Let’s get this out of the way: I don’t read romance novels. I find the whole genre to be a plague upon all good and great things within the world. Before Twilight, for example, vampires and werewolves were fearsome creatures who stalked the night and tore bodies to pieces, not melodramatic teenagers who skipped math class to make out. (Don’t worry, we still stock the hardcore vampire costumes.)
But Twilight is a singular occurrence, right? Vampires and werewolves are the only ones to have felt the soft, seductive hands of the romance genre, right? I mean, there’s no way someone could write a financially successful romance novel about, say, a zombie, right?
Wrong.
This is where I introduce you to Warm Bodies, a zombie romance novel.
The book.
Here’s the plot, according to Wikipedia:
“R is a zombie. After a zombie apocalypse, he slowly moves through an America made up of collapsed buildings, rusted cars, shattered glass, and hollowed-out high-rises. He can speak only in grunts and simple syllables and craves human brains to get high on the memories they contain. After eating the brain of a suicidal teen, R is overcome with love for the teen’s companion, Julie Grigio. R rescues Julie from certain death by his zombie pack and takes her back to his lair. She eventually leaves, and R follows her to back to Citi Stadium, the largest remaining human habitation.â€
Somehow, the book has earned enough attention to garnish a film adaptation, which is expected to hit theaters this year. While I applaud the concept of zombies eating human brains to get high off memories, I cannot express any joy toward this novel or film. Zombies are the over-milked fad of recent years, and now the genre comes face-to-face with romance.
The movie.
If anything, let’s hope this movie kills the zombie fad and we can move onto the next horror icon to become popular, whored out, and then mixed with romance.
Is this a JOKE??? Unfortunatly I dont think it is. Could they not leave 1 monster alone?! I miss the old days when a vampires and zombies were the thing of nightmares, not teenage wet dreams>>>> Everytime I see a Team Edward shirt on a teenager I wanna hit the child’s mother but whtever. Anyway, maybe in the makeout seen the zombie will eat this girl’s face
One can only hope!
There is nothing remotely romantic or sexy about a zombie. At least vampire lore includes them being irresistible and alluring and that is how they lure victims but zombies? They are dead, rotting things that eat human flesh. Getting high off of memories?? Really?? No they are HUNGRY! If this is real I hope it makes no money and they never make another one.
You know I’ve already read a “romance with zombies” book. It was called Breathers and true it is more of a black comedy, but I found it to be an enjoyable read. Plus it doesn’t dive into maudlin, angsty teenager territory. I recommend that book if anyone wants a little romance and comedy with their brains.
So many hateful comments from ignorant bigots who have not read the book. Typical.
Hi! I must agree about romances in general, but the writing in this takes some of the sting out of it. His way with prose got my attention. I think it is nice to have the Establishment coming around to horror (although by twisted means) in a way that might mean new light on our favorite subjects. While I may not be willing to condone sparkling vampires, I will go see this movie based on the tone of the book.
I mean, seriously- do y’all not like Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter either?
My idea about this might be biased, as I’ve met the author and he seemed like a nice guy. Also, two words: John Malkovich. That alone should cause you to give it a chance.
Feel free to not post this one, dear moderator, I just thought you might like to know that I blogged about your blog. For some reason, this post hit me right between the eyes. I still love you, though.
http://pensivepumpkin.blogspot.com/2012/01/umbrage-but-not-dolores-halloween.html
Haunt on.