Book Review: The Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney
The Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Author: Jack Finney
First Published: 1955
Audiobook
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
On a quiet fall evening in the small, peaceful town of Mill Valley, California, Dr. Miles Bennell discovered an insidious, horrifying plot. Silently, subtly, almost imperceptibly, alien life-forms were taking over the bodies and minds of his neighbors, his friends, his family, the woman he loved—the world as he knew it.
First published in 1955, this classic thriller of the ultimate alien invasion and the triumph of the human spirit over an invisible enemy inspired the acclaimed 1956 film, directed by Don Siegel and starring Kevin McCarthy, one of Time magazine’s 100 Best Films.
Kim’s Review:
I listened to this book on audio and I really enjoyed it! I had seen the old movie several years ago, so I remembered the bare bones of the story. It’s definitely subtle horror, but horror none the less! It was a little too slow for me at the beginning, but then it picked up till the very end. The concept of being replaced by whatever these pods created was pretty scary and the feeling of utter helpless really sold this story. It’s not very long and very easy to read. Finney even opens it by saying that there aren’t many answers given and it left many loose ends, so I was actually worried I wasn’t going to like it. Sure I’d love to know the history of these seed pods, but I was happy with the information given and I really enjoyed the story!
Book Review: Psycho by Robert Bloch
Psycho
Series: Psycho #1
Author: Robert Bloch
Published: April 10, 1959
208 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 5 stars
Book Description:
The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released.
She was a fugitive, lost in a storm. That was when she saw the sign: motel – vacancy. The sign was unlit, the motel dark. She switched off the engine, and sat thinking, alone and frightened. She had nobody. The stolen money wouldn’t help her, and Sam couldn’t either, because she had taken the wrong turning; she was on a strange road. There was nothing she could do now – she had made her grave and she’d have to lie in it. She froze. Where had that come from? Grave. It was bed, not grave. She shivered in the cold car, surrounded by shadows. Then, without a sound, a dark shape emerged from the blackness and the car door opened. Psycho is not a tale for queasy stomachs or faint hearts. It is filled with horrifying suspense and the climax, instead of being a relief, will hit the reader with bone-shattering force.
Kim’s Review:
I listened to this book on audio and a great listen it was! Holy cow! I totally get why Mr. Hitchcock latched onto this story the way he did! Norman Bates is a terrifying figure. Through his mother and you have a creepy story with a fascinating twist. And what makes it even more interesting is the time period it was written in; back when mental illness wasn’t really understood nor treated well. I can’t really say much about Psycho without giving too much away. I’d like to think that most people have at least watched the movie so they know what the twist is. However, for those who don’t, I won’t say too much. But I think everybody should read Psycho. It’s a Criminal Minds fan’s dream book! I love it!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451
Author: Ray Bradbury
Published: October 19, 1953
167 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 5 stars
Book Description:
Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known.
Kim’s Review:
Holy cow. This is the most terrifying read since 1984! Bradbury understands humanity like Orwell and Golding do. He’s not afraid to show man in his most gritty and ugly and realistic. Fahrenheit 451 is one that every high school student should be required to read before graduating. I spend the entire book either reading quotes aloud to Ivan or underlining every page. It’s actually easier to read than Lord of the Flies and 1984 and just as poignant. It should be experienced so if you haven’t read it, go do it right now!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
