Zombies! discussion

CAMP ZOMBIE


3.1 Donny experiences both mind numbing terror that causes catatonia as well as survivor's guilt during the grocery store run when his friend is taken by the adult zombies. This seems to make him different than the other kids. In what other ways is he unusual?

The mere fact that he has a conscience makes him unusual. He had more of a clear mind, better decision making abilities.

3.2 How are kids in Camp Zombie similar to the kids in Lord of the Flies? In what ways are they different?

I think the comparisons are glaringly obvious. They pick on the weak, and most have no remorse. Where they differ is their willingness to take direction from an adult.

3.3 Bram seems like a real catch but despite that he has to work extra hard just to fit in. Why does Donny's mom try to push him away and why is it so difficult for him to earn Donny's respect?

I question if Donny's mother became jealous of their relationship. No longer the center of eithers world. It's difficult to penetrate the walls of a boy from a broken home. Fear that Bram will leave, coupled by the thought of disrespecting his father by finding a suitable, if not better, replacement.

3.4 Why do the kids let Gary just take charge and follow his orders? Who do you think should be leading the group if not Gary?

My take on this is that Gary is in a position of authority. As a cop, the kids look to him for the right thing to do.


TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA


This is my favorite story of the book. I really connected with this one, and it evoked a sadness in me for Kat. Great job with this one Devan
4.1 Kat's life seems to be riddled with missed opportunities and regret. How does this shape her last trip to Los Angeles?

Let's just say her trip must have been really disappointing! LOL

I think with her life being slowly stolen from her, the trip (up to the zombie parts) was less than exciting. Almost like a 'this is what all the hype was about?' type moment. One more disappointment in the mess of her life.

4.2 Is Kat brave for killing herself or does her suicide make her a coward? What would you do if you were in her position?

I don't think she's a coward. In fact, the balls it took for her to walk out of the hall is admirable in and of itself. Even knowing I could walk amonb the dead, I'm not sure I would trust its reliability enough to actually do it. In a perfect world, I would attempt to find survivors, possibly aid them in scavenging trips since I could walk undetected in the undeads midst. However, I question my inner strength and wonder if I'd just end it all.

4.3 Who do you think the character Barry Brown, the aging action figure that ends up under the table with Kat at the Emmys, was based on?

Isn't the answer always Chuck Norris??

4.4 Is the relationship between Kat and her friend Sea realistic?

Yes and no. I find Sea to be a great friend. But I read more into the relationship than mere friendship. I pondered if there was a secret romance on her side. Was she in love with her friend?

4.5 Both Camp Zombie and To Live & Die in L.A. extensively show parts of Los Angeles and even reveal a little of its history. What did you learn about the city? What elements specifically about Los Angeles did you enjoy so far and why?

I just want to start off by saying I LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE STORIES!!! I'm so irritated I didn't get to finish the last one last nite! But we were busy at work; priorities, smiorities :-( And I'd also like to say that this section contained what is, so far, my favorite story (To Live and Die in L.A.) and my least favorite (Camp Zombie). Still, all of them are incredibly enjoyable, and I LOVE the fact that the stories are told in 'flashback mode,' giving us each character's innermost thoughts in the few moments between finding out zoms are loose all over the city and their impending death. Its reminding me of the near death experiences, when they say your life flashes before your eyes. And its AWESOME! Once again, I'm getting a Christopher Moore sense of love for L.A., and again in the re-introduction of previous characters popping back in other stories (well, at least in one instance). Basically...I'm still loving it, and look forward to the 13th to talk conclusion!

CAMP ZOMBIE

3.1 Donny experiences both mind numbing terror that causes catatonia as well as survivor's guilt during the grocery store run when his friend is taken by the adult zombies. This seems to make him different than the other kids. In what other ways is he unusual?

