clear on that one.

[Cathie]

Kimberly, agree as well with Mike and Stacker...

[Amanda]

Enjoying the book, love the story concept. Only issue is the way the speech is written, doesn't always feel quite right. But reading is personal and that's just my take.

[Kasia]

Cathie wrote: "I agree with you all on the detachment and isolation!

Thoughts on [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Looks like beginning of the end for the house.. so not too keen on the divide myself. Reading the two time lines makes me wonder what happened to leave her alone with the kids (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Catster]

Just finished. Think I've been reading 4 hours straight. Really enjoyed it.

To those who finished - (view spoiler)[any guesses what did they see? (hide spoiler)]

[Cathie]

My guess would be (view spoiler)[could've been Gary or others like Gary that were I guess you could say immune...but as to the creatures, that I don't know, and I like that in a way-imagination running amok.

I did read there would be a sequel? (hide spoiler)]

[Todd]

Half way through, been interesting.

[Monica]

I liked this "As the river comes alive with nature, she imagines the worst. Just like she did those years ago, before the children were born, when the inertia of the front door reminded you that things like insanity were lurking whether or not someone you cared about was out there with it."

[Katy]

Monica wrote: "I liked this "As the river comes alive with nature, she imagines the worst. Just like she did those years ago, before the children were born, when the inertia of the front door reminded you that th..."

That was a nice line.

[Kasia]

Finished, wow, intense.

[Kimberly]

30% into it in the first sitting. Intense atmosphere!

[Katy]

Kasia wrote: "Finished, wow, intense."

Yep.

[Marc-Antoine]

I'm at page 174, and am loving the way this story is keeping me on edge the whole way. So far this is a nice quiet horror, and I keep waiting for something to happen. It's an awesome feeling, but it's stressing me out!

[Kasia]

Marc-Antoine wrote: "I'm at page 174, and am loving the way this story is keeping me on edge the whole way. So far this is a nice quiet horror, and I keep waiting for something to happen. It's an awesome feeling, but..."

Hey, me too, I couldn't wait to find out but at the same time I didn't want to "see" what was going to happen :P

[Susan]

I read this last night so I guess you would call it a page turner! I liked the style of writing two timelines side by side and the suspense built nicely. I gave it 4 stars because the ending seemed abrupt to me, and curiously unsatisfying. Did anyone else think the ending a bit weird?

[Kasia]

Same here Susan, I read somewhere online about the author talking about books 2 and 3 but not sure if he was kidding, also movie rights have been purchased, lets hope they don't ruin it.

I have, however enjoyed how much my own imagination was freaking me out, that's rare with horror books that are this freaky.

[Susan]

I would have liked to know more about (view spoiler)[the creatures really, not necessarily what they looked like, but whether they meant harm or not, just a bit more detail. Also Gary, what a mystery he was. Why live in a tent in the road? (hide spoiler)]

[Kimberly]

Okay, I'm finished! 4 stars, but I haven't posted a review yet. (I have to go back and see how to post spoilers!)

[OddModicum Rachel]

Kimberly wrote: "Okay, I'm finished! 4 stars, but I haven't posted a review yet. (I have to go back and see how to post spoilers!)"

I had same problem. Just click the (some html is ok) button above the message (or review box) and a list pops up. Spoiler html is way at the bottom, just highlight/copy then paste code onto each side of spoiler. I'd do it here to show you, but then you wouldn't be able to see it. ;)