Sookie Stackhouse is a small time waitress who has a disability. She can read minds and let me tell you that makes dating – well…. impossible. Imagine trying to date someone when you constantly can hear what they are thinking! No real worries about that, as pretty much everyone in Sookie’s neck of the woods (oops – did I say neck? 😉 ) thinks she is weird.
Then one day who should walk into Sookie’s bar but Bill Compton… he’s tall, handsome… and a vampire. best thing of all? Sookie can not hear his thoughts and there is something so peaceful and appealing about that she can hardly believe it. Thanks to synthetic blood now being available, vampires can now live (oops – did I say live? 😉 ) among the errr….. living. Some people are ok with this coexistence, others not so much – and others still fall into a groupie sort who think that vampires are the coolest thing since sliced bread and this group is referred to as fang-bangers…. (yes, crude but there it is) 😛
Suddenly these “groupies” are turning up dead and the heat is on all vampires – good or bad. As Sookie has taken quite a liking to Bill and he to her, she worries for his safety – and as a vampires girlfriend – her own as well. When the deaths seem to be hitting to close for comfort, Sookie has to make decisions to protect herself and her brother who really is her only family she has still living.
……………………………………..
Ok.
*Deep breath*
I wanted to read this book because I have heard so much about the HBO series True Blood and of course, the books that are made around this series. I have never seen True Blood, but thought I would try a book or two and see where I landed. I landed.. flat.
I thought I would like the characters and the story line, but honestly… I didn’t. Sookie was too ditsy for words and in her defense, maybe if I could have seen her in True Blood and had a better picture of what they were going for here… but as I listened to this on audio…. she just seemed ridiculously naive, and not appealing as a character at all. Bill was not clearly described and happenings later into the book made me clearly “not a fan” no matter what his excuse. I know many of you love this series and that is awesome – I just found it not to fit for me. 🙂
While at times witty, parts were a bit out there for my liking and when it ended – it ended with a large gap in the story that would probably take most readers to the next book to see what happens – but for me… Sookie was a fun acquaintance to meet, but we are probably not going to be life long friends.
There are many other opinions on this book out there and if you have written a review on this please let me know and I will gladly link your thoughts here. I would also like to hear from you if you have watched the HBO series is it better than the books or are the books better than the show? Which did you experience first? What do you like or dislike about this series?
The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been updated to include dead until Dark
I purchased this audio from audible.com
Book Journey 
See, I learned something today. I didn’t know True Blood was based on these books, never having seen or read either.
I learned that along the way Angie 🙂
I don’t agree with you. Or well, back up and let me explain, maybe I do agree with you to some degree with regards to Sookie and her being one of my least favorite character’s, but I don’t agree that the books fall flat. Actually, I really quite enjoy the books and probably prefer them a little bit more to the television show itself, which I absolutely LOVE don’t get me wrong.
I mean, hi Eric. What’s not to love about him, but really the books came before the television show, so I don’t know that I agree with watching the show before reading the books to get a better understanding of Sookie and where they were going with her when the books came first.
Maybe I’m not understanding exactly what you meant, but in any case I can understand why you might feel the way you do and I totally respect that. *g* I just have a difference of opinion. 🙂
Awesome! I love your comment! 😀 I just didn’t connect with the books and I think in this first one I didn’t really get a picture of the Eric you describe here.
Thanks for letting me know the books came first – I did not know that. SO glad you enjoy them I know they are quite popular.
Is this book one in the series? I forget which order they were written. If so, I remember being just “eh” about book one too.
For some reason, I picked up the second one and read it anyway. I ended up liking it better, and then I really liked the next couple of them. When the character of Eric begins to play a larger role, I got hooked.
Now Sookie and I are on the outs again. The series is just dragging on far too long. I haven’t liked the last two books at all, I’ve just read them out of obligation. Time for this southern vampire series to meet the sun.
I watched a couple of the Tru Blood shows but they were too graphic for me. When reading, I guess I skim over stuff that is played out in full detail on a tv show.
Yes this was the first book Joy – it ends with a bit of Eric and I think he shows up in the middle a little bit but no more than that. He must play a bigger role in future books. I am not even sure how many books this series is…. is it complete or still going?
