Odd Thomas

A haunting and uplifting book from one of the best:
What do you do when you've enjoyed reading an author's books in the past but you aren't 100% sure about the genre he writes in. In the case of Dean Koontz and Odd Thomas, you put off reading the book until several years after its been released. That's what I've done, and unfortunately I missed out on an opportunity to read an amazing book filled with wonderful characters. Fortunately, there are several sequels out so I won't have to wait long to read the next installment. Odd Thomas, a 20-year old fry cook, sees dead people. They don't talk to him, but the do communicate with him. Thomas strives for simplicity in everything in his life to avoid going insane because of his "gift". Odd is the narrator of the story and begins by saying that he is about to write about something incredibly tragic and dark. Yet Thomas is a fun a delightful narrator and the book breezes along full of humor and accurate observations of the human condtion. Odd Thomas is able to see bodachs, harmless spirits whose presence usually indicate a coming tragedy. Through dreams, spirits and an encounter with Bob Robertson, a hideous looking man that lives on the outskirts of town, Odd Thomas believes something horrific is going to happen the next day in his town. The book follows Thomas for just two days as the responsibility of preventing a massacre weighs him down. No need to go into the plot anymore. If you've read Koontz before, you know he'll delivers. The book is full of unique and quirky characters, including Stormy Lewellen, Thomas's girlfriend. As you read, you'll learn more about the town of Pico Mundo and more about Thomas's troubled past. I'm glad I finally read this book. It's conclusion is haunting yet uplifting and I can't wait to read more. For fan's of Koontz's more mainstream works such as The Husband or The Good Guy, I heartily recommend this book. Sure, it has shades of horror and the supernatural, but in its heart it is really a story about good and evil.

freaky fun:
There was a lot of mono log but the story is interesting and the ending is exciting but sad. Overall a good book

The Pages Practically Turn by Themselves...:
I started this book on a Friday afternoon, read the first 20 pages or so, and by Sunday evening I had spent the bulk of my weekend waking hours (and some of my sleep time Sunday evening) stuck to this book. Once you start reading it, you literally continue turning the pages wanting more and more of this story. I usually don't allow myself to read something so quickly, because I like to savor books, contemplate what I've read every day. I couldn't allow that here - the story was moving so fast, I had to keep up. Very well written and full of suspense. The characters were believable, though some situations didn't seem to fit at first, by the end they made more and more sense. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Odd Thomas is now one of my favorite literary characters.

Odd a Winner!:
A terrific read at so many different levels; Koontz has a fabulous talent for reaching the reader no matter what the reader's mood at the moment. His ability to develop characters who seem real but at the same time imaginary is really unique. Knowing Odd is a series is a comfort to those continually on the hunt for a solid read.

Excellent Book... so much fun to read:
First let me say that i am not the biggest Dean Koontz fan. I have read only a few and while some have been great, others have left me wanting more. So this is a review on a book that i did not have high expectations on. Several people had been suggesting this book to me for a few months and while on vacation i reluctantly picked it up. WOW! was i surprised. While on a 7 day vacation at the beach i managed to read Odd Thomas in 3 days (which for is me is quite a fast pace) and then i went out to every book store i could until i found the sequel, Forever Odd. This book was amazing. I throughly enjoyed the twisted humor and the intense drama/thrillers in this book. The plot was well written and the character development was unlike most books i have read in the past. Trust me, if you read the highlights of this book and think that the supernatural aspects of this book will not be for you, just give it a try. I was skeptical at best and now i am a huge fan of the Odd Thomas books. Kudos to you Mr. Koontz for a great new character! Keep 'em coming!