Ms. Poe Recap
First of all, I had left you off when I had just started “Mrs. Poe” by Lynn Cullen.
This book left me feeling incredibly underwhelmed. It started off with so much potential, and ultimately, fell flat in the last two chapters. The build up to the climax was compelling, but the climax itself was too sudden and abrupt… and in my opinion, not very plausible. Suddenly the story was over, with just a short chapter of resolution which left me mostly confused and unsatisfied. While it certainly is a good story for the most part, I felt that the author wasn’t sure how to wrap up the story, or simply tried to hard to make the ending have the eerie opulence reminiscent of Edgar A. Poe, and didn’t quite pull it off.
The Main Event: Zombies!
First of all, I have to start with a bit of an aside. I am fascinated by zombies. From zombie stories, zombie movies, zombie costumes and makeup, all of it! Whether it is just because I love the conundrum of surviving a post apocalyptic world (The Stand by Stephen King was one of my early favorites) or just being able to get into discussions about the most likely cause of zombies to the best tactical field weapons in zombie warfare… I just love it all. And yes, I DID enjoy The Walking Dead. But somewhere around terminus… I just lost my taste for it. I have not finished Season 5 just yet… and I will. Eventually. I just need some time to have that desire again. The downsides of binge watching Netflix, I guess.
Now for the featured story and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ… The Girl With All the Gifts. This book was given to me by a fellow writer and Podcaster Sarah, Author of the Write Now Podcast, after I had written my post on reading as self-care. I admit… I was a couple of episodes behind on her podcast, so it was a small delight (and not a really a surprise) that I came across this novel as a featured book when catching up on the last few episodes today. I am going to have to check out the other titles she recommends as well. I need a new book!
The Girl With All the Gifts
M.R. Carey
This post apocalyptic novel is soooo amazing, and I almost want to hold off on saying too much in fear of spoiling it for you!
It starts in a very sterile facility narrated by a young girl. It may take you a while to become acclimated to her environment, but the story is told in a way that helps you slowly put her world together without the author deliberately telling you. Throughout the entire tale of survival in a post apocalyptic world, the girl’s story of self discovery becomes yours as you grow along with the tale. Extremely heartfelt, and as quoted by Joss Whedon, “very human.”
The best part… I didn’t see the end coming until it hit me, and not in the same way as Mrs. Poe did. M.R. Carey sneaks up on you and bowls you over the head with it, leaving you with a “book hangover” and craving more.
Hi! I'm Alyce. 