As I mentioned briefly above, this is my least favorite. I think Donny is an 'unreliable narrator.' He is different than the other kids in many ways: he seems to understand the gravity of the situation, he had just reached that pinnacle of young adult-hood where Bram had started treating him like a man, and I believe he felt responsibility for the entire group. He doesn't think this is a 'game,' he doesn't take unnecessary risk; in short, he is being a 'man.' Albeit a passive man that lets this mysterious Gray take leadership. I think Donny would have made a better leader. Just because someone is louder does not mean they are right! Anyway, Donny realized that it was their own fault for arguing amongst themselves and drawing the zombies' attention to themselves. His knowledge about the door's construction and how many pounds of pressure it could withstand is very interesting. Are you a carpenter, too, Devan? LOL...you seem VERY knowledgeable about such a vast array of things! Donny also seems to be the only kid that truly 'feels.' Anyhow, the biggest single difference I see between Donny and the other kids is simply his maturity compared to the others' lack thereof. It makes all the difference in the world!


3.2 How are kids in Camp Zombie similar to the kids in Lord of the Flies? In what ways are they different?

The kids here are similar in, well, being on a 'deserted island,' and having to take care of themselves. Granted, our kids here aren't on an actual island, rather they are 'standing on a raft in an ocean of blood' (in the classic words of Stza, singer for Leftover Crack), merely trying to survive after their fathers went out and never came back. What boggles my mind is that the mothers don't step up to try and help the children more. I was also slightly confused about the fact that 6 weeks had went by before the bombs began falling there. Perhaps because they were further out in the suburbs? Not sure. I would say the biggest similarity between this and 'Lord of the Flies' is that the kids are relying solely on themselves, waiting for help, while the biggest difference is that they aren't all a bunch of fat, mean, little demon children that try and smash each other with boulders. Also, there doesn't seem to be a split between 2 separate and distinct groups of children. At least they all get along. On page 200, it says the adults "took to calling Donny and his friends 'the flies' with Gary being referred to as their 'Lord,'" But why the hell aren't the 'adults' doing more? It seems odd to me to just let you kid poke at zombies with sticks and hang their arm over the fence as zombie bait for as long as possible. Weird! And just who the hell IS Gary???? ***On a side note, this is the second short (but long) story I've read this year that was a 'knock-off' of LotF (no offense intended, of course, Devan!). The other was Cannibal Fat Camp...very good novella, as well!***


3.3 Bram seems like a real catch but despite that he has to work extra hard just to fit in. Why does Donny's mom try to push him away and why is it so difficult for him to earn Donny's respect?

UGGHH!!! I HATE Donny's mom!!! WTF is her deal, for real??? She pushes Bram away because she's hung up on the past, and she lets that consume her last days. I think he 'fits in' just fine with the town; its his family that he has a hard time fitting in. Sarah seems to love him enough until the news broadcast, when she goes into serious defense mechanism mode and COMPLETELY turns her back on him. I would argue that he DOES, absolutely, without a doubt, have Donny's respect. This creates a very conflicted character out of Donny. He is very bitter about his dad leaving, even though he has a wonderful replacement. I think Donny's only mean statement about Donny was something like things were better 'before that bastard Bram showed up,' and he then goes on about what type of weird-o would name their kid Bram(ME!!!!). And I think it is more bitterness than anger. I DO believe he tried to dislike Bram, but couldn't. And Bram taught him everything he knows about being a man. He taught him a trade; he truly cared about Sarah & Donny. We have to remember that Donny is in his angst ridden teenage years, so he's got to be having difficulties with his 'daddy issues.' So ultimately, I believe he was a good dude that tried his best to make a real family with Sarah, and she bailed on him when he needed her the most, and Donny didn't get a chance to tell Bram how much he actually respected him. That's why he thinks about Bram more than his own mother in his 'flashback'; Bram is the man he realizes gave him the juicy succulent brains that helped him survive until the bombs started falling!


3.4 Why do the kids let Gary just take charge and follow his orders? Who do you think should be leading the group if not Gary?

