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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)
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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?
Maybe the author needed some more 'Southern'. I don't know. They may not have helped get rid of Pupkin but they did help send Louise and Mark in the right direction.
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 relaxed slightly once we knew about Pupkin and the mystery of what was doing the haunting was solved - the unknown is much creepier. I did not enjoy the level of violence and yes, what poor Poppy went through was very disturbing.
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?
It didn't feel humourous to me. I'll read Terry Pratchett for that.
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?
That was ok, I think it was Louise trying to find a way to help Poppy heal and the connection with her childhood was comforting for her daughter.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
I'm glad (view spoiler).
DQs Day 1: Chapters 1 - 71. 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 feel that the relationship between the family members is going to be a large part of the plot and that we are being told that this is a dysfunctional family with a lot of secrets not just from the world but from each other as well. My guess is that we are going to learn why they became what they did.
I agree… “Terminal Assholism” is an awesome phrase, one I see myself utilising a lot from henceforth.
2. The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
To be honest, initially, I didn’t notice this but once I did, things made a lot more sense. I think the chapter headings act as route markers that have us aware to a certain limit of where the author is taking us.
3. Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Now I love dolls of every kind but even I would have been completely creeped out getting ones like them. I would so not want to have anything to do with them let alone having them be bequeathed to me.
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 have never seen a fight quite like that but I have noticed that a death in a family, particularly a large family and even more so one with pre-existing issues will have all these problems rising to the surface and many petty squabbles starting 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 had never heard of this organisation so I did have to do a bit of research and found it interesting to read about them. I wasn’t surprised at all to see puppets being used as there are many cultures around the world that used puppets and dolls as methods to pass on stories of religion and culture from generation to generation.
DQs Day 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
There was just something in the way the relationships between the parents and the two children was described that had me expecting something odd to happen so I wasn’t entirely surprised by the wills. I think it reflects what each of the parents thought of the two kids.
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Yikes indeed! I don’t think I would have been as (relatively) calm as Louise in dealing with them. This was a scary but effective way to show the readers what to expect going forward.
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?
Somehow I got the feeling that it was more that Louise didn’t want her aunt to get to know some of the things that had been shoved deep down and hidden both figuratively and literally. In Louise’s shoes, I might also want to maintain control of what was going on and would be worried about what somebody else would learn just by being there.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
I think the author has done an excellent job of making us create these images of Mark and Louise in our minds and just as we think we have got them pegged, he does an about turn and makes us rethink all our previous notions. I quite enjoyed the fact that throughout the book we are being shown how much damage preconceived ideas can cause.
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 was expecting something like this but was still shocked when I did reach this part. Learning about what happened to Louise and Mark as kids helped make so much more sense with the way the two behaved around each other as well as why their parents did and said some of the things they did. I think the trauma of the event made Louise suppress all knowledge of it as a coping mechanism. As for remembering things at that age, I think it is very possible and depends on the individual.
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 the second POV was at the perfect timing, just when we think we know everything, we get yet another reminder that maybe things aren’t as they seem. I had a feeling all along that we weren’t getting all the information about Mark and this part really helped learn us more about him and his life-path.
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 initially think that the ending would be something like us discovering that it had all been the imaginings of one or both of the characters. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be anything like that mainly because I was convinced Pupkin was not a figment of anybody’s imagination.
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?
At this point I think anything can happen. I am expecting a big showdown and am curious to see what the dolls and puppets do at that time.
DQs Day 4: Chapters 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 think each finally became aware of what the other had gone through in their lives and therefore were in a better position to understand why each did and said the things they did. I had a feeling that this common experience was going to create an unbreakable bond between them that should and would have been there if those events hadn’t occurred.
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 it makes sense that they would want to attack the root of the problems. The fact that Pupkin was locked away didn’t lessen his ability to create chaos so I don’t think burning the house would have served any purpose at all. Once I had identified Pupkin as the culprit behind all the crazy happenings, I think I would also have planned on stopping 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?
That was SCARY! I had to stop reading this part in the night and wait until the middle of the next day to continue. I was expecting a good amount of blood and gore but it still had me scared silly when it did happen. I don’t think I would have been able to do any of the things Louise and Mark did.
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
I was stunned and horrified at this part. Poppy’s father turned out to be a right idjit and reading what he did and said made me very happy Louise was no longer with him.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
When she first came into the story, I had a feeling she would play a bigger part at a later time.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O
I have never quite liked hand puppets. I think it is because I always associate them with Punch and Judy shows and have always preferred the tradition string puppets. I am never going to forget this book though and will not be able to look at puppets the same way ever again.
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 to show us a different perspective as well as to have Louise and Mark get more information about their family history, things that their parents had kept from them. I would like to think it was also a way to have Louise and Mark realise they weren’t as alone as they thought and that they did have people rooting for them.
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 felt so bad for Poppy, that was a horrible experience to go through. There were lots of parts in the book that scared me but I think the parts that creeped me out the most were the needle in the eye, Louise being manipulated as a child, and Poppy going through the same experience.
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 a welcome relief as I could picture it and it brought much needed levity to the story. There were lots of little funny bits sprinkled throughout the book and I think that it shows that the author knows when a break is required in the stream of horror.
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?
