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Soulless Creatures
Working-class future leader Roy Castleberry and pampered over-thinker Jonathan Campbell are 18-year-old freshmen at the University of Oklahoma who think they know everything. Roy thinks Jonathan could succeed in wooing Abby if he stopped obsessing over Walden. Jonathan thinks Roy could learn to be self-actualized if he’d stop flirting with every girl he meets. They make a wager: if Roy can prove that he has some poetic thought, some inner life, A SOUL, then Jonathan will give him the car he got for graduation. Roy takes the bet because he thinks this is the easiest game he’s ever played. Roy spends the rest of the school year proving the existence of his soul, competing against Jonathan for Abby's attention, dodging RAs who are curious about the fake ID ring in his room and dealing with his past. For Roy and Jonathan, college life in 1986 is richer, (both experientially and financially) than either of them expected.
334 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2015
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213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 12, 2015
Being a kid from the 80s (Class of 1984, to be exact), I couldn’t help but love Soulless Creatures. The story premise is clever and original -- Roy Castleberry, a disadvantaged kid who is blessed with tremendous charisma, must prove to his well-off, Thoreau-obsessed dorm-mate Jonathan that he has a soul. At stake, a car Jonathan received for his graduation gift. Also at stake is the attention of a sweet girl named Abby who is experiencing life outside her parents’ overprotection for the first time.
The three experience the madness of freshman year at University of Oklahoma in 1986, interspersed with tender moments of friendship, complicated relationships, and Roy’s soul-proving essays that are profound in a way only an 18-year-old boy can make them. Grubb is a little rough on us Texas Longhorn fans here in Austin, I suppose, but it’s okay--the rivalry is real, people. Nevertheless, I’m left feeling charmed and sentimental by this story and these characters she has built. A fun read!
(NB, I am acquainted with the author via social media and received a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review. And I honestly loved it!)
November 17, 2016
I have some mixed feelings about this novel. Like her other book, Falling For Your Madness, the characters are unique and intriguing, but the book didn't capture me in the same way.
Set in the 80's at Oklahoma University, Soulless Creatures is about 3 students: Jonathan, the rich kid desperate to transcend his status by living a modern day Walden; Roy, the street wise ladies' man who is trying to transcend his druggie mom's and con man dad's legacy by making something of himself; and Abby, the "angel" both boys idolize, who despite her level head has a bit of growing up to do.
The hijinx begin immediately, as Roy's dad and girlfriend steal Roy's car on the way to school, Roy, with his roommate Jonathan's help, make plans to get Roy into the dorm floor President position, and Abby enters public college with fear, uncertainty, and a secret boyfriend. They all meet during a chance minor collision in the local Walmart parking lot, and after finding each other again on campus, become friends.
I have to say, though, that I didn't really get into the story until Jonathan decides to hold a test to see if Roy really has a soul, the real stakes of the book in which the prize is Jonathan's sweet car. Sweet, innocent Abby is elected as judge for the competition, which takes the rest of the semester to complete.
I almost abandoned the story, initially, because it took a while to get to the good part, but went back to give it a chance after reading the author's other stories. It's not my favorite of hers, but it's not bad. It's a touching story with unexpected results, which I both enjoyed and didn't. I think in the end my disconnect was that it just wasn't my type of story. But well written and interesting enough, so it fairly earned the four stars I'm giving it.
Set in the 80's at Oklahoma University, Soulless Creatures is about 3 students: Jonathan, the rich kid desperate to transcend his status by living a modern day Walden; Roy, the street wise ladies' man who is trying to transcend his druggie mom's and con man dad's legacy by making something of himself; and Abby, the "angel" both boys idolize, who despite her level head has a bit of growing up to do.
The hijinx begin immediately, as Roy's dad and girlfriend steal Roy's car on the way to school, Roy, with his roommate Jonathan's help, make plans to get Roy into the dorm floor President position, and Abby enters public college with fear, uncertainty, and a secret boyfriend. They all meet during a chance minor collision in the local Walmart parking lot, and after finding each other again on campus, become friends.