I think this happens because children are impressionable, and will usually listen to the person that talks the loudest and scariest. Kids are also easy to order around, so all it would take is one single older kid to figure that out, and exploit it quick like. I, however, think Donny would be the best leader (granted, he's the only kid's perspective we get, so who really knows?). Donny has brains, skill, and an inner voice of reason. Honestly, I? said this story was my least favorite so far, but now that I'm reflecting on it, this was the first story in which I really took into consideration that ALL these stories have the Poe style 'unreliable narrator,' which is a very classic literary device. Devan, you are SUPER good at this whole writer thing! I'm so glad I got exposed to this book!!!



TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA

4.1 Kat's life seems to be riddled with missed opportunities and regret. How does this shape her last trip to Los Angeles?

She uses her 'wish' time to do many things she had always wanted to do, but I think the trip to L.A. is more like a chance for her to place a sense of 'closure' on her life, in general. After all, L.A. is where she went to college and began her life; it only seems appropriate she would end it there, as well. After all, it isn't the 'award show' that is important to her, because her 'date' is gone all evening. She merely wants to feel important, more than just a schoolteacher from Seattle. She wants to be on the cover of magazines, just to show people she is, indeed, important. She takes on a cloak of invisibility, almost. She only becomes 'important' in a major way AFTER she becomes sick. So, in essence, she uses this 'last trip' to do all the things she never got to do with her shoulda-been husband. She feasted, she saw the sights. She LIVED!!!


4.2 Is Kat brave for killing herself or does her suicide make her a coward? What would you do if you were in her position?

You know, people always say killing yourself is cowardly, but by golly, I think it would take a HELL of a lot of guts! I think she makes the right call on this. The final blow came when she realized she was still 'invisible' and completely unimportant in this life, just another pathetic, pitiful cockroach calling themselves human, crawling all over this Earth, after the female actress zom has no interest in her diseased flesh. Which is an incredibly awesome turn of events, by the by. I've never came across such a thing in a zombie tale, and that's yet another example of Sagliani's unique and completely original take on the genre. I think she's brave for taking control of her own fate, and going out the way SHE decides. I would have done the exact same thing. She gets a blissful death, at least. Because the bombs were coming for her anyway! ;-)


4.3 Who do you think the character Barry Brown, the aging action figure that ends up under the table with Kat at the Emmys, was based on?

I have some errands to run, but I'm going to come back to this one. I BELIEVE she graduated in the late 1990s, so I'll have to think about this while I'm out and about. Hmmm...who fits these criteria?


4.4 Is the relationship between Kat and her friend Sea realistic?

Yes and no. Yes, because schoolteachers often form TIGHT bonds (I come from a line of teachers). But at the same time, the relationship seems a little 'lop-sided.' Sea is more like a nurse, therapist, and planner for Kat rather than 'just a friend.' I found myself wondering in a few different places whether Sea was interested in Kat as more than a friend. It just seems as though Sea lives' for Kat, while Kat is just trying to live. They identify on the whole 'teacher' level, but we aren't really shown a lot of how Kat thinks of Sea, because this is a tale told by Kat, about what's important to Kat. The lack of info on Sea is telling, in my opinion. I guess the relationship is just as realistic as any one we've seen so far in the book. Which, in other words, is COMLETELY realistic. Sagliani does a splendid job portraying people for who they are....no sugar coating and that kinda thing. Just another reason I love this book so much! Still, I guess its pretty obvious I didn't care for Sea that much. I don't really have a good reason; she just rubbed me the wrong way. But hey, this is MY reading experience, so I can have all the opinions I want, right? ;-)


4.5 Both Camp Zombie and To Live & Die in L.A. extensively show parts of Los Angeles and even reveal a little of its history. What did you learn about the city? What elements specifically about Los Angeles did you enjoy so far and why?

We were shown a LOT of cultural diversity (but not NEARLY as much as in the next story), as well as how many people see L.A. as the 'pot of gold' on the other side of the rainbow. It destroys most; all but those strong enough to survive the cut throat city that is L.A. are chewed up and spit out (kinda like Kat herself). I personally am enjoying the detailed descriptions of the people of the city, the places, and the scenery. They are enjoyable to me, personally, because I have never been to L.A., and these stories are almost allowing me a 'vicarious visit!' I love it; it takes real talent to depict a city as though it is a living thing (which,I suppose it is, in a way).



