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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 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?
Answer: I felt like much was resolved between them but the damage to their relationship is too severe to be mended all the way, they'd at best be civil with one another rather than being on the opposite sides
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?
Answer: Being the scaredy cat that I am, I would have definitely ran far away lol instead of trying to take care of it on my own. Despite not being a believer this would have forced my hand to call for outside help.
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?
Answer: It was too much for me to digest and the fact that it did not even seem that much of an issue to Louise, the way she was so matter of fact about it all got on my nerves. I mean Mark just lost his freaking arm, he is entitled to be upset about it.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
Answer: No way!!! I was shocked. Poor Poppy!! This was the biggest twist of the book for me and it redeemed the book's value in my eyes. I am now curious to see how their aunt exorcises the evil thing from their house.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
Answer: I have absolutely no idea whatsoever. Until this segment I was holding out hope for some explanation other than the house being haunted by puppets but that seems very unlikely now.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
Answer: I am not even going near any stuffed toys anytime soon lol
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?
Answer: It honestly just felt like the author was trying to make the book a few pages longer. I did not like all the exorcism stuff and the attempt at being humorous too.
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?
Answer: It was mostly uncomfortable and disturbing more than horror itself. I am still unsure of why the Pupkin had to go to such great lengths if it was Freddie's ghost that needed to be with his family.
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?
Answer: I am the opposite, I do not like mixing my genres and the humorous bits annoyed me to greatest lengths, I was pissed that something that is supposed to be scary is also intended to make you laugh?
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?
Answer: I was holding my breath for one of them to come alive now ngl, I felt like Louise was being foolish with introducing the stuffed animals to her daughter despite so much already been happened with the house and the things within it.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
Answer: It was all well and good but I do not think this author is for me. I did not enjoy many aspects of the book. The ghost being of her uncle who died by drowning gave the book an eerie feel but overall I did not much care for any of the characters in this one.
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 actually felt I could understand Louise, even if I didn't necessarily like her. Mark definitely was not likable, but I think every family has one. (Or I also have dysfunction in my family lol)
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
You know, I'm on Ch. 9 and didn't even notice lol. Now that I do know this, I think it'll make motivations make more sense.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Creepy and weird. Luckily I think my mother would be equally frightened so I do not have to worry about them popping up.
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?
Luckily I was away at school the last time one of these happened. It makes sense to me in a way though as tensions are incredibly high and everyone is not themselves. It's also incredibly tacky and I hope to never be a part of one.
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, but will do so now!
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
There was a lot of foreshadowing that the mom favored Mark so I was kinda expecting that, but did not see the father's will coming!
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I actually like squirrels, but this did creep me out so I definitely thought it was effective
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 pretty rational/science based person, so there's a good chance I would be the same. However, I'd probably end up thinking, "What could it hurt?"
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them? My opinion is largely the same, but I am understanding a little more
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 felt like this was addressed and she remembers it but at some point just decided that she must’ve imagined it when her toys quit talking to her.
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 was surprised we got Marks pov, but I think it made sense when it came. The author is building suspense and that includes hiding the complex natures of the characters and revealing it when it will have the most impact. I think Mark has just become more layered like all humans, rather than just how his sister perceives him.
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? that’s definitely all possible, I recently read a book that had a toxin, a haunting, a fake haunting, and a like “alive” house so nothing would surprise me lol but I think the creepiest way is just the puppets are alive.
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? Well Mark tried fire and Pupkin escaped (although that might have been due to Clark) so I’m not sure fire will work. I’m thinking maybe classic horror ending where they think they killed him and then there’s an epilogue that ends with him opening his eyes once more.
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 this was actually a good comedic moment. It broke up a pretty heavy book.
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 think they already knew they had to actually see him burn after Mark burning the house down didn’t work. I’d probably just abandon the house, it’s Pupkins now.
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? this was definitely more brutal than expected but probably shouldn’t have been after the whole eye thing. My brother is my best friend so I’m not sure if I could do it (plus I don’t do well with a lot of blood
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did? Yup, there was way too much book left for him to be gone lol.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen? I have not finished so don’t really have strong opinions of Gail. I’m thinking it’ll look like they’ve solved the issue, but Pupkin will pop back up at the very last moment.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O lol, I would never have puppets in my house.
