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Book Review of Raising Stony Mayhall

Raising Stony Mayhall
Leigh avatar reviewed on + 378 more book reviews


**********SPOILERS AHEAD**********
This is the one and only "twist-on-the-genre" zombie book I've ever read that actually worked. In so many ways this novel got to me; it is far, far beyond its genre. First, make no mistake that there is only zombie action at the very end, so don't go in thinking it's going to be your typical fight the zombies and escape book.

On a broad level, this is the story of what it means to be alive, not even human, but alive. To live is to have relationships with others, to feel emotions, to care. Stony did all of this; Stony was more alive than most humans walking around. He reminded me of Pinocchio with his good and caring nature and his quest to "be real."

On another broad level, this is the story of being an individual standout in a group of people. There are good and bad apples in every bunch; don't let one person's actions color your views of the rest of the people. It almost drove me to tears to read of the way the LD (living undead - "zombie" in this novel is offensive - nice touch, Gregory!) were being treated by humans. They were being shot without cause, imprisoned for decades at a time, having to hide out in basements for 40 or 50 years.

The LD culture amazed me. I loved the idea of a Congress meeting to discuss things relevant to the LD world. I loved the splintered groups and sub-cultures: the Lumpists, the Perpetualists, the Big Biters (oh, these guys).

As for the parts containing the zombie action: so great! Everything about it. You spend 2/3 of the book learning to love the undead and you spend the last 1/3 terrified of them. It's odd that we can't switch our allegiances when it comes down to life and death. (Or what we consider death).

Stony became so real to me that I really and truly fought back tears at the end. I felt myself choke up. This beautiful messiah with a pained life, taking the pain for his people, working for them and their liberation, always trying to remain optimistic. Stony, you are not easily forgotten.