***I'm going to run a few errands, but wanted to let you all know that I am going to translate all the Spanish words from 'La Cucaracha' later on so we can all have a handy-dandy reference sheet! Sorry, no one speaks Spanish here, and I took French, Latin, Greek, and Japanese, but no Spanish. REAL friggin smart of me, huh? Oh well, too late now!Catch you all in a few hours!***

~Teresa~

Those are some great answers Teresa! Thanks for taking the time to really dig in and come up with real answers. Let me know if you have any questions.

And thank you again to Shana from Bookie Monster for being kind enough to moderate this discussion. You really are amazing!

Thanks for the compliment Devan...but you're really the star on this one lol.

Updating my answers as I go...wish I had time to write more in depth answers...but at least I'm getting the main parts out =)

Shana wrote: "Sagliani not only gave a nod to one of my all-time favorite books, Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men..."
Ahhhh....I FINALLY got to the 'Of Mice and Men' reference! I was looking for it, and thought I'd missed it, but it was hiding in the last story! ;-)

Shana wrote: "My take on this is that Gary is in a position of authority. As a cop, the kids look to him for the right thing to do...."
I must have missed this...I thought Gary was a kid...Devan, can you clarify this?

***On a side note, I just finished this one...I will write a review a little later. BUT...it has my 5 stars!!!! I will wait until the 13th to post my 'overall' thughts and feelings so I don't ruin anything, but I can say for sure, this was one of my top 5 favorite zombie books of the year! GREAT work, Devan!!!***

Shana wrote: "Isn't the answer always Chuck Norris??..."

LOL!!!! This made me snort!!! As bad ass as Chunk Norris is, I'd NEVER wanna sleep with him...I'm thinking Brad Pitt? George Clooney? I don't know...I still have to update that question lol...

Devan wrote: "Those are some great answers Teresa! Thanks for taking the time to really dig in and come up with real answers. Let me know if you have any questions."

Thanks! I think this book is, so far, the one I have the most highlights in, like, EVER!!!! LOL...If I'm reading a book for a group read, I try my damndest to answer the questions with as much thought as I can muster up. I feel as though it is best for the author. The thing I liked the most are the different viewpoints we get. It was such a genius technique, and so original in a genre flooded with all the same. Very good work, I gotta say!

Chuck Norris isn't scared of zombies. They're scared of him I think. I used to love all those Chuck Norris jokes. Seems like there have been a LOT of guys pushed at us as action heroes in the last couple decades. Not all of them were so tough. Kinda funny.

Okay so here is the story on Gary. In NO ONE IS WATCHING the main character is Detective Gary Wendell. In CAMP ZOMBIE the kid who takes charge is named Gary. In NO ONE IS WATCHING both Gary's meet in front of the adult movie theater and have an exchange. Older Gary projects his wish for children and admits to his failure with kids at the same time during the meeting. It tells us a lot about his character's intimacy issues. Younger Gary seems to instinctually know that he can talk to Older Gary like an adult, that he's not like other adults. While readers were intended to see similarities the scene serves to reinforce Older Gary's personality disorders more than to teach us about Younger Gary's character.

Dangit...missed that one entirely lol...and I think you even explained it to me originally when I reviewed and questioned you about it!

So what's that leave us with? Arnold? But the beard is throwing me off lol. Harrison Ford? Wesley Snipes? (Say what you will...he was hot in Blade). Keanu Reeves? He rocked a beard...and was definitely hot at one point lol.

OMG...It has to be Steven Seagal

Devan wrote: "Chuck Norris isn't scared of zombies."

Back in 1982, he did a zombie movie:

Silent Rage

A small-town sheriff (Chuck Norris) shoots a killer (Brian Libby) in the act of murder and takes his corpse to three doctors, who seize the opportunity to secretly test an experimental serum that has the ability to reanimate the dead. The serum works in spades, and the murderer is back on another killing spree -- but this time he's invincible. Now, if the sheriff wants to save innocent lives, he must bring down the madman turned monster for good.

