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i would think that Charline may match Alicide and Sookie one reason because of this " Alcide had sparked my affection, and my lust. Thinking of him did make me wonder what marriage to him would be like, wonder in a very personal way, as opposed to my impersonal speculation about health insurance that Calvin had inspired. I'd pretty much abandoned the secret hope Alcide had inspired in me, after I'd been forced to shoot his former fiancee; but something in me had clung to the thought, something I'd kept secret even from myself, even after I'd found out he was dating Maria-Star. As recently as this day, I'd been stoutly denying to the Pelts that Alcide had any interest in me. But something lonely inside me had nursed a hope."
"I got up slowly, feeling about twice my actual age, and went into the kitchen to get something out of the freezer for my supper. I wasn't hungry, but I'd eat unwisely later if I didn't fix something now, I told myself sternly. But I never cooked a meal for myself that night. Instead, I leaned against the refrigerator door and cried."
“Thank you, and thanks again for your part in that luck. You’re still a friend of the pack,” he said very seriously. His beautiful green eyes lingered on my face. “And you’re one of my favorite women in the world,” he added unexpectedly. “That’s a real nice compliment, Alcide,” I said, and drove away. I was glad I’d talked to him. Alcide had grown up a lot in the past few weeks. All in all, he was changing into a man I admired much more than I had the old one. I’d never forget the blood and the screaming of the horrific night in the abandoned office park in Shreveport, but I began to feel that some good had come out of it."
maybe they have a chance? any other opinions?
Hello Onkey.
Please introduce yourself in the introduction section of this forum.
If possible, try to cite the book that the quotes are coming from, page numbers are also a help as well, that way others can easily find the context of the scene or scenes being discussed.
It is nice that you've started a thread about Alcide, I would suggest that you change the title of this thread to something that is Alcide specific - that way it will be easier for us to all find the bits about why Alcide might still be in the running.
Thanks.
Hyzenthlyk9, co-moderator
_____________________________________________________
onkey
hey i have a question it seems like its only me who thinks that Sookie is going to end up with Alicde, is there anyone else who agrees with me Lol
montbriachey i have a question it seems like its only me who thinks that Sookie is going to end up with Alicde, is there anyone else who agrees with me Lol
Well, I am privately pulling for Barry Bellboy but that's my own little bandwagon. As far as Alcide goes I am stunned that he continues to rank as highly in her esteem as he does -- why even in "Gift Wrap" when she's musing over former loves, she spends some time dwelling on Alcide and the soduku book she gave him (when was this).
If Charlaine sticks to her original plan, then I don't think either Alcide or Barry will be Sookie's "one" but I wouldn't mind it if she were to scratch a certain itch with the man.
i agree with you all the way and since Alicde has become pack leader it should make the relationship easier if they would to have one. as long as he didnt knock some girl up i cant seem to remeber but did he
We don't know if his ascention ritual to leader of the pack was successful in making a baby but we know he followed the ritual.
I suspect there isn't a little Alcide on the way though.
So to get back to your question Onkey if they have a chance.....well, I guess CH has left it open for any guy really (except for Bill, IMO, I think she may be done w/that)!
But personally, I don't feel she has set Alcide up too much as the ultimate love interest for Sookie in the end. For various reason's but one main point is the outright acknowlegdment of Alcide's manipulation & manuevering's of Sookie throughout their "friendship".
We don't know if his ascention ritual to leader of the pack was successful in making a baby but we know he followed the ritual.
Yes indeed Rach, and that whole thing about pure blood shifters having to 'step up' when the population is on the wane, is one of the things that has sort of soured Sookie on Alcide in particular (look at the section in DAAD were Calvin comes over, and they have the final discussion about his courting her - she mentions that many of her questions were for her to try to assertain the situation for Alcide and the Shreveport pack - and she mentions that she's not comfortable with the whole 'sharing' thing).
yeah i agree with you but i think if its not Alcide then it must be Sam, it seems fit that its between the two i think. who do you think Sookie going to end up with?
While I am willing to admit that anything is possible, so far my interpretation of the signs point to Eric.
And that is certainly my preference. If you have a read through many of the thread's you'll probably get a good idea why I personally feel the way I do. Check out the following threads in particular: CD, DTTW, DAAD and Pride & Predjudice parallels thread.
I'm hoping and thinking that it will be Eric.
I'm not sure that Sam is going to survive the entire series of books - and I started out firmly in Sam and Alcide's camp - I have a soft spot for werewolves and weredogs so I'm kinda biased. But Eric has really won me over.
I agree that all signs point to Eric and I think he's a good match for Sookie on a number of levels -- like Nancy, I have a soft-spot for the Were's and when we first met Alcide, I thought "here's her perfect match" and then I got to know him better and realized that he's not for Sookie.
I am giving Quinn the benefit of the doubt, but I think I am in the minority on that one -- me and the Breztlingers think he's a "good man" and I am not sure that you can ever really trust a vampire -- then again, who can you ever really trust entirely.
I would be happy to see Sookie with Eric (and so would Barry Horowitz's mother).
I would be happy to see Sookie with Eric (and so would Barry Horowitz's mother).
LOL. Oh Rach, that's priceless - and so very, very true.
i would have to say that I like Eric character as well, but the problem is that he is never aging and Sookie is. I also dont think that Sookie is interested in becoming a vampire because she could never have children and have a normal life the way in which she wants. that is wht leads me to believe that she is either going to end up with Alcide or Sam. in the last book she does state that he is growing up into the type of man she respects..... So possibly he my change his character and personality overall in Charline Harris next book.
I understand the awkwardness of a human with an immortal but there are some stories which have done it beautifully wherein the immortal commits to the mortal for the duration of that mortal's life and it's moving beyond belief to read and to see -- think of "Highlander" with his Heather and how MacLeod stays with her even as an old woman.
To put it in perspective, think what it is to be immortal -- what is to keep this day from being any different from yesterday or the countless days ahead? Love is worthwhile, it's rare and it's fleeting so if and when you find true love, then it is worth more than the attraction of the sex or glamour of youth.
I think that things can work between an immortal and a mortal -- so long as the love is true and they work out the kinks of day to day living (is it really that much different for us?).
Besides, if Eric really did love Sookie for her entire life, I think that would boost him to Ultimate-Man-Status in literature. I could use another one of those (Heathcliff got the eternal love angle but he never really got the expression of it right and he turned unforgiveably cruel).
For the record, I don't think Sookie really wants a conventional or normal life in the sense that most of us live -- if she did, she never would have dated Bill in the first place.
Sookie wants to be in love and to build a life with a man, she wants children -- she can be in love and have a life with a man, even a supernatural one. She can have children -- either biological or adopted, there isn't really any difference where the wee-one came from when you're holding them in the middle of the night while they have an earache, either you're a parent or you're not.
So I don't think Sookie will ever have a traditional married life -- and I don't think it's what she really wants either (just a hunch).
Last thought -- Bill said it best "there is only one you (Sookie)".
When an immortal finds a person who is truly unique, they don't let them go.
Eeek! What if Bill is her immortal beloved? Ugh. Well, he has some major soul-searching and character development to do before I'm all right with that.
Hey Onkey, I hear what you're saying & I have heard a lot of people discuss Sookie being able to have kids etc...
In my head - Sookie will never have a so-called "normal" life. And also we have seen Sookie's "ideals" & "ideas" of what she wants out of life - change. As her life has changed dramatically, so has her perception & perspective of things with each book.
I personally don't want to see her with children. Not only do I selfishly think it will slow the series down & change the course of it in a way I can't really imagine but I can't honestly see Sook saddled w/an infant. Her life is too busy, dramatic & dangerous. Besides - I believe that she will be getting a child by proxy in the form of Hunter. I think that Sookie will take him under her wing when he gets to be a bit older more than likely. But I do believe Sookie is getting the family she never had. Albeit - an unconventional one, but it's a supernatural series of books so I don't really expect convention.
She has Ameilia, Octavia, Sam, Claudine, Eric, Pam, Bill, Alcide.....with each book Sook becomes more valued & respected for who she is. People genuinely love & care for her & want to help protect her. It's like all of these people are an adopted motely family.
CH confirms that Sook will never become a vamp (If you haven't already, have a read through the CH Q&A thread from the top - I have culled all of the pertinent Q&A her readers have asked CH & she herself has answered, from the beginning & some of your thoughts, I think, will be answered or offer another perspective about Sookie).
Anyway- at the end of FDTW Sam questions Sook about her life & asks if she's happy & she seems to have made peace with it & admits to liking it. She admits, she feels she finally belongs - that she is valued (esp. in comparison to how she was treated by her human peers throughout her entire life).
I think Alcide will grow & develop. And I absolutely think this next book will be incredibly telling in how he handles all the responsibility. I think I have referenced this before but it pertains to how I see Alcide: MLK, Jr. has a quote that I love:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
I'll be looking at Alcide from this lens when I read the next book (as well as the others too!)
But esp. Alcide as he is the new pack leader & the supes just came out & that quote you reference which Sook says to herself which could be a bit of foreshadowing for sure. I'm actually wondering if it's a bit of a red herring b'c maybe he ends up disappointing & not being all that worhty of her respect in the end)? But so far, he has done nothing, yet, to convince me he is worthy of Sook end up being the one for her.
Love is worthwhile, it's rare and it's fleeting so if and when you find true love, then it is worth more than the attraction of the sex or glamour of youth.
Ooohh. Very nicely put. I agree & like the way you articulated that very much.
Besides, if Eric really did love Sookie for her entire life, I think that would boost him to Ultimate-Man-Status in literature. I could use another one of those (Heathcliff got the eternal love angle but he never really got the expression of it right and he turned unforgiveably cruel).
So true!
I think Alcide will grow & develop. And I absolutely think this next book will be incredibly telling in how he handles all the responsibility. I think I have referenced this before but it pertains to how I see Alcide: MLK, Jr. has a quote that I love:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
This is very well put and I will keep it in mind for Book 9!
The Alcide angle is one I had written off as the timing between Sookie and Alcide was always wrong and he always seemed to put his foot in his mouth at just the wrong moment. It really bothered me though because they are so right for each other in many ways, they really seem to click which is maybe why their fights are so brutal (and unlike Mrs. Horowitz, Alcide's sister would LOVE to have Sookie as part of the family).
I doubt it's Alcide, but I'd like to see more of where this goes.
i can see where your comming from but it is possible that Charline is stashing this character aside. whenever Sookie or Alcide discuss the possibility of an relationship Charline had it stated repeatitivly stated that its not the right time. So im thinking she saving his character for another time when its appropriate. think about it a little, out of all the characters she slept with and expresed her feelings towards he is the only character she had the hots for and the feelings. Am i making sense in some way?
With all this talk about Alcide it's got me thinking, (especially onkey's comment about all the character's Sook has slept with and her feelings about Alcide in particular) that there may be more to be played out between the Sookie and Alcide relationship. Considering she hasn't smelled the Foldgers and realized that Eric is her match in all things--he makes her laugh, he is smart, her protector, and is HOTTTTTTT, then CH has to keep the readers guessing and hoping (though I'd be engaged in these characters lives no matter what, not everyone would), I think that there may be more love drama for Sook. And as such, Alcide is now in a position to have her if she lets him. I still don't agree that he's the one per my comments yesterday about not being able to make Sook first which is what she herself has said she wants from a man. BUT, I may be willing to concede that there may be more in store for the two of them. On a total side note, has anyone else noticed that the ability to make paragraphs, changes fonts/colors, etc has gone away? Hence my super long run-on post!!!!!!!!
Almost forgot, Nancy--another great love story between a mortal and an immortal is in Lord of the Rings between Aragorn and Arwen . . . she gives up living with her people (in heaven?) to staying with the man she loves on earth. Beautiful! And heartbraking!
i have to agree with you i think there gonna be more in particular with there relationship with im thinking it may be furhter explored either in her nexto bok or the one after that prior to the fact that his pack in particular owns Sookie a favor. if her next book is as dark as im hearing maybe one of Sookie love interest may die.......do you think it could be Bill or Eric due to the cover of the book?
I don't think it's Bill or Eric that would die in this book -- I can see a Were/Shifter to whom we've grown attached getting killed in this book -- it would be "dark" and it would follow the reaction to the coming out party of the two-natured. I hope not, but it's a possibility.
so maybe Sam, or one of Sookie newly discovered releatives trying to protect her? if someone was to die, i think.
If her next book is as dark as im hearing maybe one of Sookie love interest may die.......do you think it could be Bill or Eric due to the cover of the book?
Eric defo won't die. CH has confirmed he will last the series as will Sook but as far as anyone else, she has not given her assurance.
She said anyone can die & if it fits the storyline, she'll do it. She also has stated she reserves the right to change her mind at any time!
I kind of somewhat feel that if CH decides to let Bill redeem himself, it might be in the form of a truly heroic act on behalf of Sookie - as in, dying for her (kind of like Spike in Buffy).
