Undead & UnRead Book Club - Frisco Public Library discussion

So how far is everyone? And what version did you decide to read?

So I love love Nick Andros! I wish he existed in real life. Anyone else have a favorite character?

I'm over halfway through and I'm listening to the uncut audiobook. I really liked the beginning when the disease was spreading.

My favorite character is probably Nick Andros as well. And Glen's dog is probably my 2nd favorite character.

I just finished it this morning (the uncut version)! I can't believe what a difference it has made, reading first thing in the morning instead of at night. I loved the story. Finally, something meaningful to read!

My favorite was Larry. He reminds me of my husband (and myself too, sometimes).

Oh, and I totally agree about the dog. Loved him with all my heart!

Yeah I liked Kojak too. I especially liked whe we were given snippets into his mind.

I think Larry had one of the more interesting character arcs. I also think he might have changed the most throughout the book. Although Nadine might be a close second.

I finally finished the graphic novels. It's a good adaptation of the series although the uncut version is still my favorite version. Although I could do with less Trashcan Man.

Yes, Trashcan man's scenes seemed a bit on the long and drawn out side. I didn't find myself caring too much about the blissful mechanics of explosive devices.

I can really relate to Larry's attempts to overcome his own self-centeredness and "do the right thing" and then "the right thing" turns out to be pretty dismal anyway. But in the end I think his efforts pointed him in the right direction (Spoiler?)

Does the library have the graphic novel adaptation?

Yes, the library has all six volumes. I just finished the last one.

I think I liked Larry more than some of the other characters because he is flawed and trying to live up to his ideal Larry. I can completely relate to trying to improve yourself and yet always feeling like you're coming up short.

**Spoiler**One of the sadder things about Larry's self journey is the unattended consequences that come from him doing the right thing. Most notably the Nadine and Harold hookup. I think in the end that Larry becomes the Larry he wanted to be and I think he was content at the end even if he didn't get a happily ever after type of ending.**Spoiler**

Here's the thing: it is not someone else's response to us that determines our paths or lives. It is our response to those responses. Nadine and Harold had definitive decisions to make. Both were accepted by the citizens in Boulder and could have made happy lives there.

I agree that Larry is not responsible for Harold and Nadine's actions and that Harold and Nadine made their choices, just like Larry made his.

I do however think that Larry took some of the guilt of their actions upon himself. (I think Fran did as well.) Even knowing that the choice he made to stay with Lucy and continue with the path he was on was right, I think he still felt guilt over the bombing.

Is it fair that he blames himself for this? No, but I think his reaction is very human.

I agree. That very human reaction is one I would spend several sessions trying to get them to understand that its all right to feel bad or be sympathetic to someone who made bad decisions as a result of their good decision they should not feel guilty. Its hard to draw healthy boundaries but very important.