Final Girls

Final Girls
By
Riley Sager

4.5/5 Stars

From the Publisher: Ten years ago, college student Quincy Carpenter went on vacation with five friends and came back alone, the only survivor of a horror movie–scale massacre. In an instant, she became a member of a club no one wants to belong to—a group of similar survivors known in the press as the Final Girls.

The novel opens in present day, with Quincy trying to cope with life as a final girl.  The amnesia caused by the trauma of her experience and the sudden suicide of Lisa - a final girl herself, leave Quincy wondering who she can trust and who may be stalking her. As time progresses, Quincy’s horrific past is revealed slowly through a series of flashbacks.  Quincy must face the fact that, in order to survive, she must remember what happened that night - at Pine Cottage.

I first heard about this novel when the author was interviewed on the Fan Theory podcast.  The title caught my attention right away.  I was familiar with the concept of a ‘final girl’ after watching the movie Final Girl starring Abigail Breslin.

I had high expectations for Final Girls, and I was not disappointed.  I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns - and was pleased when the Sager’s ending was so much better than what I had imagined.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

As a teacher, I have heard some wild comments from students. And, I am always amazed how perceptive kids can be.

After enjoying my summer off, I had lunch with a colleague last week. She spent the summer working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

One morning in the library, she was stopped by Diana, who was soon to be in second grade. “My grandmother used to be a teacher,” Diana proudly informed her. “That’s why she died.”

Wow! I’ve been back in school for a few weeks – I get it!

My Son, The Non-Reader

I woke up this morning at about 8:00. I turned over, looked at the clock - nothing. Like every other morning, I tried CNN - nothing. Eventually, my sleepy mind realized that the power was off. Of course, this was the perfect opportunity to read - the house was quiet, my son was still asleep. Heaven!

When my 15 year-old son finally woke up, he instantly noticed the lack of electricity. Stunned, he walked into my room...

Son: What am I supposed to do, nothing works.

Mom: Go outside.

Son: It's too hot.

Mom: Listen to your iPod.

Son: It's not charged.

Mom: Clean your room. (Well, it was worth a try!)

Son: I can't, there's no T.V.
Mom: What?

Son: I have to watch T.V. when I clean my room.
Mom: Well, read a book.

Son (laughing hysterically): You've got be kidding!

Someday, I can only hope that my son experiences the joy that I have - immersed in books.

I have been able to capture his attention with a few graphic novels. But, as for other books, he would rather cut the grass with nail clippers. I will not admit defeat yet - I still have a few years to work on him!