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? I think at the core this is a story about family, and the secrets a family keeps. Barb and Gail were needed to make it obvious that the family's secret keeping was a problem.
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?I found the horror pretty effective overall! I listened to the audio and the narrator absolutely killed Pupkin's voice and it made it so eerie.
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? For me it was the hug scene, both of them thinking they were comforting eachother was so great.
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? I think at that point they could probably "feel" that it was resolved.
23. How do you feel about the ending? I liked it! I thought there was sufficient amounts of "twists" and that it perfectly fit with the final stage of grief, acceptance
Participation Post: Day 1-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
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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?
I was not expecting that and at the time I thought how horrible it was for their mother to do that to Louise. At least their father spoke with Louise and they decided together to split things 50/50. Clearly that wasn't going to happen with Mark.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Yes, super effective and super creepy.
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, I would be out as fast as I could.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
I read past this section so I forget exactly what we find out about their childhood. But either way the more we find out the more I feel sorry for both of them.
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?
It's hard to say for certain at this point but I don't think she's misremembering it. I think they both remember what happened. Pupkin seems very much an evil puppet. If this actually happened to them then how sad for them to have that type of childhood. Their mother and father should have done more to protect them if they knew the puppets were alive like that.
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 was surprised but it was nice to see. It really made you see what Mark has gone through in his life and how affected he was by the evil puppet. I would like to see more of Mark's POV.
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 think that's the way it's going to go but who knows! It would be disappointing if that's how the book ends.
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 we will see more of evil puppet and it will be difficult to kill. I see fire being the only thing that will destroy it and I hope they burn the entire house. Part of me is wondering if Mercy is affected by Pupkin too and that's why she refused to sell the house and wanted them to go back in to it.
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 they were going to have a new path forward. One that will bond them and create a new relationship moving forward.
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 probably tried to destroy him without burning the house down. I guess at first you never know just how evil something can be. I don't know if I would have keep putting it in a garbage can though. I would have ripped it to shreds or burned it as soon as I could.
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 expect this and it was a little strange. I don't normally read horror books and this is probably why. I don't know but I also have no idea how it reached that level of destruction that fast.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
No but I knew something had to have happened because there was too much left in the book.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
She seems to be the only sane one in the family. Both Louise and Mark are too close to make decisions. I have no idea but I hope they end up burning away all the evil.
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?
I think they were there as a sort of satire towards similar people like them. I also think they were the link to recognize Pupkin as Freddie's ghost.
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?
It was scary seeing how quickly Poppy's health was affected and I didn't like how nothing was done in the end to acknowledge her health. The horror was effective for sure and extremely creepy. I guess the creepiest was Pupkin in general.
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 didn't really find any humorous, except maybe Mark in some parts. Honestly, at that part I was just trying to get done the book as quick as possible.
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?
I guess I can understand to a certain degree. She grew up with puppets and to her they were living things with feelings. They literally attacked her and she felt bad for hurting them. I think Louise has some lingering mental health issues for sure. Hopefully, since they were hiding they won't come alive and start this whole thing all over again!
23. How do you feel about the ending?
Perfect ending for the story. I think it fit exactly what should happen.
Melissa BOM Participation PostDay 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
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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!
That they are weird. All the creepy dolls and puppets and the father with his weird papers he writes. To a point normal brother and sister rivalry which I have with my own brother who is a terminal asshole (lol). I think it will play a huge part in the story and the selling of the house and settling the estate.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
No, not really. I have low expectations for this book. I just read Horrorstor by him and it was ok but not great.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Very weird and very creepy. I would definitely not be excited to have them. They would be either sold as fast as I could or taken to the dump. Not a fan of 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?
Sort of when my grandmother died. My uncle is a terminal asshole and caused a scene about her belongings being divided up.
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 but maybe I should. No interaction with any group like that but I do have a friend who works for a puppet workshop making costumes for puppets.
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!
