Literally Dead Book Club discussion

Let's discuss chapters 16 through 30.
For me, chapter 30 ends on page 202.

Have there been any reveals or findings worth noting?
Has your perception of these characters changed?
Is this book holding your interest?
What do you think might happen in this final third? OR what do you hope happens?

I'm still really enjoying this book. I love that you never know what is going to happen next and the characters really have to work to solve their son's murders. So I really like the characters still even though they aren't perfect but there is this chance of a change coming.
I really have no idea what is going to happen in the last third and I'm excited.

Fudge, crackers, and cheese.

I’m in between wanting to binge this book and having to put it down because it is just so heavy. I want to remember the pieces.

I am just floored at how much I am enjoying this book so far. It is just completely out of my normal comfort zone.

Ike. I love Ike and I just feel like he’s the one who is going to die. Maybe both Buddy Lee and Ike will meet their ends, but it feels the more rip to shreds will be Ike’s death.

What I’ve loved so far is not necessarily their mission, but how this grief of loss has brought these two broken and on surface level unloveable humans together in such a way that not even I as a reader can understand.

I have two sons so the content of imagining their death is hitting hard, but the other layers in this book just leave me wanting to hug these two parents. They just don’t care about their lives at all, but of the two, Ike still has things to lose, so his people are going to lose him.

That’s just my thoughts.

My favorite revelation so far is these two old men realizing they are never too old to learn.

I am so in love with how S. A. Cosby shows us these men learning and growing, both from each other and from the people they encounter.

I also hope Slice gets fed to a woodchipper. I have never tabbed so many things as "made me angry" in a book I love before this one.

I’m still loving this book and the characters. I have no idea what’s going to happen in the final third but I can’t the book the down so I’ll find out soon 😂

WOW! I’m absolutely loving this book. S.A Cosby’s writing is fantastic! Buddy Lee and Ike learning from each other and sorta coming to an understanding about their sons, even if those moments are small they are still so perfect.

I think Buddy Lee and Ike are going to get seriously injured or one might possibly die (part of me is leaning more to Ike’s past catching up to him because of Chapter 30) but I honestly don’t know. I’m sad I have to work so I can’t binge it LOL!

I’m excited. So far this is a 5 star read for me.

The book is still holding my interest and I’m excited to see how everything unfolds. It’s been quite the journey seeing how Buddy Lee and Ike have bonded over the deaths of their sons and trying to understand unfamiliar territory. I have a feeling things are about to get intense. Confrontation is underway, bracing myself for more tragedy. The fact that Buddy Lee’s health is deteriorating leads me to believe he won’t make it.

I Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

I’m really enjoying this book so far and definitely taken by the story line but…has anyone else noticed all the typos?? It keeps pulling me out of the story lol

The book was fantastic

Still really enjoying it, and anticipating where it’s going to go next, even though it has lulled a little in this middle section. It’s been really nice learning more about the background of Ike and Buddy Lee, and it’s been neat to tag along for the ride so to speak, as these two men have really started to form an unusual bond. I feel like things are about to get crazy. Looking forward to the last stretch!

I’m still enjoying this book! I’ve grown to be quite fond of Ike and his relationship with Buddy. Slice and Grayson have made me nervous to find out what is going to happen in the third section!

I’m loving SA Cosby’s writing style. This story feels very real to me and I appreciate Cosby writing on such heavy topics.

I'm really sucked into the story. It feels like a slow burn but at the same time I have so much anxiety from one finding to another. The way the author can seamlessly turn this into a comedy, drama, and mystery is unbelievable. I can't help but feel for these men who don't seem to be very good guys. But, down in their core it's like I can feel they're good, just don't have a good way of showing it.

I have to say, I think one of them is going to give his life for the information on who killed their sons. I have a feeling it's going to be Buddy Lee. He may already be fighting a loosing battle, based on some scenes that include his health. I think that's what's going to wrap this all up is he's in some way going to give his life to avenge their sons. Honestly, I also kind of hope they can get away with it all. Seems a bit far fetched to think though based on the trail they've left so far.

I’m done with part 2 and it’s still got me hooked. I feel so bad for Ike and Buddy Lee. I am scared by what might ultimately happen to them. Yet what a great read.

