Review: Not Your Father's Zombie Book
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 20, 2013
Black Redneck vs. Space Zombies, by Steven Roy, is a colorful adventure. The characters are three-dimensional artistic creations, with the power to make you love them or hate them, but never ignore them or discount them.  For example, Skeeter and Tater, meth manufacturers, made me want to crack their hard-headed skulls together. At the same time, I wanted to hug Old Ed and listen to his wisdom.  Glen is a bully. His best friends are beer and television. The book also contains plenty of humor; a pile of fresh manure is an organic land mine.Reading this book is like going into a dark cave and stumbling across strewn diamonds. As well as an entertaining alien zombie read, the novel is brimming over with symbolism. One example involves Jefferson's childhood. As a child, Jefferson competed against a stranger, with a special horse as the prize. He lost. The owner gave him the horse anyway, and told him: "In the old times, men of bravery were given horses, not just for what they had done, but to give them the opportunity for more bravery." The former owner of the horse said Jefferson was brave and very talented, which the horse also knew. He said Jefferson and the horse would do something very important one day.When Jefferson returns as an adult, the horse Gray Man tries to kill him. The symbolism is compelling. Over time as a city dweller, Jefferson had changed from the Black Redneck to a successful author. He had lost touch with his inner redneck.With a deft touch, Mr. Roy also deals with stereotypes, racism and child abuse. He brings a homespun, folksy touch to difficult topics, and he helps the reader see important messages while not standing on a soapbox.Black Redneck vs. Space Zombies would make an excellent graphic novel, movie, or television show. I recommend the book for young and adult readers. It's a great read, and I can't wait for the next Steven Roy book!