Security by Gina Wohlsdorf- This book was simply awesome. Suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Seriously this book was so surprising and totally different from anything that I have read before. It can be a pretty graphic at times so if you are particularly squeamish when it comes to murder you might give this one a pass. However if , like myself, you are intrigued by murder mysteries and a sometimes slasher-esque feel then you will really enjoy this book. I would love to write more about it but I don't want to give any spoilers!
The Graveyard Apartment by Mariko Koike- I really wanted to like this one but honestly I just never got into it. The suspense was okay but I felt like it just kept dragging on and on and found myself putting it down a lot. That is never a good sign and it is worse when the book is supposed to be a horror book. Something might have been lost in translation with this one but for me it just was a no go.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate- I have loved Applegate's work since I was a kid and I was really excited when I saw she had some new books out while I was browsing at Target. I immediately put two of them on hold and this was the first of the two that came in. I really liked this story and it deals with some tough subject matter for kids. Now I find kid narrators can be a little irritating but this book is very fast paced and I never got bored or tired of the narrator. I love the whimsical style that this book has and I even found myself crying at the end. If you are into Juvenile Fiction or if you have kiddos that are that age this is a great read!
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate- I am so glad that I got this one AFTER Crenshaw. Not because it was bad,actually just the opposite. I feel like I would have liked Crenshaw less after reading this one but only because this one was BRILLIANT. This book made me laugh out loud, cry, and feel ALL THE FEELS. The narrator is a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall that doubles as a circus. Ivan is one of the most wonderful narrators that I have ever read. Actually I listened to this one an audio book and then immediately bought it on Audible so I could have it to listen to again and again. I can't wait for Kyra to be old enough to listen along with me some day. Yes this book is that good. I would recommend it to everyone but again if you like juvenile fiction or have kids...this book is a MUST.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman - Another horror novel and it was GOOD. This book did a great job of making me feel uncomfortable and worried pretty much the entire time. At times it felt like watching an episode of the Walking Dead (no there are no zombies so don't let that put you off) because I just felt so helpless and I really wanted to help the characters. I was so nervous the entire time that I couldn't put the book down, a really great read and a pleasant surprise since I was not sure going in what to expect at all! I recommend for anyone that loves a good horror/ghost story!
Be sure to share your reads in the linkup!
I really enjoyed Security too. The style is really different and threw me for a loop for a minute. Definitely a slasher book but to my surprise, I kind of like them, much more than I do slasher films! Bird Box is on my list and I was curious about The Apartment. It's on my TBR but like you, I like my horror stories to be, well, scary. :D
ReplyDeleteOooh. Bird Box. Yes! A friend of mine recommended that to me awhile back saying that she knew it wasn't my typical read but thought I'd enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteOops. I hit "publish" too soon. Anyway...thanks for the reminder of that one because I'm looking for a book to fit the category "not my usual genre", and I don't really read "ghost" stories often. Perfect fit!
Deletei totally felt nervous the entire time i was reading bird box, and then i'd put it down and it kept playing in my head. it did feel pretty walking dead-esque, you're right. i'm glad there were no zombies. haha. i might have to add both katherine applegate books to my list.
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while I'm in the mood for something kind of scary, and this is the second time I've heard someone talk about really liking Bird Box, so I'm even more intrigued now!
ReplyDeleteI loved Bird Box. So freaking weird.
ReplyDeleteSecurity sounds good!
I've had Bird Box on my list for a while, so I think that it needs to be moved up on my list! Security also sounds like a great thriller to read, which I love, so I'll definitely have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteBird Box has been on my list FOREVER. I think I'll move it up once my library diet is over.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed "Ivan" as well along with my then 4th grader. I'm earmarking Crenshaw for a future read. Your review sold me!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've read books that weren't about humans so those to Crenshaw books would be a nice mix up.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like suspense, when I see the word "horror" used to describe a book, I tend to stay away! LOL!! I've seen Crenshaw and The One and Only Ivan on lots of middle grade fiction lists. I might have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteOoh, Security and Bird Box both sound super good to me!
ReplyDeleteI love it when books get me on the edge of my seat/feeling uncomfortable. Those are certainly marks for a good read to me!
ReplyDeleteBoth of those Katherine Applegate books sound amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved Bird Box!
ReplyDeleteI put both Applegate books on the kids to read list I started on Goodreads, they both sound really good!
ReplyDeleteOoh, Security and Bird Box sound like my kinda books! Definitely putting those on my list!
ReplyDelete