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45 pages 1 hour read

Bird Box

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Josh Malerman

Bird Box

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

273

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Detroit, Michigan • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL520L

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Super Short Summary

Bird Box by Josh Malerman is a post-apocalyptic horror novel that follows Malorie's struggle to protect two children in a world where unseen monsters drive people to violence. She must navigate a treacherous environment blindfolded to avoid seeing the creatures, exploring themes of paranoia, child-rearing, and survival. The story highlights acts of violence and death by suicide.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

220,954 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bird Box by Josh Malerman is generally lauded for its gripping atmosphere and original premise. Reviewers appreciate the suspenseful, well-paced plot and the evocative descriptions that enhance the horror elements. However, some critics note that character development can be shallow at times and the storyline occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of psychological horror.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bird Box?

Readers who relish intense psychological thrillers with a post-apocalyptic twist will be captivated by Josh Malerman’s Bird Box. Fans of Stephen King’s suspenseful narratives or the chilling, atmospheric tension of John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids will find Bird Box irresistible.

4.2

220,954 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Malorie

The protagonist dealing with pregnancy and parenthood amid a chaotic world, known for her resourcefulness and character development throughout the story.

Malorie’s friend and mentor, a schoolteacher turned leader who is committed to improving life at the safe house.

Children raised by Malorie, trained in survival skills, who represent hope for a better future despite their limited understanding of the world.

A skeptical and cynical housemate whose fear of others makes him susceptible to dangerous ideas.

Housemates at Riverbridge who contribute various skills to the group's survival, forming a close-knit community with Malorie.

A manipulative latecomer to the safe house who presents dangerous theories, impacting the group's dynamics.

Malorie’s sister and roommate at the start of the Problem, whose early belief in the danger contrasts with Malorie’s initial skepticism.

Book Details
Pages

273

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Detroit, Michigan • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL520L

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