Abducted by Odd Thomas

Well the weather has been very snowy and cold here (in Oklahoma) these past couple of weeks which has been perfect staying inside and reading a good book weather! So I have used my time wisely by finishing re-reading Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz!






I love this book! I mean I really love it! In fact I honestly have never met anyone who has read this book who hasn't loved it! And for all of you out there in the blogging world that love YA paranormal books, I am telling you to give this one a chance. It isn't YA but it is fabulous, and the writing is fantastic and the story flows so naturally that it makes it a really easy and captivating read.

Odd Thomas is a guy who is in his early 20's and living in a small town called Pico Mundo in California. He has an awesome girlfriend named Stormy, he works at the local diner as a fry chef and oh yeah, he can see dead people!

The dead come to Odd seeking help in coming to terms with why or how they died. In some cases, if it was a murder, they come hoping he will help them in catching their killer. When the dead come to Odd they find in him a kind, willing, and loyal friend. I truly feel that Odd is one of the greatest characters in literature. He is funny and smart, he is caring and good, but at the same time he is a fully realized character. He doesn't come from this adoring childhood and both his parents are nightmares. Yet, Odd has somehow grown into this young man who is full of hope and enthusiasm for the future and has a pure faith in destiny.

This was my second time to read Odd Thomas. I first read it a couple of years ago. The only other novel by Dean Koontz I have read is Relentless, which I also LOVED!!! So, looking back I never doubted Koontz writing ability, but I will say that I had forgotten how his words flow so poetically. I don't know how to describe it but the way he uses his words really is like music and each one is chosen for a specific purpose and for the specific voice of each character.

Speaking of which I had forgotten how many delightful characters are in this book! The entire town of Pico Mundo is filled with these fascinating characters that are just there to add color and life to the world surrounding Odd. Like, his boss, Teri Stambaugh, who is obsessed with Elvis, or his landlord who he has to check in on every morning so that she can be convinced she hasn't passed away in the night, and of course his mentor Little Ozzie, a local author who Odd confides in. Each one of these characters (and many many more) is fully realized and Odd shares with you their histories and life stories that are sometimes humorous and sometimes tragic but always entertaining.

I had also forgotten all of the stuff about Odd's parents. They were just awful! But, at the same time it was such an amazing statement for Koontz to have in his novel. I mean here are these two people who are doing everything they can to run from reality. They both try to live these lives that are just lies and it in turn alienates Odd. And yet, when we meet Odd, he is full of life and promise, and joy- even in the bleakest of moments. He is an eternal optimist, like Lloyd Doubler!

I can say now that I am really excited about reading the rest of the books. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I feel like I have to explain why if I love this book so much I haven't bothered reading the rest of them.

How do I say this...well, not only can Odd see the dead but in a way he can also see when evil is coming. And actually that ability of his is more important to the plot of Odd Thomas then his ability to see dead people. At the beginning of the story he starts to realize that evil was coming to Pico Mundo. When evil dumps itself into a small town, no matter what the outcome, it is going to change the people. And this is the biggest challenge Odd has ever had to face so of course the outcome, whether it be triumph or tragedy, is going to change him. And I'm just not good with change, I was afraid that Odd would loose that special touch that makes him Odd, so innocent and simple yet brave and daring. But I have it on good authority that Odd does grow, like all characters do, but that I will still like him. So I'm ready to read the rest of the series now.



Hollywood is actually in pre-production on making Odd Thomas into a film. I have my doubts, which I always do, but I'm trying to stay calm. Everything I know I got off a site called comingsoon.net. I don't know how accurate they are and also keep in mind nothing is official until the movie starts filming and even then changes can be made. So far what I know is that Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, Catch Me If You Can) is signed on to direc. And Anton Yelchin is signed on to, I believe, star as Odd Thomas. Now, this guy has been in Charlie Bartlett and Alpha Dog but I know him best as the creepy guy on this one episode of Criminal Minds. And I guess he will do a good job. I think he can play the innocence of Odd but also the haunted side.


I was leaning toward Jamie Bell myself but eh, what are you gonna do!?!





And yes, I realize that in these two pictures these actors look kind of similar, but trust me, Jamie Bell is way hotter...and way less creepy.