I don't know why but I also wouldn't be surprised if Sam bit the dust.
i agree with you Eric wouldnt die so soon especially since he and Sookie is sharing a blood bond, Bill and Sam seems likely to die I think if it were to happen
correct me if im wrong but from the books i regestered the fact that Alcide did not want any children from the Club Dead. But then when he asked Sookie if they could go "steady" when she said no to him he thought it was because she dident want to have children. So does that mean that he truly cares for her? cause i remember one of the reasons why Debbie left him was because he didnt want to have children. if im wrong please correct me i dont want my fact twisted.
I never interpreted that Alcide didn't want to have children. I know they discuss how you get purebred Were's & the whole process, etc....but lemme' double check the text.
When did he ask Sookie to go steady? Are you talking about in DAAD? When he asks her to come live with him? If you are, why don't you head over to that thread. I think I wrote up some notes about that.
I thought that Debbie left Alcide basically b'c the Owl was rich. Richer than Alcide. I will also double check about the kid thing. You may be right. I have a vague recollection of that. It could be though that he inner self knew better than to pro-create w/Debbie. I seem to remember an issue that b'c she was a shifter & not a full blooded Were. Not that he didn't want them in general.
I think that Alcide does care for Sookie but he is conflicted. Always has been. He is a lot like Bill in his attraction/conflict issues w/Sook but to a lesser degree. He is very much sexually attracted to her - I meanm for God's sake he was always making passes at her even when she was severely hurt! But lust doens't mean love. I never felt he "got" Sookie. He has constantly misjudged her character & reactions. He has shown he doesn't fully trust her.
I alwasy felt he was a bit intimidated.That he felt in some ways less of a man which is ironic considering Debbie.
He hates vamps, she is sleeping w/one (Bill, then Eric) & algined w/them. He is appalled by that. He is somewhat ashamed of her - where she comes from. Alcide is a bit of an elitist snob. He wants to take care of her & minimizes her independence. He wants to use her power to help him, his father & pack but is also annoyed by it & doesn't like it. He says he's her friend but continues to manuever her to his advantage (even after she calls him out on it - he still does it anyway). Alcide has a weak character IMO yet he has potential. he has a lot of growing up to do. Much like Bill.
If you haven't read the "Book #5: DAAD: Alcide & Sookie discuss Debbie Pelt. The Rape" thread yet - check that out too. You might find that interesting.
I agree with you his character has potential, and he does has growing up to do. but that alone was influenced by Sookie.
lmb1309Oh crap! I just realized I posted this in the Rape thread! I am going to move it back to who is the one. I meant it as a response to that. Sorry.
Anyway Onkey you are right. It's totally through Sookie's influence. Sookie is hugely influential in teaching all the Supes, IMO.
In DUD Bill says to her that she is either incredibly naive or one of God's Fools. I didn't understand what God's Fool truly meant until recently.
Originally - I had misinterpreted it. I though God's fool was someone who is innocent & seems to land on their feet despite always running into trouble. Their guilelessness kept them safe. God protects them b'c of it. But it's not exactly that.
So I looked it up to be sure: The innocents have a special place in the hearts of God's Fools. These children in adult skins who live among us, unaware that they teach, but do, just by their existence.
Is that Sookie or what?!
yeah it definetly is Sookie, Lol. one thing that im curious about and i hope we get an answer to is her reflexes, when Amelia tossed something to Sookie and she caught it, is it because of the fairy blood because i think they where saying the vampire blood should have been worn out by then, i think? i think the scene is from dead to worse. also when Claudine told Sookie there are some places only fairlys could visit i wonder if that implies t o her as well, or does it exclude her because she is not a pure blooded fairy?
some many questions, so limited answers, Lol.
Onkey - going back to what you wrote below:
"correct me if im wrong but from the books i regestered the fact that Alcide did not want any children from the Club Dead. But then when he asked Sookie if they could go "steady" when she said no to him he thought it was because she dident want to have children. So does that mean that he truly cares for her? cause i remember one of the reasons why Debbie left him was because he didnt want to have children. if im wrong please correct me i dont want my fact twisted."
IN CD pgs: 67-69,
Sookie asks Alcide if his parents are Were's too. He says yes.
A: "That's the only way to produce a Were child....like must marry like to produce another."
He then explains that infant mortality rates are high, each union (of full blooded Were's together) only produced 1 child w/the trait & the conditions only manifest itself @ the onset of puberty.
She asks about his ex - is she a shifter?
A: "Yeah, I don't normally date shifters, but I guess I thought with her it would be different...."
S: "How come? How come you thought it would be different?"
A: "She told me she was sterile. I found out she was on birth control pills. Big difference. I am not passing this along.."
S: So you normally date regular old girls?....
A: "Yeah....."
What's even more interesting in lieu of this conversation is that Alcide goes on to date Maria Star.
CD: Page 98
Sook reads Debbie's mind.
"She was thinking about her owl fiance, about how he wasn't as good in the sack as Alcide, but he had a lot of ready cash and he was willing to have children, which Alcide wasn't. And she was stronger than the owl, able to dominate him."
So my impression of the Alcide children thing is that he left her b'c she duped him about being sterile (& not the other way around - her leaving him). Also - that it's not that he doesn't want to have kids in general, just with Debbie. And I kind of do feel that was probably his better instinct he was listening to b'c of this quote later on:
Pg 280:
Sook is thinking to herself: "I was beginning to believe that Alcide, despite his stated conviction that he was determined to kept the Were gene to himself, Would never be happy with anyone but another Were. I sighed: I tried to keep it a nice, quiet sigh: I might be wrong after all."
Even Sookie knows Alcide better than he knows himself at this stage. "Mr. Inner Conflict" as she likes to call him. But considering he goes running into Were, Maria's Star's arms, looks like Sook was spot on.
As to the part where he asks her to go steady:
That's in DAAD Pg: 158
In the thread "Book # 5: Dead As A Doornail".
I cover that little scene when Alcide goes to Sookie's house in the post from Nov; 25th DAAD: Part 6: Alcide's Pissed.
But actually, here's a bit more detail about my thoughts about this little dialog.
A: "I want you to think about seeing me on a steady basis.....I like you very much. I think you like me too. We want each other.”
(He leans in, surprising her completely w/all this)
A: “We enjoy each other’s company & I want to see you in my bed so much it makes me ache. I wouldn’t have spoken this soon, w/out us being together more, butyou need a place to live right now. I have a condo in Shreveport. I want you to think about staying with me.”
All I have to say about this little proposal is that it doesn't so much show me how much Alcide truly "cares" for Sookie but just how much he Lust's after her. He flat out tells her that he wants to sleep w/her so badly it pains him.
Then he goes on to act indignant b'c they both "need" each other right now.
Saying "I like you very much. I think you like me too. We want each other.” Is kinda of immature to me. A bit of a rash, childish statement. Those particular words he choose to use to try & convince Sook, really wouldn't move me to move in.
Esp. considering the previous, overall picture. In that book alone he lies & manipulates Sookie even after she calls him out on it, he insults her & her character. Shows that he doesn't fully trust her, therefore know her that well at all.
So no, I don't think Alcide truly cares for Sookie at this point in the series (Book 5). Or rather.....I certainly don't think it's in the way that should warrant her agreeing to move in with him either. She was smart/right to say No. I think he cares most about his Needs. The needs of his father, the pack, his loins! He has a lot of growing up to do.
BUT - by book 8, FDTW, I do think he values Sook more & is starting to see her more clearly. But I don't think it's at all close to love at this point either. I feel it's a mutual growing friendship. I think Sookie is teaching him just by being friends with him but Alcide reminds me far too much of Bill just to a lesser degree.
If it wasn't for Sook seeing the Alcide/Debbie disaster, she wouldn't have been able to recognize the damage her relationship w/Bill has done & was doing to her. It's a parallel.
To me Sookie has always been really insightful toward Alcide. She's had his number pretty much from day one. She can read him. She knows what's going on with him. I don't get the impressions she pines for him by the end of FDTW. I think they had a strong atraction but they seem too different to me. I'm not sure if I can see Alcide really & truly "getting" Sookie.
Oh sorry!! One last thing! To address this part of your question;
"....when she said no to him he thought it was because she dident want to have children...."
IN reading that scene - I did not pick up in Alcide thinking or feeling that way at all. In fact Sookie thinks to herself on Pg: 162 of DAAD
that she; "appreciated his willingness to consider me an eligible woman to mate with..."
But in the end she zero's in on the fact that really, they are "hot for each other" more than anything else & it's not good enough at this point in time.
thanks so much for clearing up the confusion that I had from DAAD.
And for correcting my facts, lol.
This post is by Frenchie. I moved it from "....The Rape" thread. It will segue into the DAAD thread...
What is the one thing that Sookie values above all else? - silence. She loves the fact that when she is around vampires there is silence - even with the shifters/weres she picks up a kind of "static", and she can often pick up on their thoughts. For this reason, I don't believe that Sookie will ever be truly happy with a shifter/were.
The second thing that she seems to value is being first in someone's affections - I think that rules out Calvin & Alcide - they would have to put Pack first. Still leaves Sam in the running though. I think that CH has written Bill off as a possible "one" for Sookie, and that's the feeling I get from the books. Eric - ah Eric - he certainly tries to put her first - he killed a vampire for her in DUD; he protects her in Dallas when Bill goes off seeking revenge; he sticks with her in Mississippi; he offers it in DTTW (giving up everything and/or making everyone swear fealty to her); he protects her before the Queen in DD; he saves her from Andre (the Queen's right hand) in ATD; and surrenders to Nevada in FDTW because he thinks that she will be spared - I don't think that you could ever call ever Eric altruistic, but I think that he does a pretty good job at putting Sookie first.
The other things are just "noise" - babies, family, "normal" life - those things will never make you happy if your real, true needs are not met.
Sam - he's a shifter, so she still has a sense of his thoughts, and I think that by wanting to take her away from everything to do with vamp & were politics he has failed to recognise the person that she has grown into. Maybe he stood a chance at the beginning but not now. If Sookie ends up with Sam it would be such a cop-out - we don't want to read about our heroine settling for a nice, safe, warm relationship - we are reading books about vampires and the supes - we don't want realism, we want the passion & the romance - pls CH?
And Barry - too mercenary, and way too much catching up to do to even get on the same page as Sookie, let alone come close to "getting" her.
So - I think that it's Eric, and I think that there would be some great storylines to spin from them getting together - can you imagine him being all protective of her vs her independence; and it would make him so vulnerable, and then she would be trying to protect him ... And CH is certainly talented & imaginative enough to pull this off - this is a lady who brought us True Blood in the first place in order to "bring the vamps out", and has then kept us poring over 8 books, chatting on-line about them (probably doing more in-dpeth analysis than we ever did for high school english!), and bending the ears of our husbands/partners/friends.
PS Does anyone have a good example of Eric putting Sookie first in DAAD - I've lent my books to a friend at the moment & I'm really annoyed that I can't remember something which I'm sure must have been there
hyzenthlayk9
Just to add to this with regard to Sam - do the puppies around the bar not make you feel "icky" - if we were to study the underlying character of the "men" in Sookies life this would be another -ve point for Sam.
Something that never sat well with me about Sam was that he seemed to go out of his way to pick romantic liaisons that were particularly odious to Sookie -- first there is Callisto who attacked Sookie. Later, he gets involved with Tanya while she is spying on Sookie and then there's that litter of puppies -- what's Sam's deal?
Personally, I am not convinced that Sam is really pursing Sookie so much as open to any move she might make on him but there is a whole thread dedicated to Sam.
Hey, how come no one ever seems to think about Stan for Sookie? Sure he's a nerd and he frightens her but he's actually always been very honorable in his dealings with her... how about Stan?
I think that Stan was seriously injured during the bombing in ATD - otherwise, he could be in the running - after all, she even thought about what to send him as a Xmas present.
I picked up on the puppy-thing really early on. That is one of the reasons that I'm not so keen on Sam as a mate for Sookie.
Also, as Rach mentioned - he seems to go out of his way to pick or continue to associate with females that have either hurt Sookie or that she has reason to be suspicious of.
Where did she think about that?
I think it was in LDiD Sookie makes a mental note to send Stan a pocket protector for Christmas -- it could have been a joke but even for a brief moment, he did rank consideration for her Christmas list -- I think some marriages have been built on less.
LOL 
I think she says "maybe I should send Stan a pocket protector for Christmas" I'll have to check LDID for where she thinks that - but it is during one of the scenes where she's assessing his 'nerdy' look and noticing it for the camouflage that it is. It might be during the same scene where she notices that he has used tape to repair his glasses.
I don't think that Stan would qualify per the list of qualities Sookie inadvertently starts thinking about when it comes to choosing a "mate", but I can't quite remember what was on the list ...?
Oh, I'm not saying that he was ever in the running - I was just finishing out the thought that Rach had started about Stan - but since it looks like Stan will be recovering for quite some time from the events in ATD - he's pretty much out of the picture - besides, Pam has expressed an interest in Stan - and Sookie isn't the kind of girl who would go after a guy that her friend is sweet on.
I must have missed it somewhere, but where is all this talk about puppies around the bar?