I have to say, though, that I didn't really get into the story until Jonathan decides to hold a test to see if Roy really has a soul, the real stakes of the book in which the prize is Jonathan's sweet car. Sweet, innocent Abby is elected as judge for the competition, which takes the rest of the semester to complete.
I almost abandoned the story, initially, because it took a while to get to the good part, but went back to give it a chance after reading the author's other stories. It's not my favorite of hers, but it's not bad. It's a touching story with unexpected results, which I both enjoyed and didn't. I think in the end my disconnect was that it just wasn't my type of story. But well written and interesting enough, so it fairly earned the four stars I'm giving it.
February 8, 2016
When I agreed to read Soulless Creatures, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew the story was set in Oklahoma in the eighties, both of which are foreign to me, so I was a little nervous. What if I didn't like it? But I had faith in Ms. Grubb. Her first novel, Falling For Your Madness, captivated me with a few simple pages. It's no surprise, then, that Soulless Creatures did the same.
I have never in my life laughed out loud so much while reading a book! My husband kept asking me what I was looking at, thinking I must have found a funny picture or video. This book is absolutely hilarious, but it isn't straight comedy. Prepare yourself for romance, introspection, and intrigue.
Three things about the composition of Soulless Creatures particularly impressed me. First, Ms. Grubb manages to immerse the reader in the culture of a very specific time and place without being heavy handed. Second, she ties up all loose ends at the story's conclusion, which might not sound like much now, but trust me - with a story this complicated, that is an art form! Third: count the animal references. You'll see why. :)
I absolutely recommend this book without reservations.
I am acquainted by this author through social media and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have never in my life laughed out loud so much while reading a book! My husband kept asking me what I was looking at, thinking I must have found a funny picture or video. This book is absolutely hilarious, but it isn't straight comedy. Prepare yourself for romance, introspection, and intrigue.
Three things about the composition of Soulless Creatures particularly impressed me. First, Ms. Grubb manages to immerse the reader in the culture of a very specific time and place without being heavy handed. Second, she ties up all loose ends at the story's conclusion, which might not sound like much now, but trust me - with a story this complicated, that is an art form! Third: count the animal references. You'll see why. :)
I absolutely recommend this book without reservations.
I am acquainted by this author through social media and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2017
A must read page turner full of SOUL!
Katharine Grubb's Soulless Creatures is an intense page turner keeping you at the edge of your seat until the very end. Set in the mid 1980s, Katharine 's unique storytelling unfolds through the eyes of three teens from polar diverse backgrounds venturing out into the real world of college life. She cleverly weaves a tapestry stage of rebellion, homesickness, acceptance, rejection, loss, salvation, redemption, and of course, soul searching as these teens learn about life, each other, and themselves; curve balls and all.
The plot twists are amazing! I was forced to rethink who really is the soulless creature. I also learned more about Oklahoma history in her book than I did during grade school. Soulless Creatures is a must read, especially for Sooners. I guarantee, you won't be disappointed. Bravo, Katharine Grubb.
Katharine Grubb's Soulless Creatures is an intense page turner keeping you at the edge of your seat until the very end. Set in the mid 1980s, Katharine 's unique storytelling unfolds through the eyes of three teens from polar diverse backgrounds venturing out into the real world of college life. She cleverly weaves a tapestry stage of rebellion, homesickness, acceptance, rejection, loss, salvation, redemption, and of course, soul searching as these teens learn about life, each other, and themselves; curve balls and all.
The plot twists are amazing! I was forced to rethink who really is the soulless creature. I also learned more about Oklahoma history in her book than I did during grade school. Soulless Creatures is a must read, especially for Sooners. I guarantee, you won't be disappointed. Bravo, Katharine Grubb.
April 29, 2017
The premise of Soulless Creatures is truly novel: A college freshman with a humble past, natural leader and bon vivant Roy, must prove the existence of his soul to his privileged roommate, the Walden-obsessed Jonathan. Their friend Abby, a neutral third party (aka Switzerland) will determine whether Roy fails or succeeds.
I read more than a third of the book before I connected with the main characters, but once I did, I quickly read through to the conclusion.
