Seventeen and Turning into a Non-Mormon Secular Humanist Zombie

by Scott Erickson

Due to a misunderstanding at a teen party, 17-year-old Janet is sent by her father to a wayward youth summer camp. But he doesn’t know her tragic secret: She’s not a good girl gone bad, she’s a good girl turning into a zombie.

When she meets the mysterious camp assistant Sven, she doesn’t know whether to give him a hug or smash him with a tire iron. Does this mean she’s falling in love?

Janet has so many questions…but so little time. If she tells Sven her secret, she might lose her last chance at true love. But if she doesn’t tell him before she turns into a zombie, she might try to eat his brain. Will she experience the embrace of his loving arms before she tries to rip them off?

Genres: Humor

150 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2016

About the author

Scott Erickson is an award-winning writer of humor and satire. He has been published in a variety of print and online publications. He enjoys beer and roller skating (but not at the same time).

Reviews

[Faisal · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you for the signed copy through Goodreads. Secondly, my rating lies between 3-3.5; it could have been a 4 but the Zombification threw me off. I’m not saying I don’t like the Zombie stuff, I do, but not in the combination how the story goes. Just like the other reviewer, I got into this book because of the title.

I admit, I have never read anything like this book. Initially, the more I looked at the title, the more I became judgmental and not like it. It is very odd, weird, sarcastic, and hilarious but it does point out the issues in our society which are becoming a norm such as teenage sex, drugs, de-humanizing or bullying others, and most importantly, the absence of parenting. The desires of having sex and sleeping with as many people; while connections, emotions, love and marriage are put on the back burner, is the theme of the story. What does all of this have to do with the title of the book? Well, if you read it, then you will find out at the end, and that does make sense.

Scott Erikson’s unique way of ridiculing society is pretty true. Think about teenage pregnancies, prostitution, committing crimes, joining gangs, the availability of illicit drugs, single parenting or none at all, no morals or ethics are all prime examples of our society when we turn a blind eye and move on. Erikson’s various topics highlight education, the future, the meaning of life and humanity and these I truly enjoyed.

During a conversation among the protagonist Janet and her dream lover Sven,
“Sven, why do you look so pensive?"
“Huh? What does that mean?”
Then the next sentence you see is a note,
[Editor’s Note: We thought so!] pg. 63
Guess what? Even I have to look it up for the meaning. So I guess the editor’s note is true.

In a confrontation scene among the characters, author Erikson describes the scene as an old “Western movie”. Like, when a hero cowboy is approaching a gang of lawless thugs and a gun fight is about to break out. Erikson’s humor is seen throughout the story which is based in Minnesota yet he compares it to “Western movies” which are usually played in Colorado or Wyoming, so why don’t they call it “Northern” and not “Western”. pg. 85

Three things I would like to critique on the book. One, there are some mistakes with punctuation and wrong names saying wrong sentences (maybe the author did that on purpose). Two, I didn’t really like the fish stuff…it should be like video games and TV. Three, the zombiness, yet it makes sense only at the end. Though I enjoyed the Swedish accent dialogues I’m not sure how that ties into Minnesota. I would like to read more of Erikson’s books and I also recommend this book to mature adults and humor lovers.

[Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had an intreging title. So I read it. Somehow I missed the fact that it was a satire. Then about a third of the way through the book I had an epiphany. It was a good book. SO dumb it couldn't help but be good. Nice easy quick read about a girl with a Mormon dad who was turning into a zombie and then was sent off to camp. Meets a boy falls in love. Oh yeah best passage in the book is as follows.

Page 65:

Suddenly, some strange feeling came over Janet. She began shaking, then drool formed on her lips. In a guttural roar, she shouted, "Brains! Must have brains!" then ran straight for the deer, shouting, "Brains! and making savage clawing motions with her hands.

...

Page 66.

"Must have brains!" cried Janet, trying to claw at he deer's head, but just sort of petting it a little too hard, which annoyed the deer.

All in all it was a funny story. Book was free. I will read more of this authors books.

[1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

its the citizen kane of teenage zombie camping rom-coms

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I entered to win this book on Goodreads because it looked funny. The only way I can think to describe it is absurdist satire, though I'm not sure that's a thing or that I'm using the correct terms if it is. The 4th wall is broken regularly, there is meta-humor, and satire of zombie stories and the YA genre. It amused me regularly even leading to an occasional giggle or chuckle.

[Kyla Belvedere · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a style I am not sure a lot of people enjoy. I enjoyed it, for sure. The over the top-ness and story line had me picturing Rocky Horror the entire way through. I could have stood a little more gore I think. Maybe some more killing?

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this entertaining, satirical book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A goofy adventure that fully embraces some of the sappy tropes of YA lit. I enjoyed every page.

[Ian Yarington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. The satire and funny stuff is right up my alley. Also can't go wrong with campy zombie stuff. I know satire and campy stuff isn't up everyone's alley so be sure to know that before picking this up. I certainly enjoyed it though!