In the first book (page 246 ), when Sookie returns to the bar thinking that Terry has called her about Jason, and she sees "Dean":
"There was a dog pawing around the dumpster, and I patted him on the head when I went in. We had to call the pound about once a week to come get some stray or dumped dogs, so many of them pregnant it just made me sick."
Well, true, it could be Sam's fault. However, growing up in the country myself, we always had dogs stray up and often times they were pregnant. I'm not 100% convinced it's all Sam's doing, but the proximity to the bar does make it suspicious!
The timing of mentioning 'pregnant dogs' - just prior to the reveal that Sam is Dean, seems like more than a coincidence - the dogs hanging around the bar (and being pregnant) could have been mentioned when she first sees the dog early on - before and during the attack by the Rattrays (also, CH did confirm that Sam was in dog form when the Rattrays attacked).
sorry, i can't believe that sam's running around in dog form humping strays. yuck
CH doesn't seem to write characters who are all good or all bad. I guess that you just have to weigh the bad against the good & decide what you can live with - & personally that still puts Eric in the lead.
I am not in the Sam-Camp but in his defense (and Bob's for that matter), Sookie herself has said that she never really knows how much of a shifted being retains their human identity and how much is given over to the animal form.
If Sookie's idea that shifters do also assume the mentality of the animal body, then it's only natural that Sam might have a stray litter here or there. I don't entirely think the worse of him for it, after all he is a dog and dogs will be dogs, but it is a little food for thought as a possible downside of getting involved with a shifter/Were/lycanthrope.
Or maybe the shift strips away the moral restraints that humans place upon themselves, which is kind of what you're saying Rach (do you mind that abbreviation? ) - so I'm wondering if CH's point is that our baser, animal instincts are really quite close to the surface; or whether it is to compare with AE - when he is stripped of the trappings of humanity that he has acquired and put back to the state of a newborn, Eric's inate character shows through; with Sam & Bob, well, guys get horny, right ...?
Frenchie, I think we're onto something here -- one of the reoccuring themes for Bill is that he's not responsbile for his behavior because of his (vampire) nature, perhaps to a certain extent this is true for shifters.
Of course this then begs the question of accountability and self-control -- at what point does a vampire or shifter/were/lycanthrope gain control of their baser instincts? When is it morally and socailly acceptable for a Supe to revert into their baser self?
And there lies a whole area of debate & moral judgement - "I was only following orders"/"well, I was abused" - where do you find the balance between showing understanding and letting someone get away with not showing any personal accountability?
That aside, do you notice that we don't seem to have that issue with Eric - we don't see that lack of accountability - I wonder if that's because he is always in control of what he does, or whether that's just the way Sookie perceives him?
Personally - I think it is b'c he is always in control. He is just an incredibly diff. character than Bill. Their natures are just different, it seems.
It's interesting b'c I see the view on Eric being more objective b'c the books are Sook's POV & she doesn't see him so clearly or rather - like most of us seem to be seeing him.
And you know - people defintely see Eric as a baddie. Just go over to the Wiki boards or on CH's board & into the "Bill Lover's only" thread etc...
I think that Sookie is right to think of Eric as always being in control, but that she doesn't always see him clearly - she doesn't even seem to see him as clearly as we do 
And I don't understand the baddie thing - CH says that you have to take the books as they stand and she has let us know that Eric can be ruthless (he wouldn't have made it as a vampire without this trait, or his self-control), but I can't recall her letting us know that Eric is a baddie - heck, she even has Bill saying that he's a good guy; the other supes, who don't like vamps, show a grudging respect for him; even Niall seems to have a degree of respect for him (even though he'd kill him to the end the blood bond! ).
I think that Sookie is right to think of Eric as always being in control, but that she doesn't always see him clearly - she doesn't even seem to see him as clearly as we do.
Yeah - we're talking about the same thing. That's what I was saying - she doesn't see him as clearly as we do.
And I was also trying to say that considering that the books are from Sookie's POV & it's very easy to get wrapped up in it (many Bill fan's IMO, get caught up in it) - that's why I feel that there is actually a more objective view about Eric. Does that make sense?
Meaning that I thiiink in many ways CH (unintentionally) allowed a broader perspective (on Eric) b'c in the beginning of the series b'c it's all about Bill & Sookie's love for him & her trusting him.
Therefore, feeling Eric is a baddie (by comparison). So there's a whole contingent of readers who are all caught up in the "1st love" romance & have a hard time getting past it.
It's like 2 different a lenses - CH starts narrow w/Bill & moves further away so you can gain some persepctive (but in many cases what happened, IMO, many readers are too caught up in Sookie's POV to allow that perspective to be analyzed).
And with Eric she started further away & is getting narrower so you can gain some insight.
And I don't understand the baddie thing. CH says that you have to take the books as they stand and she has let us know that Eric can be ruthless (he wouldn't have made it as a vampire without this trait, or his self-control), but I can't recall her letting us know that Eric is a baddie
No, no - I am not saying CH called Eric a baddie. Not at all.
In fact she has said that every single one of her characters are shades of grey & have both good & bad (just like us). I was summarizing the feeling I get when reading anti-Eric posts.
I am saying that if you go to the Wiki Board or particular threads on CH's board, people villify Eric. They call him "oppotunistic", "rogue", "dishonest", "controlling", "manipulative" etc... so when I hear those words, I take it to mean they think he's the baddie so to speak.
Sorry for the confusion (not that this post would have made it any easier 
) - I realize I am hard to follow sometimes!
Often Nancy would come to my tiny mind's rescue (while it was overflowing & combusting) & completely hone in what I was trying to initally say & re-edit my thoughts for me & simply!! Seriously!
I love what you say about the less subjective, more objective view of Eric (I get what you mean now - sorry to be so "obtuse" ) and the narrow to wider view - that makes a lot of sense.
And I just meant that I don't see how people, such as those on the Wiki board, can judge Eric to be a baddie (especially whilst still holding Bill in such high esteem 
) - he is all of those things that you mentioned (with the exception of dishonest perhaps), he's not all good, but CH certainly doesn't portray him as bad - so I'm struggling to see how readers could get that from the books.
Oh, I think that you're doing pretty good on your own so far, Laura.
I think that you're 'spot on' saying that because we get the stories through the filter of Sookie's point-of-view we start with the narrow or limited view of Bill only through the bias of Sookie's emotions [her perceived love for him and her 'faith' that he is more than just the hardend vampire that he claims to be (think of how many times he tells her that he is what he is, and that she should 'deal with it' - as implied by his tone)] - the clouding of the positive emotions of a 1st love (which she had pretty much given up on ever having); coupled with her joy of being with a companion who she can enjoy being around (inspite of the many things he says and does that would probably signal that he 'wasn't that 'in' to her' at least not at that point.
Compare that to the broader, or more generalized view that we get of Eric - although all of his actions toward Sookie have been open (honest) and honorable, and in many cases generous - even to the point of risking his life or well-being; because she is too 'close' or tied up/invested in the relationship with Bill, she is blind to the smaller touches and kindnesses that Eric has offered. Of course, he has also gone to some pains to make sure that his 'gifts' do not come off as such, but can be explained within the framework of him just doing his job/duty as Sherriff of Area 5.
Sookie sees Eric as one of the folks in the background of her life, and thanks to Bill, as someone who might someway negatively impact on her relationship with Bill (she fails to see that Eric actually goes out of his way to not say bad things about Bill (and even some of her other beaus) - even though they are true, letting her find out on her own), thus she does look at him with more 'distance' - which in turn allows her to see both the good and bad. Although initially she tends to ascribe more to the bad, but starts to realize the positive actions that have been there all along.
See, I just came along and made this even more confusing.
But really, I think Laura is on to something. Sookie is willing to look at Eric more objectivly, and as such has a 'truer', or more realistic picture of who he is. While it is not until after Bill has hurt her (many times), that she is able to step back and start to see the whole of him.
And I just meant that I don't see how people, such as those on the Wiki board, can judge Eric to be a baddie (especially whilst still holding Bill in such high esteem 
)
Oh - I mean - totally - I am with you. I don't really get it either. I mean.. I do but I don't think it makes a lot of sense when you look at the series as a whole. Really look at it & take everything in it's context but people are people. You know? They want what they want. They see what they see. Me included. 
Sure - some can argue that we still aren't "crystal clear" about Eric's motives in regard to Sookie so if they want to reserve judgment to wait & see what happens & then form a more concrete opnion, then fine - but it's not really like that for the most part.
For the most part - there are 2 camps. It's annoying, IMO. Clearly I prefer Eric in general, not just as a love interest but as a whole. That's not to say that I don't find Bill fascinating - I do! What an awesomely conflicted character. So, so flawed & his whole "awakening" is being played out for us to read & invest in. That's really cool.
But back to readers judging Eric as a baddie by comparison to Bill - I think, honestly that there's soooooo much going on in this series. It's so layered & so subtle, that it's easy to do a surface read & then form opinions & put the series aside & chalk it up to a great fun series. To pretty much take it for the fun it is etc...
CH even said that - (I am paraphrasing) but she said she wanted to write a book(s) which the reader can just have fun with or do something more with.
"she said she wanted to write a book(s) which the reader can just have fun with or do something more with." - well I guess that she succeeded!
I think that this whole issue of the reader's and Sookie's perceptions of Bill and Eric, (Eric as the "bad guy" and Bill as the "good guy") have a lot to do with the fact that Sookie takes so long to overcome/get past/change her opinion after her first impression of someone.
If we look at DUD, and Sookie's first encounters w/ B&E, compared to how we see B&E act throughout the rest of the series, we can see that the tables get turned on how she initially sees them. Their later actions are almost completely opposite of their characters as initially presented in DUD.
In Bill's case, in DUD, Sookie meets him and he comes off as this sort of anti-vampire. He is trying hard to mainstream, he's completely removed from other vampires and a typical vamp lifestyle. He treats her very gentlemanly, even chastely at first. He goes to meet her Gran and speaks to a bunch of humans at her Descendents of the Glorius Dead Group. The result is that Sookie sees him almost more human than vampire and falls for him because of it, which is why she is always having to reconcile herself later when he does something "vampirey." However, as we learn from later books (and is hinted at in DUD) this image of Bill is completely false. I don't think he wanted to mainstream at all, it was just an act to win Sookie for the queen.
Proof:
His former association w/ Malcolm, Liam, and Diane, which show the type of vampire he was before he showed up in Bon Temps
His rage when they are killed/nasty mud sex
His own words in FDTW, when he tells Sookie (paraphrasing) that he didn't want to accept the queen's assignment, that he felt that even pretending to be involved w/ a human was beneath/degrading to him - it shows that he still had very old-fashioned vampire ideas about the inferiority of humans
And throughout the series, I think the mask starts to come off of Bill, and the reader has a chance to see how he truly is, and how little her really thinks about Sook and her needs (never thinks to get her gifts, doesn't help her w/ her driveway, betrays her w/ Lorena, etc). I think the reason some readers don't notice is becase A) by then Sookie loves him, and is still seeing him through rose-colored glasses and
BIll has fallen in love w/ Sookie and to some extent is attempting to be more like the false Bill he had presented in DUD.
On the other hand, from the very beginning, Sookie saw Eric as all vampire, mainly because he never tried to decieve her. Eric has never tried to hide his true nature. He is opportunistic (by his own admission) he does have to be ruthless to some extent (though he also treats his subjects fairly - they say so themselves) he is fully involved in vamp politics. The difference is that in the beginning, Eric is intrigued by and attracted to Sookie, but he doesn't care for her yet. He is only thinking about how he can use her and her gift and the best way to get her to comply. So that first glimpse she gets into his mind, she sees it as cold and alien (like writhing snakes) and it scares her. That's her first impression of him.
However, as the series progresses, and Eric comes to care for Sookie, he begins to value her for HER, not neccessarily for what she can do for him. He still wants to use her powers to his own gain, but as always, he's never underhanded about it, he's up front. But at this point, his actions no longer support the "ruthless vampire" image we get in DUD (and we see almost an opposite of Bill - Eric sends her flowers/the coat/paves her driveway/shares vamp intel w/ her that other vamps don't seem to pleased w/). And Eric becomes more humane to the reader.
Yet, as with Bill, Sookie is still hung up on that first impression she got of Eric before he valued her as a person. So, it is difficult for her to put his treatment/care for her into context. Which is why it is so difficult for her to accept/trust her own feelings for him. So, I think that we read it through Sook's POV, and she is still so fixated on those intial impressions, and the reader trusts her as the narrator. So unless you really step back and look at their actions and think "hey, he's really looking out for her, he can't be all that bad" it far too easy to "listen" to Sook.
For example, when her and Eric are on the hood of the corvette at the orgy in LDID (love that scene - only Eric can make me think that aqua and pink lycra would be hot) - She thinks "But then, I liked Eric, when I wasn't afraid of him." And as the reader, if you're not careful to remember how good Eric has taken care of her during the orgy where she's so uncomfortable, you immediately think, oh that's right, Eric is the big, bad, scary vampire.
