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How to Sell a Haunted House
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How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix - October 2023 Theme BOM - HORROR (starts 16 Oct)
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?I think she had convinced herself that she hadn't had anything to do with it and just blocked everything else out. I don't think detailed memories would exist for 2 year olds, but I remember flashes of things that happened at that age, so a picture of her walking away would be something that might make an impression.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all.... So I was spoiled a little bit because there were 2 readers listed on my audiobook....but I am surprised that it took this long to get to him. It made a little more sense why he is the way he is, but it was such a crazy story....
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away? It does all seem a little like a dream state. I have no idea how this is going to end really. It's all so bizarre.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book? I feel like Pupkin is going to get to Poppy somehow. And I think they are going to just have to burn the whole thing down -- all of the puppets need to go!
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
A child can repress memory of traumatic events. To me it felt like Louise remembers but doesn't want to acknowledge.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I enjoyed Mark's POV. I still don't like him but he is not a complete jerk anymore.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
They definitely have metal issues but Pupkin is a huge part of their problem. It's definitely possessed.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
Finished the book so I know how it ends. :-))
Mod
10. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
Denial and blocking out trauma are powerful influences on memory. And memory is squishy and not the concrete thing people treat it as.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I wouldn't award either of the them Person of the Year. But he's not as all bad as Louise was making him out to be. He still sort of sucks at life though.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I've finished the book so I'm not really sure how to answer this. Aside from I never really thinking it was a fever dream. I've read Hendrix before, he manages to blend the horror-paranormal with real world fairly well and assumed it was the same with this book.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I've finished so I can't really answer this. Though I will say at about the halfway point I was expecting one of the siblings wasn't going to be alive by the end. Maybe I was right or maybe I was wrong since I don't want to give anything away. But it was a thought I had around this point in the book.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknowledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I certainly don't. My sister & brother have better memories of our childhood than I do, but that far back.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
Mark's POV added a new level of creepiness.🤡👺👽
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I've already finished the book - I know what happens.😉
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I've already finished the book - I know what happens.😉
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I was expecting a 50/50 split, but this is certainly more dramatic. I’m not sure what the motivations were, but hope we learn more of the backstory.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Yea… I’m not OK with the ninja stuffed squirrels. As a kid we had a neighbor with a few taxidermy squirrels and they were soooo creepy. Yes, effective for me!
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
I’d be getting the sage and holy water and meeting my aunt at the house. I think Louise is trying so hard to be rational because she doesn’t want to believe what’s happening. If she lets her aunt exorcise the house, she’d be admitting it’s haunted.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Not yet, but I think there is still a lot more to tell.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think she has repressed it as a trauma response, especially if she believed it was mental health related and her parents never spoke of it. I'm not entirely sure what to think yet, but I do know some people have clearer, earlier memories than earlier. I am inclined to think that it's true though, as she had a flashback about it in detail before we got any information from Mark.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I don't personally like it because I'm listening to the audiobook, and the Mark POV is read by a man, even though his dialogue in Louise's POV is voiced by the woman reading the POV, so it feels dissonant to me. I'm probably just being nitpick. But I did enjoy the context his POV gave us and I would like to see more from him in general. I think I see him and Louise on a more level playing field now, which I suspect is the point of the story as we move forward. My husband's hypothesis just from my summary is that the plot is just them learning how to get along, lol.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
It may very well just be trauma from their parents dying. Drugs seems an equally likely answer, but I do believe the place is legitimately haunted.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I'd like to think it ends with the house on fire, but if Mark's POV is true, Pupkin has already withstood fire once. I think they'll have to do a lot more to destroy him than that. Or maybe we'll get a plot that isn't tied up in pretty bows and Pupkin will end up triumphant.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids? I feel like the mom was incredibly unfair to Louise all her life. But the wills were really bad.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective? It totally grossed me out, but the puppets and dolls are creeping me out more!c
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help? No way. I’d be out of there. She should go home to her daughter.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them? So I’m starting to be more sympathetic to Mark — I really hated him at one point. I just can’t figure out why Louise won’t go home to her daughter. It’s unhealthy.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
Wow, this family is messed up! Is Pupkin just the manifestation of their mental illness? That's what I'm thinking. There is a lot of previous family history with the parents that hasn't been disclosed. Is this a mental illness that runs through the family?
