Meeting the Author Ann M. Noser

This month we read How to Date Dead Guys by Ann M. Noser, and Skyped her in for our meeting.
The discussion we had was about the weather, because Ann is lucky enough to live where it's still nice and cold and we're all jealous!

But! About the book. We all love the cover. Everyone agreed that the cover is a perfect fit for the content, and that the title is so fun and eye catching. We all loved how Emma developed and learned from each of the guys, and discussed how weird the skin suit was, in a funny way!
Ann told us that the University campus is a location she's familiar with because her dad worked there etc, so the setting is very real, which was what made it so easy to picture while reading.
She explained that the story was inspired by several things; the story of a student who drowned in the river that her dad was deeply affected by, a close friend who died that affected her, and also the Smiley Face killings that are legendary in that area.
We also had a great chat about traveling with babies, and Ann and I got on a tangent about publication, haha!

Swag!!!

Our book club thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Ann and read her book, and we are eagerly awaiting the release of book two in March.


Next meeting will be March 12th and we will be talking with Krystal Wade about her new novel; Asleep, that we have had the privilege to get as ARCs!

Team Reviews of How to Date Dead Guys by Ann M. Noser

From Goodreads:
College sophomore Emma Roberts remembers her mother’s sage advice: “don’t sleep around, don’t burp in public, and don’t tell anyone you see ghosts”. But when cute Mike Carlson drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters.

Blamed for Mike’s death and haunted by nightmares, Emma turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back. Under a Blood Moon, she lights candles, draws a pentacle on the campus bridge, and casts a spell. The invoked river rages up against her, but she escapes its fury. As she stumbles back to the dorm, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. And he isn’t the only one…

Instead of raising Mike, Emma assists the others she stole back from the dead—a pre-med student who jumped off the bridge, a young man determined to solve his own murder, and a frat boy Emma can’t stand…at first. More comfortable with the dead than the living, Emma delves deeper into the seductive Book of Shadows. Her powers grow, but witchcraft may not be enough to protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims.

Inspired by the controversial Smiley Face Murders, HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS will appeal to the secret powers hidden deep within each of us.

Our Reviews:
Katie:
Talk about all the feels! When I first met Mike, before he died, I soon decided I didn't WANT him to die. This is really early on, so I'm not giving out spoilers. So when he did, I was so sad! But meeting him, getting to know him a but made his death and the events that follow, believable.
Poor Emma. What a crazy series of events she faces in this book. She starts out reserved, kind of beaten down from her high school days and lacking in confidence. But as the book progresses, she changes and grows with each of the lessons the guys unwittingly teach her... some wittingly teach her too. Although she starts out thinking everyone hates her, she learns it's not true. Yes, Mike's brother blames her for his death, but although again she thinks everyone does, it's really just him.
Chrissy I want to beat over the head. Just saying. And Abby is a doll.
But each of the guys you develop a connection with. Each one has his own unique thoughts, feelings and situation he has to take care of, and Emma's there to assist them all, whether she wants to be or not.
All up, a great all around read. I loved it from start to finish, especially all the guys and how well rounded and believable they were. I'm anxious for the next book! 

Suzi:
This was an interesting read. It is about a girl, Emma who is in college, which is a difficult time all on it's own, but then you add in the fact that she brings guys back from the dead, and it gets crazy. She has the rare opportunity to help these guys, with some twists, find some closure. While she is on this journey, with each guy, you get to see Emma grow herself and find the confidence she lost in high school, and meet some fun characters along the way. Fun read!

Jackie G:
This was a very interesting book. Bringing people back from the dead? To have lived such a sheltered life and then go away to college is a hard thing to do. Then having to deal with males around you dying and finding you have the ability to bring them back to life. That is a lot for a any one. I got a little confused at some points in the book. I need to pay more attention to what I am reading. This is one of my first ventures in to YA books. Over all I would recommend it to others.

Kristy:
You know that a book is really good when you are still thinking about it long after you have finished it. I thought this was a very unique read that included a gamut of emotions. I found my self laughing at Jake's antics, feeling sad for Mike and his unfinished business, surprised with Steve's news, and loving Bernard for his concern for his wife. I'm quite excited and curious to read book number 2. Thanks for taking me on a fun ride, Ann. I look forward to reading more of your work! P.S. Thank you for keeping it clean. You have proven good writing does not have to include horrible language or sex scenes! 

Emily:
I completely enjoyed this book. I got so attached to the characters and their stories. It has an equal amount of romance, drama, and comedy. There are some fantastic plot twists that really bring the stories together. I'm so excited for the next book.