Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Heart-Shaped Box
Book Review: Corny but immersive
Summary: 3 Stars
Heart-Shaped Box is author Joe Hill's ghost story. While you might be thinking of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, its really about a ex death-metal rock star named Judas Coyne, who buys a killer evil ghost from Ebay. That's right, from Ebay. You see, Jude likes to collect obscure things that have to do with death (like skulls and such). So, one day his manager tells him about a Suit on sale that contains the essence of a ghost that he could add to his collection. Next thing you know Judas life turns into a nightmare as the ghost is out to get him.
While the idea of some one buying a ghost on Ebay does sound corny, you will find out that there was a point of it being sold. The story actually does a pretty good job with characterization, and you do get a sense of understanding and sympathy towards the characters. I felt that some of Judas' background stories of his father and child hood were thrown in just to try to add some sympathy points, and that most of the issues with his dad were stereotypical. Joe Hill also did a good job with explaining his Judas surroundings in good detail. Statements such as "He slid out of bed. The damp and the cold took him by surprise" add an immersive feeling to the story.
Heart-Shaped Box was an enjoyable read, but nothing special. Don't expect anything more then an generic horror movie of a thriller.
Book Review: Could Not Finish Reading
Summary: 1 Stars
Whew, I finally quit trying to make myself read faster & just gave up on this book. Rarely do I pick a book that I just can't finish, but this one just didn't work for me. 150 pages into it & it was just painful to keep trying. The premise sounded interesting & it was a good beginning, but then it became monotonous.Book Review: Creepy Beginning, Slow Ending
Summary: 3 Stars
I expected a lot from this novel - not only because the author is Stephen King's son, but it received many 5-star reviews and generally positive reception from the critics.
This book started out as a very promising horror story; but after the first 150 pages, the plot slowed down and it did not captivate me as much compared to the beginning. The beginning was truly creepy (the first appearance of the old man's ghost, Danny's call, and all the weird events happening in the house), and I thought Hill's writing was flawless in describing all the chilling details. But as the story progressed, the plot got a little far-fetched and dragged out, and the old man's motive for killing the main characters, Jude and Georgia, became more and more unconvincing and vague (maybe it's just me, but I thought the motive in the beginning made a lot more sense). Also, the relationship between Jude and Georgia got a little dull and generic compared to the beginning (when they still have some personalities). The timing of the book was also very weird; it felt like the author omitted time when Jude and Georgia were on the road... it was like as if the characters were jumping places to places (this novel isn't the Dark Tower series... when time didn't matter). I was also disappointed by the ending because it didn't fit in with the horror theme and felt a little forced.
I would give this book 5 stars for the first 150 pages because it was really freaky to read, but overall an average rating because of the dragged out plot and anticlimactic progression of the book.
Book Review: DON'T LOOK FOR PATRICK SWAYZE HERE
Summary: 4 Stars
Well, I really enjoy HARLEN COBEN and SCOTT SMITH and they recommend the book, so what can I say but read this ghost story. It gets a little carried away in places, a little too much, but over all it is a fast paced action ghost yarn. A scary one.
Jude Coyne, an older respected rock star collects macabre things. He buys a ghost on line and gets way more than he bargained for with this purchase. Joe Hill does a good job with this book letting you get into the character's personalities, even ghosts.
I recommend this book.
Book Review: Didn't live up to the hype...
Summary: 2 Stars
Maybe I'm disappointed because of the 4/5 star rating. Or maybe because I put faith in the review by Harlan Coben. Or maybe it's both of those added to the fact that I was REALLY looking forward to a unique story that was genuinely scary - and this book was not, I am sorry to report. I guess I'm really surprised to not like the book after reading all of the rave reviews. In my opinion the story was not very original, the ghost not really scary, and the characters not intriguing. I can't say that I would recommend this to fans of the genre.