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
Interesting how the reader had formed an opinion of Mark from the first half of the book which IMHO softens upon hearing his side of the story. Then you get his creepy goings on in Worcester.. was this psychosis or a bad drug trip? Mmmm.. we'll see but at his stage I really think this is more a story about mental illness than possessed puppets. But I have been wrong before, LOL.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
See my last answer.. the author is leading the reader towards a mental health explanation or maybe this is all a red herring and it is truly horror. Stay tuned to find out.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
If it is a mental health theme it could go either of two ways. They both go totally psychotic and burn everything down or they let the rational parts of their minds take control. Louise was able to do this earlier on in the book aged 5. I'll be truly surprised if there is an evil entity controlling them. This is not my usual kind of read but I am intrigued as to how it's all going to play out.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pumpkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknowledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think it’s totally possible that Louise either forgot or built a story that over time became her memory. I don’t remember anything from when I was that young.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pumpkin after all....
I like getting Mark’s perspective. To me it seems OK that it’s this far in before we get Mark’s POV. It does change my opinion of him. He’s not just an angry slacker - he has some serious trauma of his own.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pumpkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
That chapter was… interesting. I don’t think it’s all just a dream, but I’m still not certain what is possessing the puppet and/or family.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pumpkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I really hope they can get rid of Pumpkin! I just can’t imagine a scenario where the puppets take over. Fire is an interesting idea, but Pumpkin may have survived the fire in Wooster (maybe). So will it take some kind of family reconciliation to banish whatever this is???
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
Pretty sure Mark is the devil and he had a demonic hold over his parents. Or something. Or parents are just weird. If my mom left me a craft art collection with puppets I would be pretty pissed off. She knows how I feel about puppets.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
It was icky. What the hell did the zombie squirrels want to do to her?
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
Well, being a skeptic I would look for rational, natural reasons first, yes. But, if I had just been attacked by zombie squirrels and creepy dolls kept moving around, then I would respect the evidence in front of me. I would talk to a magician to see if the stuff I saw was stage show worthy and maybe someone was screwing with me, and if not, I would bring on the cleanser.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Not so much. I don't really like either of them. I do think that Louise got the short end of the stick, and I am not sure why.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is… alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
Personally, I don’t have memories from age 2, but TBH I have a notoriously bad memory.
Reading this part, I wondered if Louise’s perception of Pupkin being alive was her subconscious trying to put her life back as it was before Mark was born. (Anything is possible in fiction, right?) Her subconscious could project all her negative feelings through the puppet. But that doesn’t really explain why she let Pupkin bully her into abandoning her favorite stuffies. At that point, I decided to stop thinking and just go along for the ride. 😳
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I enjoyed how Mark was built up as a petty-minded loser, only to have him revealed as a seemingly heroic figure—aside from (view spoiler), of course.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
As I mentioned above, I have suspended thinking (trying to figure anything out) and am just hanging onto this ride for dear life.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
See above.
ModDQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 15
6. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
Not even a little bit! I’m hoping the why will be made known to us. The only other reasoning would be mental illness!
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Very effective for me. I’m from Hawaii & we don’t have squirrels at all. I’ve always thought that they were just so cute! Now? Not so much…
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
Nope! Excorcise away! It may not help, but it can’t hurt!
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Is Louise evil, or perhaps possessed by Pupkin? Crazy? I can’t imagine trying to purposely kill a toddler and then conveniently forgetting the incident as an adult! (Did I mention I work at a psychiatric hospital??)
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to Ch 7
1.) What are your first impressions of the family and of Louise and Mark? How pivotal do you think their relationship (or lack thereof) will play in the story.
Aside: I plan to steal and use the phrase "Terminal Assholism" in future. Thank you Hendrix!
I assume their relationship is very pivotal to the story. I think the family appears to be very dysfunctional and has strained relationships.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
It does impact my expectations of the book. I assume somehow we'll be taken through the five stages of grief, so I assume someone will most likely die.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
I wouldn't be excited to have them as my inheritance, but if they meant a lot to my loved one leaving them to me I might feel differently.
4.) Have you ever experienced a family post-death squabble/fight like the one Louise and Mark had in front of the junk clean out guys?
No, thank goodness! When my mother died we (my 2 sisters and brother) went through Mom's and Dad's things together and decided what all we wanted. We respectfully allowed each other to take those things that meant the most to them.
5.) Did anyone else google Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers? If so, were you surprised to find they were a real organization? Has anyone interacted with them before or a similar organization for other religious beliefs? [note: please keep responses respectful to people's beliefs, this is a safe space]
No, I didn't google them and I've never interacted with them before.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
Absolutely not! I think it was terrible and I can only imagine how it would make Mark and Louise feel to think one of their parents loved the other child more. Terrible.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
It was definitely effective and had an impact on me.