Wow, sorry this was so long. I think this thought has been percolating for awhile.
teamnorthman- that was a great summary. It organized all the thoughts that were floating around in my head.
i agree that it must just come down to how critical a reader you are. If you aren't careful maybe you can miss the subtext.
...but how is it possible to miss it for 8 books. Je ne comprends pas.
So that first glimpse she gets into his mind, she sees it as cold and alien (like writhing snakes) and it scares her. That's her first impression of him.
That's how she 'feels' his mind (and other vamp minds, too) but the thoughts that she picks up from his mind are about how he doesn't want to hurt or kill anyone, especially if there is another way. Now considering that his reason is that he is also trying to 'mainstream' in the business community, that doesn't make it any less remarkable that the one insight that we (and she) get(s) from this character's brain - his unguarded, true thoughts, is not what one would expect of a 'big, ruthless, scary, powerful vampire', but rather are the thoughts of a rational being who is trying to find the best outcome for all involved.
That moment - reading Eric's thoughts and what those thoughts mean/imply - are often lost on most readers. Mostly because we are invested in Sookie's POV, and the feeling of "cold, writhing snakes" sort of distracts us (and her) from the importance of what that snippet of thought is revealing.
Yes, I am agreeing with you, and adding another example in support of your argument.
I am not in the Sam-Camp but in his defense (and Bob's for that matter), Sookie herself has said that she never really knows how much of a shifted being retains their human identity and how much is given over to the animal form.
I wanted to make a comment on this post about Sookie and Eric, but after reading through this post I could not resist commenting on this. The thread that this particular post pertains to is all about Sam and the puppy's around the bar in DUD. What occurred to me as I was reading through this stuff was, how much of their animal nature do Shifters / Weres retain in their human form? So much of their human existence has some aspect of their alternate nature... IE the pack hierarchy, Sam loving being around the pretty laddies (more showcased in the True Blood TV series than in the books). I may be mistaken, but I don't see any waiters in Merlots. I think that there is a basic lack a fidelity that is apparent in the animal kingdom, that is also present in the dual natured. It is not a moral issue at all really, as it pertains to them, but understandably natural. It is something that only other Weres / Shifters could really appreciate. For Sookie to be with one of them would be tantamount to Sookie marrying a swinger... Even thought it works for them and they are mostly happy with their existence, it would never really work for Sookie. There are a lot of things that Sookie is discovering about herself that she would have potentially considered amoral in her previous life. That is not one of them.
On to Eric. I think one of the things that keeps Sookie from giving over to her feelings about Eric is that Eric is so deeply involved in "Vampire Politics". The way that I see this is that not only is he looking out for his best interest, but he is looking out for all of the vampires that owe him fealty. The best way to insure the safety and well being of those that you are responsible for is to consider your own well being as much (maybe more) as you would theirs. He repays their loyalty, of course, with loyalty in kind. He may use ruthlessness to do this, but what choice does he have really. This may also go under the "What if? What if Eric Really is Machiavellian?" thread, but I do think when you are dealing with a ruthlessness that could cost you or your subjects their lives, you are perfectly justified to respond in kind.... Point being, he said to Sookie in CD that he would be her friends until it put him or his subjects at risk. He said, this of course, before he knew Sookie better. She had not made it into that inner circle of Eric yet, but she was well on her way (hence him sending Bubba to protect her and offered to avenge Bill). Point being, Eric is intensely loyal, even when it does not appear to be the case. An example would be when he swore fealty to Castro, appearing to be a traitor to the queen. He did this to save himself, the vamps of area 5 and (big "and" here) Sookie. He did not allow Sookie to call her great grand when she tried, because he knew that would cause a war that could cause much worse damage than what they were currently being subjected to. He chose the path that would be beneficial for all parties, Himself, his vamps and Sookie. He knew that Sookie calling her paw paw would have fixed the current situation for her and possibly for him, but in the long run they would have fared much much worse.
Sookie may see the light of what it is really like to be Eric because her path is going in a similar direction. She has killed to save someone she was loyal to. She has also killed to save herself. More and more the supes of the area are looking to her for assistance and guidance (eventually leadership) and she will understand that heavy hangs the head that wears the crown. She will (hopefully) come to understand that there is a lot more to Eric being the Sheriff of area 5. that snaky vamp politics and subterfuge go way deeper and that there is more at stake than monetary success and power.
Sorry so long.. If you have made it this far without going to sleep or closing the page you will see my point. Point being, Sookie has trivialized Eric in many respects, giving his motives and overly superficial cast (that at points he is deserving of, nobody is perfect). She is finally understanding, to some degree, The extent of his power during the Nevada takeover in FTDW. She realizes that he has down played his power and that there may be more to Eric than meets the eye. I think that this understanding will be furthered by her own sense of responsibility. The Coup de grace will be when she realizes that Eric will never be able to fully leave the vamp politics world behind, but that does not mean that he can not love her fully. She will realize that she is (and has been for a while) madly in love with him. She will accept that his life is it what it is, because to some degree her life will be similarly structured. They were made or each other.
One can always hope.
Great Post. I'm glad someone else is writing long ones other than me!
Ii esp. liked your point about two-nature's & their fidelity in general & I agree.
Also, your point about how Sookie interprets (or rather misinterprets) his political life as a vamp & sheriff and therefore trivializes his intent, actions & method's.
I think they were made for each other too.
Has anyone thought it was a coincidence that both Bill and Quinn have killed someone for Sookie?
I think that this is a clear indication that they are a little nuts..... Well maybe bat shit crazy. Both of them are killers in their own way, and I think both of them did what they did to foster some obligation... Thoughts?
YES!!
That is one of my big wishes for D&G - to get that final nail in the coffin that Bill is really not stable. Too impulsive.
And that Quinn has a tipping Point!
Despite all my big Conspiracy Theories my instinct has always been that the man has mommy issues & with the burden of his family, the ever constant pressure, his role in taking care of him & then Sookie dumping him b’c of said bagage – I always thought he definitely had the capabilities to tap into some inner rage & darkness & lose his shit.
When his mom showed up I thought...Stalker! Like mother like son?
Crazy thing is, Sookie felt bad about breaking it off with Quinn... Or at least she blew off the inner voice that steers her away from bad stuff because of said guilt. Ultimately, I think her instincts are right on, even if she is only able to vocalize them in superficial terms.
Well..kind of. She said that the verdict was still out on whether it was or was not a mistake.
But I agree. You are dead on - She listened to her instincts even though she didn’t verbalize or actually – really even know what she was doing in that way.
I also agree it was b’c of guilt that se felt worse about it. He took the arrow, he saw her coming off the blood bond incident, yadda, yadda...
She felt guilty about Bill often as well.
My little thoughts here ....
both of them killed species that they didn't particularly care for - Bill killed a human, and Quinn killed a vampire;
and does the fact that Bill doesn't particularly value humans "lessen" the murder he arranged - by that I mean that after we found out that Bill had been sent by the Queen I had found it a little odd that he had killed Uncle Bartlett so soon after meeting Sookie (he didn't seem to really value her until quite some time later) - initially we thought that it was because he luuuurved Sookie so much, but that wasn't really the case at that time was it?
Man frenchie that is a stumper. I mean a real head scratcher.... I am officially stymied.... I got to think on the un for a few.
Nice Frenchie! I’m with ya. I see what you are saying.
No, I don't believe it was the case either.
IMO, Bill had his reasons for killing Uncle. B. but they were far removed from loving Sookie/Crime of Passion. Funny I had a debate about this w/another poster. You have succinctly put your finger on it in a great way!
I was felt that killing Quinn on “behalf” of Sookie was no skin of his back either. He was more than glad to do it. He hated vamps, esp. hated Andre after what he forced Sookie to do....
I would love to see Sookie and Eric together. I love their relationship, its full of spice and chemistry. However, given what Sookie wants for the future, husband and kids. I think she might end up with Sam. They have the friendship and they have some chemistry. She also cares a great deal about what he thinks about her life and if hes upset. Whenever she knows things areok with them two, she always feels better.
I agree, given the limitations of a relationship with Eric and Sookie's declared values, I also think Sam would be her best bet.
Frenchie, after we found out that bill was sent by the Queen, I always felt that Bill had killed Uncle B to make Sookie think that he loved her so much...like to gain her trust. Granted he went about it the wrong way because it made her feel like she couldn't tell him certain things. I also think that is when he started to really feel for her, when she had told him they had to take a break.
But he didn't ever let her know what he had done - she just guessed - if he were doing it for brownie points wouldn't he have dropped some hints? And I don't think that Bill really started to care for Sookie until he realised what he had lost - look at the way he treated her at that point.
I see what you are saying. It isn't very vampirey to brag about killing a human. In fact, I wonder if this was to show how Bill is not very mainstream as he claimed himself to be. Mainstreaming would mean to live with humans, not killing them.
Now here is my thought on the "one" for Sookie..
NO relationship is without problems. Both Eric and Sam have baggage that Sookie would have to rationalize. First, Sookie would have to deal with Sam's natural instinct as an animal and that she might not be the alpha female in is life..but in his defense (and this is in reference to the pups) he was not tied with any one so he was free to do it with anyone or in this case anything. But if it is in his nature to roam around, this will not fit Sookie's character because she wants to be number one in someone's life. What Sam has as an advantage is that he does not like ware or vamp politics., so he'll stay away from that..I wonder what he thinks about fae politics.....anyways, he can defend her and loves her. Together they can make beautiful red head, telepathic fae shapeshifters!!! Thier friendship can also easily turn into something more.
Eric is highly involved in vampire politics and can not reproduce. They both love each other and care for each other. he too has the ability to defend her. Eric knows people, so it is unlikely for him to fall in love with someone who does not suit him. The fact that he hates to have feelings indicates that Sookie suits him perfectly. It is because of her that he finds having feelings are not so bad as he has told her that he rather likes being bonded to her. This bond brings forth many feelings to the surface and also lets the bonded know that feelings are reciprocated because the can feel each other's feelings.
IMO, she's going to need protection due to her lineage and not just because of her associations. I would rather have someone who enjoys a good brawl, has experience in wars and fights, is strong and fast. Hmm I wonder who fits into this criteria..I know. my sexy viking. Either way she goes, she is not going to lead a normal life. She might as well pick Eric..heck she already knows that sex with him is awsome, not to mention very satisfying showers.
And let's not forget, on the negative side for Sam, that he hung around with the maenad.
lets also not forget Tanya, I think thats her name
Well I think that Sam is safe in the friend zone.... He is a Something in a box safely packed away at this point.
I just finished the audio for FDTW and I have to say that I think ultimately Sookie will end up with Sam as her true love. I'm an Eric lover myself but with listening on the audio I picked up alot more from Sookie concerning her feelings for Sam. Just my opinion of course. I'd love for it to be Eric but with the fact that Sook will not be a vamp ever I have a feeling Sam can be the one to give her everything she needs.
Cloudy, I see your point, but..... Sam wants to stay in the shadows and lead a simple life and I think part of Sookie would want that, but the more she is a part of the supe world, the more she wants to be a part of the supe world. Even if she wanted more peace and less action and tried to put the breaks on what is being imposed on her more and more, I don't think that this would be possible. She is destined to be more than that, being part fea and all and GGD of a prince... And as much as I like Sam and think that he is very important to her, he is just not on that level....
I see the point with Sam too...but my main sticking point is that even though the shifters are harder to read she can still read him "HEAR' vamps at all except very short random glimpses...I still think that if she married Sam they would have a problem with her telephathy...imagine any normal marital spat she could look in his mind if she really wanted to and see what he really thoought or was feeling...she may be able to shield but that would still be work on both of their parts and in the end I think it would end up being a deal breaker...just my thoughts...even if she doesn't become a vampire I still think that she will end up with one...preferrably Eric!!
She likes using her "Gift" and likes feeling valued for what she is...even though she is usually put in life threatening situations I don't think that if she could have her life back the way it was before that she would want that...she led a very boring, sheltered, lonely life before and I just can't see her going back to that and being satisfied...
It would be like one of us suddenly becoming famous and having everything we ever wanted then going back to our normal hum-drum life...we would be spoiled and feel like something was missing the rest of our lives...
And I don't think that "IF" she and Eric ever come to an "UNDERSTANDING" and she decides to be with him....that he would ever let her go...I just don't see him giving up on her, if he thinks he has any chance with her he will fight to the death to keep her by his side.....JMO
I've been reading all of the posts while I await D&G and re-reading all of the books. Although I want Sookie and Eric to get together, I'm just not convinced that's how it will end. CH has been quoted as saying Sookie and Eric will be the only characters at the moment guaranteed to survive until the last book. I think that Eric will make 'the ultimate sacrifice' for sookie in the end to set her free. I think he will see that her future isn't with a vampire as CH has stated Sookie will live a mortal life. Reading CD something stood out for me in a Sookie/Alcide convo:
Sookie:...and I would be happy with you
Alcide: And I'd enjoy spending my day with you...What I'll think I'll do, is...I'll turn up on your doorstep, one day when you least expect it, and I'll hope by then you will have given up on your vampire
Sookie: And then we'll be happy ever after? (Alcide nodded) well that'll be something to look forward to.
