April 2022 Book Club

My IRL book club met on Wednesday evening to discuss April’s book. We met in-person and it was fun to get out and see people. We discussed DREAD NATION by Justina Ireland. There were eight of us who met together and all of us read the book. Here are some highlights of our discussion:

  • One person disliked the book. A couple of people thought the book was enjoyable and they won’t read the second book. The rest of us really enjoyed the book and are interested in reading the sequel DEATHLESS DIVIDE.
  • One person already read the sequel and it disappointed her. She’s the same person who disliked DREAD NATION. (I’m not sure if she disliked DREAD NATION because of the sequel or if she was hoping reading the sequel would help her like DREAD NATION more.)
  • A few of us said we really enjoy books, movies, and tv shows with zombies. A couple of others said they were indifferent about them. The others said they hate zombies and they don’t think they’re plausible.
  • One person was really interested in the science of it all–what caused the dead to rise, would a vaccine really work, could zombies evolve, etc.
  • Most of us liked the setting and how Ireland used it as a platform to address racism, oppression, and inequality.
  • Some of us wondered how the rest of the world fared in the story since the book focuses on Civil War Era United States.
  • View Spoiler »
  • View Spoiler »
  • One person thought Ireland started the duology with the dead rising in Gettysburg because it allows her to write a prequel if she wants to.

We had a really interesting conversation about zombies. After we talked about whether we liked the idea of zombies or not, we talked our preferences in types of zombies, favorite reason they could exist, the plausibility of an actual zombie apocalypse, and who’d survive. It was a lot of fun.

I gave everyone the bookmark I made for our upcoming list of books that we start reading for June’s meeting. I think, other than our Christmas party, getting our yearly bookmarks is the highlight of everyone’s year.

Next month’s book is CARVE THE MARK by Veronica Roth. I’m looking forward to reading this one. I’ve heard mixed reviews and I’m not sure where I’ll fall in the mix of opinions. I really liked the Divergent trilogy, including the ending, which I know was very controversial.

Anyway, have you read DREAD NATION? If so, what do you think about my book club’s discussion about it?

About Jenni Elyse


Hi, I'm Jenni. I’m an eclectic reader. I mostly read fiction and I favor fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thrillers, and romance. The more kissing in a book the better!
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10 replies
  1. Ash
    Ash says:

    I love how you broke this down! I want to find a bookclub to join but it’s really hard finding one around here.
    I read Dread Nation when it came out and I didn’t like it, I think I gave it a 2 star rating. I don’t plan on reading the second.

    Ash @ Essentially Ash

  2. Louise Hallett
    Louise Hallett says:

    I enjoyed reading your review of Dread Nation and reading your book club highlights was equally interesting. I’m always surprised that people will read a sequel when they didn’t enjoy the first book. I might give an author a second chance, particularly if it was one of their earlier books I hadn’t enjoyed. Many authors do improve after a few book releases.

    • Jenni Elyse
      Jenni Elyse says:

      Thanks! 🙂 I’m glad you liked this post. I was surprised my friend read DEATHLESS DIVIDE too, even though she didn’t really like DREAD NATION. I think she was hoping for some closure.

  3. Margaret
    Margaret says:

    I always find that discussions are more interesting in BC when there are differing opinions. If we all disliked or liked a book, we answer the questions on it but without any passion. I don’t care for books about zombies although a friend encouraged me to read a YA one “The Girl with All the Gifts” and I enjoyed it.

    • Jenni Elyse
      Jenni Elyse says:

      Agreed. Book club is always more interesting when there are differing opinions. I really love when our book discussions get heat and passionate, lol. It makes for a fun evening.

      Thanks for the recommendation. I love zombie stories. I think they’re really interesting. I know if there ever were a zombie apocalypse, I’d be one of the first to die. 😂

  4. Wendy
    Wendy says:

    I love how you tell us the differing thoughts of all your book club members. It’s nice to have differing views, and thoughts on the book. And I’m so glad you were all able to meet in person.

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