Title: Warm Bodies
Author: Isaac Marion
Release date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Atria
Pages: 256
Source: Bookstore
Reading level: Adult
R is a young man with an existential crisis–he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, noidentity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.
After experiencing a teenage boy’s memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and stragely sweet relationship with the victim’s human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.
Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead, and the blurry line in between.
Warm Bodies is not a young adult book but I feel that it would greatly appeal to young adult readers. It’s a fast-paced read with a supremely likable hero and personally, I couldn’t put it down.
R is a zombie. He doesn’t remember who he was before he became a zombie but he’s pretty sure his name started with the R sound. He’s a very eloquent zombie. He has very deep thoughts about everything from sex to world peace. Yes, he does eat people, but no, he’s not all bad. He does it to survive. While normally this type of character would not appeal to me (and I hope not to you either), this case is different. He’s a zombie looking for more from life and he’s awesome.
While R is definitely the hero of this book, Julie is still a pretty kickass heroine. She is crazy awesome. I think the thing that I liked best about Julie was that she wasn’t unwilling to show her fear. In fact, it made her all that more brave to me. She faces down crazy zombies and even starts a sort-of relationship with one. She doesn’t let everyone’s beliefs about zombies sway her and she tries to learn things for herself. She’s open-minded, smart, funny, and just plain cool.
There’s a lot going on in Warm Bodies which helps speed it up. It’s a rather short book as it is but the story is so gripping that it seems even shorter. There’s a bit of a mystery regarding what’s going on with the zombies, a war is brewing (subtly), and there’s some romance (though admittedly it’s a very odd romance.) There really is just something for everyone in Warm Bodies.
Overall, Warm Bodies is a must-read for zombie fans. It has definitely made it onto my list of favorite zombie books. While I do have to warn that there is some sexual content and some rather gory scenes, if that doesn’t bother you, give it a try! Isaac Marion has crafted a wonderful zombie tale that will thrill readers everywhere.
Looking for more reviews of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion?
I’m going to be starting this soon. Awesome review, and it makes me want to pick it up NOW! 😀
I loved your review! And I love Warm Bodies. Such an exceptional read. =)
I enjoy Zombie books, but this just sounds weird.
I want this book! Everybody loves it 🙂
I really want to read this one. I thought that this one was a YA book for some reason. Probably because the movie adaptation cover looks like a YA one.
Great review!
Yay! I am glad you gave it 5 stars and liked it so much! I saw the movie and it was really funny and I cant wait to pick up the book soon!
Thanks for your review and I hope you go see the movie!
NeverEndingStoires
I just bought this book for the purposes of reading it before the movie! I’m so glad to see that you loved this book! I’ve heard a lot of controversy about the author of this book, but I’m still super interested in his book. The premise for this book is just too interesting and different to pass up 🙂 Fantastic review!
Cheers!
Millie @ Millie D’s Words
I agree, this book definitely has a YA appeal. I actually thought it was until I went looking for it at the store and couldn’t find it in the teen section. lol I’m not huge into zombies so I didn’t love it as much as most fans probably do but I will be seeing the movie! 🙂
~Sara @ Forever 17 Books
I have to read this, I’ve been really getting into zombie stuff lately. I’m excited for the movie too.
I really need to get on my reading and get to this book asap! Great review 🙂
OMG I JUST finished listening to this book and I am just BLOWN away. I loved it!
OH! I’ve got to get a copy of this book – I’ve heard incredible things and your review has just made me want to read it even more! Plus the movies coming out soon (or is it already out?), so I’ll need to read it!
I saw the movie at a pre-screening a couple months ago and it was SO good, so I bought the book. I plan to read it this week and your thoughts made me all the more excited for it. Great review! 🙂
I just picked this up, and I am so excited to get started on it! I’m almost done with the book I am currently reading, and will definitely be reading this next. I want to finish it before I go see the film!
I love zombie books so I am really excited to read this and I need to read it soon before the movie comes out! Glad you enjoyed it!
Yaaaaay you liked it! As I wrote on Yalsa-bk listserv today, the best revenge is to get as many as possible YA readers to read and love this book despite this: http://www.readnowsleeplater.com/2012/10/ya-shame-and-stigma.html I love it. Can’t wait for the movie!
I NEVER thought I would’ve loved a book with a zombie narrator. I didn’t think I’d care enough or connect, or get his thoughts and feelings, but I did! The style was unique and I have to say the movie was good too 🙂