The Association

Rating:
Summary: The Association
Review: The Association,
Bentley Little has penned a very entertaining novel `The Association'.
The premise seems to be built around Murphy's Law; anything that can go wrong will go wrong. And do they ever.
The story moves at a very nice pace, never bogging down. The reader turns the pages in anticipation as to what will happen next. And something bad always seems to be happening to poor Barry and Maureen. The association seems to have a rule for everything, and the rules are nothing less than a dagger to the heart of this young couple.
The ending was somewhat far-fetched and very unbelievable, but this didn't take away from the fun I had reaching the pinnacle. This was a very amusing read, and I would recommend it to any horror fan.


Rating:
Summary: Very similar to The Resort...great start, bad ending.
Review: This was my second try at reading a book by Little. I did get a chuckle out of this one because I am the Vice President of my Homeowner's Association. It was simply a wild coincidence that I chose this book, since I didn't know the plot when I hurriedly bought it. And to think we (The Association) were just this morning plotting to make our annual dues mandatory! (evil chuckle) But seriously, besides the glaringly obvious preaching of the book against Big Brother politics, my big problem with it is that the ending, once again, disappoints. Little starts with a truly fresh idea, develops a fast-paced, suspenseful read...and then seems to rush through to the bizarre conclusion in some caffeine-frenzied, suspension-of-disbelief-gone-insane, race to the publishing finish line, gimme my check now, fashion. It reminded me of some of the term papers I wrote in college at 3A.M. the night before they were due. I almost get the impression Little either gets bored with his own work after several months and scribbles just enough gibberish to call it done, or hands it to a juvenile lackey to write an ending for him. Not sure if I will give his work a third try. I have mixed feelings, because Little is so very talented at getting my attention. I read both his books in one day. I just wish he'd finish what he starts in a logical way that gives the reader a sense of fulfillment rather than an annoying feeling of "Whaaaaaatttt????"

Rating:
Summary: I'll Never Be In A Homeowner's Association".
Review: This book was terrifyingly good. There were moments I couldn't read it and had to put it aside, but then I just had to know how it ended. Although I am somewhat busy, I read it faster than the norm. Stephen King, watch out, you have a rival!!

Rating:
Summary: Too Scary
Review: This book was a quick read, kept me turning the pages and extremely scary. Too much foul language for my taste and sometimes too graphic of details. I really believe the author could have made the point without the graphic detail and cuss words.

Rating:
Summary: GUILT BY ASSOCIATION
Review: This kind of book is what Little has done best in the past---remember "The Store" (an obvious attack on Wal-Mart) and "The Mailman," and others. He takes one of those annoying little life necessities (such as a Homeowner's Association) and turns it upside down, blows it completely out of proportion, and adds all kinds of sexual and pseudopsychological trappings, and voila, out comes "The Association." Barry and Maureen are both frustrating and likeable; whiny and proactive; snooty and self-absorbed. Although the novel takes it time in reaching its totally whacko finale, it held my interest mainly in the fact of all the stupid rules the Association came up with. Definitely, read your association's bylaws before you sign that dotted line. I wish I could have a more tangible feel for exactly who the Board of Directors were, but suffice to say, they do get their just desserts, and unlike many of Little's works, there is an upbeat ending.