Shana wrote: "So what's that leave us with? Arnold? But the beard is throwing me off lol. Harrison Ford? Wesley Snipes? (Say what you will...he was hot in Blade). Keanu Reeves? He rocked a beard...and was defini..."

My boyfriend just thought of a good one! Johnny Depp!!!

Wait, wait!!! Sean Connery!!!

Randy wrote: "Devan wrote: "Chuck Norris isn't scared of zombies."

Back in 1982, he did a zombie movie:

Silent Rage

A small-town sheriff (Chuck Norris) shoots a killer (Brian Libby) in the act of murder and t..."

Randy,
Do you know EVERYTHING about zombies? I'm beginning to suspect you do... ;-)

So, I'm guessing it was Mel Gibson under the table.

The middile two stories in this collection were not as solid as the first two. Perhaps because the zombie eye-ball popping scene of "LAX" was so out there, as well as the despicable nature of Edgard the Pilot.

I enjoyed "To Live and Die in LA" much more than "Camp Zombie" - it was much more real to me, and much more poignant. The lack of zombie attention given to an already attention-deprived cancer-victim - well, that's just sad and lonely. And ultimately, almost more horrific than a bunch of kids running around scavaging for supplies.

I'm looking forward to the last set of stories - but no essay responses from me, please!

Obviously, I didn't get around to translating all the Spanish words *oops* Sorry; just had a super busy day at work. I'll get around to it (MOST LIKELY!) tomorrow. Sorry :-(
~Teresa~

So, Devan...inquiring minds are dying to know...who was the action star based on???!!!

No kidding, Shana!!! Its killing me! LOL...and I'm sorry I never got around to the Spanish translation yet...if I even do. I have a Spanish dictionary, and I have no clue what some of the words in 'La Cucaracha' are! No Spanish here :-( Are questions going up tomorrow? I thought the were supposed to be up today, but wasn't sure. Hell, even if you put them up now, I wouldn't be able to answer until morning cause I'm so tuckered out. Is it the 15th they are supposed to go up or what? I've lost track of time; imagine that! ;-)
~Teresa~

LA CUCARACHA



Los Angeles is not only ethnically diverse, it's also economically diverse as well. How do these two factors shape the world that Pilar lives in?



Describe Pilar?s relationship to her family and what you like (or don?t like) about it.



Pilar bases her successful food truck business off of Roy Choi, the visionary behind the food truck revolution that started in Los Angeles. How does Pilar?s love of food show throughout the story she tells? How does it influence her gruesome zombie death?



What?s the meaning behind the phrase La Cucaracha and why do you think Devan chose to use it as the title of this story?

I loved the name of this one. I grew up calling food trucks Roach Coaches. So it was humorous to me. But I doubt it was that obvious. Perhaps it was more an in your face satire.

This story intersects with DLU in several places, crossing into Venice and Santa Monica from ethnically Hispanic East Los Angeles. How is the world Pilar sees different than the one that Yermo lives in? How are they the same?

Both have a thriving underworld type feel. A strong sense of community.

DOGTOWN LOCALS UNION



Venice Beach gets plenty of attention in this story since it?s where the author lives. What interesting qualities set this city and its unique denizens apart from other parts of Los Angeles?

I never realized how bad Venice Beach was. I always just got visions of muscle bound beach bums wearing spandex (ok I loved the 80's, I rocked my fair share of spandex and fluorescent colors lol)

Who was your favorite character in this story and why?



Yermo?s mother?discuss.



Would you try to keep a pet zombie if you could control it with a regulated feeding schedule?

Hell no! PLus, I can barely keep to my dogs schedule and most days forget to feed myself. This would not end well for me...just sayin

Which celebrity is Harley Richards from both DLU and TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA based on?

This one's got me going nuts. Not big into surfing, the only surfers I know are the ones that have been added into movies or in the media. My best guess is James Lovett?

DLU is full of surf culture and beach references. Describe some of your favorite moments.

I really enjoyed the turf war over the beach. Gave me West Side Story kind of feel...except with guns instead of fancy dance kicks.

