Book 24 of 2023
Summary
Patricia Campbell could be any one of us. With her endless list of tasks and responsibilities she still makes time for book club just to have a moment alone to just exist without all the labels of wife, mother, and daughter-in-law. That shared desire becomes the catalyst for the creation of the “not a book club” where they are fascinated and gripped by books on murder to break up the monotony of their too safe community. Like any great story a stranger enters their midst and not all is what it seems. The “not a book club” comprised of Patricia, Grace, Slick, Kitty, and Mary Ellen become the unlikely heroes as they are not the heroes we wanted but the ones we needed. Patricia reminds us that we are all so much more than we think we are and we are more powerful than the fears and obligations that hold us in place.
Thoughts and Review
This was a wonderful story of how just an ordinary person could be a hero. How a woman could become more than just a mother and house wife. The funny truth of it is… a woman is always more than that. This book is a wonderful creation and reminder of just that. This is a different take on a vampire story that brings the vampire slayer in a completely different light. The stereotypical heroes will not be found here as there is a desire for the ordinary to be extraordinary. But that is the thought itself is that the ordinary can be extraordinary.
I loved each member of the book club for a different reason. I was surprised by this book for more than a few reasons. I could not put this book down and couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. The author masterfully wrote in and overcame the moments of lull until the crescendo arrives with a flourish. Finding my heart beating quickly with Patricia’s at a moment where discovery was possible is a sign of a great author to me. To create such a story that investment in it was easily made on behalf of the reader is a great accomplishment. The author peaks the curiosity of the imagination to create a fantastical story that just wonderfully blends in with life itself.
However, I was disappointed that there was the need for the violent attack near the end when it was quite clear it could have been handled in a different way. There just seemed to be a trend of horrific violence against females and the black characters. Like an unnecessary tilt in the story that isn’t addressed when it could have been. When there was a chance for Patricia or the group to actually create a meaningful relationship with Mrs. Greene (or for her to develop more as a character) the opportunity isn’t taken. I am left wondering at the end just what she was like or what her life looked like before or after the story. She was just such a strong woman I thought she would have become more within the pages.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a story to get lost in that is just similar to life enough to be realistic but also fantastical enough that you too could believe you could be a hero; this is the book for you. If you are a lover of vampire stories this could be the story for you as it looks beyond the romanticized thoughts we absorb. In true good versus evil fashion the great will triumph over those who are evil and the protagonists will go on to live past the pages. But it will be the greatest of rides the reader could be on. The ordinary will no longer sail blindly beneath the radar as we will all know for sure that there is more to them that meets the eye; There could be a fantastic story existing in real time right next to us in the grocery line. This book is anything but an ordinary story for all of us ordinary people. It is up to you if you can get past any of the short comings you may find in the pages. Happy Reading!
[…] to a perpetrator.) That discussion made me think of the not a book club that was featured in The Southern Guide to Slaying Vampires , that I had read last […]