Ever since I first read this I have thought that this is foretelling the end. I know Alcide has changed somewhat, but I think Sookie will end up with someone warm blooded rather than cold. Thoughts????
Holy Shat. In all my re-reads I never caught that. I must have blocked it out. Do you have the page?
Funny, I remember this from a re-read and remember thinking this is not good and then realized that this conversation took place before Sookie saw some of the flaws in his character and Were pride characteristics that made him a not so good match for her...
It was the second day that they were in Jackson after they dumped the body in the woods... Sookie confronted Alcide with the fact that he still liked Debbie and he owned it....
TY!
(Big Sigh) it just can't be anyone other than Eric.
I am going to go by CH latest interview where she says she has read many series where the MC is with her "bonded" & goes on to have many other adventures. I hope that was a huge hint she dropped.
many adventures where the MC is with her "bonded" & goes on to have many other adventures
not to be the big thundercloud here, but this statement could just represent the blood bond/wed thing that eric and sookie have going on...it doesn't say end up with...and eric and sookie have had many adventures, and will have many adventures...but it doesn't say the "bonded" will be the ONE...there seems to be definite leeway in that statement...
and just for the record...i hope that everything that i just wrote is complete crap and i am completely wrong...
Yeah I remembered that conversation too. It was at the end of chapter 7 (I listened to the Audio Book recently & thought I stopped at chapter 8 after this conversation).
I have to agree with Caroline about Sookie being in the dark about Were politics & Alcide's character flaws. Although I like Alcide & he's grown for the better, it has to be ERIC.
NO, NO, NO! For the sake of my sanity, I'm going to carry on convincing myself that it will be Eric & like you Laura, I'm going to take "bonded" as a hint.
Ali- you made me laugh. 
I hope you are wrong too.
yes. Its the last page of chapter 7. I wrote this partly hoping you could all convince me that Eric and Sookie will have their happy ever after as that's what I really want to happen and anything less will be so sad (understatement). Reading the posts, it sounds like the blood bond has been weakened/broken but as I haven't read D&G I can't make my own mind up about it yet. The Alcide/Sookie convo was just something that I always remembered. You know how CH has a way of dropping little signs into the books and then picks up on them up later.
I don't have all of the books in front of me, but CH drops a lot of "hints" about Alcide after CD. And in CD, Sookie bonds with Alcide's sister and thinks about being her sister in law. Sookie can't eat and cries about him one night in a later book, and I think it is in FDTW she reads in Alcide's mind he is upset she was with Eric (when they were attacked on the way back from dinner with Niall). I also read that CH said she knew when writing LDID who Sookie would end up with. That could be good for Eric, but may mean Alcide since he appeared in CD (the next book). I love her with Eric, but a mortal and a vampire is difficult. One ages, one doesn't. Unless there is a way around that (as Terry Botta suggests).
Well, you all make me feel great, and you give me a great incentive to work. I do know who Sookie will end up with as a life partner, but I am taking some byways to get there. So if anyone is counting on that wrapping up in the next book, please understand that won't happen.
This was posted today on CH website. I know someone else has pointed it out. Seems like if it is going to be Eric it's not going to be that easy or maybe Eric is just too obvious...(feeling sick at the thought of it).
So if anyone is counting on that wrapping up in the next book, please understand that won't happen.
Well that sucks. I just don't want Eric to get hurt or turn into a shell.
Well that sucks. I just don't want Eric to get hurt or turn into a shell.
I know! He said himself the time he spent with Sookie in DTTW was the first time he'd been happy in hundreds of years. It would be heartbreaking (for Eric & ALL OF US) if it wasn't Eric.
More, the whole arc of the story has been Sookie and Eric. If CH decides to bait and switch at the end, she better have amazing writing to back that up. Part why I don't think it will be Alcide is because there is no arc there. In fact it is anti-arc like Quinn. Each time they could start a fire, it gets smothered for no fault to either side. Events fall as they do.
But with Eric. Sookie needs to snap out of herself and wake up. Let her recoup from this set of events. Let her relax without someone close to her being killed or seriously injured. Let her do some actual reasonable thinking about the situation, and let her see what we see. If she doesn't, then she is not the Sookie I have been reading. Also Eric needs to relax a bit too. He was so busy building up her protections, that he got a bit overly excited. His idea of wooing is not hers. He saw that when she refused to move in with him. I think he does understand why she said that, and thank *God* he has wisdom with his centuries, but this is all new to him it seems.
So yes, let them slow down a bit and grow, but don't rip them apart unreasonably. I can't take that. Not after 9 books. Let Sookie have her person to tell her day after cuddling. Let Eric have his spunky Sookie who enjoys her life with humans and sups.
Well said Melody! I'm with ya.
Oh melody... That is it in a nut shell... I understand the whole, "There is a ton of stuff that still needs to be disclosed and resolved before they can get there." but at the end of the day what they want is really simple and really good and easily found in each other.
So if anyone is counting on that wrapping up in the next book, please understand that won't happen.
U-oh!I think it's a sign,very bad sign.i've lost all hopes for eric&sookie being together after all this stuff(and normal human life blah blah!)i heard some speculations about new suitors it makes me nuts!!!eric 
I am not sure Sookie understand that you may love someone and that someone may not be the best life partner for you. I think maybe this is what she may experience in the next book, she may learn love cannot be the only criteria when choosing someone.
I think she already knows this through Quinn and Bill...
yes ezgi. I heard the new suitor rumor too on CH's website. I really hope it's not true. How could any woman in their right mind leave Eric for another man? Just not possible in my opinion.
Okay guys... Here is a thought... Even if she is dedicated to Eric, she is going to be conflicted, especially when the revelations of the reality of what is going on around her come into focus.... She is always going to have suitors.. I have been married for 6-1/2 years and have been with my husband since we were 23 (13) years... That has not stopped other men from approaching me... the knowledge that I am in a monogamous relationship is not necessarily a deterrent, and oddly enough, a ring on my finger is not either.. I do not imagine that these men have a sincere intent... I am no Sookie Stackhouse, but I do think that if a man finds you attractive, your relationship status is not going to be a huge concern.. If you are conflicted about a relationship that is constant tumult due to the crazy that is your life and you are Sookie Stackhouse, the supe men of that world are going to be circling like sharks that smell blood in the water.
Feel better?
OK I have to address the new suitor rumor. Here is what she said below.....
1065 duckpond100 2009-05-07 09:13
I don't think the next book will be the final resolution of Sookie's suitor choice.
Come on Guys! CH is very careful w/the words she posts and uses in interviews...She said she doesn't "think" ....all is not lost!!! It's not a definite! Keep the faith!
And also just b'c it's not a final resolution doesn't mean it can't be a continuation, right? Sookie needs to go on a date. Bill never took her out. IMO, the interpretation can mean that maybe in the next book - she'll actually get someone (Eric) courting her. Taking her out, doing things with her. Wooing her.....
IMO, that's what she need. She needs to have some fun. Besides wouldn't it be kind of fun to read her having some fun in the dating world?
Esp. b'c the reviews are very mixed for this book....Maybe she'll end up throwing the audience a bigger bone in regards to Sookie maturing in a relationship sense.
You know she needs a bit of experience under her belt in order for Eric to truly be able to make an honest woman out of her. 
I feel better now. Thanks everyone! By the way, as a newbie to the books are the D&G reviews worse than any of the previous books? This probably isn't the place to ask but as I'm here anyhow I thought I would.
Hey DiB - Yes, the reviews seem to be very mixed. Kind of split evenly between make it an overall 3 - 3.5 start rating on Amazon. Goodreads is the same. Publishers Weekly didn't like it very much.
I can understand it, I mean Geez Louise my reaction was intense myself! But after re-reading I feel less harsh towards it.
However - the narrative was so flipped on it's head, I think it threw a lot of people off (I know it did me) from everything I am reading. I myself am still trying to make up my mind. But I guess in many ways that's a GREAT thing for an author b'c it means her audience has been challenged..?? I don't know...
Thanks for that. I will finally get my copy by the end of the week. At least from reading the posts I will be on the lookout for 'clues' and will certainly try to read it slowly instead of diving in and finishing in a couple of hours.
I just wanted to point out something I noticed while reading DAG. As you all know, if you've read most of this thread, I'm a big Eric fan, but Sam is a close second and I've always harbored some suspicion that Sook will end up with Sam. My big reasons for this are that he can have a "normal" life w/ her w/out politics, etc. They already have a strong basis with their friendship. He has always been her sounding board/confidant. He has always been there for her and "put her first." And b/c he has always known about her telepathy but has never thought badly of her for it OR tried to use it. Sorry, that was just a quick summary of my earlier posts/ideas.
Anyway, while reading DAG, I realized that Sook has a tendency to think about Sam whenever she is in a position where she may very well die and has a chance to ponder it. (Not like at Rhodes where she is busy moving or during fights where she is actively fighting back, but in situations where death is looming and there is nothing she can do about it but think.)
The first time I noticed this was in FDTW during the Nevada take over. Pg 209, after recongnizing that she and Eric are the most expendable people in the room, she immediately thinks that she wishes she could talk to Sam for a minute and says a silent good-bye to him. She doesn't think about anyone else in her life in that context - regretting that she can't see/talk to them one last time to say goodbye.
Then, in DAG, while she is being tortured, she thinks about a lot of people in the context of "I wish they'd come save me/avenge me" but once she "gives up hope" and "waits for death" (pg 278) she then immediately thinks about Sam and how she would be happy if she could see him once more. She thinks "I wanted to say the name of someone who loved me, but my throat was too hoarse from screaming."
I guess I'm just wondering if these aren't clues that CH is leaving about how deep Sookie's feelings for Sam run, since he is the one she thinks about when she thinks it is the end. Even if Sookie hasn't recognized the depth of her feelings yet.
I always think of Sam as the boy-next-door. Someone she has known forever and is close because of that. She can confide things to him she can't others from her town, and, frankly, he plays a roll Jason should play. She thinks of Sam as family. That is part why she can't kiss him for long. He is too well placed in the friend/family slot which she desperately needs him to be. In the situations you listed, all the thinkings of him are quite platonic. A deep love that is not passionate but still familiar. Like wanting your mom when you are sick.
Now Sam's intentions have simmered down over time, but he still cares deeply. Another man watching the drama of her life. I think mostly, he has accepted she does not want to pursue deeper with him, and now he just doesn't want to see her hurt. He has watched her go away with vampire after vampire and come back beaten, brusied, and bleeding. That has to take a toll on him. And now in DAG, he chides her when he finds out she is married to Eric. He is not angry because it takes himself out of the picture, but because of what it does to her.
I think Sookie demands perfection in her men and is quick to dismiss when they fall short. Eric is the perfect man (as I'm sure we're all aware) but she still can't see it. Sometimes she makes me so mad! We are all looking for the perfect man but I wonder how many of us have found him? I like the comments about Sam though. She seems more tolerant of him than her other admirers.
Hey Dawn (teamnorthman)! I have wondered were you have been! I completely see what you're saying about Sam & in this book, it was really evident how much Sookie relies on his confidence (as in, talking to him). I hadn't even realized just how much she did share w/him about what's going on in her life. And have been wondering about his role after this book as well.
But I do think Sam is the closest thing she has to a loyal friend & I just have to believe that CH would give Sookie that. He has been there from the beginning more than another other "friend". There were a couple of moments were they might have crossed that line - DUD & DAAD but really have been far & few between.
So, at this point, taking the bit from Melody's (malady) earlier post, the overall arc does seem to be Sookie/Eric & you know what? After doing some major hashing out last night on the theme of the book w/CMaC (Caroline) I have to admit, we were pretty staggeered to realize just how much all signs point to Eric.
It's funny b'c we all knew the bits & pieces/evidence on their own which was pretty convincing enough, but when you tie it all in to the theme of D&G & then connect the dots all the way back to DUD (including One Word Answer) we came up w/a much larger frame of reference/context to look at Eric in, esp. in regards to his feelings for Sookie & the length's he has gone to love her & have her. And I don't think we we're trying to convince ourselves either. We had been completely talkng about (seemingly) something else in regards to D&G and then it led to all of these bigger observations.
I know.... I am not substantiatng it in this post so I am not really helping. I haven't organized our thoughts yet. But I will attempt to - soon!
Anyway - glad to see you posting again!
You guys are too funny! These posts were great. I know most of you are hoping that she will end up with Eric, but I just don't think it's going to happen. Dead and Gone had some nice Sookie/Eric time. Very nice. I think that if Sookie is going to have a 'normal life', it will have to be with someone she can grow old with. The only way she and Eric can work out is if she becomes a vampire, and that can't happen story wise. She doesn't want to be a vampire. She seems fairly respected in the vampire world, but if she became a vampire, she would most likely lose her status and have to join their rank system.
Plus, if she and Eric are together, she will grow old. He won't. Eventually, they would have problems because of it. They might grow to resent each other.