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
I definitely am a person who'd be looking for logical reasons for all of the off-the-wall things happening since I don't believe in ghosts in that sense of the word.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
It gives me more insight into why they behave the way they do, but I feel like now (as adults) that they should find ways to make amends and be the family they are meant to be.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pumpkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknowledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think it's rare for a two-year-old to remember things but I do think it's possible but highly unlikely. I also think that Louise remembers but chooses not to admit it, only because of her inner thoughts.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pumpkin after all....
I wasn't surprise we got Mark's POV and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not sure it would've added anything to have his POV sooner but possibly. It did pick up my interest to see how his POV was compared to his sister's, so I'm glad it was added. It did change my opinion of him or at least helped me understand why he feels how he does.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pumpkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I don't tend to read horror and I don't believe in haunted houses, live puppets, ghosts, etc. That being said, as far as this genre goes with my non-expertise in the genre, the storyline has still piqued my curiosity and held my attention. I definitely think Mark was high on something, or how did it go from what I thought would be some good historical info on 9-11 to penis missiles? What the hay!
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pumpkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I have no idea, but I assume they'll live on since this is a horror story and I think we might also be left with a cliff-hanger and it'll be left up to each reader to decide
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to Ch 7
1.) What are your first impressions of the family and of Louise and Mark? How pivotal do you think their relationship (or lack thereof) will play in the story.
Aside: I plan to steal and use the phrase "Terminal Assholism" in future. Thank you Hendrix!
Louise and Mark seem to have a difficult relationship. The extended family is a hoot, though.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I do not have any specific expectations. I am interested in seeing how Hendrix will use it as a plot device.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
I might not mind a doll or even two, but hundreds of them. No way! I'm not sure how I would feel if a doll was named after me or if I was named after a doll.
4.) Have you ever experienced a family post-death squabble/fight like the one Louise and Mark had in front of the junk clean out guys?
I've heard of them, but have no first hand experience.
5.) Did anyone else google Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers? If so, were you surprised to find they were a real organization? Has anyone interacted with them before or a similar organization for other religious beliefs? [note: please keep responses respectful to people's beliefs, this is a safe space]
I did not google them. Interesting to hear that they are a real thing. Now I do have to google them! 😂
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to Ch 7
1.) What are your first impressions of the family and of Louise and Mark? How pivotal do you think their relationship (or lack thereof) will play in the story.
Aside: I plan to steal and use the phrase "Terminal Assholism" in future. Thank you Hendrix!
I am not a huge fan of Mark. He strikes me as selfish and childish. I actually know a few marks so i definitely sympathise with Louise. Louise comes across initially as slightly more balanced and sympathetic but the more we see of her, the more flaws we are starting to see. I like that she appears to be supported by family. I think the relationship between Louise and Mark will definitely play a part as i think the constant tension between will probably make them more unhinged the further we get into the story as they seem to bring out the worst in each other.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I actually didn't realise this even despite the section headings LOL If anything I think t makes me unsure what to expect
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance? It does seem a little strange but then their mother is a puppeteer and doll collector so maybe this is a thing? The description of them in the book definitely made them sound creepy and I am not sure I would want to be alone in a house with them and all the other dolls.
4.) Have you ever experienced a family post-death squabble/fight like the one Louise and Mark had in front of the junk clean out guys?
Thankfully i have not yet experienced death quite up so close so not really? However i have seen relatives squabble over the sale of a house after the death of a parent that divided siblings for years
5.) Did anyone else google Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers? If so, were you surprised to find they were a real organization? Has anyone interacted with them before or a similar organization for other religious beliefs? [note: please keep responses respectful to people's beliefs, this is a safe space].
I didn't know they were a real organisation but it doesn't surprise me as puppets have been used for years for various interactive teaching programs and tv shows so it comes as no great surprise
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think it happened. It would explain why the parents acted the way they did. I think Louise is nuts
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I like that the author added it so late. It was a good twist. It definitely changed my opinion of Mark. I mean — who wouldn’t be a loser?
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I really hope it’s not a dream…I’ll be pissed 😡 That being said -- it really is almost unreal. Something about the one guy still being at his apartment...I hope the author addresses this
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book? I think a creepy ending would be Louise deciding to live with the puppets. But I think the best ending would be to burn them all down.
10. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?I remember loads from when I was 2! As for what happened then and whether Louise really remembers or not, that is explained in the book, so I don't need to guess.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
Not surprised because I listened to the audio and there are 2 narrators listed 😂
there was no need for Mark's perspective earlier in the book. he was only there to fill in the part Louise couldn't relate because she wasn't there.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I already finished the book so no sense speculating.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
See answer above
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to Ch 7
1.) What are your first impressions of the family and of Louise and Mark? How pivotal do you think their relationship (or lack thereof) will play in the story.
>>> I think their relationship mirror alot of sibling relationships and will play a big part of the story. In families their is always one reliable child and the other that needs help with all things.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
>>> I didn't realize that and it's funny, I just finished a book that was divided the same way. I don't see it impacting me in any way.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
>>> I don't like dolls all over the house as I feel they follow your movements. If I received such an inheritance I would trash them all first thing. Reminds me of Chucky... just nope.
4.) Have you ever experienced a family post-death squabble/fight like the one Louise and Mark had in front of the junk clean out guys?
>>> Not that I can recall.
5.) Did anyone else google Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers? If so, were you surprised to find they were a real organization? Has anyone interacted with them before or a similar organization for other religious beliefs?
>>> I did not and will not.
Mod
10. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknowledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think Louise did admit that Mark was telling the truth - and I suspect that nearly drowning is probably one of the things you'll remember. If they'd had a big conversation putting a different spin on the event I'd be more dubious, but given they never spoke about it, I do believe him.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
His story was interesting / bonkers all at once. I don't think I needed more of it earlier though.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I definitely worried about this being a dissociative personality thing (again)! but less of a Dallas-style it was all a dream!
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I finished it - couldn't have scary puppets hanging about with me for that much longer, I'm afraid! At this point I expected deaths. I think the "sell" in the title made me think that there wouldn't be a total conflagration though....
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to Ch 7
1.) What are your first impressions of the family and of Louise and Mark? How pivotal do you think their relationship (or lack thereof) will play in the story.
Aside: I plan to steal and use the phrase "Terminal Assholism" in future. Thank you Hendrix!
Despite their ages Mark and Louise act like children. I don't really like my siblings but I can't imagine chasing them around the law and spitting in their faces to get my parent's death certificate. I think their relationship will be pretty important to the story. Even when Louise is trying to make some strides with Mark he isn't comfortable with her just yet. I imagine they will get closer soon from their shared trauma.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I didn't notice that! Now that you pointed it out. Yes, I am curious how the book will follow the theming.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Creepy. No thank you. I think I would have gone with Mark's plan to just have movers take everything away.
4.) Have you ever experienced a family post-death squabble/fight like the one Louise and Mark had in front of the junk clean out guys?
Like I said before I don't really get along with my siblings so we haven't talked much as adults. I don't know that we'd go as far as Louise and Mark did.
5.) Did anyone else google Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers? If so, were you surprised to find they were a real organization? Has anyone interacted with them before or a similar organization for other religious beliefs? [note: please keep responses respectful to people's beliefs, this is a safe space]
I haven't heard of them but not super surprised they exist. I'm not a big fan of puppets and I'm not Christian but I would still maybe check out a Youtube video.
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
Mod
14. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I thought a bit of both. United to fight the good fight but they'd never be besties.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I wouldn't of been surprised but I guess it would be hard to burn your home down. And not sure that would of worked anyway.
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
That was bonkers! I honestly don't know what I would of done in the heat of the moment.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
I was wondering but it was creepy and I do not like Poppy's father. What a dink.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
She was an interesting character for sure. Honestly probably the most sane person in the bunch.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
No, but we don't have many just a few animal ones my son still sometimes plays with.
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I'm hopeful they'll continue along the unified front. Mark's story did surprise me a bit.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I'd call Rambo, Dirty Harry, The Terminator and the Exorcist...🔥Flame Throwers all around🔥!!
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
I don't think I could have...but life or death...probably :z
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
I did! I was thinking that thing is never going to go away! So creepy!
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
At this point I thought 'Thank God for Aunt Gail!' I've finished.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
I won't be forgetting this book that's for sure!
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
So although I've been squirming at some of the spooky parts, this part made me take a break for about a day. This same thing is happening in my family right now. My dad is leaving everything to my youngest brother, which has certainly caused some hard feelings, although everyone is being civil and trying to move past it.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
This was super creepy and I think at this point I would have just told the dumpster guys to do their thing and never entered that house again.
