Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas
I never thought I would read Dean Koontz, I’ve always been a little afraid of “horror books”, even though he is such a great speaker and kind autographer at major library events; like ALA (American Library Association) conference. So I surprised myself by picking up Odd Thomas. What a great choice, now I feel I’ve missed so much from this very talented writer. Mr. Koontz’s avatar speaks to you from his website. As I’ve said before I don’t really care for whirligigs and flash on websites, but I think this one works. It’s just pleasant and strangely welcoming. He has a video on the Barnes & Noble website talking directly to his fans, he seems to actually enjoy fans, answering questions and of course promoting a new book.
Well anyway, Odd Thomas, has all the big social issues, battles of good vs. evil in the insanity of our world, but it also includes very intimate issues of love, companionship, loyalty, and the true nature of family. Koontz has the ability to question or strengthen our ”moral compass”, while turning out a really good tale, complete with unexpected events, good plot, and great characters and best of all making it a series.
Odd Thomas has a facebook page , a myspace page, a graphic novel, and a podcast. There’s definitely an appeal to a younger audience.
However, I think it’s all pretty cool and am now a fan.
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Comments
Hi there,
I just read Reggie Jet’s comment and I have to say that there is a lot more to Odd Thomas than just horror. There is the love story between Odd and Stormy and the book is also quite funny. I love it when the ghost of Elvis pops by to see him.
I think that people sometimes try and stamp stories with a certain category, but the best stories are multifaceted.
Love mysteries, but I confess I’ve never been a fan of horror novels, although I did really love Stephen King’s The Stand.
I actually had a very good introduction to the whole horror/suspense genre when my older sister would read me stories from those Alfred Hitchcock anthologies. (I wouldn’t recommend this as part of a list of works to read to children, but I seem to have escaped with only a slight warping of the personality.) Since that time, I have preferred my horror/suspense to be in the form of short stories. Love H.P. Lovecraft, and to this day, Ray Bradbury’s short “The Whole Town is Sleeping” can send shivers up and down my spine!