Ok, now that I've made you all hate me, I want to mention some possible forshadowing. In Dead and Gone, when Sookie tells Eric that she doesn't want him to turn her, he promised he wouldn't no matter how tempted he is. (Sorry, can't list the page number, I don't have the book with me.) Maybe his temptation will happen in the next book. That would be a fairly promising scene. I prefer to avoid as much speculation as possible, because I think it sets too many expectations for future books. But it's just a thought that occurred to me when I read that part.
- Tara is grateful for her "normal" life with JD, even though in many respects she will have to carry the weight of the responsibility of the relationship (which is a big burden to bare). When she tells Sookie that she is pregnant, which is what every girl should want right?, she feels scared and unsure. She thinks that things will be one way and is really willing to try, but under it all she is scared...
- Halleigh is pregnant with Andy's baby and it is a big oops. She feels like she should be really happy, but she also sees that she is giving up a lot and that others won't necessarily understand how she feels. She is not sure that is what she wants.....
I think that if Sookie is going to have a 'normal life',
That is some interesting speculation there about Sookie's desire for a normal life.. I understand where you are coming from, but I think one of the points of this book, illistraited through the various pregnant women, is that normal is not necessarily normal and that even the things that we recognize as being what we want, aren't always as good as we think they should be....
Sookie begins to put away some of the more imature / idealistic notions that she has carried through the series, like having a husband to eat breakfast with and babies. Not that these are bad things, they are really good things, but that should not mean that if you don't have these things that you are not living a good life... These ideals are flawed in there own way and present their own set of limitations.
By this book she is close to being ready to admit that even the perfect dream is not perfect and sometimes it is better just to appriciate the reality of what your life really is. You may not have the big picture, but you do have someone to share your day with and someone who tries hard to keep you safe and love you. But most important, you feel good about who you are, the choices that you make (most of the time) and the life you lead.
Nicely said.
Also, CH had confirmed that Sookie's HEA (essentially - I am paraphrasing) will be as happy as she can get. That it will never be typical.
Let's see if I can find it.....
But I think this book does bring up some interesting perspective & thought about the nature of what is "normal". Charlaine clearly didn't spare the pregnant women.
Which to me is a fairly pointed remark about the fact that NO ONE is safe. And nothing is "normal". So while the concept of having kids fits into the idealistic picture of the Happily Ever After - was it that way for Claudine, Crystal etc..?
No. So why would it be that way for Sookie? Just a thought....
I think you all are on to something with the themes of how having everything you always "THOUGHT" you wanted and thought was the normal life is not as peachy as it looks on paper or on television....she is seeing through very normal people..Tara and Halleigh how that even though they are normal their lives are really no less easier than her own and in the supe world Claudine and Crystal who are trying for babies did not reach their HEA either...
I think that CH is telling us and through Sookie that life is different for everyone; the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side sort of thing...Sookie will never have a normal life now not that she could have prior to being involved in the supe world...she had given up on that dream once already because of the telephathy so I don't think she will have a problem doing so again if she can be happy and loved and respected elsewhere...JMO
Also, the problem of growing old with Eric.....I don't see this as a stumbling block personally....the reason being is that Eric values her for way more than her physical beauty, he values their intimacy...remember the convo about Hot Rain and LongShadow from DAAD....Eric said that is was the intimacy that was valued in the relationship not the sex! So if they stay togethe after she is old and gray he would in my opinion still love her the same just not in a physical way...They would still be soul mates....
Tara is grateful for her "normal" life with JD, even though in many respects she will have to carry the weight of the responsibility of the relationship (which is a big burden to bare). When she tells Sookie that she is pregnant, which is what every girl should want right?, she feels scared and unsure. She thinks that things will be one way and is really willing to try, but under it all she is scared...
Not me. I don't want kids. I'm a fairly typical person, except for that.
Sookie loves Arlene's kids, and she loves Hunter. She didn't like Crystal, but she loved the baby. She was happy for Claudine. I think when she went to Holly's in Dead as a Doornail, she even kind of longed to have a child and toys on the floor, just like Holly did. As we get older, we tend to decide what the most important things are and compromise on the rest. I think Sookie wants kids, her own kids. I don't think she will be able to compromise on that.
Maybe seeing all these other people pregnant makes her want it more than ever?
I thought so too while reading the previous books, with so many marriage, babies were expected.
Somehow D&G may have change my opinion on that, because i think Sookie hasn't decide yet which kind of life she wants.
Sookie's response to Remy about not being able to help right now, makes me think Sookie knows her way of life would not be suitable to raise a family, so either she has already decided she doesn't want a family (hey she is willing to pay the price that come with this way of life), or she hasn't yet really concider which kind of life she wants, and choose to live it accordingly. I think we may see a lot of that in the next book, to see Sookie questioning herslf to the type of life she wants, what price she is really prepare to paid to live and her after realising love isn't the best way to choose a partner, Sookie weighting the pro and cons of each suitors.
Maybe seeing all these other people pregnant makes her want it more than ever?
That is a mighty interesting speculation WitchyGirl.... I think you are missing my point.....
I think the relationship with Niall in this book is crucial... He understands at the very end of the book that his loving Sookie may have cost her her life. He realizes that the life he wanted with Sookie was one that he could never really have if he loved her.
"Maybe seeing all these other people pregnant makes her want it more than ever?" - I think that it's the opposite - Sookie is in her late 20s now, and I have seen a lot of biological clocks start to go off at that age, but I don't see that with Sookie - liking/loving children does not make you desperately want your own.
What Sookie does seem to want desperately is "family", and maybe after all that has gone on she will finally realise that blood is not always thicker than water (no pun intended 
) - there is no-one who looks out for Sookie better than the vamps (maybe this is how she could come to view the BB in a more favourable light).
And can anyone recall whether she ever thinks of Sam in terms of helping/rescuing her?
"He realizes that the life he wanted with Sookie was one that he could never really have if he loved her." - let's hope that CH never applies this thought to Eric! 
Sam rescued and helped her with Alcide's pack. Sam turned into a lion.
I think the relationship with Niall in this book is crucial... He understands at the very end of the book that his loving Sookie may have cost her her life. He realizes that the life he wanted with Sookie was one that he could never really have if he loved her.
Letting go isn't about giving up (your love), It's about accepting things that cannot be.
Do you think Eric will ultimately do the same? I
let's hope that CH never applies this thought to Eric! 
Don't be sad, Frenchie. Look at it this way, Eric has managed to protect Sookie from the dangers that others have brought into life... As opposed to many others who have added risk... The only other person that has been able to do that has been Sam... I would say Pam, but she is more of a neutral.
ladsalot, you are right. That's exactly what I think. The end of the series will be bittersweet IMO.
Laura and I have had a lot of back and forth about what Eric is to Sookie and what he has come to mean in her life and without going into some very good points that Laura is compiling to post, I will say this.
From the beginning of their story, Eric has been a constant.... Almost from the beginning, he has done everything he could to make sure that Sookie is safe. When he thought limiting his involvement in her life, even though he wanted to be with her, that is what he did. When he realized that Sookie being his was the "best" way to keep her safe, then he publicly proclaimed that she was his, even though he knew that it could lead to misunderstanding, because on so many levels she was not ready. I am sure that he would have liked to go about it in a more courtly manor, but time was of the essence..He may not be a Johnny on the spot all the time (though he is most of the time), but mostly he has brought more good than bad into her life. He has kept her safe. He is not Bill or Sophie Anne or Andre or Victor of Felipe De Castro.... Or Niall, all of whom have put her in a scary line of fire for selfish or misdirected reasons (even if all they wanted was to love). He is Eric
I agree with something that Katherine (Maddybird) once said so perfectly, "now that she is his, he will not let her go". That does not mean that there will not be issues or that Sookie will not leave, albeit temporarily, he will always fight to keep her... Bitter sweet is in it's own way a happily ever after. Their story is a love story. It is bitter and sweet, happy and sad, right and wrong, good and bad.... They are flawed in their own way, because everyone is flawed in their own way, but mostly... it can be good.
This is a True Romance
okay so that was a little cheesy, but you get my point?
What a romantic you are. I think Eric tends to have that effect on most of us. I just want them to 'live' happily ever after but the old saying ' if you love something, set it free' keeps springing to mind. That is the glass is half empty part of me - sorry! Ah well, until then I will just keep enjoying the Eric bits, thinking "for God's sake woman, look at what you've got!"
I agree with something that Katherine (Maddybird) once said so perfectly, "now that she is his, he will not let her go". That does not mean that there will not be issues or that Sookie will not leave, albeit temporarily, he will always fight to keep her... Bitter sweet is in it's own way a happily ever after. Their story is a love story. It is bitter and sweet, happy and sad, right and wrong, good and bad.... They are flawed in their own way, because everyone is flawed in their own way, but mostly... it can be good.
This is a True Romance
Thank You Caro....Cmac, and your further explanation of my statement is what I meant also...I think that now that Eric has an actual claim on her and is finally making some ground with their relationship.....
I love the scene when she goes to Fangtasia "Just to be close to him" and he says "This is Good" he is saying that even though it isn't much it is a start and that is more than he as ever had as an actual suitor when it comes to her outside of Amnesiac Eric....
Eric is a warrior and he thinks like one too...he is always plotting and placing his chess pieces just so and now he knows that he is making some ground and he has just now started making his move...Check Mate...your move Sookie!!! Yeah I know Cheese ball but you all catch my drift....I can totally see why that CH made that comment about the fact that Sookie's suitor choice will not be absolved by the next book....the battle to win her has just began....and patient Eric knows this better than anyone...he is just happy to be playing the game...he has been by-passed so many times in the past that now that he has a chance he is not going to sit by and let his opportuniy pass.....
Yeah I know Cheese ball but you all catch my drift
Nothing compared to that Ritz cracker worthy spiel that I gave.. Actually very well written and concise... gold star.
What a romantic you are. I think Eric tends to have that effect on most of us. I just want them to 'live' happily ever after but the old saying ' if you love something, set it free' keeps springing to mind. That is the glass is half empty part of me - sorry! Ah well, until then I will just keep enjoying the Eric bits, thinking "for God's sake woman, look at what you've got!"
I am actually pretty cynical usually... but not when it comes to my fiction. I can completely relate to the love someone, set them free thing because I think we have all had that thought along with "it can never work because..." even though we really want it to...
Like many of you, I want Sookie's "one" to be Eric but after reading DaG, I am not convinced that he can be because as Quinn accurately points out, Sookie can never come first for Eric or any other vampire for that matter.
Another speed bump on the road to HEA with a vampire for Sookie is the fact that none of these vamps are emotionally available for Sookie -- and she needs that openess and exchange, she will never get that from a vamp. They just aren't wired that way.
Personally, I've always hoped that Sookie's HEA was with a mortal and while I joke about Barry, I am beginning to think that it may just be Sam.
I have my problems with Sam -- like the fact that he never really makes a serious play for Sookie and that he keeps bedding and/or bringing in women who hate her but when all is said and done, he's the one would-be-suitor who has always been there for her and risked his own life without any tangible reward other than the act of being loyal and loving as it's own reward.
I think it will be Sam... but I don't think they're close to being where they need to be for that to happen. I hope I'm right about this, it would be an interesting journey as a reader to see them grow together.
Amnesiac Eric did say (I think it was right before the war with the witches) that he would give everything up, get a job and support her.
It could really be either Sam or Bill that is the "one" for Sookie - both of them loves her and she does love them. I just think that Eric would be best because not only they have good chemistry, but Eric does truly care for her and does the best possible way to keep Sookie unharmed.
Yes he can't always be there because of his business and position/status in vampire world but I think or I'm hoping that Sookie would understand this. She does want to be the first in a man's life (or this case vampire Eric) which I'm sure to Eric she is the first but he is a very rational vampire and he knows that if he wants to be in a strong position in the vamp world then he has to do what he has to do. And I'm sure Sookie wouldn't want Eric to loose his status in the vamp world - if she truly loves him then she wouldn't ask him to give up what his way of living and what he does best.
If Eric wouldn't force Sookie into being a vampire and wouldn't even turm her into one once she's dying - since he respects/loves her that much, then Sookie wouldn't ask him to give up things that are important to him.
These are my 2cents I just hope they can have a baby
Remember when he was waiting for her in Merlotte's parking lot (just before FDC arrived? He tells her he likes the quiet time away from everyone always asking him for things. Sookie assumes and then comments, "you like being the big kahuna". He tells yes, but then follows w "I do not being overseen".
I think that was initially the driving force for his push for power, and for now it his only way to protect Sookie.
Sookie can never come first for Eric or any other vampire for that matter.
I get what you are saying, Rach, but Quinn also says that he would never let his vamps die for her or leave his service... Now there is a chance that he was not refering to Eric, but.... Eric ordered Clancy into battle for Sookie, where he dies, but before he did this he told Clancy that he would no longer be bound by a sworn oath and would be free to go on his way if he lived.. he also makes big moves to get those that owe him feilty, to honor Sookie.... Right now, he wants to share his position with her... I am sure that as it progresses and he realizes that it is one or the other (probably because Sookie dumps him) he leaves all it behind to be with her.... Just like he said he would do...