I absolutely love these characters to the point where I don't want to finish the book. I know we are going to lose Buddy or Ike. I mean, come on, there is no way they both make it out of this alive. Buddy Lee probably has lung cancer (constantly coughing up blood), and Ike has Slice on his back. Of course, I'm going to finish it. I just love these characters so much. This last chunk is gonna hurt.

I’m still loving Ike and Buddy Lee. I thought it got a little slow in the 2nd part but it still held my interest. I can’t wait to finish the last part and find out what happens! I’m praying that neither get killed but having a feeling one of them is going to die :(

Still really enjoying this, even though this middle portion is really just a series of fetch quests without any real shocking reveals; but it's true to form to most action revenge plot.

Buddy Lee and Ike are both so flawed yet still endearing—it's actually quite a refreshing perspective hearing from mature characters being confronted to 'unlearn' their outdated beliefs and prejudice.

Uh oh- is anyone else losing steam in this section???

I really like Cosby's writing and the plot is intriguing- but I'm starting to feel like I could DNF this without much care. This isn't a book to read if you aren't in a good mindset, and I kind of feel like a reading slump is coming on because of it :(

This is definitely holding my interest. Ike and Buddy Lee are bit fascinating characters, and I think the others are right, we're going to lose at least one of them. I just keep thinking oh no way in hell is any of this going to end well. I love watching these two coming to terms with their grief and their pasts and what gives meaning to their lives. I found the scenes of Buddy Lee and his ex-wife interesting and have a feeling they are connected to the mystery.

love the characters! I kind of regret reading everyone's thoughts because I don't want either character to die and that literally didn't cross my mind until I starting reading everyone's predictions. I HATE sad books so I avoid them at all costs and it never crosses my mind that they may kill off someone I like. A little scared to keep reading but...I must know if they get revenge!!!!

I love the characters so much and I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in the last half! This book is definitely out of my comfort zone so I’m really enjoying this book!

I love the conversation in this book! It’s so real and raw but also keeps it light with the comedy. I am enjoying watching Buddy Lee and Ike work through they’re generational trauma and teachings. I’m rooting for them !

Dani wrote: "Uh oh- is anyone else losing steam in this section???

I really like Cosby's writing and the plot is intriguing- but I'm starting to feel like I could DNF this without much care. This isn't a book..."

I've been thinking about DNFing but I want to know what happens.

Dani wrote: "Uh oh- is anyone else losing steam in this section???

I really like Cosby's writing and the plot is intriguing- but I'm starting to feel like I could DNF this without much care. This isn't a book..."

I keep thinking about DNFing this as well, but I have read this far might as well finish.

I go back and forth with liking it to not liking it. Cosby's writing is excellent, although I do find myself drifting away while reading certain parts.

I'm finally invested in this book, and slice can go choke. Ike and Buddy Lee are finally starting to understand their wrongdoings so it's more enjoyable to read them now!

I’m really enjoying this story although there has been a bit of a slow down. Some pieces are coming together and I really want to know what Tangerine knows! There are some real hard truths Ike and Buddy Lee are going through and the way Cosby presents them are eye opening for the reader as well.

I was so surprised to find out that it was slice working with Grayson, earlier, with the Mac-10s. I also agree with everyone else saying that he can go drink bleach in a corner somewhere.

I still enjoy reading these characters, and it’s very nice to see them finally start learning, or unlearning their prejudice thoughts. This book is still holding my interest, i think it just took me a while to get here because I wanted to read something else.

Im anxious to finish, but I expect Buddy Lee to die because of his already deteriorating health, and because he’s who I’m most endeared to (I think Cosby wrote him that way on purpose).

I hope they get away with it and everybody gets what’s coming to them.

Also, am I the only one who thinks that Christine’s (Buddy Lee’s ex) husband is the top bad guy??

My feelings in the character haven't changed and I am completely gripped. I need to see them get the justice they are looking for but idk if it'll happen.

