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I’ve always loved the Southern Vampire Mysteries (or as they’ve been relabeled as of late the Sookie Stackhouse books), particularly the first eight novels. And even when Eric was being a creepy, manipulative jerk in the early books, I kept thinking “I wish they would get together.” Because I love the complicated bad boys in novels. Eleven books later, Eric is still manipulative and arrogant and I still, mostly, enjoy him.
My favorite book in this series has always been Dead to the World, the fourth book where we get to see behind the cold exterior of Eric thanks to a little witchy magic. We get Sookie becoming stronger, and others finally start to say Bill isn’t that amazing.
We don’t typically do later books in series as the group read, but we’re making an exception. After the latest trailer for season 4 of True Blood popped up online (embedded below) — covering the break up and giving us Eric saying, “Sookie. You. Are. Mine.” — we thought it was a great time to re-read the fourth Sookie Stackhouse book before the June 26 premiere of the television show it spawned. (Please note: If HBO does not do justice to Eric’s storyline in this one, I may lose it.)
Will you join us in reliving the game-changing Dead to the World this month?
Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse #4)
Charlaine Harris
Published: 2004 (Ace)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon
Add to your Goodreads
When cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse sees a naked man on the side of the road, she doesn’t just drive on by. Turns out the poor thing hasn’t a clue who he is, but Sookie does. It’s Eric the vampire—but now he’s a kinder, gentler Eric. And a scared Eric, because whoever took his memory now wants his life.
If you need a refresher on how Vampire Book Club’s group read works, click over to the Group Read page.
Can’t wait for Season 4 of True Blood….and I totally agree with you…if HBO doesn’t do Eric justice in this season, I may lose it to. This is my favorite book of the series. I was thinking of re-reading this book and what wonderful motivation to read it as this months Group Read. Thanks!!
This had to be one of my favorites as well. Dead to the World is where I fell in love with Eric. I enjoy True Blood, but feel it is so loosely based on the novels (too many changes for my diehard compulsive mind) that I simply divorce myself from the novels when watching the show so it will not frustrate me. Thanks for sharing today.
GO ERIC!!!! I loved this book! I loved how we finally had the chance to see a different side to Eric! I;m definitely re-reading this book!
I tried reading this series before, and I just loathed Bill, couldn’t even finish the 1st book properly… but Eric? Oh yeah. I agree with you there! XD Also the 4th book, i was more interested in it, but to read the first 3 before it? I couldn’t do it. I loved the True Blood series when it came out, though Bill was perfect in it because I still didnt like him! But Eric is totally awesome 🙂 Have to catch up on it though, I stopped halfway through the 2nd series 🙁
Love that trailer though 😉
Season 4 better have the shower scene with Sookie and Eric!