Of course I do love Sam... He would be second on the list... He is just not as fun as Eric, but he is good at keeping Sookie safe. His only short fall is that he tells her what to do to much, instead of trusting that she will figure it out herself...
Oh and I think one of the reasons that Eric did not come himself when Sookie was taken by things 1 & 2 (besides maybe recovering from breaking the blood bond, which I think had happened at this point) was that Victor was there... Eric could not tell him to much of what was going on with Sookie because that would have alerted Victor to the fact that Sookie was important to the fairies and potetially let him know that Sookie's GGD was Niall, the fairy prince... Which he knew would have been really really bad...
I am going to post this on D&G: Eric too...
If Eric wouldn't force Sookie into being a vampire and wouldn't even turm her into one once she's dying - since he respects/loves her that much
I don't think it's because he respects/loves her. Eric isn't just that way with Sookie. Pam is free to go if she chooses, but she chooses to stay. Clancy asks to be released, and he agrees. The new bartender at Fantasia, I think her name is Felicia, mentions to Sookie that Eric is a good master because he wouldn't force her to have sex with him. Eric doesn't impose his will on the vampires as much as he could, and he is respected for that. Eric was forced to do things by his sire. I just think he doesn't want his people being forced to do things that they wouldn't want to do.
Is Eric's sire finally dead?
I was going to look through the Dead and Gone posts before I posted this, but there are over 200 messages and that will take me a while to go through. Not to mention all the other new topics that I haven't had a chance to look at yet.
Is Eric's sire finally dead?
I don't think it ever says one way or the other...I assumed since he got away from him that he was finally dead..but who know??
I am guessing not since CH said he would not be in this book (Dead and Gone)
I was guessing that as well, but I was wondering if anyone remembered reading something that would confirm. And if he was alive, wouldn't he be able to be a King since he's so old? But then again, maybe he just isn't anywhere near. Maybe he's on the other side of the world.
I can tell you that there was no indication in the book that Eric's sire was finally dead...
so i just had a random thought...do you think it might be possible that eric's sire might have made an appearance somewhere in the series already and we didn't know...after all, the first thing his sire teaches him is not to call him "appius" maybe he goes by another name...i'm guessing it hasn't happened, but when/if it does in the series, it's possible, we won't know straight away, because he's going by an alias...
Interesting speculation about Eric's Sire.... well there is Russell and his husband.....
I think the relationship with Niall in this book is crucial... He understands at the very end of the book that his loving Sookie may have cost her her life. He realizes that the life he wanted with Sookie was one that he could never really have if he loved her.
Damn. This book jut keeps getting bigger & bigger IMO. The symbolic themes just keep coming.
So essentially, one could say that Niall grew up. Has let go of the past by no longer indulging in the fantasy of a family life which really doesn't work considering the reality of his world.
Which brings me full circle to the Sookie wants babies in for HEA again. I think this book clearly shows the reality of Sookie's life.
Personally, I never wanted to see her have kids. Not only is it too dangerous but I always felt it was unrealistic b'c of all the risks. This is something she cannot afford to do b'c if she did, it would be an like an indulgent move. B'c she has kids her troubles aren't going to magically disappear & her life wouldn't magically be "normal" or complete!
This is her life now. Her choices have led her here. And she likes it for the most part. She says as much to Sam in FDTW. She feels valued in her life for the 1st time ever.
Also Sookie wants to be #1 w/the man in her life. To have her preggers & w/kids, that's not going to happen. The focus would shift.Besides - in the beginning of DUD Sookie had those idealistic notions but I have yet to hear her go on about them in the past few books. People change. That means their ideals change esp. as the grow up, experience life & face certain realities. The series is certainly showing that.
The end of the series will be bittersweet IMO.
I kind of think so too. I actually have an image of what that will end up looking like & it is very bitersweet indeed.
Like many of you, I want Sookie's "one" to be Eric but after reading DaG, I am not convinced that he can be because as Quinn accurately points out, Sookie can never come first for Eric or any other vampire for that matter.
You know Rach, I've thought about this. I think there is a large difference in running a business as opposed to taking care of people who are so dependent on you b'c they are unstable & needy.
Eric's business is not a burden for him, it's a pleasure & he works to allow himself independence, case in point is their convo in the bar about his past subservience & also this line: "I've worked with my new masters. I've shored up my authority. I can have my own life now. It's time I claimed what is mine." . Or so it seems.
While the point with Quinn is that he continues to bare a huge burden (his mother & sister who are constantly used as leverage) which keeps him indebted.
Quinn works to protect them but by doing so allows himself to become more & more indebted to the Nevada vamps.
While Eric works to protect what's his by figuring out ways to best go about retaining his authority & personaal freedom.
As we know & Sookie admits - no one can fully have their own life. But, IMO, there are different ways to manage it.
IMO, Quinn has management issues.
And Eric, b'c he looks to see what's coming around the corner - he'll find a way. This book shows that no?
While the point with Quinn is that he continues to bare a huge burden (his mother & sister who are constantly used as leverage) which keeps him indebted.
The funny thing about Sookie saying that she wants to be first in a man's life... I think she really wants to be a priority. She wants their consideration. She does not want the dude to drop eveything he has going on just to be with her. She just wants him to consider her when he is making descisions. At least that is how I see it. Quinn just does not get this...
Well, y'all two hit the nail perfectly there. That is what has been bugging me about the Quinn chapter in DAG. I couldn't pin point why his analog was so off. Quinn can't manage Sookie and his family. Eric can. But more so, Eric is more under her skin. He grew on her like moss while Quinn never really attached himself.
I find Quinn to be a good second boyfriend for Sookie. Someone outside the vampire world, so she can see some of the advantages and disadvantages of vampires for lovers. But also someone she could stop dating not just because they betrayed her, but because she can establish what she really wants. With Quinn, Sookie understand what true attention is and is not, which is what y'all said. Eric is capable (if Sookie hasn't figured it out yet on the surface, she has deep down). Quinn is not.
You both helped me feel so much better. That conversation really bugged me.
Melody, you are cooking with oil....
I think she really wants to be a priority
Yes - that's exactly it. That was what she was trying to say, IMO.
She wants their consideration. She does not want the dude to drop eveything he has going on just to be with her. She just wants him to consider her when he is making descisions.
But also someone she could stop dating not just because they betrayed her, but because she can establish what she really wants.
Excellent point.
Just catching up. Good points. All I can be pretty sure of is that she can't/won't end up with Bill. I re-read the first two books yesterday and he really annoys me. It's all about controlling her, telling her how to dress, having sex with her even after she's had the c**p beaten out of her by the FotS, refusing to 'be sweet' and continually moaning that she smells of other men. I'm pretty sure none of the other potential HEA candidates would behave that way. Even him preparing to die for her doesn't change things. All her suitors seem prepared to risk their lives for her (not too sure if Sam has yet though but if not maybe that's to come...)
I am really an Eric fan R E A L LY!!! But do you really think that he will consider Sookie in his decisions?
And beside there are all the "normal life" things around - the day time, the age thing, children ... with a shifter she can have almost a normal life (if there is a thing like normal in Sookie Stackhouse life).
Charlaine Harris said that she decided who Sookie will end up before LDID and she also said that Bill is out of the romance life with Sookie.
So... It lives Eric or Sam right? 
But Sam is sooo I don’t know more like a brother than a lover, and Eric is … well he is every thing that I can dream of.
If I had to choose a shifter that Sookie will end up with – then Quinn or even Alcide will be my choice but not Sam.
What do you think guys?
I always thought Alcide was a possibility. Thing is with Eric, CH has said he was only supposed to be in DUD but she re-thought it when she found he was really fun to write. So, who knows? Had she made up her mind before starting the next book? If so, that really cuts the playing field down and kind of points to Sam but I think that ending would be a bit of a let down. I know I spend far too much time thinking about vampires lately as my family keep pointing out to me.
DiB honey we are on the same boat.
It's always nice to know that I'm not alone!
alright...i'm not a sam fan...frankly i hope CH creates some sort of magic potion and sookie and our viking can live happily ever after...
that being said...there's a line in DAG that, for lack of a better word, worries me...
Pg 101 "Sam was a creature of sunshine"
i'm just wondering if CH is trying to tell us something...since DUD, we have seen that sookie's one vice is the sun. she likes to tan, laying out in january...it's the one thing that always makes her happy...
and here we have the statement, that from sookie's perspective, sam is a creature of that very vice...any thoughts???
But here sunshine refers to his happy disposition. He is not a melancholy shifter. Frankly, I always thought of him as more sad, but happy Sam might actually be true. But Sookie is very much aware she could wake up with a shifter next to her since she already did that with Sam way back in the first book.
On the passage you quoted, if you read a bit more, that is when she tells Sam she is married to Eric. He vaults over the desk and grips her shoulders. Now, I don't know about y'all, but very few people have done that to me in real life, and now Sookie has both Quinn and Sam gripping her shoulders. As if to command her full attention and wake her up. She rebukes both of them. She either missing the full point of why they are upset, or she has changed from what they thought of her.
malady579:On the passage you quoted, if you read a bit more, that is when she tells Sam she is married to Eric. He vaults over the desk and grips her shoulders. Now, I don't know about y'all, but very few people have done that to me in real life, and now Sookie has both Quinn and Sam gripping her shoulders. As if to command her full attention and wake her up. She rebukes both of them. She either missing the full point of why they are upset, or she has changed from what they thought of her._________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I think the reasons they do that do her are for different reasons. With Quinn it's more to be with his unresolved feelings for her. I haven't noticed any of the recent books showing that Sam still has an interest in her romantically, I think he knows that ship has sailed. Sam's reaction is probably more to do with an initial shock and then anger because it seems like she's changed to him. The Sookie he knows is independant and stubborn and would never lightly enter into such an arrangement with anyone. Sam's anger is out of concern that her life is out of control, I mean think about it, all the things that have happened to her since book one. But through it all Sookie has always exerted her own form of control so that even if she knows she way in over her head, she can still appear to be calm and collected to others.
I find Sookie to a be rather indecisive character in this book of all books. Hopefully this is the book that will set in motion a lot of internal changes and in the next few books alot of her contradictory thoughts will be resolved. Especially in regards to you know who. Theres still a level of immaturity on her part, she was angry that Eric had arranged their 'marriage' without her knowledge and consent and yet she casually mentions it to Sam like a piece of gossip. And she gets upset and is surprised by Sam's response.
Pg 101 "Sam was a creature of sunshine"
That's a great thought Ali.
BUT it can also be Sookie's lack or perception again. That's her POV but I have to admit - I have been thnking about Sam A LOT in this book & I think he is in transition too & it's not looking good, IMO.
I'm going to start a thread on him.
"This woman has been mine, and she will be mine," (Eric - Definitely Dead)
And now they're together.
And I'd enjoy spending my day with you...What I'll think I'll do, is...I'll turn up on your doorstep, one day when you least expect it, and I'll hope by then you will have given up on your vampire (Alcide-Club Dead)
I hope that i won't happen.
Thing is with Eric, CH has said he was only supposed to be in DUD but she re-thought it when she found he was really fun to write.
I cannot imagine this series without Eric. Although DUD was intriguing & the world CH created was exciting... I just found Bill boring & didn't see the attraction. But I wondered about Eric's gift of flowers to Sookie at the hospital & floating outside her window & gave the series another chance with LDID. Once I really "saw" Eric's character I was hooked.
I know what you mean. Eric is the high point of the books to me. CH portrays his character brilliantly I think. When my sister told me about Twilight, she said she scanned the pages for 'Edward bits' and read those first. I have followed the same pattern with Eric. The books would definately not be the same without him and CH is astute in recognising that and saying he will be around until the last one. If he was killed off I honestly don't know if I would continue reading them.
I just had a thought after reading some of the other threads. It was triggered when GAS wrote:
I don't know guys I think there is something very big behind this relationship that will "blow our mind".
While reading CH's FAQ theres one that is 3 qs in one but she only really answers 2.
Q. Will Sookie ever become a vampire/ get pregnant by a vampire/be overjoyed when one of her vampire lovers turns human?
A. No. And it’s not possible for a vampire to impregnate a human in my world.
I don't know if the "No." is to cover the two questons or if she didn't answer the last question on purpose. If she didn't answer it, maybe it could be Eric...? Idk, just something I was thinking about...
Found this on True-Blood. net. Interview with CH last night.
Happy Endings? “Not necessarily, I don’t believe in happy endings. Of course there’s a streak of the romantic in me that would always like a happy ending, or at least an emotionally realistic sad ending. I hate these endings where everything goes to Hell for no reason. I like endings that seem right within the context of the book, whether they’re happy or not.”
What do you think of the first sentence?
Thank you!!!!
FYI - you guys can listen to it on your itunes itself under Podcasts = Audio Podcasts = TV&Film = Blog Talk Radio = True Blood.net/Blod Talk Radio Feed.
It's the May 15th feed.....
Yeah and with the way she is going now, she is in to end up alone, i just hope not.
Also she also said the next book will take place about two months after book 9. I am a little sad I would have hope to see what happen to her and who would help her with her recovery.
