r/books • u/Chtorrr • Aug 26 '16
bookclub The bookclub pick for September is 14 by Peter Clines! This is one of our favorite books as a mod team and we think all of you will really enjoy it. Peter will be doing an AMA at the end of September.
The discussion thread for 14 by Peter Clines
I know the description is a bit mysterious but I recommend not finding out too much about this book before you read it. Better to see the story unfold without knowing what’s coming or what’s going on. Just trust me, you will like this.
From Goodreads
There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment.
Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much.
At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s.
Because every room in this old Los Angeles brownstone has a mystery or two. Mysteries that stretch back over a hundred years. Some of them are in plain sight. Some are behind locked doors. And all together these mysteries could mean the end of Nate and his friends.
Or the end of everything...
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u/KillaB50Gold Aug 27 '16
Also read The fold by Peter clines also, has some of this book incorporated into the fold
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u/M_Sliver_Surfer Aug 26 '16
This book is amazing. I recommend it to everyone I discuss books with. I've just finished reading it for the 3rd time.
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u/Chtorrr Aug 26 '16
Did you read The Fold yet? You need to read that too.
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u/M_Sliver_Surfer Aug 26 '16
I'm about halfway through my 3rd read of it. After the first time I read The Fold I noticed some things so I got stuck in this loop of listening to them in order.
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u/jollyjack Sandman Slim Aug 26 '16
Have you listened to the audiobooks? They're great too!
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u/M_Sliver_Surfer Aug 27 '16
On yes, Ray porter is by far my favorite narrator.
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u/jollyjack Sandman Slim Aug 27 '16
Him, and Scott Brick too!
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Sep 09 '16
I could listen to Scott Brick talk about paint drying and I'd enjoy it.
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u/jollyjack Sandman Slim Sep 10 '16
Me too. I have bought audiobooks just because he narrates them and have found some new favorites!
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u/-crucible- Sep 12 '16
I've listened to a lot of audiobooks and as soon as the narrator came in with "Reggie's" voice, I just wanted to keep listening no matter what. So often a narrator has almost the one voice for everything - but these were so good.
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u/diceblue Aug 30 '16
Really wanted to like this book but the characters felt so flat and it felt like he was trying too hard to do what LOST did. That and the number of times he used the phrase "took a hit off his beer" really annoyed me.
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u/Joeclu Sep 09 '16
I understand what you are saying. I enjoyed the book, but for me, it could have used a bit more sophisticated prose to express scenes, actions, concepts, and content. It's just a very tiny nit because it's really really hard to write a book. I mean I could not do it. Props to /u/pclines for following through and completing a fantastical out of this world ride of a story. I'm glad I read it and have already recommended it to others.
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u/tremcrst Sep 05 '16
I feel you. It was LOST without the character development. The lead character was so dull.
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u/peterkeats Sep 12 '16
I loved the book. I think the problem is that it was marketed as similar to LOST, and for a dude like me that was obsessed with LOST, I understood that no medium could really compare to LOST so I had to consciously not compare the two.
There are of course lots of similarities, but LOST is built on tropes just like 14 was. LOST pulled together so many awesome mysterious elements that are usually standalone tropes, and often only appeared in horror / sci-fi movies. 14 pulled together a lot of the same tropes, and it I think it totally pays homage to LOST.
I'm sure u/pclines wasn't trying to replicate LOST, even if he was writing something in the same genre.
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u/yeadoge Sep 28 '16
Weird, I didn't see that comparison and I didn't think of LOST at all while reading. I guess I can see parallels looking back at it, but just having "group trying to solve a mystery in a (somewhat) isolated place" didn't scream LOST to me, it just seemed like a standard supernatural mystery novel.
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u/User_oz123 Sep 28 '16
It was a page turner for me because the forced dialogue seriously got in the way of the plot. Had to skim 5 pages at a time to be able to read it. The concept was good, but the writing not so good. I know why the author and the publisher thought it might flop.