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
With what she's already seen and heard, I think Louise is crazy not to accept help. Ha I did like how polite Mercy was about the whole haunted house thing.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
I dislike Louise more and like Mark more - but I don't love either of them.
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I thought the hug was nice, but then didn't like how Louise is still wanting Mark to apologize and she wants to feel like the "good person". It's hard for me to trust them as a team.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I would never have reentered that house - burning it seems like a good option.
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
I didn't like reading this part at all. I think I probably wouldn't have fought so hard and just died.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did? I totally saw this coming, probably because there is a good chunk of the book left. And it made sense it'd be Poppy.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen? Gail seemed like a bad-ass to me. I loved how she casually mentioned fighting a warlock. She's my only hope. But it's annoying why they didn't go to her before the above mentioned fight.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O I DO have puppets in my house that were made by my Grandmother and Mother. They are in a box. Need to duct tape it shut now.
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I found some more comic relief in that hug that made all of it a little more bearable. As horrifying as this book is, I think Hendrix knows when to insert just a tad of humor to make sure you keep reading. I was SO SURE they were going to be completely trauma bonded and we would even start rooting for Mark now, but naturally he ended up acting a fool again so I don't know anymore. Hmph.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I honestly think they had a good plan, but I was a little confused because I didn't think fire would work. After all, didn't Mark burn a house with Pupkin inside just for him to turn back up? I feel like I would have had to come up with something else to destroy him.
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
I was listening to this particular bit in the car between errands and I hope no other drivers could see my face - I'm sure I looked HORRIFIED! From the needle the last time there was a struggle to the gory description of Mark's arm - sensory nightmare. I absolutely would not have been able to do this (which is hilarious because up until 6 months ago, all I wanted from life was to do autopsies).
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
I honestly think the book would have ended well enough after Louise managed to grill Pupkin, but I knew there was quite a bit of book left so I figured he would show back up now. I also think someone mentioned earlier that they suspected Pupkin would make it to Poppy, so while I did have a bit of a visceral reaction when Pupkin reappeared, I can't say I was tooooo surprised.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
Thank god for Aunt Gail - I love how she's been so calm and matter-of-fact about the situation and is completely ready to handle it. I don't know if it will be her, but I think at least one more person will die before the end as a result of Pupkin, but I also think that someone may reveal a common thread in their family of haunted things. Maybe she's a witch? Look, all I've gotta say is that even though the south is massively populated with Christians (myself included), there's some other supernatural stuff concentrated down here too, for sure.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
I don't think we have any puppets in the house, but I'm now off to tear my stepson's room apart just to make sure . . . can't take any chances!
Day 2: Chapters 8-156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
In some ways, the will was a surprise but also in line with how the parents treated the two kids. Obviously, we’re reading from Louise’s perspective but the will seems to match how she views the favoritism and their parenting. I can understand her disappointment.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I can see it being creepy for most people, but (spoiler alert) possessed toys and items don’t do it for me in horror. I just find the image too silly.
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
I can understand skeptics who are really stubborn with this stuff and will just tough it out. They’ll talk themselves out of what’s happening so I can see this.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
I think it just goes to show people are complicated. They have their good and bad sides. No one is perfect. But these characters certainly have some issues that need to be talked out.
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
Thinking about it, it was either going to be total war between the siblings but it makes more sense that they have a truce for now and defeat the evil, creepy Pupkin.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I sort of thought it wouldn't have been that easy to get rid of him.. and there was going to be an epic showdown in the last couple of chapters.
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
Oh my.. I thought there would be some sort of violence, we'd already had the awful eye experience so short of death I guess amputation was definitely on the agenda.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did? Yep, he was never going to be easy to get rid of.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
Gail was the down South sort of character who was bound to pop up. I didn't really have that much of a reaction to her. Even though I wasn't really enjoying this book I did have to read on to finish.. and the way it ended up actually was good and I enjoyed the book quite a lot more by the end.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
No puppets in this house.. they are creepy. But hey everyone has their thing.. mine is tea cups, LOL.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think it's normal for a child to erase bad things from their childhood. And some things can bring back those.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I think it was a good idea to put Mark's pov when we all hate him and share his back story of the events.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I don't know but it feels like haunted to me all this dolls and puppets moving on their own.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
I hope so it will all be solve by putting pupkin on fire. But pupkin seems like a child to nancy. Maybe there's a story behind it.
