Zombies: They're Not All Brain-Eaters

I got this book through First Reads, the first fiction book I've won through the program, so I'm a little sad I have to rate it so low. Truthfully, it was pretty hard to read. I get where the author is coming from, sort of the world at the end of Shaun of the Dead only with more with-it zombies. Also road trips. The concept is one that I was drawn to, but the execution fell flat. The style is pretty laden with problems addressed in any creative writing 101 class and what should be clever references (Dr. H. West and towels anyone?) come off as forced. The characters could be taken far, but so much time is spent explaining their every waking thought that there's just no time to get to like them. The writer breaks the fourth wall with criticism of his own work... which could really be taken to heart. I know it's a first novel, but the technique feels much earlier in the writer's career than that.

I hate leaving negative reviews, but I just didn't finish this book with much more than a meh feeling. There is apparently a sequel in the works, and I hope the writer learns to trust the reader more and leave a bit more to the imagination rather than spelling everything so blatantly clear.