Ruins, The

I bought this book as used because its not easily available as it is severely out of print, and the new one are really expensive. But still the book was in good condition and i got it for rs 180/- . The story is also fantastic and gripping to the very end. With supernatural horror elements and suspense so fine, you will be turning the pages by the second. If you can get your hands on this book, then you will be in for a treat. And i hope that the publication house starts reprinting it. Its a hidden gem. Trust me.

[edit]This is a very solid, tightly plotted, flawlessly written, extraordinary read that grabbed me from the get-go and kept me reading for 6 hours straight until I finished the book, something as a very busy person with a full time job and two kids I do not usually do. Neither do I usually take time to write reviews, but I just have to throw in my 2 cents after reading all these poor reviews. This book is excellent, people! Five stars, trust me! I'm still dazed and coming back to reality and in fact have started reading the book again. I am a picky and discerning (I like to think) bookworm who has read thousands of books now at age 42, starting at age 3 1/2. I am a movie buff too, and my taste spans a wide variety of genres. I used to be a big Stephen King fan, and now usually stay away from more greusome topics in movies and books, probably a mom/getting older thing, but I was not sorry to read this, although I will skip the movie. Picturing what happens in this book in my mind is enough! The Ruins completely enthralled me even when I first picked it up off the dollar rack at a used bookstore where I got it a couple weeks ago, I remember reading half a page and tossing it in my basket more quickly than the other 5 books I picked up, and saying to my self "I'm so getting this" It did not disappoint. Actually, it was way better than I expected. Gripping, engaging, tragic, tightly written - yes it is long, but the I liked the length, thought it played out well against the slow tortuous fate these small group of unfortunate, and mostly likable, characters stumble into in the hot, buggy jungle on the Yucatan.For some reason the more engaging characters in this book are the male ones - Eric and Jeff were the ones I became attached to most. The two girls are very believable characters, they just don't have much going for them - mostly self absorbed, not terribly bright. Same goes for the Pablo guy. However, I found myself rooting for all of them, they are nice enough kids who don't deserve any of what happens to them, none of which is good. In fact - it's horrible! If you like suspense and can take the horror, get this book.

Disgusted with this product..a old battered copy with water stain ..

I just finished “The Ruins” by Scott Smith. A review… hmm.. I don’t even know the correct words to use. So, okay here’s my best shot…This book became much more than a “book” to me. I had to stop and remind myself… “You’re safe. It’s okay. It’s just a book.” But, it wasn’t just a book. This time, reading, I wasn’t an outsider looking in. No. Somehow, as I walked along with the characters. I was foreseeing some of the twists, just to have the torment of being thrown in a totally different direction. I felt each character. I felt their joy, their laughter… I felt their pain and their sorrows. Anger rose from within me as hope seemed to fade into the pages… and then, defeat. But there is always SOME way around isn’t there? An off road path you almost missed, but you saw it just in time. And then… Safe. If only for a moment. Direction… And man did “we” find it together through these pages. Together. And even in the loneliest moment, there was some hope. Death. Death would come to the rescue.That’s the best review I can give. My heart is shattered. But again, there is this bizarre sense of… “Thank God.” I’ve struggled with forgiveness throughout the book. Struggled with being human versus being a living being. Survival vs Humanitarianism. Right? Which do you choose? Well, the right situation has to occur for you to decide. And every situation offered throughout this book offered decisions. Some I agreed with. I swayed from character to character on who I sided with. Or maybe just being drug along is easier. Just letting life be life. I’m not sure, but what I am sure of is that this story.. these lives will stay with me forever. Harrowing me. Loving me. Fellowship. Abandonment.And so on.Read this book. You really need to. Do not read it because the Master, Stephen King says to. Read it because you need to live through these experiences and feel these feelings. You need to BELIEVE you know yourself, just to quickly discover that you truly do not know yourself at all. I think most importantly, just remember as you turn from page to page. “Together, anything is possible.”

Primero vi la adaptación a película y la verdad fue muy "meh". Pero el libro es mucho mejor. Los personajes están mejor desarrollados y los eventos que ocurren tienen más sentido.

I've seen the movie a few time and it was always just meh. I wasn't sure what I'd get out of the book but I saw it recommended a lot so I decided to give it a shot. I am SO happy I did.This book was suspenseful, gripping, and even though the atmosphere was dreadful, I had so much fun reading it. I usually take breaks throughout the day when reading a book, but I didn't want to put this one down! Even if you're not a fan of the movie, I highly recommend!

I finally got around to reading it after it sat patiently on my shelf for 8 whole years, and I am not sorry. It's excellent!

Extremely stupid story of maneating vine.