Gwenda BondStranger Things: Suspicious Minds: The First Official Stranger Things Novel

This was an absolutely brilliant read. As someone obsessed with any-and-all-things Stranger Things, as well as everything that inspired it -- I am a Stephen King/Steven Spielberg/80's nut -- I was both excited and nervous about this new novel. My fears were swiftly pushed aside from page one. The author, Gwenda Bond, has achieved everything about what makes the original show so great, while at the same time bringing her own unique touches and ideas to the story, reestablishing together characters we've come to already know and introduce us to some brand new faces that manage to add new depth to the story. What I respected the most was Bond's ability to tell a story entirely her own without invalidating what information has already been provided to us through the show itself. In doing so, she manages to make the book and her writing stand on its own, honoring what made the television show so special and adding something just as special to it.As I read, I fell in love with the new and engaging characters while the story captivated me on a multitude of levels, answering many of the persisting questions I had about both the "Stranger Things" and Hawkins Lab mythology without taking away its mystery and mystique. Another aspect of the novel that I appreciated was the way in which it brought a significant season two character full circle. This was a character that many fans of the show, myself included, had written off entirely, not showing any particular care or interest. And that was the character of 008, or Kali as we've come to know her. I, like many others, was not a fan of the much talked about seventh episode of Season 2. The addition of Kali, and her gang of Chicago street toughs, is one of the most polarizing moments of the show thus far. Many viewers like myself didn't connect with, didn't like, or didn't respect her character. Ultimately, we didn't see the point of her being there.For myself, the most nagging question I had watching the episode was: "Why did Eleven go all this way to find her mother only to leave her immediately to go find this mysterious girl we have never met before?" Bond offers a brilliant answer. In her writing, she brings Kali and Eleven's mother, Terry Ives, together in a stunning, beautiful, and almost tragic way. This significant plot-device adds a whole new layer to the show, making one look at that much-maligned Episode 7 of Season 2 and the character of Kali in a much different way.What impressed me was Bond's ability to keep me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Having watched the show countless times, I know all too well what becomes of Terry Ives, Dr. Brenner, Kali, and eventually Baby Jane or Eleven. But Bond kept my full attention, had me holding out hope that things will turn out okay, despite myself knowing the truth of what happens next. The end result is a tragic tale that at times brought a tear to my eye.But what I appreciated the most about "Suspicious Minds" was the way it introduces the reader to a whole new era of American history and culture. While the television show focuses on the 80's and the Reagan era, "Suspicious Minds" takes the reader back to the late 60's/early 70's Nixon and Vietnam era -- a time period only hinted at in the show. In doing so, Bond is able to accomplish what the show has done so successfully -- bring the reader right into the world in which it is set, providing entertainment and the occasional history lesson.This novel is a brilliant addition to the Stranger Things Extended Universe. It is a must read for any fan. Even if you've never seen an episode of Stranger Things (what are you waiting for?), the book itself is still a wonderful read and is easy to follow. If you are coming into the world of Stranger Things and Hawkins Lab for the first time, you won't find yourself lost or confused. I, for one, am anxiously looking forward to not just what future Stranger Things novels will reveal (such as the recently released "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "Runaway Max"), but also digging deeper into the work of Gwenda Bond. This novel has made me a fan! Thank you, Gwenda!

Got tired of waiting for 5th season - so sent for the book- it was okay- Don't like paying for watching tv or movies and I can always pick a book up later if I want to do something and come back to it and well as share it with someone else.

Wonderfully written for those who love the show and who have the depth of mind to enjoy the "psychological thriller" aspect of it. This book does an amazing job of setting the scene for the era it takes place in. Terry's (Eleven's mom) story is heartfelt, full of courage, and suspense. The chatacters are well thought-out and work well together for the story and their roles in it.Throughout the story readers learn about the experiments conducted on subjects such as Eleven's mother, as participants in the MK-Ultra project. This leads to the discovery of children (Eight, specifically) housed within the lab as subjects in Project Indigo. Essentially, Dr. Brenner's lab seeks to create and exploit superhumans through the experiments.The story shows us Dr. Brenner's cruel, cold, and nearly inhuman mind, as he views his subjects, including babies and children, as nothing more than "works in progress" whose feelings and basic human needs are seen as inconveniences which he must tolerate and manipulate to achieve his own goals.Terry's story is heart-wrenching, as viewers of the show already know. Dr. Brenner is a far-worse monster than already portrayed in the show, as readers will discover.If your sole attraction to the show is the slimy, squelchy monsters and horror-aspect, then this story may not appeal to you. But if you have the depth of mind to also appreciate the characters and enjoy a psychological thriller, and wish for the story before the show, this is an excellent read.