Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Heart-Shaped Box
Book Review: Disappointing
Summary: 3 Stars
I was really disappointed in this book. I had 5 or 6 friends rave, rave, rave about this book. How spooky it was and how they couldn't put it down. I read it and kept waiting for the spooky to hit. Parts were somewhat spooky, but all kept thinking was, "This author is really trying hard to be like Stephen King it seems." Then I come to find out he's Stephen King's son! Which explains how he got his publishing deal. There were a lot of debut novel "mistakes" that would've been the kiss of death for other authors looking for a publishing deal. And I mean the amount of set up just to get to the beginning. He should've jumped right in to him getting the suit in the heart-shaped box. And then parts were overwritten and dragged out...just didn't do it for me.
But I'm clearly in the minority. Most people seemed to love this book. Wishing desperately I'd seen whatever they had in it. Maybe his next books will grip me more.
Book Review: Entertaining
Summary: 4 Stars
I haven't read a horror story in many years, and only read this one because it was chosen by my book club. It was entertaining, the story kept my interest, and I was eager to keep reading. After about a third of the way through the book, I couldn't imagine that there was enough to write about to keep the story interesting for the remaining two-thirds. However, the author told a creative and engaging story, and one where you really get to know the characters, and care about them, in spite of their faults. For the most part, the story was an "edge of your seat thriller," but there were times when it was well beyond believable. However, in spite of the occasional truly outrageous moments, it was interesting and engaging.Book Review: Epitome of the modern ghost story.
Summary: 4 Stars
I first want to say that this book was amazing. I hadn't read anything by Joe Hill until I found this book when I was looking for something Stephen Kingesque to read. I loved this book from the very beginning and I was taken with how seamlessly the story progression flowed. For someone who usually doesn't like "ghost" stories, I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to read a chillingly real ghost story.Book Review: Excellent read
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book. Joe is going to make his old man proud if he can put out writing of this quality. I got stuck in the airport recently and picked this up at one of the little stands. I finished it in the airport still waiting for my flight. Lets hope that Joe is getting something new together as soon as he can. Definately a must-read for ghost story or Stephen King or Joe Hill fans.Book Review: Extraordinary first novel.
Summary: 4 Stars
I must admit I only picked up this book because I'd read that Joe Hill is Stephen King's son, and I'm a long-time King fan. Perhaps that wasn't fair to Hill, so I'll avoid comparisons with his father's work.
Hill has written a dark tale about an aging rocker, Jude, and his girlfriend, Georgia, who are pursued by a ghost seeking revenge. This sounds like pretty standard horror-genre fare, but Hill avoids the usual cliches in both plot and prose. His characters are complex and interesting, his dialogue natural yet compelling, and the pacing is just about perfect. His flashbacks provide necessary background without being intrusive or taking over the story. His use of language is impressive; it's easy to read, yet bold, subtle and textured, with none of the awkwardness you often see in a new writer's work. In fact, it's hard to believe this is Hill's first novel, his writing is so confident, yet so well-crafted.
I read this novel because it was written by Stephen King's son. I'll read his next novel because it's written by Joe Hill.