They seem very dysfunctional. There is definitely some history that led to them falling out which I think will be revisited. Hopefully as they deal with the aftermath of their parents death they will work through some of these issues.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
Only in as much as them working through their issues during the different stages of grief.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Definitely creepy, I wouldn’t want them.
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?
Unfortunately yes between myself and my brother, not quite to the same extent though.
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 wouldn’t have thought to google them, not something that would be prevalent in the UK
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!
Very dysfunctional and immature.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I'm listening to the audiobook - didn't realize this at all.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Very weird and creepy. I would absolutely not want this as an inheritance!
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.
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 didn't realize this was a real group - I've never heard of 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?
No, I wasn't expecting this. They each had their favorites.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Very creepy!
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 think Louise doesn't want to believe the house is haunted, and is in denial.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
The more I read/listen of them, the more I dislike them both.
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'm so confused. I don't know if things are really just creepy or if either or both of the kids are mentally ill.
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....
No, I still don't like either of the siblings.
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'm not sure I understand this question. I don't know if the house is really haunted or if either/both of the siblings are mentally ill.
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 have no idea. I am definitely not enjoying this book so far.
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!-
This is a broken family trying to do the best they can with their issues from growing up. I love the phrase Terminal Assholism in this and do plan to steal this every change I get. I found Louise and Mark's relationship very triggering for me. My brother is not as bad as Mark but it is what it is.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all? I hadn't realized that but it tells me that Louise is going to go through all the different stages realizing stuff on the way.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
No. No thank you. They are friggen creepy I am scared by them just when they mention them.
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 to the same extent but unfortunately yes
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 google them as I was curious. I am not sure what to make of it. I am sure not all the puppets are as weird as Louise's Mom's.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids? The parents should have decided to just split everything between the two, not matter their preferred child. I think each parent thought they were doing the best by their children but it shouldn't have happened that way.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective? Yes they freaked me out. At first I thought Louise was having a dream but she had scratches afterwards. I should not be reading this book at night.
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 think it is a very good idea to cleanse the house even if you don't believe in it, it couldn't hurt.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them? No Mark is still a Terminal Asshole and his mother let that happen. Even when Louise tries to be resonable, which I have experienced, Mark still falls back into jerk mode.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
No, I thought it would be split evenly or go all to Louise but then we wouldn't have had a story. No idea especially since they seemed to have loved them both evenly.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Definitely! Gross! The thought of taxidermy makes my skin crawl no matter what it is.
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?
Probably not at this point, I would be hoping that anything might help to get rid of the weirdness.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Mark seems like an entitled spoiled brat and Louise seems like an over achiever and always mad that her brother was never made to finish anything or be productive. He took advantage of their parents.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 15
6. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I was surprised by the unfairness of the wills. Louise did seem to come out worse
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
It certainly creeped me out
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?
If someone was offering a free service I would jump on it, whether I believed in it or not. After all 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?
At this point I favored Louise over Mark but I have read further into the book and my opinion has definitely changed
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 possible to remember something at that age but it's going to be very fuzzy and not detailed. Also, it's like a car accident everyone has their own interpretation of what happened
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 was surprised especially since it was added so late. Everyone has redeeming qualities and maybe this was his one time of using his redeeming quality with saving his sister which was shocking after the trauma 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?
I read Horrorstor and it was just as strange as this book is and not very enjoyable just like this one. No one idea what could be happening I'm sure it will be something creepy, kooky and unusual since this is supposed to be a horror story.
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?
No clue!
Something weird is going on with GR this morning so I apologize if I have three posts for these questions. Every time I hit post it does this crazy html message even though I refresh the page when I start the questions. DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-22
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 definitely think it is possible to remember something from that age. I think it would be fuzzy and not very detailed. Everyone always has their own version of a story especially one that is that 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 Pupkin after all....
It was weird have the second POV added this late in the book but I think it adds something. Everyone has a redeeming quality and this may of been the one time he used it by saving his sister.
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 could be anything. I read Horrorstor and didn't see what was going to happen in that one either. This is a horror story so the more horrific the better I guess.
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?
No clue!
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?
I think to give more background information and to highlight that the haunting began long before Mark and Louise 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?