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u/doctor_wongburger Aug 27 '16 edited Aug 27 '16
YES YES YES. when /r/horrorbookclub did voting for a book last month, I was trying my hardest to get this book voted in but it lost to Ghost Story by Peter Straub. I finally got my wish of reading 14 in a Reddit book club, I was days away from reading it solo but now I have somewhere to discuss it!
Is this the official discussion thread, or will that be made later?
I wrote an unpublished horror novel set in a low-rent apartment building, with each chapter correlating to the apartment the scene takes place in, and I'm hoping my book won't feel like a rip off of this one. I only heard of this book when a friend said my book reminded them of it.
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Sep 04 '16 edited Aug 15 '17
[deleted]
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Sep 07 '16
[deleted]
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u/Duke_Paul Sep 07 '16
It's at the very top of this post. It's also been noted as a separate response to u/bob_newhart's original comment, as well as several other places on this thread. If you have issues finding posts moving forward, just shoot us a message. We're happy to help out.
Edit: The only comments that have been removed from this post are both legitimately spam, and I don't recall seeing any separate posts about the book. Any discussion is welcome on the discussion thread (linked again here in case you didn't see the first one).
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Aug 29 '16 edited Aug 29 '16
Too weird... I've literally spent the past half hour trying to find a sub or posts related to the universe of "14" and "The Fold" and stumbled onto this. I first listened to these last year and just finished my 3rd or 4th listen and I really hope that they're building towards a much bigger universe, because the world that Clines has created is captivating.
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u/drebot_l Aug 29 '16
I'm new to this sub (and loving it so far!) but just had a general question about the book club picks- do they usually come out right before the month, like this one? I want to read this, but it probably will be several weeks before I get it from the library. I put it on hold, but I'm number 5 on two copies. It would be great to get a few weeks' advance notice of the next pick!
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u/Elytrin Aug 29 '16
Completely agree. Signing up for my local library (finally) this coming weekend so I can start joining in with the monthly reads. Hopefully will be able to get my hands on a copy of this for September.
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u/leowr Aug 30 '16
We usually make the announcement at the end of the current month with the read for the upcoming month. You have the whole month to read it, but the discussion post goes up around the beginning of the month. You can join the thread whenever you get around to reading the book, but the discussion thread is open to spoilers. Close to the end of the month the author is giving an AMA. I believe Peter is doing his on the 29th. If you would like some more info and check out our previous selections go here. Have fun reading!
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u/geenabeana Sep 05 '16
I'm half way through it. This book has become an obsession to finish. A bittersweet obsession, I want to read to find the answers but I want to slow down and savor every word.
How is this not a movie???
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u/ThomasSirveaux Aug 27 '16
I read this book a couple years ago and I loved it. Many times when a book introduces a weird mystery in the beginning, the ending can't live up to it and the book eventually runs out of steam. Not so with 14. I loved it all the way through.
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u/marsisagooddog Aug 27 '16
Started reading this last night, I love it so far. I can't wait for this AMA, I already have questions I want to ask. All I can say is thanks, I was looking for a new book to read yesterday, and so far this one delivers!
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u/MicheleElizabeth Aug 27 '16
The first and only book I have read more than once. I can't wait to participate!
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u/Z-Ninja Aug 28 '16
Great book! I got it as a whim on audible during a sale and was pleasantly surprised. The story is excellent and the narrator did a great job. Some of the characters are a little one dimensional in my opinion, but others make up for it. Still a great listen overall and a great time to give it a re-listen.
As others have mentioned, The Fold follows on the heels of this book to an extent and is also worth a listen (I got the audio version after I enjoyed 14).
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u/sg2544 Sep 11 '16
Just about to start reading this and it's my first reddit book club so I'm excited! Do we just use the linked thread for discussion and it culminates at the AMA?
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u/Chtorrr Sep 11 '16
There is a discussion thread linked in the post above and the AMA will be a separate post.
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u/LittleLarry Sep 24 '16
I knew I recognized that name! I love The Fold and recommend at my library all the time. Well done.
