Gleaning From The Walls

The first Dean Koontz book I ever read was Whispers. It was over 20 years ago, I’m sure. That book defined horror for me. It literally had me scared. For an author to write a story that moved me to that point … well, suffice it to say that I have been a Dean Koontz fan ever since.

Forever Odd is the second book of Koontz’s using the character of Odd Thomas (the first being of the same name). I loved the first one and enjoyed the second just as much.

Odd Thomas is a young man, 21, from an unstable background involving abuse. In spite of that, he grows into a senstive young man with an unusual talent, or gift, as he calls it. Odd Thomas sees dead people – not something he enjoys either.

The spirits he encounters know they are dead, but linger for one reason or another. When he comes upon them, or they upon him, he tries to convince them to “cross over”. He encourages them, telling them that what awaits them is much better than what they endure in their present state. Sometimes they comply, sometimes not.

One of his most frequent visitors is Elvis – he likes Odd for some reason, but Odd often feels sorry for him because Elvis refuses to cross over. Elvis clings to this world because he worshipped his mother in life, but did not live up to the measure with which she thought he was capable. Elvis feels guilty of this so does not feel himself worthy to spend eternity with her. This is Odd’s theory, not mine.

I like Odd Thomas. He possesses a unique childlike innocence for an adult, but at the same time, he seems a sort of pitiful person. He feels cursed with this “gift” at times. It manifests itself of its own accord, Odd cannot conjure it up or turn it off. He has not reconciled himself to it either, but he does seem resigned. That is where the sadness of his life begins and ends.

Dean Koontz makes you want to care for Odd, take care of him. I wanted to just put him in a box and protect him from all the evil and sadness of the world. I know I cannot. Odd knows it, too.

Odd will do what he needs to do. One of his friends is the Sherrif of the small California town of Pico Mundo in which he lives. He often helps Chief Porter with the crimes of the times, using his gift to give the Chief insight into the evildoers involved. He is loyal to a fault, and those that know him love him.

Odd takes one day at a time, one spirit at a time, awaiting the day when he can join his beloved (his girlfriend, Stormy) in death. He longs for the day.

My Favorite Quote: “We’re all a little odd beneath the surface.”

~ Gerrie