I think the possession of Poppy by Pupkin and sawing Mark’s arm off.
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 think all the dry humor was done well. Highlighted that humour is essential to dealing with trauma
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 was a way of Louise putting the past behind her and moving forward
23. How do you feel about the ending?
It was very fitting.
Team R&BDQs Day 1: Ch 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!
It would absolutely be pivotal to the story, almost to the point that the entire story hinges on their history and relation with each other. The family as a whole seems like outright cuckoos! I almost want to smack both Louise and Mark and shake the elders so that atleast someone will read the room and take a stance - but I have to give to Grady Hendrix for making it really fun so far. "Terminal Assholism" is absolutely gold! Haha!
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I think that is a wonderful way of breaking up the story. Could it work without them and if told simply in a linear fashion? Most likely - but I would be curious to see how the author breaks it up within these 5 stages.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Dolls don't particularly freak me out (although the book might make me change my opinion! Haha!) - but I am personally not one to care about acquiring material possessions like these which have a diminishing value or impact as inheritance (not that I have ever received anything as inheritance! :P)
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 really. I don't think I have had an experience of anything like this - although, I have heard stories of some relative siblings having issues while the parents are alive.
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 it - although I am certainly not surprised that something like this exists. Many times people just need other people to feel like they are part of something and are not entirely alone - so organizations like these can be a safe space for people to find like-minded people.
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!
hints that we are going to see more and perhaps see things differently as we move beyond Louise' perspective, do expect the relationship to develop over the course of the book/ Intrigued to see how rest of extended family plays out too
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
seems a clever conceit, not impacting expectations
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
perfectly normal, not sure why everyone is so hung up on this 😁
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 not
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]
what?
had no idea
that's a new one on me
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
first big twist for me, really helping set the scene for conflict to come
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
not sure it really landed for me, seemed almost tame given the introduction of creepier puppets already
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?
think the entire extended family is potentially suspect, we jump very quickly from rational discussion to let's do an exorcism
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Mark seems like an entitled spoiled brat and Louise seems like an over achiever and always mad that her brother was never made to finish anything or be productive. He took advantage of their parents
starting to flesh them out a bit more here, but not really moving past or contradicting initial impressions, Mark must have some redeeming characteristics
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!
It's clear that this relationship will be the pivotal one especially since it's being set up as so deeply conflicted and full of misunderstandings. My first impression of Louise is exasperating and of Mark is yes, totally "Terminal..."
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I have to confess that I didn't notice that or if I was told I totally missed it. I'm kind of glad I did since that would have struck me as oddly foreshadowing the whole plot.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
I find the whole idea of these dolls and puppets to be totally creepy and nigh on to clinical for and adult to have their house jam packed with them. What an emotional mess of an inheritance.
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? Yes I've experienced one but it was within the family and deeply private. Also very soft spoken, but very harsh as well.
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 was familiar with the puppets as a church ministry, but it was big back in the 70's-90's in my area so I didn't have any interaction with it. If viewed as an outgrowth of the 70's overall exuberance it makes more sense. Think Godspell.
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 that surprised since I thought we needed something to keep the conflict moving forward.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
OK, I was totally surprised by how effective these squirrels were as scary awful ghosts.
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 would be firmly in the 'can't hurt might help' camp on this one.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
This was the point where I saw the author show that Mark wasn't a cartoon villain but an essential part of this dysfunctional family. It was also when I decided the book was worth finishing.
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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?
Answer: I figured that Pupkin had to be the center of all this, so being dead was too good to be true. It did feel like a bit of a stretch to have Mark have such full toddler memories and Louise such amazing powers of repression. But hey, this is a horror book with terroristic squirrels so I just went with it.
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....
Answer: I was delighted to get a more well rounded Mark since it opened up the whole plot and gave a chance for redemption for these two at some level.
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?
Answer: Well I thought I'd signed up for full blown horror with reality no barrier to anything. So nope, not looking for any family mental illness/trauma to explain anything other than the flavor of total craziness we got.
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
Answer: I'm totally expecting this house to burn to the ground, with all the puppets, dolls etc inside. But I also expect the siblings to come to a real understanding of each other. Or at least the beginning of one.
