Book Summary from Amazon - Published Aug 2002
My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."
So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on eath continue without her - her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling.
Out of unspeakable traged and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.
My Review 4 Great to the last Drop
I have 2 words that I think describe this book perfectly, Sweet and Memorable.
Juju, recommended I read a book about Grief to see if it helps with my reading slump due to personal life which included grieving. Well, Lovely Bones was perfect, couldn't come at a better time. I have had this on my Wishlist to read for 3 years now, timing is everything. (Thanks Juju)
Susie was such a sweet character, she is telling the story and so we see what is important to her and what she thinks as a child. I enjoyed reading the journey of her in Heaven and the transition. I thought it was sweet that she watched over her loved ones. It was creepy but in a special way. I found it suspenseful to see her response to the man that murdered her and not knowing the outcome, will he get charged, found, killed, what will happen. Finding out that he was a serial killer was the scary thought, when in such a small community.
When someone dies, it affects everyone and when someone is murdered it involves even more. I really enjoyed how the consequences of Susie's death was portrayed. Will time and being busy with other things really help with moving on? Grief really affects everyone differently, this came across in a genuine, emotional, direct way. Susie's mom, father, siblings, friends and neighbours, all done so well.
Susie's father was my favourite character, intuition, he knew who killed his daughter but without proof what can he do but make himself look foolish and crazy which in the end the police and his wife thought he was. How frustrating for him and the reader but we see Susie taking it in stride, patiently waiting.
The 2 issues I had with the book. What happened to the Murderer and the paranormal scene with Susie's boyfriend. Both were not break it or make it concerns but I could have done without them.
The title The Lovely Bones, how it came together in the end, beautiful, the foundation of family and love.
Lovely Quotes
Heaven wasn't perfect. But I came to believe that if I watched closely, and desired, I might change the lives of those I loved on Earth. 5% on Kindle
When Lindsey and I played Barbies, Barbie and Ken got married at sixteen. To us there was only one true love in everyone's life; we had no concept of compromise, or retrys. 20% on Kindle
No one could have predicted how my loss would change small moments on Earth. But I held on to those moments, hoarded them. None of them were lost as long as I was there watching. 69% on Kindle
Have any of you read one of her other books, would you recommend it?
It sounds like this was the perfect book for you right now. I read it years ago and really liked it too. I haven't read any of her other books.
ReplyDeleteI haven't I'm anxious to see if others have and what they've thought : )
ReplyDeletePaula
The Lovely Bones is amazing. I'm so glad you liked it and I hope it's helped bring you out of your slump.
ReplyDeleteI read The Almost Moon in December 2009 (I have a review on my blog). I really enjoyed it. It doesn't have the same pull that The Lovely Bones does, but I still liked it. I've heard that not everyone does. I haven't read Lucky. I know what it's about and I hear it's great.
I wish Alice Sebold would write more!
I have read this. Can't stand it coz its just too sad. Nearly sent me into depression. But this also means she is a very good author. I have Almost Moon and yet dare not read.
ReplyDeleteI read this one awhile back and enjoyed it as well. I didn't think that the movie was as good but my DH liked it. I'm glad that you were able to find a book to take you out of your reading slump!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this book when I read it years ago. Unfortunately the movie couldn't quite capture the magic.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Lovely Bones. I never saw the movie though because people who have read the book said the movie wasn't very good. And I'd rather not have the book be ruined.
ReplyDelete