DQs Day 3 Ch 16-22
10. Pumpkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknowledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
➡️ I would say he possibly forgotten about it. Based from my experience, the oldest memory I have was when I was 6 to 7 years old.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pumpkin after all....
➡️ Not surprised but I think it's important in the story that it has Mark's POV whether in the beginning or middle part of the story.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pumpkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
➡️ It would be a great twist for me, probably another star with my current rating, lol
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pumpkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
➡️ If the dolls and puppets take over, it feels like they are Chucky's friends lmao.
DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-2210. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think she blocked it out. She became a total rationalist to combat the memory of being controlled by an evil bloody puppet. Can't blame her, but she is having a bit of an issue with current reality as well.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
This whole book is creeping me way out. I like having more back story, and it does explain a bit about why this family is so horrible to each other, but I still don't like them. Or I just don't like the bloody clown puppet and it is coloring everything else.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
Fever dream is the right phrase to describe how I felt about this bit.
Drugs? Maybe. Overwhelmed by art? Maybe.
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
Not sure if the house itself is evil, so I am not sure it has to go, but everything in it? Yes. Fire. Very hot fire.
I predict we will get the backstory of mom and pupkin, and that will explain a few things. But something horrible is still to happen. Maybe Poppy comes to visit and gets hurt? Maybe Mark dies? No clue.
I am about to find out though. I cannot go to sleep with this kicking around in my head.
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I like the fact that they shared a genuine laugh and an awkward hug.
I did finish, but at this point I thought there would be some bumps in the relationship, and if they both lived, they would end up ok.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
Well first off, I would have waited for full daylight. Flashlights and scary attics? Nope.
I think they had the right idea, just the wrong execution.
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
I did not. I also did not expect her to be ambulatory at all after the descriptions of her injuries. But, she was just sore. That took me out of the story a bit.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
Not like that. I thought that Poppy would have come to the evil house, not the other way around.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
I thought the character was meant to be more than she was.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
There are no puppets in my house. Stuffed animals (plushies), yes. Bunny slippers, yes. Evil, horrible puppets? Not on your life.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I wasn't! Each parent obviously had a favorite child, but to give everything to one over the other is kind of messed up.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I really hated that whole section.
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
I'm a big believer in the power of the supernatural so I would let my aunt cleanse, exorcise, or whatever. I definitely have friends who believe that if they don't acknowledge it then it can't hurt you, so I understand the desire to cling to the more rational.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Not really, I still am really not a fan of Mark.
Mod
14. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I thought it would be short-lived - but that they'd lapse into just passive not talking, rather than back into hating each other
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
Oh, so much fire! burn burn burn!
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
I was not expecting this! and I really hope never to have to find out if I could sever an arm!
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
I realised that he'd be back, but hadn't expected the precise way, no. argh!
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
She was all sorts of amazing bonkers! Loved the light-relief!
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
Thanks for that image, Suzanne! Thankfully, no puppets chez Cat!
DQs Day 4: Ch. 23-3114. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?
I thought the hug was hilarious (as hilarious as something can be in a book like this). That neither one wanted to be perceived as the one receiving comfort felt very true for me based on my (difficult) relationships with my siblings.
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I would have decided that something final and drastic needed to be done to get rid of the puppet. Burning made perfect sense to me.
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
Ugh I almost didn’t make it through the battle! It was a LOT. I’m not sure how Louise actually survived, TBH. it seems to me that level of injury would be fatal.
What I feel are plot holes:
1. There was such a point made of how unintelligible she was trying to get Mark to stop attacking her due to one side of her face having been hammered. But she was able to speak clearly to make the 911 call and give the false report about what happened. Hmmm.
2. How did her car wind up in at the hospital? Due to her injuries, wouldn’t she have been taken in an ambulance? And, if she drove herself, what’s wrong with those paramedics?
3. SHE WAS BLUDGEONED WITH A HAMMER! But when she goes back to burn Pupkin, “The more she moved, the more it worked the stiffness out of her joints.” How is she not still in the hospital?!? But, nope, apparently she’s just a bit stiff.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
OMG Pupkin! I knew something drastic was still to come since we were only at 70-some% into the book. But I did not foresee that nasty little Pupkin showing up again in that way.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
Gail certainly believes what she believes! And in the context of this story, I am in no position to argue with her.
I’m not speculating. I’m just going for the ride.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
There are no puppets in my house. Oh wait… are there? I better check the box of my kids’ old toys!