After reading UNDEAD LA 1 which parts of the city did you like the most? Who were you favorite characters? Which were your favorite stories? And why?

Whoa girlie! These are the most detailed questions yet (which DOES make sense, seeing as how they are the last questions). I'm on a 12 hr shift today, so I will try and get to them as I can, but if we are busy, it may be tomorrow before I post. Sorry...what can I say? Work sucks, but I gotta go! I WILL be back though! Have no fear! ;-)

Teresa wrote: "Whoa girlie! These are the most detailed questions yet (which DOES make sense, seeing as how they are the last questions). I'm on a 12 hr shift today, so I will try and get to them as I can, but if..."

I'm looking forward to hearing what you come up with. Have a nice day at work!

Shana wrote: "So, Devan...inquiring minds are dying to know...who was the action star based on???!!!"

I wanna hear who people think Harley Richards is first. I had to make up a lot of celebrities but I actually wrote Harley around a specific person. In fact in the original draft I just used the actors real name, until I realized I wouldn't be able to use a real person as a character without their permission.

I just finished LA CUCARACHA and wanted to post some thoughts, even though I haven't completed DOGTOWN LOCALS UNION yet. So far, I've enjoyed Pilar's voice in this story, of all the stories in this collection, the best. Perhaps it's her innocence and her sense of family that I'm attracted to - she's a character to whom I can relate the most. Her potential - her near 'rags-to-riches' story that is the American dream of most immigrants to the US - that is cut short so brutally - damn, what can I say? And love found and then lost...to the LA undead at a food festival. Yes, perhaps my favorite story so far.

And how ironic is this passage, when describing her family strength in the food truck business?

"It's what we are meant to do on this Earth - to help others by serving them and feeding them and taking away their hunger.""

Yup, Pilar, you sure did...in the end, for a horde of hungry zombies.

Add to that, the linear narrative style, without any flashbacks, was a refreshing change of pace. I did get a little annoyed with the flashback sequences of some of the earlier stories, particularly CAMP ZOMBIE.

So onward to DOGTOWN LOCALS UNION for tomorrow.

By the way, where are the rest of our readers and commenters for this book? I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Where are the rest of our readers and commentators? Come on chick! You know where they are...absent as per usual! And its really sad, too...in my opinion this was our best book of the month so far :-( perhaps you see what all the fuss was about now, Shana? A bunch of people say they want to read it, and we only get 3 people...very sad...

Netanella wrote: "So far, I've enjoyed Pilar's voice in this story, of all the stories in this..."

I felt the exact same way, Netanella! I absolutely fell in love with Pilar's 'voice.' She was, by far, the best narrator in this work. Its been an uber long day; I'll post responses tomorrow, but I don't feel 'the time crunch,' cause I just realized this one ran til the 16th. I have some reviews to write, some errands to run, some sleeping to catch up on, and, of course, Shana's wonderfully thought-provoking questions!!! ;-) See you ladies tomorrow!
~Teresa~

Teresa wrote: "Where are the rest of our readers and commentators? Come on chick! You know where they are...absent as per usual! And its really sad, too...in my opinion this was our best book of the month so far ..."

LOL...don't get me started again...you didn't enjoy snarky Shay LMAO.

No...I DID like snarky Shay! I like snark PERIOD! BUT...now that you've experienced what we've been dealing with, our snarks can combine into UBER-SNARK, and fight for the same mission! ;-) (Although I've honestly just given up...)

And I'm with you on the surfer.. I can't even name one!!! I'm still WAY too sleepy, but errands are calling. Have to go visit the family...which is always nice to see them; it just takes a large portion of my day. I will most definite be 'laying this one to rest' later (i.e., finishing the questions, and writing a review), then I'll just watch the thread for any overall comments to respond to. As you can probably tell, I do good with structured questions; Netanella is a lone wolf; she spits out mad observations and overarching themes. We got the bases covered; us three! We don't need no body else!!! ;-)

Teresa, you should syndicate your review on my blog. Devans reviews are easily my most popular.

What exactly does that entail? He gifted me his Y.A. novel, which I'm going to try and get to maybe the last week of the month, so that'll be another review coming soon...

