Bird Box by Josh Malerman Review
I know, I know, I am the LAST one to review Bird Box but here ya go.
Released May 2014
Goodreads | Buy A Copy Here
Something is out there, something terrifying that must not be seen. One glimpse of it, and a person is driven to deadly violence. No one knows what it is or where it came from.
Five years after it began, a handful of scattered survivors remains, including Malorie and her two young children. Living in an abandoned house near the river, she has dreamed of fleeing to a place where they might be safe. Now that the boy and girl are four, it's time to go, but the journey ahead will be terrifying: twenty miles downriver in a rowboat--blindfolded--with nothing to rely on but her wits and the children’s trained ears. One wrong choice and they will die. Something is following them all the while, but is it man, animal, or monster?
Interweaving past and present, Bird Box is a snapshot of a world unraveled that will have you racing to the final page.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman, narrated by Cassandra Campbell
Audiobook Dark Fiction, 9+ HoursReleased May 2014
Goodreads | Buy A Copy Here
Something is out there, something terrifying that must not be seen. One glimpse of it, and a person is driven to deadly violence. No one knows what it is or where it came from.
Five years after it began, a handful of scattered survivors remains, including Malorie and her two young children. Living in an abandoned house near the river, she has dreamed of fleeing to a place where they might be safe. Now that the boy and girl are four, it's time to go, but the journey ahead will be terrifying: twenty miles downriver in a rowboat--blindfolded--with nothing to rely on but her wits and the children’s trained ears. One wrong choice and they will die. Something is following them all the while, but is it man, animal, or monster?
Interweaving past and present, Bird Box is a snapshot of a world unraveled that will have you racing to the final page.
These Are My Thoughts, Please Share Yours!
I saw the film before reading the book because I figured my wait at the library would last an eternity. It didn’t because this is how my life works and now I’ve gone and spoiled everything for myself!
Actually, the film is quite a bit different from the movie. The bones are the same but characters, deaths, and many other plot points are very different so it was almost like reading something that wasn’t totally spoiled for me. The only slightly disappointing thing to me was the fact that the threat went unexplained in either version. I was hoping for a little enlightenment because I like answers. Instead I am just going to assume it was Cthulhu's minions come to call and call it a day because that works for me.
As for the audio? It kept me entertained and the narrator was competent and professional but I didn’t feel she voiced Malorie in a strong enough way. With that said, I never wanted to pull the plug and listen to something else and that’s saying something because the last audio I read was rewound at least eight times. At one point I had to rewind 7 hours because I had tuned out. I wish I were kidding (curse you, Ghost Story!).
The characters in Bird Box weren’t as fleshed out as I’d hoped. I didn’t get to know much about Tom besides the fact that he was wise and kind and a natural leader and I was disappointed that the kids weren’t fleshed out at all. Malorie was a sympathetic character because of her predicament but I never felt a strong emotional attachment to anyone which is a bit of shame and a bit of a missed opportunity. Still, the story and atmosphere and creepfest of a plotline almost made up for that fact.
4 out of 5
About Author Josh Malerman
Josh Malerman is the author of BIRD BOX and the singer/songwriter for the band THE HIGH STRUNG.
Keep up to date with his new releases by following him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoshMalerman
Keep up to date with his new releases by following him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoshMalerman
About Narrator Cassandra Campbell
Cassandra Campbell is an actress, director, and teacher as well as an accomplished voice-over artist. Voice credits include numerous books on tape, documentaries and commercials in both Italian and English. As an actress she has performed in New York at the Public Theatre, the Mint Theatre, and the Clurman as well as many others. Regional work includes StageWest, The Berkshire Theatre Festival, Millmountain Theatre, and The Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. She currently lives in Los Angeles where she a faculty member at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.
I've read it when it first came out so I can't remember what the distinctions are between the film and the book. The film did it justice though, imo.
ReplyDeleteI thought so as well. Both were fascinating stories.
DeleteI still haven't read this book. Or seen the movie. I probably should. And I want to. But who knows when I'll get around to it. :)
ReplyDeleteYour review is line with all the others I've read. Good but not enough answers or connections to the characters.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
Well, I haven't see the movie OR read the book. I would definitely read the book first, one of these days!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the film and don't feel compelled to read the book. I'd probably pick it up if I found it in my favorite used book store though. Curious about the differences. And I'm thinking it was demons or aliens? Too bad it doesn't get explained.
ReplyDeleteOh no. Spoiled everything for yourself. LOL Hmmm. Ya don't find out if it's demons or aliens? Guess you can make it your own. LOL
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I haven't read this one yet, but I wonder, is this the book that was made into the Netflix series? It certainly sounds good :)
ReplyDeleteI had given up on reading this one because I watched the movie but I guess it can still be saved. Hmmmm, may have to consider it again.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of this plot but I'm still not sure if it'll be for me. I'll probably try to read the book first if I get it cheap!
ReplyDeleteYou're not last cuz I still haven't read it even though I keep saying I will. Glad it at least wasn't too spoiled for you after seeing the movie! You have me kind of worried about those not fleshed out characters though. At least it had good atmosphere. Maybe I will actually get to it one day lol.
ReplyDeleteGhost Story is still haunting you... LOL.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this book! This is one that gets better and better to me the more I reread it! I've read it four times and listened to it on audio twice. I love that there are things that you just can't imagine in your mind and that it kinda leaves you hanging! :)
ReplyDeleteErica | Erica Robyn Reads