DQs Day 5 chapters 32 - end19. I was excited that Louise and Mark were going to contact Aunt Gail. I liked meeting Barb. I was surprised that they could not really help, and suddenly, we were back where we started, in the creepy house with the puppets. Why do you think Barb and Aunt Gail were in the story?
20. I found the horror of Poppy’s plight with Pupkin to be the most concerning. Did you find the horror in this book effective? Which parts creeped you out the most?
21. Gary Hendrix is also known for his humor. I laughed out loud when the puppets got together to form a golem. What parts (if any) did you find humorous?
22. I was shaking my head when Louise gave her daughter her stuffed animals. I would want no part of that house to be a part of my daughter’s life! How did you feel about that part?
23. How do you feel about the ending?
DQs Day 5 chapters 32 - end19. I was excited that Louise and Mark were going to contact Aunt Gail. I liked meeting Barb. I was surprised that they could not really help, and suddenly, we were back where we started, in the creepy house with the puppets. Why do you think Barb and Aunt Gail were in the story?
Maybe to add some different theories to the mix. Their Christian exorcism and "get rid of the devil" was a bit of red herring.
20. I found the horror of Poppy’s plight with Pupkin to be the most concerning. Did you find the horror in this book effective? Which parts creeped you out the most?
Yeah, definitely made me feel uncomfortable reading through most of the book. I don't think horror is my genre. I hated the bit about the needle in the eye, definitely cringed through that part.
21. Gary Hendrix is also known for his humor. I laughed out loud when the puppets got together to form a golem. What parts (if any) did you find humorous?
He's known for his humour.. really. Can't say I LOL at any part of the book. Too busy cringing.. Glad you got a laugh though.
22. I was shaking my head when Louise gave her daughter her stuffed animals. I would want no part of that house to be a part of my daughter’s life! How did you feel about that part?
Hadn't thought about that, but you're right. You'd think Louise would have had enough of creepy toys for a lifetime.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
I was kicking myself that I didn't work it out! In hindsight, as soon as the dead relative Freddy was mentioned it was a huge tell. But all the horror, needles in eyes, and chainsawed arm must have thrown me off. Actually the ending worked for me, but I'm not a horror reader really so therefore 3 stars.
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14. After Mark's story, the siblings kind of bonded. What did you think of that and the hug. At that point of the story, did you feel like they were going to be unified or that it would be short-lived?I was pretty sure there would still be problems, but maybe just a little more communication than before
15. So they made a plan to go back in and take care of Pupkin vs. just burning down the house? Why?? Pretend you don't know how that turned out - what would you have decided to do after they both shared their Pupkin experiences?
I would have preferred to avoid jail time for arson, so would have probably tried the same, only maybe waited for morning?
16. The battle! I don't even know what to say other than I kept needing to put the book down. Did you expect this level of brutality? Would you have been able to cut off the arm?
I've read several Grady Hendrix books, so yes, totally expected it 😂
No, I probably couldn't.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
Considering there was still quite a bit of book left, yes, lol.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
A bit odd?
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
didn't have any puppets to remove.
19. I was excited that Louise and Mark were going to contact Aunt Gail. I liked meeting Barb. I was surprised that they could not really help, and suddenly, we were back where we started, in the creepy house with the puppets. Why do you think Barb and Aunt Gail were in the story?
For exposition on events that happened when the siblings weren't born yet
20. I found the horror of Poppy’s plight with Pupkin to be the most concerning. Did you find the horror in this book effective? Which parts creeped you out the most?
As effective as anything else I've read over the years? I don't creep out easily, so it's hard for me to judge that.
21. Gary Hendrix is also known for his humor. I laughed out loud when the puppets got together to form a golem. What parts (if any) did you find humorous?
The golem was quite amusing. I found the squirrels amusing too.
22. I was shaking my head when Louise gave her daughter her stuffed animals. I would want no part of that house to be a part of my daughter’s life! How did you feel about that part?
a bit odd, but I guess people do odd things when they've been through trauma?
23. How do you feel about the ending?
It was alright, nothing special. I prefer horror books to have a bit more ambiguous an ending, but I have been assured in the past by an american publisher that this is very unpopular in the US, so wasn't expecting that here.
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19. I was excited that Louise and Mark were going to contact Aunt Gail. I liked meeting Barb. I was surprised that they could not really help, and suddenly, we were back where we started, in the creepy house with the puppets. Why do you think Barb and Aunt Gail were in the story?
Light relief!
20. I found the horror of Poppy’s plight with Pupkin to be the most concerning. Did you find the horror in this book effective? Which parts creeped you out the most?