Team R&BDQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 15
6. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I actually was expecting something like this - the whole fact that the two siblings had such a rift between them had to somehow been triggered from the parents favoring one child over the other in some capacity. There feels like there is a lot of behind the scenes activities that have happened in the past and there is a significant impact of that on how both Louise and Mark are treated.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
It was squirmy to say the least. It took me a minute to visualize that but it wasn't quite as horrific as I was hoping for it to be. It certainly is a new twist to taxidermy (which I always found particularly weird).
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?
Yeah, that was rather dumb. I mean what is the logical reason to continue being in a place that is visibly scaring the living daylights out of you? I agree that believing that a house is haunted is not a commonplace conclusion, but you have help available - communicate, talk what you are experiencing out with family. But, then the book would end in 50 pages and the whole concept of people doing stupid things in horror films/books would not come to fruition. LOL! :P
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them
I don't think my opinion has particularly changed because there is always something more than what meets the eye - although, it was certainly interesting to see how they shaped to be the way they are.
Team R&BDQs Day 3; Chapters 16-22
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?
Mark may or may not remember it given his age, but Louise it feels like does not want to acknowledge what she remembers. The whole situation was baffling at the least and terrifying at worst - so it isn't particularly surprising that she has willingly cut off that part of her life/memory.
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 actually would have liked more of Mark's perspective. Having the whole story narrated by two voice would have definitely added a bit more intrigue to the whole thing. Having said that, it certainly give another dimension to Mark and showed us a side of him that was independent of his sister and family. The Mark that we learned about from Louise's perspective was definitely shot-changed than what he can potentially be.
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 did not quite go there. Also, that would have been a cop out of sorts for the author to resort to that. The horror is in the possible reality of it and I would certainly like for it to be that way. Puppets and dolls are so commonplace that knowing they could turn into such menacing monsters is the real USP of the 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?
Fire was my natural instinct as well - but just given the sheer amount of puppets in that house, one would literally have to burn the whole damn house down. That kind of goes away from the very basic premise of the book where the house is a character and the two main leads are fighting for it - so burning it down and no one getting anything is again another easier way out, which shouldn't happen. I do believe there will be a doll takeover but there is something untold in all of this so far, which is going to be the possible way out of this.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I expected the wills to make things complicated. It wouldn't make a good story if it wasn't complicated. I'm not sure why their parents were so unfair.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I thought she was going to wake up having dreamt it, but she didn't. It seemed to have really happened. I think it was effective.
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 think Louise just wants to be done with the house as soon as possible and an exorcism could take time.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Not really. It feels like Mark is hiding something. Maybe Louise has some suppressed memories too.
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?
not sure
potentially interesting characters but not really developed that well for me
felt like he lost interest and reverted to the previous storyline - not much gained - bit of a miss for me - also Mercy
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?
yes - the re-emergence of Pupkin and possession of Poppy was effective
visceral reaction to the eye-needle scene, and the arm cutting scene
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?
Mark felt like character given most humourous licence
e.g. “This is where we grew up. It’s not The Shining.” “It’s Shining-adjacent,” Mark said in the gloom.”
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?
made sense for me that she still wanted to preserve something pure and innocent from her childhood and make it part of her daughter's life
23. How do you feel about the ending?
did feel much of the story was written with TV or movie adaptation in mind, reinforced by the ending
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 suspected Louise had some supressed memories. I guess it is possible to remember something from when you were two years old, but unlikely, or at least not remember it 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....
I think Mark's POV helped with 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, 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 better not all be a dream. I'm going to keep an open mind for now.
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?
Again, I would like to keep an open mind for now. But fire does seem a logical way to go.
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!
This family feels so dysfunctional. So far I'm not a big fan of Louise or Mark. Mark feels obviously over the top obnoxious and at this point I'm waiting for him to be the next one to up and die.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
Not really. It's an interesting concept.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Yeah, no. This is definitely creepy and these are exactly the sort of dolls horror movies are made of.
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. My grandmother is really the only big loss I've had so far in my life thankfully and my family is really wonderful.