Humorous elements and dialogue are sprinkled throughout, making it a light, enjoyable read. Any child of the 80s will appreciate the copious references to music, fashion, and pop culture from that decade. Since Air Supply hits comprised the soundtrack of my eighth grade class’s fledgling romances, my favorite line in the book is easily: “He had packed his Air Supply cassette.” A simple seven-word sentence, but a fantastic touchstone for the era.
The novel’s hidden gold lies in Roy’s essays, filled with simple wisdom. Roy’s meandering responses, Abby’s personal reflections, and Jonathan’s Thoreau-inspired navel gazing combine to make a statement about possessing a sense of self-worth - where it’s derived from, how we cultivate it, and how we retain it despite the relentless internal and external pressure to “give yourself away."
Soulless Creatures builds to a fast-paced, entertaining ending with a satisfying conclusion that avoids cliches and sentimentalism. It’s a fun, unique story with an amalgam of quirky, big 80s characters who discover what it means to be true to one’s self.
I read more than a third of the book before I connected with the main characters, but once I did, I quickly read through to the conclusion.
Humorous elements and dialogue are sprinkled throughout, making it a light, enjoyable read. Any child of the 80s will appreciate the copious references to music, fashion, and pop culture from that decade. Since Air Supply hits comprised the soundtrack of my eighth grade class’s fledgling romances, my favorite line in the book is easily: “He had packed his Air Supply cassette.” A simple seven-word sentence, but a fantastic touchstone for the era.
The novel’s hidden gold lies in Roy’s essays, filled with simple wisdom. Roy’s meandering responses, Abby’s personal reflections, and Jonathan’s Thoreau-inspired navel gazing combine to make a statement about possessing a sense of self-worth - where it’s derived from, how we cultivate it, and how we retain it despite the relentless internal and external pressure to “give yourself away."
Soulless Creatures builds to a fast-paced, entertaining ending with a satisfying conclusion that avoids cliches and sentimentalism. It’s a fun, unique story with an amalgam of quirky, big 80s characters who discover what it means to be true to one’s self.
September 2, 2015
When Katharine asked me to read her novel for an honest review, I agreed. Why did I agree to read this novel? The setting is the 1980s. That's the decade I know best because I was only a year behind the characters in Soulless Creatures. I think that is why I could relate to the novel so well even though I grew up in Indiana as opposed to Oklahoma, where this story takes place.
Katharine does a great job with the two main characters and showing how hard it is for two boys, Jonathan and Roy, from opposite sides can be roommates at college. I can remember my own college days and having to deal with roommates. It wasn't easy when we had two different backgrounds. Abby is the girl who remains neutral between the boys.
I felt different emotions as I read this novel. At times I felt sorry, laughed, and felt anger or pain. I could relate to Abby in particular and not just because I am a female like her. She is a girl I could be friends with if she really existed.
Katharine does a great job with the plot. At the beginning as the students were meeting each other for the first time, the plot moved a tad slow, but once the action started moving, I couldn't put the book down. I would read each night until I fell asleep because I couldn't wait to see what Jonathan and Roy did next.
Overall, I would strongly recommend Soulless Creatures if you are a child of the 1980s, and even if you're not, I would still highly recommend it!
Katharine does a great job with the two main characters and showing how hard it is for two boys, Jonathan and Roy, from opposite sides can be roommates at college. I can remember my own college days and having to deal with roommates. It wasn't easy when we had two different backgrounds. Abby is the girl who remains neutral between the boys.
I felt different emotions as I read this novel. At times I felt sorry, laughed, and felt anger or pain. I could relate to Abby in particular and not just because I am a female like her. She is a girl I could be friends with if she really existed.
Katharine does a great job with the plot. At the beginning as the students were meeting each other for the first time, the plot moved a tad slow, but once the action started moving, I couldn't put the book down. I would read each night until I fell asleep because I couldn't wait to see what Jonathan and Roy did next.
Overall, I would strongly recommend Soulless Creatures if you are a child of the 1980s, and even if you're not, I would still highly recommend it!
