So it has been a very long while since I've read a book. I'm ashamed to say how long, but coming exam time naturally leaves me wanting to revisit old hobbies and other creative outlets that have been repressed since uni. My favourite kind of books during these dark times are them apocalyptic, end-of-the-world kinda stories where there are no exams, assessments no careers to worry about. Nope just plain survival (lucky bastards). It's a great escape from the just-as-grim reality of having to study.
So I read the synopsis for Warm Bodies (no it's not an erotic novel, geez) by Isaac Marion. Human civilisation coming to its end, check. An unlikely romance, check. And most importantly, zombies. Check. It was the perfect book. Long story short zombie (named R) falls in love with a girl (forgot her name already) whose boyfriend he just ate and they go through trying to survive in first his then her world etc etc. It's gory at some bits but I've definitely read worse. Example, Cell by Stephen King. Got up to page 10 and then threw it across the room and was left traumatized and in shock for a good 5 minutes. Anyway, somehow the author managed to pull it off. I mean, upon first time reading the premise for the novel you'd think it was either a) hilarious. Sounds so bad it must be good or b) Twilight but with zombies.
It was neither. It was well written, thought provoking and touching. Only thing that annoyed me was the main chick. She was alright at times but other times she was so preachy and borderline hipster and just went on about The Beatles. We get it, you have good taste in music even in this desolate world. Good for you.
If you're looking for a bit of horror, a bit of romance and above all something to distract you from studying for exams, this is the book for you. There's also a movie coming out next year starring Nicholas Hoult (from Skins) as our hero 'R'. Exciting stuff.