I read the first three books after having watched the series. I loved the first two seasons of True Blood. I enjoyed the first three books but book four is sitting on my computer. I’ve started it twice and not been able to finish it, not sure why. My review of the first book is here: http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/2010/03/dead-until-dark-by-charlaine-harris.html
I have to agree that I wasn’t a total Bill fan for multiple reasons. I really liked Eric though, which didn’t make total sense either!
Thanks for the link Jill 😀
to me that’s what is so great about reading and blogging because so many people feel differently about each book. I read the first one and bought book 2 but haven’t been in any rush to read it…guess that really tells the story doesn’t it?
I agree Staci – we are not all going to love or hate the same books – I love the difference in opinions and some readers catch things that I did not. 🙂
I think I have the second book around here too… some day I may read it to see where Eric plays in all this but like you, I am in no hurry.
So sorry it didn’t work for you. I know so many people talk about how fun these books are.
I have to say I think I’m one of the last people on earth who have not read this series yet. I do want to try it one of these days though.
Thanks!
That’s where I was too Melissa – I wanted to try them but hadn’t made the time…. I found this one on audio on sale so thought it was a good time to give it a try 🙂
I enjoy the books, but I’m not a fan of everything about them. For instance, I don’t like Bill AT ALL. I didn’t like him from the start. I’ve always liked some of the other supporting characters (Erik! Sam! Alcide! (to a point)) more. The series has definitely started to drag.
I would consider the TV series very loosely based on the books. I think there’s more humor in the books, and the show is much more graphic, and more sexy. The storyline of the first season does mimic the first book, but after that there’s not much in common other than characters.
I wonder if I would find Sookie more likable on the show than in the audio?
The Southern Vampire series is definitely not for everyone. I really liked the first book but didn’t care for book two. I kept reading anyway. My favorite in the series is Dead to the World. I am ready for the series to end though because I am getting tired of them and I think the quality is slipping more and more. I tried watching the show but couldn’t stomach it. They change quite a bit from the books too.
Sookie’s character did annoy me at times but it is Bill I really did not like. I am trying to decide if I will read the new book when it comes out next month. I am on the waiting list for it at my library but there are so many other books out there that I want to read. I may just pass.
Thanks for your thoughts Christina 🙂 I find it interesting that no one here has yet said anything wonderful about Bill…. is he not suppose to be the hero of the books? Maybe he character becomes more clear as to who he is in future books? 🙂
I read the first book and hated it….then figured the series might be entertaining, but couldn’t even finish episode 1 of season 1!! I was so disappointed. I do love the author’s “Grave” series, but will never ever read another Sookie Stackhouse! My review is here: http://www.dreamworldbooks.com/2010/05/dead-until-dark-by-charlaine-harris.html
Thanks Sarah, I have not read anything else by this author, I may need to take a peak at the Grave series 🙂
Sheila, you did better than me. I literally only made it through five pages of this book before I gave up.
It was the audio Amanda…. I was curious… I kept going… 😛
Actually, you were much kinder in your review than I was when I discussed this in an audiobook group. I *hated* this book! I didn’t like the writing or the story (derivative and dull) or; the narrator (the twang, affected or not, was annoying.)
For the Where are you Reading? Challenge, I was hard pressed to find an audiobook set in Arkansas that didn’t feature Bill and/or Hillary Clinton and so I chose the first title in Charlaine Harris’ other series, SHAKESPEARE’S LANDLORD (after also making sure it didn’t have any urban fantasy elements in it.) Interestingly, SHAKESPEARE’S LANDLORD felt like a Sookie Stackhouse novel without vampires:-/ SHAKESPEARE’S LANDLORD fares only slightly better than DEAD UNTIL DARK; but I have to say I don’t think Charlaine Harris is my cuppa. Too tepid.
And ah, no. Haven’t seen the TV show. No interest.
I didnt like Sookies voice at all but having not seen the tv show, thought that was who she was…
You already looked for an Arkansas book? You rock! 😀 I will probably look for something about Wal-Mart and the history of…. I spent 14 years with the company and was fascinated with what it used to be when it was Sam Waltons dream….
I completely agree with you. I couldn’t connect with Sookie at all. I read 3 of the books hoping that I would find something I liked in the series but I couldn’t so I gave up on them. I watched the first season on HBO and it was alright. Not good enough for me to care to watch the next season but I didn’t shut the TV off in disgust wile I was watching that first season.