August 24, 2015
I really wanted to love this book and give it four or five stars, but I ended up liking it instead. It felt like a series of well-written scenes but there wasn’t an easy seamlessness throughout the book. There were some gaps in the action. Thanksgiving weekend was summed up in a few sentences after the fact when it seems like the events that happened could have been important enough to cover with action rather than summary. I also struggled with the character of Jonathan not giving Roy more credit for all the hard work Roy and his grandmother had to do just to get by. I didn’t understand how Jonathan could consider himself an expert on souls. I just wasn't completely sold on him.
The story is mostly very-well written however and I think it’s a unique telling on the familiar plot of two guys trying to win the favor of one girl. The details of college life are pretty spot-on, regardless of where you went to school. The issues raised with women’s independence and liberation are also very important. It’s certainly worth a read if you like the contemporary romance genre. Despite the issues I had with it, I still couldn’t put it down, wanting to find out how the love triangle would resolve. I’m also curious enough to read the author’s first novel, Falling for Your Madness.
The story is mostly very-well written however and I think it’s a unique telling on the familiar plot of two guys trying to win the favor of one girl. The details of college life are pretty spot-on, regardless of where you went to school. The issues raised with women’s independence and liberation are also very important. It’s certainly worth a read if you like the contemporary romance genre. Despite the issues I had with it, I still couldn’t put it down, wanting to find out how the love triangle would resolve. I’m also curious enough to read the author’s first novel, Falling for Your Madness.
November 13, 2015
Grubb thinks big. And it comes across in her novels. They're packed with action and romance and great dialogue. But she never compromises. There's a moral line she doesn't cross...but they aren't stuffy or stilted in any way.
It's refreshing: great writing, big adventure, some sparks, and yet you don't have to worry about smut or slips-of-the-tongue. (Not that I worry. But you know what I mean, right?) Oh, and did I mention that you'll laugh (probably out loud)? Because...well, you will. A lot.
I was immersed in the plot and the story, and I was also invested in the people she created. She had me there and she had me with them. They were people I got to know, who I was talking with in my head, who I cared about.
This is the kind of book you'll read and then pick back up later. Or share with your best friend. Or, better yet, BOTH. It's equally popcorn reading and fiction that stretches you ever so much.
Highly recommended.
It's refreshing: great writing, big adventure, some sparks, and yet you don't have to worry about smut or slips-of-the-tongue. (Not that I worry. But you know what I mean, right?) Oh, and did I mention that you'll laugh (probably out loud)? Because...well, you will. A lot.
I was immersed in the plot and the story, and I was also invested in the people she created. She had me there and she had me with them. They were people I got to know, who I was talking with in my head, who I cared about.
This is the kind of book you'll read and then pick back up later. Or share with your best friend. Or, better yet, BOTH. It's equally popcorn reading and fiction that stretches you ever so much.
Highly recommended.
August 19, 2015
I can hear Katharine Grubb's characters talking as I read--that's how real they are. She has nailed the picture of college life in the mid-80s. The multiple points of view of the 3 main characters come together to tell a fun story of transformation as they navigate pitfalls that include (but are not limited to) the typical absent roommate, fender-benders, stolen cars, a fake-ID crime ring, a crooked RA and a remote cabin in the woods. There's plenty of laugh-out-loud humor to go around, just the right amount of snark, and even a level of self-actualization Thoreau might appreciate.
August 18, 2015
This book took me right back to the 80's, conjuring up memories of great American teen and young adult films like, back to the future, the breakfast club and Ferris buellers day off to name just a few. This story has it all, a great twisting plot, baddies you want to hiss at and a totally unexpected, gripping ending. If you haven't read any of this author's books, this is a great one to start with. Well done Katharine
March 10, 2016
With every sentence, Soulless Creatures kept me guessing. And while the story itself was surprising, the biggest surprise of all was the vital role the setting played. Who knew Oklahoma had so much to teach us? Not this East Coast girl. I love how the author took each character to the brink (or what "the brink" would be for a college freshman) and let him/her grow. The ending was unexpected and yet deeply satisfying. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews