I originally read this book in 2008, and I'm pretty sure I've read it at least once since then, but not recorded on goodreads.

I read most of the books - I think all but the last one - before ever watching True Blood, and I've only watched the first four or so seasons of True Blood, though I will finish them (I got interrupted by new fall television).

I also skip 99% of the sex, so won't touch upon that in the review really. I'm not a prude, I'm just not really interested in reading romance/sex.

I'll also mention briefly that I always have grave difficulty in reviewing a book that has hundreds or thousands of reviews, especially a book that most people rave about - what I can possibly say that no one else has?

(I'll also mention I'm planning on cutting / pasting the above for however many SS books I happen to reread and review. Right now, I'm planning on doing all of them, along with the Anita Blake series, but we'll see).

So, here goes.

I love Sookie. I don't remember her being quite as stupid the first time I read the books, so I was a bit surprised by that, but I do really love her character. I'm glad there's no Tara in the books for a while, because I hate the Tara character in the show. Rereading the books makes me see some foreshadowing stuff going on, which adds a bit of depth to the books - which honestly, they really need that depth. The book is a very fast read (especially skipping the sex parts, which I do). I really like Bill, and always thought Sookie should end up with him. Yes, he did some things, but he's not any worse than say Eric and how many hundreds of thousands of people adore Eric? (I also happen to love Sam, so *shrug*)

There is definitely some sections that drag - long sections where Sookie goes to work and comes home. I think this is trying to just establish Sookie's life, but to me, it's mostly plot filler to stretch the book out to however many pages it is so it's considered a book, not a novella. I wish it was kept a novella.

Onward to the next one!