Review - The Forest of Hands and Teeth

* Spoiler Alert*

Zombies like vampires have become mainstream. We are surrounded by them in books and movies. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is one of the many. Here is the review that I posted on Goodreads last week with some interesting links, for zombie lovers or not.

The Good

The writing style was easy to read, definitely good for young adults. There are many suspenseful and scary parts which is the point for a horror, post apocalyptic, zombie novel. It has a great title. The cover is effective and aesthetically pleasing. The story line is interesting and complex, and may make a good movie. (see link below)

The Not So Good

I felt that the main character, Mary was difficult to believe. I found myself wanting to skip bits here and there as she "vented" in the text. I agree that her life was tough, in fact it can't get much worse. She is stuck in the middle of a forest surrounded by zombies (Unconsecrated); with a negative religious influence (The Sisters) - whose actions are cruel and oppressive; her mother and father have just become zombies; she's in love with a young man that she morally cannot have; is forced to go into the "sisterhood" because her brother doesn't want her in his home; and lastly she desires more than the small village life has to offer. It's the last complication that bothers me. Specifically, Mary is confused. Like most teenagers she is trying to figure out who she is and what she truly wants from life even though her choices are severely limited amidst this horror. My thoughts are how is that she is even able to contemplate her life choices. Humans when faced with life threatening events and surrounded by constant death and extreme terror, become "survivalists" where basic needs over come desires. But what Mary figures out is that she has to see the ocean. Oh dear, this would be the last thing on my mind.

I have given this book 3 stars.....actually its more like 2.5 stars. I can't say that I disliked The Forest of Hands and Teeth, because I did finished the book. I just had some trouble with it.

But don't let that stop you because it was a scary read, and maybe the movie will be good.

Sfscope film rights article

Click on the title of this post for Carie Ryan's web site for additional information on the book and movie.

Also an interesting and saturated article link to Library Journal's listing of lots of things Zombie.

Another link not as extensive but interesting non the less NPR.

For non US readers coming soon links for buying information for Canada, UK, and Europe.