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Cell (2006)



Before reading: What do I know about Cell? I know there was a movie that people do not like. I know it's about cell phones. I know people enjoy the book. And that's about it! I guess I'll have to read it to learn more, so let's go. 

After reading: Welp. I think this story would be quite different if it were written today and I, for one, would be a goner. I did really enjoy this book! It was an interesting little read, for sure. It definitely felt a little preachy in terms of it obviously being about "phone zombies" but the story was enjoyable, regardless. I've also never really seen this concept done before. I appreciate being able to read something that is unique and unlike anything that I have read before. I wouldn't rave about this story or call it one of King's bests, but I would call it solid and enjoyable. 

While this is not a traditional zombie story, it is a zombie story. Which, interestingly enough, this is our first zombie genre book from King. King is a well-known Romero fan and this book is actually dedicated to him. There were a lot of references and some fun archetypical literal tidbits throughout. The story starts with the action immediately and never stops. We are in it from beginning to end and for an action-packed zombie read, I'm not sure what else you could really ask for. 

King is so good at ensembles and writing books about characters who are in a situation rather than a situation with characters. So of course, the characters are the heart of this book. It has a great cast with some really great moments as well as some very sad ones. The book is about cell phones turning people into zombies but there is a lot of heart. I find that King could write about a very silly topic but as long as his characters are believable, you'll stick around for the ride. That's the case with this one, as well. The idea might seem a little corny but it doesn't feel that way when you're reading because you are so immersed in the story and attached to the characters. 

Of course, this is also a story that has a lot of action, gore and violence. You get it all. At the end of the day, yeah, there is a message. I said this story would be a lot different if it was written today. That is because in 2006, not everyone had a cell phone. So when the "pulse" happens in the story, you have a large group of people who did not have phones and weren't affected. The thought of this story happening now is a lot scarier. If an alert got sent to our phones that turned us into zombies...I, for one, would fall victim. Unless, of course, if it was like how it is in the book and was done through a phone call. If that was the case I would be safe because I am not answering 😂

All that to say, this book might not be the best or have the most riveting concept, but it is an enjoyable and very readable story. I would definitely recommend. I am unsure how they screwed up the movie because I feel like King basically handed them a perfect script. So, if you have seen the movie and that is the reason you haven't read this one, I would encourage you to separate the two. 

Speaking of strong characters, our next read is Lisey's Story. 

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