Discussion of The Lovey Bones

[Carrie R]

The story of someone telling us how things are from the grave with such clarity is an unexplored subject.

I agree. Having a protagonist narrating from the "great beyond" was an intriguing technique. I've read some books that have done this, and it seemed a bit gimmicky. But certainly not "The Lovely Bones." It was handled brilliantly, I thought--better so in the book than the movie.

[mlreed69]

I enjoyed this book. The unusual perspective of the dead girl telling the story was good. I was drawn into the story and didn't want to put it down until I finished it. It has been a while since I read it. May have to pull back up and read it again!

[AnaF]

I'll admit, I decided to read this book because people kept raving it so I though I should give it a try and see what all the fuss was about.
Overall I enjoyed the novel but couldn't help but think that it was a bit overrated. Yes, some parts of the book were pretty gruesome and the beginning was violent and choking but as the as story developed it started to drag a little bit and I kind of lost interest in some parts. However I liked the fact that the book told us the story from a unique perspective and how it dealt with such a sensitive matter.
I also saw the movie and didn't like it that much; even though the book isn't one of my favorite, I think it was better than the movie adaptation.

[jray321]

I read the "Lovely Bones" years ago as part of a high school English project and I would have to say that I enjoyed the book quite a bit despite its at times sad and gruesome moments. I normally don't enjoy books that involve moments that are as graphic as some were in this book, however Sebold had a way of writing in such a captivating way that I couldn't stop. Even with that being said, I kind of had a hard time stomaching one of the later events of the book where Susie's spirit takes over her friend, Ruth's, body and proceeds to make love to Ray - who is the boy from school that previously had feelings for Susie.

[lblack8]

I loved this book so much, but the movie was disappointing. I really want to read this book a second time and see if I still love it as much as I did the first time around.

[ushadestinations]

I absolutely agree with you friends...

[tiajanay]

When i first got this book i wanted to cry when it began. I almost didn't get past the first couple of chapters when i read how she died or rather was murdered. But i pushed though it and i am so glad i did. The descriptions of Susie in heaven watching her family fall apart right before her eyes were moving. I went through a wide array of emotions as i read this book but once i got past the first chapter of her death i felt like i couldn't put it down until her killer was caught and brought to justice. I watched as her family fell apart and saw her heart ache and her confusion as she questioned why she felt so alone in heaven. It was a truly lovely book and a story i will never forget.

[catesschwark]

I read this book a couple of years ago and couldn't put it down! I thought the writing was great, the imagery was very descriptive, and I liked the voice of the book. I agree with what most everyone else has posted - I too thought the movie was disappointing, but I thought that it captured the angst and determination of her family which is a large part of the story.