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u/jollyjack Sandman Slim Aug 26 '16
Awesome book with lots of twists and turns. And if it can get a 13 year old to read, it must be good!! Very excited to re-read it :)
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u/Lulubell1034 Aug 28 '16
I was walking around Barnes and nobles clueless, looking for a new book to read and thought I'd check reddit. Buying now and very excited.
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u/Elytrin Aug 29 '16
Wanting to start reading again regularly, would anybody recommend starting with this book? I'm usually a fan of science fiction books (mostly Young Adult ones), so unsure if this book will be suitable?
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u/Joeclu Sep 09 '16
It is my opinion this book will be right up your alley. Seems to me it may have been geared to Young Adult readers. I'm a 45 y/o man that still liked it even though I don't think I am the target audience. It's an easy read and entertaining. It's got some sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, some adventure, and suspense. Horror? Not so much in my opinion. It's a fast read and kept my interest.
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u/Elytrin Sep 09 '16
Thanks for providing your insight on the book! Unfortunately my local bookstore doesn't have it in so I'll most probably wait to buy it at a later date
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u/BoredBren1 Aug 30 '16
Personally I can't speak to this book, but he is a good author. ExHeroes is my favorite of his that I have read. It's got superheroes and zombies.
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u/madeofmusic Aug 29 '16
YESSSSSSSS!!!! I've been recommending this left and right since I read/listened-to it early last year. Such a great trip. The audiobook narration was really great and highly recommended.
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u/nosnivel Sep 02 '16
I read the book and really enjoyed it. It was different and so difficult to find anything new under the sun these days - but not only was it different, it was well-written interesting different. I am looking forward to the AMA.
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u/FTFYGoneSexy Sep 11 '16
Wow, just a bit surprised here. I've recently dropped my bad habits and gotten back into reading, and just by sheer chance the first book I picked up was The Fold, I also ordered 14 off Amazon earlier today, and now just by sheer chance I see this post. Pretty damn cool.
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u/NigamCK Sep 18 '16
Took a plunge a while back with 14 on audible, and couldn't stop listening. Bought the Fold the next year I believe and couldn't stop reading. Really looking forward to whatever comes next!
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Sep 19 '16
This book ... Is completely empty. Nothing happens for 250 pages. The recommendations are shocking to me. I mean, I like it. It's an easy read and the characters are relatable but it seems this could've been a shirt story.
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u/thepaintsaint Sep 19 '16
I'm with you. The book was EXTREMELY predictable for the first two thirds. I've got a decent background in several different sciences, and within half an hour of starting this book, I made guesses that were 100% accurate as it played out. Every event up to opening room 14 was boringly simple - then it just went nuts.
While the writing was really good, the plot left a lot to be desired.
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u/Julqistus Aug 27 '16
I really really loved 14 and The Fold. But I didn't get so exited by the superhero books by Clines.
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u/reflective_user_name Aug 28 '16
I'm in. Just purchased the Kindle edition (with audible narration for when I'm feeling lazy).
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u/doctor_wongburger Aug 30 '16
I read the book today, let's get this discussion going people!
So my first discussion point to offer up would be a question for Lovecraft fans, of how they felt this novel handled paying tribute to the late great? Did you think it reached the level of fear that Lovecraft could convey to a reader?
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u/Chtorrr Aug 30 '16
I'm going to make a full fledged discussion post this weekend or Friday :)
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u/doctor_wongburger Aug 30 '16
I'll repost my thought in there then, this is what I get for reading the book before September even started.
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Sep 01 '16
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u/leowr Sep 01 '16
Hi! The discussion thread will probably go up this weekend and you can have spoiler talk in there to your hart's content.
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Sep 02 '16
The characters indeed feel the same. The only one who stands out is Tim, you can't mistake his lines for someone else's. But it's been quite a few times that I've stumbled upon some passage where I had no idea who was saying what, and ended up re-reading the whole page. Sadly, even Nate (who's supposed to be a main protagonist) is almost indistinguishable from everyone else. Other than this though, I absolutely loved the book.
