I’ll spare you the long story. Short version: I finally decided to try the series of books that the show True Blood (i’ve never seen it) is based on because they keep coming up, and I decided it must be for a reason.
The Sookie Stackhouse novels (aka southern vampire mysteries) by Charlaine Harris are definitely one of the most intriguing and interesting series reads I’ve ever experienced. There are currently 8 books (9thbeing released in 2009) and worth every minute to read. Sookie (our heroine) is a waitress in rural Louisiana and is telepathic. As she shows in the stories, while this can prove to be a great gift it can equally cause problems and hardship. I enjoy the books entirely, but what I really appreciate is that Sookiefeels real. She has thoughts, worries, and problems that any person can relate to. She is a good person, a person I’d want as a friend, and also she learns, absorbs, and is true to herself as much as possible. The attention to detail and interesting characters (supernatural and human) give a backdrop for many, many adventures and mysteries.
While the books are definitely not ‘young adult’, I really appreciate that the author doesn’t get overly descriptive or graphic in the romance. She also doesn’t use profanities, or if she does it’s so rare I simply do not recall. These two details I definitely noticed and found refreshing.
It’s hard talking about this series without telling you specifics, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the pure reading joy and experience. I went in with very little knowledge of the series (other than 1st book basic plot) and I’m glad I did- it was fun, shocking, and totally fabulous. I like that I don’t know where the author is taking Sookie, or who she’ll end up with. The way the books are written there are so many possibilities, and they continue to change. However she ends up, I think that the author will take care of her and some good things will come to her.
Since it is December, and I’m in the midst of my gift giving I have something for one of you. That’s right, I’ve got a copy of the first book (dead until dark) that I will happily gift. Just leave a comment to be entered. Winner has been drawn and announced, but I have other prizes soon to come…
Of course if you’re a fan (and have the book) I’d love to hear from you too. I do like chatting with fellow book lovers!
PS- I confess (to my fellow fans) I maintain hope and root for the Tiger or the (new) packmaster as a permanent love interest… we shall see.