The squirrels! I am not a fan of them in the least.
Also Aunt Honey, keeping these secrets all that time. plus the mother too.
21. Grady Hendrix is also known for his humor. I laughed out loud when the puppets got together to form a golem. What parts (if any) did you find humorous?
I enjoyed Barb and Gail.
22. I was shaking my head when Louise gave her daughter her stuffed animals. I would want no part of that house to be a part of my daughter’s life! How did you feel about that part?
Same! Especially given that the stuffed animals did nothing beyond hide under the bed!
23. How do you feel about the ending?
It was fine. I'm quite happy to have it clear that the squirrels and Pupkin will no longer be marauding around South Carolina!
Mod
19. I was excited that Louise and Mark were going to contact Aunt Gail. I liked meeting Barb. I was surprised that they could not really help, and suddenly, we were back where we started, in the creepy house with the puppets. Why do you think Barb and Aunt Gail were in the story?
Barb was fun and should be invited to every party. Maybe they were in there to show some variety and force the siblings to work it out together? for fun?
20. I found the horror of Poppy’s plight with Pupkin to be the most concerning. Did you find the horror in this book effective? Which parts creeped you out the most?
The Poppy angle was certainly the creepiest part for me.
21. Gary Hendrix is also known for his humor. I laughed out loud when the puppets got together to form a golem. What parts (if any) did you find humorous?
That was pretty funny at least what I pictured in my head. The squirrel nativity was funny to me, not the I'm going to attack you part, just the fact that was a thing her mom made and displayed in the house. Also that Louise didn't seem to think her family was weird. Everyone's family is weird.
22. I was shaking my head when Louise gave her daughter her stuffed animals. I would want no part of that house to be a part of my daughter’s life! How did you feel about that part?
It did bother me.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
It was fine. Not mind blowing but mostly what I expected except no one really died expect for Pupkin.
Mod
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DQs Day 5 chapters 32 - end19. I was excited that Louise and Mark were going to contact Aunt Gail. I liked meeting Barb. I was surprised that they could not really help, and suddenly, we were back where we started, in the creepy house with the puppets. Why do you think Barb and Aunt Gail were in the story?
They acted as a way to give background on some events that happened before Louise and Mark were born.
20. I found the horror of Poppy’s plight with Pupkin to be the most concerning. Did you find the horror in this book effective? Which parts creeped you out the most?
They eye thing and the big battle were the creepiest for me. Oh, and how much Pupkin affected Poppy.
21. Gary Hendrix is also known for his humor. I laughed out loud when the puppets got together to form a golem. What parts (if any) did you find humorous?
I thought Barb was a hoot!
Some lines that gave me a cuckle:
— “Nice clean cut,” Santos said, and Louise almost said thank you but managed to stop herself.
— “I’m an atheist,” Mark said. “Pish,” Aunt Gail said, dismissing him. “You’re a Presbyterian, just like your parents.”
— I once even did a blow-up s-e-x doll. Now, that one was wild, let me tell you.
22. I was shaking my head when Louise gave her daughter her stuffed animals. I would want no part of that house to be a part of my daughter’s life! How did you feel about that part?
Im torn. At first I was appalled, but she did have them blessed, saged, cleaned, etc, so maybe ok? Not sure I would have.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
Meh. It was fine. Not sure how what changes I’d suggest but it wasn’t outstanding… just ok.
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DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
Those wills were a total surprise. The parents must have their reasons, but I'm still bummed.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I was expecting something like that, but it still managed to scare me.
8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
In that early stage, yes. I would be hanging on hope that it's really nothing to be worried about. (Fingers crossed)
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Yes. I can see them more clearly as troubled individuals, with their own tragic backgrouds. This family has so many secrets.
I think Louise doesn't want to admit it happened. She denies all of the shenanigans going on in the house now. This just seems to have a more clear reason - that she denied pupkin's influence in her earlier life, and that she is denying it now.
11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
Mark is still growing on me, but I am wondering how he is going to deal with the puppets. They seem to have him entrapped too.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I certainly hope not.
It does remind me of a fever dream - but I am thinking it is just the increase in madness?
13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
Hmmm.... Interesting. I'm not sure how it will end. She tried to bury Pupkin once upon a time, and that didn't work. They did mention that they were thinking the new owners would raze the house and start again. There must be something that goes with the selling part of it. I think they'll get a medium involved. I am hoping they do - to give it a bit of a twist.