Andrea wrote: "love the characters! I kind of regret reading everyone's thoughts because I don't want either character to die and that literally didn't cross my mind until I starting reading everyone's prediction..."
literally same, I didn't even think about one of them dying. I guess it makes sense but just like agh no

I feel so lost with this one. I cannot see how people are enjoying this, but I guess that's what makes book club great is getting to hear different opinions, but damn....this one is not for me. I'm liking it slightly more than the first third but nowhere near enjoying it. At best, right now, I can't see myself giving it more than a 2-stars. I feel like the characters are just typecast criminals from a bad cop show or something. I also can't stand some of the writing. The line about Buddy's chest being as tight as virgin pussy made me want to puke

I'm really enjoying this book and S. A. Cosby's writing.
I'm loving the character development and how the dads are growing closer to each other.
The topic of racism and homophobia is dealt with such transparency and the internal battle of these fathers, between not accepting/understanding their sons' sexual orientation but loving them and grieving them nonetheless is very interesting.
I just love Buddy Lee's interactions with Arianna, it's so cute! I, unfortunately, feel like he will probably die at the end, if not in the conflict, with health problems... We shall see.
Can't put it down anymore!

Dani wrote: "Uh oh- is anyone else losing steam in this section???

I really like Cosby's writing and the plot is intriguing- but I'm starting to feel like I could DNF this without much care. This isn't a book..."

I felt the same way! I wasn't sure if it was life getting in the way or if the book was actually struggling to hold my attention.

These last couple chapters have re-peeked my interest, but I could also imagine DNFing it & not feeling like I lost much.

Andrea wrote: "love the characters! I kind of regret reading everyone's thoughts because I don't want either character to die and that literally didn't cross my mind until I starting reading everyone's prediction..."

I'm also in a state of regret because it also did not cross my mind that one would die (at least not in some of the ways people are implying. I know Buddy Lee is in a bad state because of his health, so I'm expecting something to come out of that)

I don't avoid sad books, but I prefer to be shocked than to feel like I saw something coming.

Artrice wrote: "I was so surprised to find out that it was slice working with Grayson, earlier, with the Mac-10s. I also agree with everyone else saying that he can go drink bleach in a corner somewhere.

I still..."

Oooooo, I like your ex-wife's new husband being the top bad guy theory! It did not cross my mind personally, but it's and intriguing thought.

Similar to many others, this middle third lost me for a bit. At first I wasn't sure if it was just life getting in the way of reading or if I just was genuinely disinterested in the book. Turns out it was the latter.

These last two chapters sort of picked up the pace, so I think I will be able to finish it before the end of the month.

It hadn't even crossed my mind that one of them would die! (except maybe Buddy Lee because of his health, but I was imagining it to happen after their revenge was fulfilled...)

Interested to see where the story goes, but as of right now its barely holding onto a 3 star rating for me.

This was not my favorite section. The way that Ike and Buddy Lee find information feels a little convenient and repetitive. The chapters with the Rare Breed were a little too much for me. I think I would have preferred not knowing what was going on from that angle. The chapters weren't as enticing. They also set up what was going to happen, whereas it might have been more effective to be surprised. It felt like we were in a movie flashing over to the villain's HQ.

Still interested, not in a ‘can’t put the book down’ sense but more in a ‘committed to knowing where it goes sense’. No major reveals this section but hoping it all build up to something in the final third. Slice is super slimy but not that unexpected given the context of the story.

I felt like not much happened in the sense of moving the story forward, but it did explain a lot of the grief that both dads are experiencing. I’m with the others who think this has to do with Christine’s husband/the politician somehow. I’m hoping for a good resolve for the last third of the book.

So I am behind BUT none the less still loving this book so much. I love how Buddy Lee and Ike really symbolize the American South and it’s slow transition to acceptance (often times too late). It’s true what is said by the bartender. Here in the south black middle aged men can be some of the most homophobic people around. On the other hand white middle aged men can be the most racist. Both are equally terrible and should not be tolerated, but often times it is quickly looked over as a “norm”. The scene in the barbershop is spot on as well with the interactions and conversations of all the customers. It’s common here to think you can “pray the gay away” or worse “beat them straight”.

The writing is great. The story line is constantly progressing. The action is spot on. I’m really enjoying myself.