Initially, I was very worried until I remembered the bit when she sees them hiding under her bed and realised that it must have taken great effort on their part not to be swept up by Pupkin’s control. I think it showed very clearly the love they had for her and I would want to protect them and have them build an equally loving relationship with my daughter.
23. How do you feel about the ending?
After everything that led up to it, it was pretty meh! But then I can’t think of any other way it could have gone except maybe have something happen that would leave an opening for future sequels to the book which is a technique I am to a large extent glad wasn’t used.
Participation Post: Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
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!
Given the title and genre (and the description) and the little eerie things that have happened so far, I'm guessing Louise and Mark's relationship is going to be VERY important. I'm guessing somehow nothing will go right with the house until they learn to get along.
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 really thought about it, but I think so! If I'm remembering correctly, the final stage of grief is acceptance . . . so that really plays into my previous theory about them learning to get along (and accepting the situation and each other)
3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Wait . . . life size?!!!! I must not have been paying enough attention. I was picturing little dolls in my head. NOPE. Nope nope nope. I've seen too many possessed doll horror movies haha.
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, but I think my mom might go through something similar soon with her siblings since her stepdad passed away about a month ago (and my grandma passed several years ago). I really hope she doesn't have to, but my mom paid for the funeral and I know it's a concern, since the life insurance money will be split between her and three of her siblings, whether they'll actually pay her back for that.
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, but honestly, I bet that is an effective way to actually interact with the kids.
DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 156. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
I’m sure there is a plan, but I have no idea what it is yet!
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
I was definitely sufficiently creeped out!! It’s one thing when it’s things moving around when you don’t see them move or loud noises, but seeing it?! Nope nope nope.
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 am terrified of that kind of stuff, so I’m with Mark and the cousin on this one! I would not be anywhere near while it happened though.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
I read a little ahead on accident while making dinner — I don’t think as if the end of chapter 15 I had much of a difference of opinion. I actually was kind of marveling at how childish they were acting. They sweet acting like teenagers. I can only 32, yet Louise is supposed to be 39 and acts like that? I’m guessing since the last time they really had a relationship was when they were young maybe they resort back to it, but I was just like yeeesh these two are unbearable!
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 imagine she is probably blocking it out. I sure would be! I personally don’t really have any solid memories before elementary age, but I’d imagine that something so traumatic could be possible — especially the way it was described as something he didn’t remember till in a similar situation. A lot of the early memories I have are anxiety-related so it wouldn’t surprise me!
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....
Him saving Louise did — but his POV isn’t doing him any favors in my mind. I kinda wish he had just told Louise a king story short version instead of the POV switch.
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 would be quite a trip, if it was mold all along! I kind of like that theory though. I like the idea of it not really happening, but specially when they brought animals into the mix. That is one thing I cannotttt do even mentioned as quickly as it is in 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?
I honestly have no clue! I am definitely wondering how Louise’s other animals/dolls who turned their back on her as a kid will come back into the mix. Those ones seemed not evil and more in line with how the Velveteen Rabbit was supposed to be (from my understanding — I’ve never actually read it.)
Random side note — my cousins and I actually have a doll from my grandma’s house that we prank each other with. We sneak it into each others’ houses. My sister came to visit me and left it sitting on the back of the toilet in my guest bathroom when she left. I buckled it into the front seat of my cousin’s car at a get together once. Let’s just say I am not looking forward to the next time that doll makes it back to me after this!!!!
Preeti wrote: "Learning about what happened to Louise and Mark as kids helped make so much more sense with the way the two behaved around each other as well as why their parents did and said some of the things they did. "I thought this too! As soon as we heard what happened at the lake at Christmas I was like oh that's why Mom left everything to Mark. Maybe she's still holding onto some thoughts that Louise did try to hurt him.
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 feel like that kind of trauma bond would stick you together, but in what way I don't know. Sometimes people trauma bonded like that in stories stay away from each other after it because that person is a reminder of the trauma.
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?
Honestly, I'd leave and never return LOL. but not sell the house either because I'm not trying to saddle anyone else with it. Just cut my losses.
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 book is one that really affects the psyche, huh? I was reading before bed and was very surprised I didn't have nightmares. That battle was intense. I hope Mark eventually forgives Louise for the arm thing. It reminded me of Grey's Anatomy, when (view spoiler)
17. Did you expect Pupkin to show back up like he did?
I had originally wondered when the Depression section started if it was going to be over then because we are moving into a different phase with Mark, but as soon as Louise was going home with so much book remaining, I knew Pupkin would be there waiting for her. Didn't expect Poppy and her other grandma to have made him though! I thought he'd just randomly appear somehow haha.
18. What did you think of Gail? If you haven't finished already, what do you think will happen?
I have not finished, but this family deserves a rest, so I hope it goes OK, though I'm not sure everyone else will make it out.
Bonus: Are you systematically removing all puppets from your house now? If so, don't worry - they'll be back =O I do not have dolls for this exact reason, aside from the one my cousins and I pass back and forth. Though I am getting nervous about my stuffed Grogu in the closet . . . LOL
6. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
That was unexpected, yes. I don't know if it was favouritism, or just trying to force them to talk to each other. Did the parents know about all the creepy stuff - implied by the boarded up attic - is this all some master plan?
7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Oh yes. I've stopped reading until daylight comes back tomorrow. ;)
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?
Doesn't she know she's in a horror novel? Tsk tsk. I'd be calling in all family help there was.
9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?