zombie lit done right

Sunday, September 6, 2009 |

It’s still Zombie Appreciation Week, and I have this one last zombie post before I pack it in and head back to less dead/decayed/weird parts. A couple of days ago, my youngest brother Joey did a terrific little review of Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, and was gratified by the enthusiastic response (and inspired to read more zombie lit). So tonight I present to you Generation Dead, with reviews by yours truly and exceptionally awesome guest reviewer/brother Joey.


Phoebe Kendall is just your typical Goth girl with a crush. He's strong and silent...and dead.

All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn't want them.

The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the "differently biotic." But the students don't want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn't breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the "living impaired" from the people who want them to disappear--for good.

When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy?


What I liked: good characterization. These were believable high school students, and the voices of the male characters rang especially true. The plot: it was complex and offered moments of both action and introspection. The pacing was great, and the book kept my attention throughout, with believable (yet unexpected) twists and a unique storyline. The zombies: they functioned as a metaphor for all minorities, and their situation brought to light societal issues and community problems.


What I didn’t like: (picky me!) I’m over the high school love triangle thing. This was different (dead boy doesn’t really sound like it could work in the long term, does it?), but still – I’m craving a two-person relationship story. Maybe I’ll get my wish soon?


Joey’s take


The book was a good read overall. Considering my first impression of the book (from glancing at the front cover), I was amazed at the depth of the plot and the characters. The book had a logical and thorough progression, all while remaining completely plausible. I enjoyed reading the book and consider it a good use of time. I would not necessarily recommend it to other boys/men my age, but believe that it was entertaining and captivating.


So there you have it – two thumbs up (from two different people, no less!). I’d definitely recommend this as quality YA zombie fiction.

6 comments:

The Book Chick said...

Great review, Joey and Celia! I'm not sure if I would read this myself (I'm not really into the zombie thing) but my son may be interested in stuff like this soon :)

Faye( Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm) said...

Great review! I'm getting this book 2morrow. I like this challenge.I might sign up :P

A Buckeye Girl Reads said...

It looks like a cute read-especially for zombie week!

Ryan said...

Great tag-team review. Probably not going to read the book but the review came darn close to having me consider it.

Celia, stop by my blog I have an award for you!

http://wordsmithonia.blogspot.com/2009/09/superior-scribbler-award.html

Ginny Larsen said...

nice reviews... you guys are good. and you're okay as siblings too - ha!

vvb32 reads said...

liked hearing from both of you on this one.

BTW: you've just been awarded...
http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2009/09/zombie-chicken-award.html

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