You are not alone my friend. Not alone at all.
I am seeing that Krystal… I really thought I was the only one. 🙂 I am enjoying seeing the mixed thoughts on the books and series.
I am so sorry that you cant really enjoy this book as I do. I have no idea what make me liked Sookie. Although I am not a big fan of her and the series. But they are fine for me.
I have read the second book and I’d love to read the next one.
I even prefer the book that the tv series that gave me too much vulgar scenes.
A lot of people love the books and the show Aleetha – that is a good thing 🙂
Interesting conversation here…I’ve been noticing these books everywhere, but haven’t read any of them; and I haven’t watched True Blood, but had no idea there was a connection…LOL
That’s how far out of THAT loop that I am. I can tell I wouldn’t enjoy these books, though, based on the subject matter.
It’s fascinating to read others’ thoughts, though.
I am enjoying the discussion Laurel and surprised how many have not read them or did not enjoy them… I really thought it was just me. 😀
I agree, but then I don’t agree. I watched the first season of True Blood when it aired in Norway, and didn’t like it much. My version of vampires do not drink blood from a bottle, but is more like the vampires you find in the tv-series “Buffy. The Vampire Slayer”. I also descided early on when the books started to appear in the bookstores that I didn’t want to read them.
Today I’ve read 5 of the published books, chronologically of course, and it’s not the best books I’m reading. But they are entertaining, and much better than the tv-series (in my opinion).
Everybody cannot like the same books, in that case it would be really boring to be a bookblogger;-)
You are right Elida – its fun to see the passion come out in books we love… and in books we don’t 🙂 The differences in opinion is fun and I love to hear all sides.
This is a series I’m not interested in at all.
I think I am over my curiosity Hannah… 🙂
Sounds like it. Are you at least glad you tried it, though?
I am, for really no other reason than I did try and if someone says I am missing out I can honestly say it wasn’t a good fit for me 🙂
Yeah, you’re good like that. 🙂
LOL…. yeah… I like to see what everyone else is excited about in their reading, but find myself drawn to the smaller titles as well…. 😛
Sookie, Snooki – I really don’t care about either. I do like Charlaine Harris’ other books though.
I would like to see what else she writes Barbara. 🙂
Well Sheila I gotta say that I totally agree with you about this book. I watched the first episode of the series, its HBO, so a little to explicit for me tastes.
I figure there are too many others book out there that I want to read, so can scratch this series off my list.
Thats where I am Margaret, plenty of books I am wishing I could get too faster 🙂
I have a real love-hate relationship with the books; not that I love some and hate others, but that I both love and hate every installment. I can’t explain it. 🙂
My cousin insists that True Blood is better than the novels; and I think I might actually agree in this instance. Then again, I think that the reason I feel the show is better is that I expect less “intelligence” from tv than I do from books. 🙂
Nicely put Trisha 🙂 I thought maybe the tv shows would let me wrap my mind around who Sookie and Bill really are….
I see where you’re coming from and I agree with a lot of what you said. I have only read the first book in the series, so I can’t comment on how the series evolves (if it does), but I enjoyed Dead Until Dark while I was reading it. To be honest I don’t remember much of it now, and I think that pretty much sums it up for me: enjoyable, but forgettable.
I started watching the TV show and got halfway through before I picked up the book. I intended to go back to the show afterwards, but I haven’t yet (and I don’t think I will). I simply didn’t find it all that interesting and I think the book is better. I also think that the reason I’m not raving about the series like so many others is that I don’t really like vampires. I don’t see the attraction. I mean, they’re creepy, no matter how you look at it! I much prefer Sam. 🙂
Thanks Hilde – great comment. I do like vamps… well, thats not exactly true… I like the Twilight series mainly because for the most part they were not gory gross vamps – it was more like a YA love story with fangs…. LOL 😛
Oh I am so glad I’m not the only one who did not get into these books! I can’t give you a link to any review I did because I failed to even finish the first book! Thank you for letting me know I not the only one!
Surprisingly to me Kylie, the majority of the commentators on here did not love the books. I find that so interesting. Like you I thought everyone thought they were wonderful.
I watched the show first and LOVED it! Then of course I HAD to read books 1-7. Totally ruined it for me. Alan Ball makes this story line SO much better. I suggest watching the show, and don’t read any more books!
Thanks for the tip Jessica 🙂