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]
That's interesting. I didn't realize they were a real organization.
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 expecting the Mom’s addition. Reminds me of when twins are born, and the oldest holds that minute and a half of age over the younger, but this time is death of parents, which is morbid, sorry. But we are also only getting Louise’s viewpoint up until now - portends more interesting revelations.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Imagining killer reanimated squirrels in your PJs is no fun - I think I need to have more context to be really creeped out though.
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?
Hell no - bring on the sage and incantations!
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Everyone probably seems reasonable when relating their own self-narrative, and we’ve really only seen things through Louise’s eyes. I think there will be more to learn as the lens shifts and others weigh in.
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?
Much needed comic relief, some pumpkin spice to sprinkle on Louise and Mark’s characters.
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?
Worrying about Poppy, especially after Louise broke her word and was an unreliable narrator from the start, was a constant while reading this. Adding the evil puppet to the mix was expected and uncomfortable.
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 liked the supporting characters, and about halfway through, decided to relax into the overripe camp of many of the scenes to enjoy the reading more.
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?
No part of that house or fillings would EVER get near anyone I cared about, lol.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
The ending was fine, kind of how I felt about the book overall, meh.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
As soon as there were two wills I knew it was setting up to be a battle. I wasn't surprised at all by the way the wills were designed. This family is super dysfunctional.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
It was definitely creepy. I kept waiting for her to mentally try to convince herself it was a dream since she'd been napping.
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?
Because this family, both Mark and Louise, are always going to make the obstinate choice. The constant stupid decisions followed be almost immediate flipping is kinda annoying actually.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Nope. Still not liking either of them much.
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?
Pretty sure this is supposed to be a case of her pretending to remember it a different way for her own sanity. Puppets can't be alive and she would never hurt her brother. So must be an accident and she's going to choose to remember it that way. But considering all of the mental flip flopping these characters do none of it makes sense. I mean if this is your childhood experience why are you even remotely questioning the puppets moving now. :-p
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 was a little surprised at how it switched and into a first person actual storytelling. It through me for a bit. And at first I was like ok, Mark does something good, but then he starts telling his story and I'm like...yet you still have all the issues with your sister and are a jerk. Oh wait you're even more of a jerk with what you did in college. And you rage at your sister for something she did as a young child, you were worse and old enough to know better.
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?
Pretty sure this is supposed to be evil puppets and that's what we're going to get. But all this past history makes it less creepy for me and more oh my god really? These people are this dumb and delusional. If this has been your reality you're entire life you don't sit there and deny it's existence completely.
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 I'm going to want to repeatedly smack my head on the desk with all the inane decision making and character choices. I may end up siding with evil Pupkin.
DQs Day 11.) 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 think Mark got away with being a terminal a-hole for a reason we don’t know yet. Something Louise hasn’t disclosed or doesn’t think important.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I hadn’t even noticed. It makes sense with the loss of parents, but also the home that’s held memories (both good and bad and repressed)
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Creepy AF. Chop them up. Poor chemicals on them. Lye. Fire. Axe.
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?
Yes, just this year when an uncle died. It wasn’t so much money but his belongings/collection for 70s/80s/90s/ Cincinnati Reds memorabilia that was worth more than his home.
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 assumed it was fake because puppets shouldn’t exist.
DQs Day 26.) Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I’m assuming it’s something to do with what’s haunting the home or people in it. I don’t think the home is haunted by Louise’s parents. They wouldn’t be malevolent spirits. Why no smudging?
7.) Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I wish it was more effective. Again, the squirrels should have been bleached, burnt, and chopped up in a mulcher. As bad a puppets.
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? She grew up with an aunt like this, so it shouldn’t have been so unbelievable that Aunt Gail cleanses spirits. Why not at least try when rational hasn’t worked.
9.) We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
It confirms opinions more than anything. It fills in a lot of the cracks in the narrative only Louise provides so far. Can’t wait to learn more about Mark’s side of the story.
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? I think it was just to cement the issue that they really didn't discuss anything about death in the family. 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? Yes I was very upset about Pupkin's use of Poppy. The horror was very effective right from the beginning of the book.
