Raising Stony Mayhall

By: Daryl Gregory

Narrated by: David Marantz

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

From award-winning author Daryl Gregory, whom Library Journal called "[a] bright new voice of the 21st century", comes a new breed of zombie novel - a surprisingly funny, vividly frightening, and ultimately deeply moving story of self-discovery and family love.

In 1968, after the first zombie outbreak, Wanda Mayhall and her three young daughters discover the body of a teenage mother during a snowstorm. Wrapped in the woman's arms is a baby - stone-cold, not breathing, and without a pulse. But then his eyes open and look up at Wanda, and he begins to move.The family hides the child - whom they name Stony - rather than turn him over to authorities who would destroy him.

Against all scientific reason, the undead boy begins to grow. For years, his adoptive mother and sisters manage to keep his existence a secret - until one terrifying night when Stony is forced to run, and he learns that he is not the only living dead boy left in the world.

©2011 Daryl Gregory (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Stony [is] the best zombie character ever....More than many novelists, Gregory's work not only withstands but grows richer with re-readings and sustained attention." (SF Signal)

"Raising Stony Mayhall should add to Daryl Gregory's reputation as a dazzling innovator....a fast-paced, exciting narrative laced with both humor and moments of pathos." (Locus)

"Part superhero fiction, part zombie horror story, and part supernatural thriller, this luminous and compelling tale deserves a wide readership beyond genre fans. Highly recommended." (Library Journal)

If THESE zombies took over...

Would you try another book from Daryl Gregory and/or David Marantz?

Yes, depending on the subject matter.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I felt like it was a bit anti-climactic. The ending felt a bit hollow, like eating a meal that tasted good, but did not nourish, or fill the stomach.

What aspect of David Marantz’s performance would you have changed?

I would have him improve on his accents and character voices. They were somewhat muddy, and the characters were a bit bland.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

This book would be impossible to make as a movie, without losing too much. They couldn't dumb it down enough for the casual movie-goer. If they did, however, I would at least red box it, and watch it at home.

Great New Perspective On Zombies

Any additional comments?

This is a very unusual look at the whole Zombie apocalypse. I really like how the author claims that The Walking Dead was a documentary on the first wave of the dead raising. Then how the dead just goes through a feeding phase for a day or two and become the living dead without a desire to eat human flesh. This story deals with the Zombies who are the living dead, but with a desire to be like the breathers who are alive. With an attitude that, "Our bodies might be dead, but we think and have emotions like Breathers do.


I found it refreshing to have a story where the Zombies are the ones struggling to not be killed by the breathers instead of the other way around. Quite a refreshing look. I'd really like to see a second book even though it doesn't seem likely, but you never know.....Oh, and here's another twist.....The primary Zombie is basically the one narration the story....Now that's real Zombie progression

What a great book!

A very clever, funny and different than what you would expect. Loved it! Highly recommend.

best zombie ever

Well read and written..thoroughly enjoyable! Author has a compassionate and unique view. Worth a credit

A *very* unusual zombie story!

This is a quiet, thoughtful book that achieves something unusual: an entirely new perspective on an old, familiar tale - the zombie horror story. But this is not horror, more of - a history, or a memoir. By the end, I cared deeply what happened to Stony and his family, or really, his many families. There are certainly questions that remain unexplained, but somehow, they aren't that important. I recommend it to any fans of the more thoughtful "what if?" genre of fantasy.

I really, REALLY loved this book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Raising Stony Mayhall to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stony was a fav of course, but Stoney's family & the cho's (sp) were right up there also. They were all examples of strong & loving human beings.

Which character – as performed by David Marantz – was your favorite?

Stony was although not technically alive had the most kind & generous nature of any living breathing person. He was just a really good guy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES. I was sooo drawn in I didn't want to turn off the story, but wanted to draw it out all at the same time.

Any additional comments?

This was just a really, really good story. As crazy as it sounds it made me homesick. Maybe because I'm from Iowa :D.

awesome! unique surprise. I loved every moment.

l loved this book. it definitely wasn't what I expected but it was worth every moment of my listening attention!

Entertaining and Fun...and that's about the extent

I bought this book because of the October Zombie book sale. It was one of the few that looked like it would offer something different and interesting. It was definitely a different and refreshing take on the typical Zombie Apocalypse theme, and it was certainly entertaining, if not elevated literature. I would say that the book's tone reminded me a lot of the Sookie Stackhouse books--it got a lot into Zombie politics, culture, and philosophy. All in all, I liked it, but I'm glad I got it on sale.

Finally - a decent zombie story!

I was hesitant to try another zombie or "walking dead" book - I've had bad luck with them in the past and swore them off after the last giant disappointment. I'm so glad I took a chance on Raising Stony Mayhall - it really is a great story with a new take on the whole undead genre. The book is not at all about zombies chomping on bodies and stumbling around moaning - or about desperate humans fighting off hordes of walking corpses with drama at every turn - it's about a real family with realistic characters dealing with the fact that one of them just happens to be not technically alive. The narration was easy to listen to - not flashy - just natural in a way that makes the narrator's presence barely noticeable - which I mean as a true compliment. The last quarter of the story went a bit off the map but it didn't turn me off enough to make me want to stop listening. Would I go for a sequel? Probably not - but I was very pleased with the selection overall and would recommend it as a fun listen for all.

Boring

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, it was a story that went no where.

What was most disappointing about Daryl Gregory’s story?

No point.

What about David Marantz’s performance did you like?

This man is a great reader with a poor book.

Did Raising Stony Mayhall inspire you to do anything?

Put the book down and pretend I didn't waste my credit so unwisely.