shumail10's review against another edition
4.0
I rarely ever read books like these but a friend recommended and honestly? not. disappointed. Whatever the writer was trying to do with this they are too good at it for me to complain. The main character has a very dark sense of humor and I mean very very dark. He's so relatable which kind of worries me considering he's a sociopath. But I think it's mostly because of the way he's written. I don't see books very often nowadays that write a teenager this well. I liked the plot as well though I didn't really read this for the plot as much as for the characters.
siren_of_tartarus's review
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
suu22's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was going to be a nice lil crime YA and it just took a big ass turn into WTFland. The main character was funny tho
jennjohnson's review against another edition
5.0
With all the flawed characters in other books trying to tear down their walls and accept themselves as they are, perhaps there are some who are better off keeping those walls high...
The balance of the narration in this book, between how sympathetic John is as a character ("I know what that's like! He's like me!") and how scary and dark he is ("...ohh wait, noo, no he's not..."), between the humor of the book and the horror of what's happening, is so well done. This book is funny and light, but also poignant and sad, tense and detached. In one beat I'm right there with John, understanding his thoughts and motivations completely, and in the next he's gone beyond my reach, into someplace much darker.
At the same time, I really want to see what happens when John breaks all of his rules.
The detachment of the main character works perfectly with the paranormal elements of the plot -- the existence of which is probably what makes me more eager to recommend this book to other people. This is not exactly Real Life -- yet the horror is not entirely confined to where you expect it. It ends up being far more personal than paranormal.
Brilliant writing and character voice, and I love the very dark edge in these books.
The balance of the narration in this book, between how sympathetic John is as a character ("I know what that's like! He's like me!") and how scary and dark he is ("...ohh wait, noo, no he's not..."), between the humor of the book and the horror of what's happening, is so well done. This book is funny and light, but also poignant and sad, tense and detached. In one beat I'm right there with John, understanding his thoughts and motivations completely, and in the next he's gone beyond my reach, into someplace much darker.
At the same time, I really want to see what happens when John breaks all of his rules.
The detachment of the main character works perfectly with the paranormal elements of the plot -- the existence of which is probably what makes me more eager to recommend this book to other people. This is not exactly Real Life -- yet the horror is not entirely confined to where you expect it. It ends up being far more personal than paranormal.
Brilliant writing and character voice, and I love the very dark edge in these books.
cozylittlebrownhouse's review against another edition
2.0
The book starts as a watery literary mix of two of my favorite shows: Dexter and Six Feet Under but takes a horribly drastic turn on page 103 that I found completely and utterly ridiculous. I pretty much skimmed the book after that and eventually settled on 1.5 stars upgraded to 2.
John Wayne Cleaver is a teenage sociopath who is in counseling for the urges he suppresses through a series of created rules. His fascination for his town's serial killer bubbles over into something insane and unbelievable and I just couldn't get on board.
Skip this book, skip the Dexter series, and just watch Showtime's version of Dexter because it is the best look at a killer with a personality you can't help but like.
John Wayne Cleaver is a teenage sociopath who is in counseling for the urges he suppresses through a series of created rules. His fascination for his town's serial killer bubbles over into something insane and unbelievable and I just couldn't get on board.
Skip this book, skip the Dexter series, and just watch Showtime's version of Dexter because it is the best look at a killer with a personality you can't help but like.
kaytay35235's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nikster92's review against another edition
5.0
FIRST BOOK I EVER READ which is saying something since i was 18 when i read it!!! Facebook and the internet consumed my life until i decided to pick this little gem at my local library. I have to say that I enjoyed every page and every suspense through the story. It's an easy read and I fully enjoyed it!!!! This book got me on goodreads! THANKS!!
remains666's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mirtlifthewise's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25