Wow! BIG time delay on the question answering! Soooo sorry, Shana! Hectic crap in general just rains down on my every stinkin' day! I'll answer as many as I can for now, then edit the rest in...thanks!

LA CUCARACHA

Los Angeles is not only ethnically diverse, it's also economically diverse as well. How do these two factors shape the world that Pilar lives in?

Pilar grew up severely impoverished, so much so that she was put to work at a young age to help her family. She put up with the mocks and scorns of her fellow classmates for working and relying on a 'roach coach.' To me, Pilar takes these jabs and uses them to her advantage; she learns very early that the world is a harsh place indeed, and this prepares her for any trouble she faces later in life. I love her sense of community, and her 'triumph over tribulation.' (Devan- with my references to Leftover Crack, and now H2O, can you tell I'm an East Coast punker? LOL...we ALL know punk rock in the U.S. started in L.A., though...I gotta give West Coast props on that one). Pilar fully recognizes the American dream, that is all but lost to the multitudes. She is one in a million, and I believe it is because she has seen the lowest of the low, and while reaching for those higher apples, she maintains both her dignity AND integrity, which is unusual. She doesn't do low-handed things to get where she is; she got there by hard work and hard work alone (oh...and a little help from the neighborhood thugs, but I looked at that as her 'community' looking out for her, as she looks out for them).


Describe Pilar?s relationship to her family and what you like (or don?t like) about it.

At first, I didn't think I was gonna like Pilar's dad that much because he seemed awfully demanding, and more of a 'do as I say' kinda guy. I loved Pilar's independence, her putting her foot down when it came to her schooling, her ambition. It MADE her character. And, it turned out that her dad WASN'T so bad, after all. Although I'm sure he would have had an "I told you so" attitudes had she failed in her endeavors. Her little sister is her foil, in a way. The weaker sibling that settles down and kind of follows the leader. Having been around the super strong Pilar her entire life, it only makes sense that Rosario would marry the gang leader Paco's son, Manny. I felt that their family was AWESOME; they stuck together, and that is what family is about, right? I can't say their is much I DON'T like about her family. I can say the same of her gang family. I would pay protection, too. If you live in an area where certain people need to be respected and paid tribute to, well, you do it or you won't have a chance to be sorry you didn't do it. (I may live in this stupid Red State nightmare that is WV, but people are incredibly protective over their 'hollers' around this area...there are some places here you just do NOT go unless you are looking for trouble).As long as your turf's leaders have things running pretty smoothly, I say embrace THAT family, too!


Pilar bases her successful food truck business off of Roy Choi, the visionary behind the food truck revolution that started in Los Angeles. How does Pilar?s love of food show throughout the story she tells? How does it influence her gruesome zombie death?

Oh wow! Her story is absolutely inundated with references to foods of all sorts and varieties. It is plain to see that its her passion; her driving force. Her entire story revolves around food, so it pretty much shows through in every line of the story. It is the essence of the story itself. I just think its super ironic that she ends up ultimately sacrificing herself as a meal to please the others at the festival. She sacrificed day and night; sacrificed relationships ('til like 3 seconds before she dies!); sacrificed everything to be successful. It only makes sense that she, herself, literally is consumed. She says the last thing she saw was "Brian taking a bite out of my still beating heart." (pg.292) Wow! Just wow!


What's the meaning behind the phrase La Cucaracha and why do you think Devan chose to use it as the title of this story?

Shana, if it wasn't for your answer, I'd have missed this entirely. Because I NEVER see food trucks and because all I can think of when I see the words 'La Cucaracha' is dancing from side to side over and over again as a small child, while repeatedly singing some weird song whose only words were 'La cucaracha, la cucaracha...' I used to twirl my arms with each 'cucaracha.' So *face palm*, I never caught the 'cockroach' sound. Crazy how people with different experiences view things, no? And since this doesn't fit in any real other question, let me say here that I LOVED the Kafka Metamorphosis reference!!! <3


This story intersects with DLU in several places, crossing into Venice and Santa Monica from ethnically Hispanic East Los Angeles. How is the world Pilar sees different than the one that Yermo lives in? How are they the same?

