Schrader's Chord

Robotswithpersonality

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

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so-so

Insofar as I appreciate horror more when there is resolution and survivors, this is the kind of horror I look for. I can certainly see picking up what this author comes up with next because I like his writing, the way he fleshes out characters, the way he found quiet, warm moments amidst the horror.
1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? I love the focus on relationships, how powerful a tool communication can be. While the book could have amped the angst, it had a lot of plot to cover, (I really loved the pacing) and I appreciate that instead of twisting the knife, the story got on with recognizing the past that cannot be undone, the value of truth, forgiveness, recognizing the moments you have, (the whole scene with Charlie recounting the memorizing moment with his mom ❤️‍🩹 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 3/? ) with the proviso that if your parents acted in a shitty way, they take responsibility for that behaviour.
Because I had such a memorable problem with the father-son dynamic in another horror (paranormal?) novel, Our Share of Night, I want to make clear that there's no action or revelation in the present that would ever justify an abusive relationship in the past, but in my view that's not what's described in the Remicks' turbulent history. (edited) 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 4/? The family friction is the result of poor choices and ego as well as misunderstandings, things that could be cleared up and forgiven or at least acknowledged and moved past. Considering all the truly wild shit going on in the ending, the fact that Raymond's last words to Charlie really affected me is a testament to the development of their relationship through the rocky start to a new equilibrium. 2mo

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Robotswithpersonality 5/? If there are those reading it who have a poor relationship with their parents, I would understand if Raymond's selfish choices were triggering, if perhaps they made it so you couldn't enjoy the book.
I do wish Dale had made it through, I do wish Ana's role in the story had not downshifted from her own chapters to a love interest and ride-along, as much as she remains part of the action throughout. 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 6/? I do question whether releasing an album which didn't succeed the first time around, after Raymond both died, and seemingly made peace with the fact that he was not a great songwriter, that he valued his relationship with his son more than his ego, but as with so many actions taken after the death of a loved one, if it brings the survivors peace, go for it. Just a little surprised newly deaf Charlie felt that was the action that needed to be (edited) 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 7/? taken. And yeah, it does feel a bit off-kilter, as much as I love the 'family business' angle, that the previously magic-ear-ed now deaf man is heading a record store and a vanity record label.
I love the description of his new tactile sense of music, the whole sequence of him remembering and yearning for sound is beautiful, 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 8/? and I guess it's good that however misguided Schrader was that, his folly now fully punished and eliminated, he's exactly here he wants to be in a restored state, but it feels odd that Ana urged the playing of those records and Charlie was the one to sacrifice as a result. Yes, Dale's dead, and Eliie really just was temporarily caught up in things, but again, it feels like Leeds had to make a choice about where the focus of the story would (edited) 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 9/? land and as a result Ana got a bit side-lined. I do love that we got Louis Goodwin and Susan Remick for a period of time, they added to the story and exited where appropriate. The narrative feels more whole for having had their characters and contributions, even if they weren't required for the denouement. And I especially appreciate that I didn't have to worry about Susan's kids being involved/in peril for much of the book. 2mo

Robotswithpersonality 10/10 So yeah, I think overall there was more about this book I liked than I didn't, wording and moments that got to me, but the book jacket noting this as Leeds' first novel, really makes me curious what a few more years of work could produce.

⚠️gore, body horror, animal death
2mo

5 likes9 comments

Robotswithpersonality

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

The BEST description I've heard of astrology.
Your fate is determined by...SPACE CRAB! 🦀🌌😁

9 likes

Robotswithpersonality

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

Memoir, horror, sci-fi. A cover colour scheme that crosses genres, but seems to be conveying 'take me seriously', regardless. 🖤♥️🤍

5 likes1 stack add

Nessavamusic

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

bailed

I‘m just not fully engaged, and I don‘t know why, all the elements are there. Also characters keep making stupid choices and it‘s annoying. So DNF.#hailthebail another #bookspinbingo & #roll100 done.

TheAromaofBooks, PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Better next book! 4mo

dabbe #betterbooksahead! 🤩 4mo

TheAromaofBooks Sometimes a book just isn't a match!! 4mo

44 likes3 comments

BookishTrish

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

pick

Most excellent concept. Pretty solid execution.

40 likes

Coueriamb

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

My current audio read and my pick for # 5 on the Scaratjon Photo Challenge! There‘s only a little blood (so far!) but this one is shaping up to be a great read.

#scarathon #scarathonphotochallenge #teamBOOklovers

6 likes

GerardtheBookworm

Schrader's Chord: A Novel | Scott Leeds

pick

The enigmatic death of Chris Remick's father leads him to his family's record store and a cursed album that opens a malevolent force to the world of the dead in this horror novel. Unique storytelling with a supernatural element, this chilling read offers from twists and turns.

6 likes

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