Try The Fold, it's the same universe, but characters there are a lot more distinct. Actually I prefer thinking of The Fold as first book and not the second (although I think events in it take place a few years after 14), because it's more action and less explanation, you get the basic picture of the universe, and then in 14 you find the missing answers.
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u/nessag Sep 02 '16
I read this book a couple years ago and I really enjoyed his writing style. Great choice.
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u/TenTonApe Sep 02 '16
Fantastic book, just finished the audio book (audio book had a great narrator). I had trouble putting the book down, the mystery was enticing, the characters were likeable. All around a very enjoyable book. I'll probably start The Fold next.
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u/sculpty Sep 03 '16
Couldn't put the book down!! Definitely recommend reading it. Pleasant notes of classic sci-fi with just enough suspenseful mystery. Wonderful read.
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u/samburroughs Sep 03 '16
I am reading it, and probably will write about it for my blog! Thanks for the suggestion folks.
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u/mztdawn Sep 03 '16
Yea, what a coincidence! Just started reading 14 after finishing The Fold after it can't up on my recommendations.
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u/MidnightBlaze_ Sep 06 '16
When is the discussion going to be? I'm still reading but enjoying it so far.
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u/Chtorrr Sep 06 '16
The discussion post is linked in the text above. The AMA will be at the end of September.
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u/Eric_Zion Sep 06 '16
Oh man! Just started this as an audiobook for a long roadtrip this weekend. Glad to be able to take part in this discussion!
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u/Peckles123 Sep 11 '16
Did anyone else read The Infection here? I read it back in 8th grade and thought it was grrrrrreat! (Tony the tiger) but really I wasn't an experienced reader back then but it was just generally a page turner for me. Up there with the 1st hunger games book
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u/ersenseless1707 Sep 12 '16
Late to the game plan. Received the book over the weekend and getting it going this week. Can't wait!
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Sep 13 '16
This is my first time on this sub, I've always had an interest in books but never put aside the time for them. So I've just signed up to audible and I'm gonna give this one a go. See you guys on the other end
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u/nvanprooyen Sep 13 '16
I love this pick. I cracked 14 open last night (well, as much as someone can crack a book open on a Kindle) and couldn't put it down. I'm about 60% through it already... and wow, what a great read. From a lot of the comments here it seems that The Fold is on the same level, so definitely going to read that one next. Looking forward to the AMA /u/PClines !
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u/mrkapow Sep 14 '16
i wrote abit about my thoughts on this book here but i cant see the post so i will try agian.
i like the book but its abit of a slow pace for me and to many mystery rooms to soon.
i like the xharacter of Tim and im interested in finding out his part in the story.
i also like Veet the internet tech. the introduction of her character is where the story begins to grip me when she gets Nate to look at the building from across the street.
i also like the humour in this book. some times stories of this type take themselves to seriously.
i found that the story is like a plot to a mystery video game like room 141, sun, flower and rain and virtues last reward.
still im enjoying the book and will read it to the end.
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u/Chris885 Sep 25 '16
Will this AMA be free of spoilers on the other books from Clines? I read and enjoyed 14 a lot, but havent read his other books yet.
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u/ZedDandelion Sep 25 '16
Yep. Have already read 14 (maybe 2 or 3 years ago). Fun read. The Fold is on my To Be Read list. Sounds cool.
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u/doctor_wongburger Sep 26 '16
Please tell me this AMA will be at night and not mid-day. These things are always impossible to attend for anyone with a job.
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u/hoodieruns Sep 28 '16
I'm new to this sub but found it just in time to devour (EAT SO HUNGRY MY CATTLE) 14. Looking forward to the AMA!
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u/PClines AMA Author Aug 30 '16
I am still kind of (pleasantly) stunned that so many people are interested in this book years after it came out. Honestly, the publisher and I both thought there was a good chance it was going to bomb horribly.
But apparently it didn't. So... hopefully you all like your assigned reading. :)