Description from Hachette Book Group:
Once in a generation a novel comes along that taps a vein of universal human experience, resonating with readers of all ages. The Lovely Bones is such a book — a #1 bestseller celebrated at once for its artistry, for its luminous clarity of emotion, and for its astonishing power to lay claim to the hearts of millions of readers around the world.
“My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.”
So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her — her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.
The major motion picture version of The Lovely Bones directed by Peter Jackson and starring Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Saoirse Ronan is scheduled for release on December 11, 2009.
I have had this book on my shelf for years. I am not sure why I did not pick it up before now except for no time to read and when I did find those few precious moments, I always seemed another book ended up in my hands. With the release of the movie, the urging of my daughter and the extra reading time, I was able to give this book some attention.
I was not disappointed. The narrator is Susie Salmon speaking as she wanders around heaven looking down upon her family, friends and her murderer. The description of her murder was so violent, heartbreaking and frightening, I was worried the rest of the book may be full of shocking moments designed to grab the readers attention. Thankfully, the rest of Susie’s story is actually calm and beautifully written.
Susie’s heaven includes a glorified version of the high school she dreamed of ruling (without classes of course), a lovely home shared with another child, dances with her grandfather and a gazebo from which she sits and watches as her family and friends attempt to deal with her death.
Ms. Sebold’s The Lovely Bones is an examination into the grieving process of those left behind. Especially when the daughter/sister/friend/practical stranger is taken in such a disturbing and abrupt manner. How each person struggles to move on is written in a quietly elegant manner. The father who turns completely inward, the mother who runs away, the sister who will not admit her agony and the friends and strangers who begin to look at themselves and others around them in a different light.
The book does include some supernatural elements as Susie attempts to reach out and point everyone in the direction of her killer as he is right under there very noses. I enjoyed this aspect of the story. There are so many unknowns in this world as to completely discredit the idea that our departed loved ones may be watching over us and cringing when they can see we are about to fall (physically or spiritually). There was a section of the book towards the end that I felt did not match the tone of the story. It was actually quite surprising to me and I felt the actions of Susie were out of character. This small bit, by no means, spoiled my enjoyment of the book, it just took away from the flow of my reading.
I am actually thinking of seeing the movie adaptation due out in December. I may wait for the DVD release as I would not want my blubbering to bother other theater patrons. Yes, I cried and more than once. Possibly this is because I found it very hard to not see my own daughter in Susie and this level of loss is not something any parent should have to endure. I am not sure I would have the strength.
You can visit The Lovely Bones official website but until then, please enjoy the trailer for the December movie release.
Winners have been announced!!!
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this book for review. I would also like to express that content of the review are my own thoughts and opinions and were not influenced by any other party.
crystallynn07@hotmail.com
This is a good idea! I love this book.
Great review. I’d love to win a copy!
I also clicked on the animal rescue button.
alitareads[at]gmail[dot]com
Great review of the book! My email address is tgoforth1984@yahoo.com
I clicked the link too. I love helping animals!
Please count me in for the giveaway. Thanks.
+ 2 I clicked : )
jessica(at)fan(dot)com
I would love to win this book! I loved your review. My email is ruthiesbookreview AT yahoo DOT com
My copu has also sit on the shelf for years. I didn’t get to it because of the hype that it got. Now the movie has revivied the reading experience.
Matt´s last blog ..<a href=\
This book is on my wish list, can you make it happen.
I follow this site on google reader.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
I already clicked the animal rescue link earlier today. I get an mail reminder to click it very day.
Twitter: TiBookChatter
14. Oct, 2009 at 8:51 pm #
No need to enter me. I just stopped by to say ‘Hi!’Thanks for coming by my blog. I read this book a long time ago and thought it was just okay, but the movie trailer has me thinking about re-reading the book. Sometimes with big blockbuster books I often feel as if I missed something.
Ti´s last blog ..<a href=\
Twitter: westofmars
17. Oct, 2009 at 12:10 pm #
No need to enter me, Christine. I’m dropping in to say it’s lovely to meet you and thanks for the e-mail. I’ve got this posted at Win a Book for you.
Susan Helene Gottfried´s last blog ..the Lovely Bones
Please enter me! Thanks!
j.t.oldfield[at]gmail.com
This looks great! Please enter me!
I also clicked. I click daily!
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
This is a really good book! I can’t wait to see the movie. I’d love a chance to reread this book and share it with my sister. thanks for the chance into this giveaway.
I would love to win this. Please enter me!
lovemykidsandbooks(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks
I clicked! (Today, you have given the value of .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. is the message I got once I did it) I will continue to click as often as I can!
lovemykidsandbooks(at)gmail(dot)com
Looking forward to seeing te movie! tWarner419@aol.com
Twitter: patriciaaltner
18. Oct, 2009 at 12:51 pm #
Your review really sold me on this book. Please include me in the contest
I clicked on the Help Animals in Shelters button. I have a cat and a dog. Pets are important!
I read this a few years ago and it has such an impact still. I’d love to win it for a Christmas gift for someone. Thanks for the chance.
I clicked for the kitties!
Please enter me. I also clicked the Animal Rescue link for two extra entries.
mybookviews[at]gmail[dot]com
Twitter: afewmorepages
20. Oct, 2009 at 3:32 pm #
This book sounds interesting! I clicked on the button to help shelter animals too.
srfbluemama at gmail dot com
Twitter: sensitivemuse
21. Oct, 2009 at 10:20 am #
pls enter me! I clicked on the Animal Rescue link
sensitivemuse at gmail dot com
Karoline´s last blog ..<a href=\
I would like to enter.
Thanks!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
1. I clicked The Animal Rescue Site button.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
2. I clicked The Animal Rescue Site button.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Please enter me.
I clicked on the animal rescue button.
bthgordon[at]yahoo[dot]com
Beth(bookaholicmom)´s last blog ..No Time For Goodbye
I would love to won a copy of this book!
I clicked on the Animal Rescue site button. Thank you.
Marian
mdperera at hotmail dot com
I would love to win a copy of the book con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: EllzReadz
23. Oct, 2009 at 7:50 pm #
Please enter me in your giveaway
zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
Twitter: EllzReadz
23. Oct, 2009 at 7:50 pm #
I clicked for the puppies!
zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
I really would love to read this book. Please enter me in this giveaway.