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? A few of the characters were funny but there was not much to laugh about in this book as there were in some of this other books
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? I was fine with that. I believe they protected Louise when she was younger and watched over her. They were clearly afraid of Pupkin and did not take part in the haunting.
23. How do you feel about the ending? I thought the ending was good. I'm glad Louise helped Freddie find the light and move on. I was also glad Louise and Mark kept a relationship alive after all of the terror
DQ Day310. 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?
She knew, just muffled it. Mark could have remembered what the adults had told him, just thinking he’s remembering it for himself. My earliest memory is from when I’d just turned 3 and held my sister in the hospital. I didn’t have a haunted puppet to tell me what I needed to remember either.
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....
Very surprised. Why not just make it third person POV and keep it cleaner? I’m glad we finally got his side of the story, but both sides are so skewed that it can be difficult to decipher which is more true than not.
12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, 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 affecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
Oh, I like the idea of a spore or fungus over taking a crawl space as the parents age and are unable to keep up with the maintenance. I think I’d rather have it be that than what the book will likely make it. More psychological than paranormal.
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?
Is the puppet alive or is it possessed by something that gives it life? Something demonic that could slip out of the doll and possess the actual wearer instead of something alive on their hand. I guess ‘life’ is an odd term for it. I still think there should be more chemicals involved in it’s demise. Maybe the whole property will have to be blown up –dolls included
Mod
Ch 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!
The family seems highly dysfunctional - they definitely aren’t close siblings and Louise is very black and white in how she is thinking about things.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
Given that we know that their parents have died, it doesn’t hugely change my thinking.
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Urgh, supercreepy. I would not be excited about it at all.
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?
Bereavements in mine and my husband’s family have been amicable so far so luckily haven’t had to deal with this so far. It’s such a raw time even when things go smoothly, so can understand how it might happen.
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, haven’t interacted with them. I have seen videos of lego figures/playmobil being used to tell bible stories.
Mod
6. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
Ooof that’s a kicker from the wills. I don’t know whether they wanted to force the kids to work together and get through some of their many many issues.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
OMG! What! Not a fan of the killer taxidermy. Taxidermy is freaky enough without this twist.
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?
At this point, I’d take any help I could get!
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Louise is v black and white and not very tolerant from this.
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?
To give some hope earlier on and to give a possible solution. Shame it didn’t work out.
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?
Urgh that puppet! He freaked me out and I think the part where he reappeared with Poppy was the worst.
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?
Horror is not my cup of tea so I missed the humour in this.
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?
They rescued her in the end and might be more normal now pupkin is gone.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
Freddie finding peace and not trying to repeat old cycles from life again is definitely a good development.
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!
Sibling rivalry is definitely going to be a theme. It doesn't seem like they've ever understood each other, so they will probably have a 'journey' to a better relationship. Probably. If they both survive.
2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
I hadn't noticed, so no.
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 thrilled.
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, and I hope never to do so.
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 go a-googling, but I'm not surprised it's a real thing.
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?
Answer: I don't understand how Mark could possibly remember something from when he was just two years old but I am leaning more towards his version of events still. Pupkin is creepy and no attempt at getting rid of it works. Louise doesn't remember things happening that way because she possibly did not want to face or answer how Pupkin came to be back in her room when she had dug the grave and buried it herself.
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....
Answer: I am definitely softening up for him and his POV helped a lot in casting him in a different light than I had initially put him in. He has gone through his own hell and that is bound to change a person a lot. He still cares for the family though as is clearly evident.
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?
Answer: Honestly, at this point I would actually be really impressed if the author manages to come up with a simple believable explanation for it all because I usually don't like or belive in paranormal stuff and hauntings. I am curious to see if it is actually Pupkin terrorising the house, how or why it came to be about
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
Answer: If the puppet is indeed evil (though I am really skeptical about it), judging by how Louise and Mark have been show so far, I do not believe they have it in them to destroy their family home. I believe they will let it be and continue to move on with their life. One alternate theory is Mark did not survive when he fell into the pond and it is all in Louise's head - her way of dealing with trauma- this is pretty far fetched though with Mark's story of what happened in Boston and all.