While they may be from different backgrounds, they are most certainly from just as tight-knit communities. Don't mess around with the wrong people, at the wrong place, during the wrong time. You will die! ;-) They are both very 'gritty' and real. No sugar-coating. The way its supposed to be...real.



DOGTOWN LOCALS UNION

Venice Beach gets plenty of attention in this story since it's where the author lives. What interesting qualities set this city and its unique denizens apart from other parts of Los Angeles?

Venice Beach immediately makes me think American History X. This place seems like a place I'd like to visit; like a place where you kinda sorta mingle with your neighbors, but not too much. Where people mind their own business and take care of their own problems. I think that, in relation to the other stories, Venice Beach is depicted as being more secluded and self-sustaining than the other areas we have seen. Of course, I've never been (maybe one day...), so I can't say with any certainty. This is just the way I, personally, envisioned Venice Beach.


Who was your favorite character in this story and why?

Bronan. Hands down, no competition. I just loved his nonchalance, laissez-faire bad-assed-ness. He is just cool in every way possible. He's nice, but you can't push him around. He's mysterious, yet philosophical. He's just the all around 'cool dude.' He didn't have a huge 'back story,' and he wasn't that 'in-depth' of a character, but he wasn't supposed to be. He's supposed to be the cool guy. And he is!


Yermo's mother? Discuss.

B*h!!! Not crap for a mother. A NON-mom. An 'egg-donor.' Super lucky her kids didn't turn out like horrible monsters. Enough said.

Would you try to keep a pet zombie if you could control it with a regulated feeding schedule?

I think I just might. I would definitely like to see it successfully done by someone before me. I'd probably be so friggin scared all the time, I wouldn't be able to sleep. But if it was to keep other zombies away, or security, I think it could be an asset.

Which celebrity is Harley Richards from both DLU and TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA based on?

Charlie Sheen? (Charlie Manson 'Still Not surfin' ;-) )


DLU is full of surf culture and beach references. Describe some of your favorite moments.

I just liked hearing about the waves, and the sounds. I was picturing, hearing, seeing, smelling the beach. I was feeling the water and sun. It was wonderful. I don't need to be a surfer to feel that.

After reading UNDEAD LA 1 which parts of the city did you like the most? Who were you favorite characters? Which were your favorite stories? And why?

THIS is going to be the one I get back to...like maybe I'll just post a link to my review. I'm trying to get better at really doing fuller, more in depth reviews. Anyway, I'll get back to this 'un.

You got it Teresa! Harley Richards is based off of Charlie Sheen. In fact in the original draft I just used his name then later went back and changed it. Harley sounds masculine and rhymes with Charlie and his ex-wife is Denise Richards. The new name just stuck after that.

Great job with all the questions! I'm glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks to everyone who participated. It wasn't at all like I thought it would be but at least I met a few cool new people along the way.

Thanks as well to Shana for stepping in and taking charge. I really appreciate it.

Devan wrote: "You got it Teresa! Harley Richards is based off of Charlie Sheen. In fact in the original draft I just used his name then later went back and changed it. Harley sounds masculine and rhymes with Cha..."

Sorry, I haven't finished that last question yet! Or my review! :-( BUT...I will have extra time on Tuesday! Now...can you pretty please tell us who Barry Brown is based off of??? LOL

Yes!!! Please do!!

Yes! Shana & I are dying to know! And I meant to say Thank You, Shana!!! You made a great moderator! Thank you so much for stepping in when we needed you the most! <3

Barry Brown was originally based off of Mel Gibson. I thought having him spout antisemitic slurs or call her sugar tits might be a little too obvious. BUT he could easily be any of the pint sized wannabe tough guys pushed at us over the years as action heroes. Of all the characters in the book I never imagined readers would find Barry Brown so interesting. I really thought they'd connect more with Harley Richards.

Dang it. It was 0 for 2. I stink at this game lol. Quick, through some medical trivia at me so I can feel better about myself lmao