The Lovely Bones

The Almost Moon
$14.99
I had thoroughly enjoyed The Lovely Bones and looked forward to reading Siebold's next novel. Almost Moon was not just a disappointment, it was a monstrous mistake. Let me say at the outset that I could not finish it, and that doesn't happen often to this bibliophile. This is the second book in my life that I actually threw in the trash for fear someone would see it my library and pick it up.

The Lovely Bones
$16.50
In The Lovely Bones, Susie Salmon narrates her story from heaven. In 1973, at age fourteen, she was murdered by a neighbor. Susie talks about how it happened and how her family copes with her death. Her spirit stays around her family, friends and even her murderer. She watches as her loved ones deal with her death. She also follows her murderer as he disposes of her body and continues living his life.

I got my copy of The Lovely Bones last year for 25 cents at a library sale that I stumbled upon. Isn't that the way it always is? You find an amazing book when you least expect it. This was an emotional, heartwrenching read. I emersed myself into this book, I could not put it down. I even got teary eyed during certain parts, which is not something I tend to do while reading a book.

The storyline was moving and the characters were really well written. I liked the relationship between Susie and her older sister Lindsey, even after death the two sisters are entwined. I also liked Susie's view of her heaven and the way she describes it. She always lingers around her loved ones, never wanting to let them go. I found Susie and her fathers relationship to be very moving. The way her father feels guilt over her death and how he really never gets over it. Some of the passages describing thier relationship were among the most emotional in the book. Especially years after her death when he finally comes to terms with her never coming back home.

Lucky: A Memoir
$12.99
It was very good, although a little too graphic in details for it to be an appropriate read for teenagers. It was a good conversation starter. My husband read it, too.

The Lovely Bones: A Novel
$21.95
This book arrived with the jacket torn, writing and stickers on it and dog-earred. I was expecting it to come as described in 'good' condition. This was not so.