Confirms my fears about what my possibly happen w Eric/Sookie, As I said earlier in another thread, letting go isn't about giving up (love), it's about accepting things that cannot be. Drats!!
Thanks for the heads up about the podcast, Dib. Am going to listen to it right now.
Must confess, my heart sank a little when I heard it. Even though I have said here that I kind of doubted Eric/Sookie would have a HEA I really want to be proved wrong! If that's the case at least we are prepared. Feel like crying into my cornflakes now... (it's breakfast time here in NZ)
Guys.... CH has said that Sookie will end up with someone... As much as I would like it to be Eric, she is a strong enough writer to pull off a change... I trust that. I will understand and appreciate her choice for Sookie and the reasons that gives for that choice. She made us all (maybe not all) like Bill again (even though I still don't want him to be with Sookie) so I am sure we will appreciate, or at least accept, any turn in the stories romance angle.. Not to say I won't be a little disappointed if she does not end up with Eric (maybe more), but I trust that the stories will be good regardless....
- And let's not forget that a stereotypical HEA is not on the cards for Sookie.
- And let's not forget that CH said that she knew at the end of DUD (or v. early inn LDID) who Sookie would end up with, so unless she's planning to introduce a whole new character, that restricts our choices somewhat.
- And let's not forget that an author can always change her mind!!!!
Re-reading CD and it really struck me how comfortable Sookie and Alcide are when they meet for the first time. They eat breakfast and he instinctively knows which draw the silverware is in, he re-fills her coffee cup, washes his dishes and when she looks into her bedroom when he is on the phone she sees him:
perched on the side of my bed where I'd been sitting. He looked oddly at home there.
They almost seem like an old married couple from the minute they meet. Given that CH hasn't even decided if Eric loves Sookie yet, which I find strange because what on earth does he have to do to prove it, it just adds fuel to the belief that Eric won't be the HEA. oh yes and I know it's off post but Alcide also mentions that people who get bitten by weres and turn into wolf-man type die pretty quick. Jason???
Sookie could do worse than Alcide, but I also think she could do better.
Oh and I remember the bitten Were thing... I think Jason is special...
But back to Alcide... He fit into that idea of domestic that Sookie thought she may have wanted... Not to say that Alcide is so bad, but in many respects he is a man child who is afraid to be alone.... and he has said that he likes Sookie, but does not love her. He wants to F the S out of her and enjoys spending time with her, but does not seem to have that "feeling"...
OK guys I am going to voice a major potential buzz kill here (my own included but I am apparently feeling masochistic) & it's something I have always thought of but pushed aside but you know....... just b'c CH knew who Sookie was going to end up with since LDID, doesn't mean that we've ness. even met him yet.
You know. Even if she baits and switches, I have enjoyed Eric's and Sookie's arc, and I will continue to enjoy it as long as she writes it as well as she has. It has build so wonderfully and interestingly that, to me, the series is about them.
Fine. Give her someone else in the end. But continue this ride and make is spectacular and...wait for it....perfect.
You can't take away what they have already enjoyed together, and even if Sookie does not appreciate it now, she will. And she can cherish it.
GREAT post! Amen sista'!!
I love it......Fine.
Whats hard is that I love her relationship with most of the men except Quinn. I want her to be with all of them:Bill, Eric, Alicide, Sam. I think that Bill is the most genuine and Eric is my favorite. Of course you want her to have a chance a a "normal" life with kids and being able to go out during the day with her man but I am still partial to both vamp men. Eric has had to wake up 2 his feelings for Sookie and let some of the emotion in...he also needs to make her first b4 himself and I dont know if he can do that. I think he loves her but doesnt want to admit it to her. Bill is in love and will not quit...i dont know how many have read "Dead and Gone" but his love is heart-wrenching & I think she hasn't given him enough credit. My point is that I think the "one" is either Eric or Bill...i don't want to sound like a slut but I would love for her 2 be with both....lol
As much as I want Sookie to be with Eric, I actually prefer CH's writing when Eric is pursuing her rather than when he finally gets her into bed - apart from in DTTW. I love his suggestive comments and the repartee they have with each other. That to me makes the books and his character so much fun. It was missing in D&G and though I cheered out loud when I found out they did the dirty, if they have a full-on relationship will the fun, flirty stuff ever be back? Dare I say it's better when they are apart and Eric is being his seductive self trying to get in her pants???? (don't shout at me...!)
Oh Diane I absolutely agree, the best part about Sookie/Eric encounters was the funny dialogue and Eric's obnoxious attempts to seduce her which I loved. I'm hoping that it was only missing from D&G because the book was darker, hopefully in the next book we will see a bit more of the playful banter they once had. Sometimes unforunately the thrill of the chase is more exciting, but it does seem like Sookie isn't letting up anytime soon so Eric is still in for a good marathon.
Guys, I think Eric could still be a huge lech and still use cheesy come-ons. Part of what I think is so charming about the possibility of Sookie and Eric is that it does not have to be serious live or dies love, it can be fun and live in the moment love and serious when it should be.
The thing that I missed in DTTW was the same thing that Sookie missed, Eric's humor. Love can be fun and funny and sexy... In my opinion that is a whole lot better than life and death serious.
Guys, I think Eric could still be a huge lech and still use cheesy come-ons.
Like the picture he gave her!?? Or his biting of her ass?
Exactly...
I totally agree..it was nice to see Eric open and emotional while he lost his memory but the witty banter was definitely missing. I think that was the point, because, it made Sookie realize that not only did she like him that way(when he stayed with her).... but when he was being himself also. A good mixture once he remembered that week was the best! Those were some of my favorite pages of the entire series. I also agree with some of the other posters that they are really perfect for each other. He treats her as his equal, she challenges him and isnt drooling over him like most women. At the same time, she trust him more than anyone and know he doesn't feed her any bull. When he tells her something he means it and she loves that about their relationship. He als doesn't talk down to her as if he is better or she is a child. He is always there to help her heal when she is hurting. I think he loves her and it is profound love and fun in the moment love at the same time.
Amen Sister!
ericismine
Well, I'm keeping SCORE... Lemme know if I missed something
Eric
DUD- I don't so much count the flowers... I've gotten flowers from complete wastes of carbon!... but he not only killed a vampire trying too hurt her, but he honored their deal even though he was letting a witness walk out of the club
BUT: nope I got no "cons"
LDID- he dropped everything to go to Dallas and watch out for her, he conragulated her on a job well done, he cared for her tending to her injuries, he stayed by her side during the attack on Stan's nest instead of running after a fanatical capri sun like her BF did, he took a bullet for her, he dropped everything to chaperone her at the orgy (ignoring the pressing maenad issue obviously since she was still eager to make an appearance at the party)
BUT: he did send her to dallas in the first place & he did get a little out of the orgy 
CD- He told her the truth about Bill instead of sending her off blind (even if didn't want to), he offered to heal her and then listened to her reasoning as to why he shouldn't, he put himself in danger by going to Josephine's, he never left her side when she was staked, he "got her" water, water everywhere joke, he healed her, he got her a car, he stayed at the mansion even though it was a bad idea, he saved her from the trunk, he didn't believe that she had been to bed with Alcide for a second, he (very obediantly *giggle*) drove her home, he listened to her breakdown, he went back for her during the "robbery", he yeilded to the idea that she knew how to used the shotgun better than him, he took bullets #2 & #3 for her, he killed (with help) 8 Weres, and who can forget the driveway!
BUT: He was worried about his own health & well being in re: the original mission
DTTW- she mostly did for him in this one but he did listen to her worries and ask her about her day,he gave her enough "O"s to make Dr. Ruth blush, when he bit her he did it in places that wouldn't advertise, he obeyed (*another giggle*) when she didn't want him to go to the hospital, he saved her from Debbie's attack in the witch war, he took bullet #4 in the kitchen, he helped her with the crime scene, he did pay her the full $50,000 even though Chow had negotiated down to $35,000, the cranberry red coat with removable liner, detatchable hood and tortoiseshell buttons *swoon*
BUT: he did behave pretty badly in Merlotte's- he should've gotten a spanking
DAAD- he loaned her a bartender (even though he was obviously short on them), he admonished said bartender for doing a crappy job of looking out for her, he took care of the Mickey situation and took a bell ringing for it, he helped repair the damage from the Mickey scuffle, he left when she asked him to, he rushed to her side when he realized what Charles was, he was angry when he found out Alcide had pulled her into the were stuff
BUT:he did manipulate her into telling him about his Mental Vaca & he was less than emotional when he found out she'd been shot ... my only real isssue with Eric in this one was that since her house was burned because of him (Charles' presence in the story was solely to get retribution from Eric)- he should have taken care of the reconstruction of her kitchen... ya think?
DD- eric wasn't in this one enough- He visited her in the hospital, he forced Bill to bring his lies into the light, he tracked her down and helped save her in the Pelt situation, he protected her (*laughing* took advantage of an opertunity to kiss her with her BF in the same room... hey where the hell did Quinn go during the scuffle anyway?)
BUT: yup, I got nothing. He behaved as he should. Good boy.
ATD- he bragged about her, he made sure it wouldn't hurt her financially to get the required clothing, a toe curling kiss, he saved her from being part of Andre's dinner putting himself at risk for retribution, he didn't leave her side or give her crap about the whole bomb thing, he projected some courage her way durring the trial, he reassured her and kept her calm after Quinn took an arrow, he shut Barry down when he was off on a tear, he congratulated her on a job well done- again
BUT: he went a bit green when he found her dancing w/ Barry
FDTW- he arranged a meet with Niall but only after he was sure the guy was on the up & up, he gave her the 411 on fairies, he took bullet #5, he dumped another were body, he told her he would only get involved in the were war if was in his interest or for her safety (which was sweet), he told her the truth about the hostile takeover, she was his first thought during the take over, he reassured her during the takeover, he had a total recall and then obeyed her request to talk about it later, he replaced the phone that he broke and the door that Quinn splintered, he got into biz w/ that dirtbag Cope Carmichael because she asked him to, he flew to Merlotte's just because Sam told him something was wrong with her, he got rightously indignant for her towards Jason because of Calvin's hand, he shared with her in the parking lot later, he pulled the reigns in on Pam when she was in the mood to make trouble at Merlotte's, he let her defend herself against the FoTS jerk that shoved her even though he SOOOO could made a grease spot on the floor out of him before her tray was in the air.
BUT: he was a bit preoccupied when he went to Merlotte's but he was angry that Sam had used him to satisfy his own curiosity
DAG- He announced their blood bond (2 books later) just to keep her safe from the new power structure, on her 2nd trip to Fangtasia he gave her everything she wanted out of the visit (his history, company, information, friendship) plus he offered help with money and promised to make Bobby be nice to her, a nudie picture of himself (lucky bitch), he broke up the tetherball game that Quinn and Bill were playing- using her as the ball, he gave her blood to heal her head wound, and again with "O"s a'plenty, he offered his home as a safehouse, he offered to take care of her again, when she turned him down, he didn't push the issue, more sharing, he promised to never turn her, he took her to Bill's side for a possible final good bye, he lost a comrade saving her, he made sure that Dawson got proper treatment, he gave her so much blood to heal her he had to stop (i've seen that a few folks had wondered about why Claudine knew he was coming but Sookie didn't; I might have a simple answer for that, Is it possible that one or both of them had lost enough blood to weeken the bond? thoughts?)
The rest will be easy... I don't even think that I will go book by book- I'll lump them all together. Maybe it's not fair but I don't mind seeming partial... I am... very partial!
Bill-
He gave her blood to save her from the Rattray's, gave her blood to improve her "reception" before the Long Shadow incedent, killed her funny uncle, gave her some fun romps in the sack, brushed her hair (at first it seemed sweet but morphed itself into kinda a fetish, ew), he hired the Bubba Bodygaurd service, he let her and Charles stay with him after her house caught fire, he tried to offer her an expense account at his strip mall, he bought her earings as an appology, he saved her from being tortured to death by fairies, he bathed her when she was too injured to do for herself. I don't consider too much of his protection because a lot of his protection was ordered from Eric, I also don't count the were slaughter to his credit since it was ALL his fault they were there to begin with
BUT: being with him made Sookie the target of a serial killer/rapist and resulted in Gran & Tina's deaths, he made her afraid of Eric, he left her for his maker,he lied to her, he disappeared to New Orleans when she was still in danger, he tried to beat up Sam for kissing Sookie while Sam was still in a cast, he is the reason she had the crap kicked out of her in DUD & CD, he chased off after meals on wheels in Dallas before making sure she was ok, he paraded his new fangbanger girlfriend around in Merlotte's, he stalked her in more than one book, he has absolutly no sense of humor, and raped and nearly drained her after she risked life and limb trying to save his ass 4 times by my count (the were in Josephine's, the fanatic with the stake, staying @ Russell's, and facing Lorena to get him out of there)
Sam-
He is appearantly pretty giving in the time off department, he is a good kisser, he sends flowers when she's hurt (but he's a chicken about it and signs the card from the staff), he offers her encouragment when it comes to her gift, he hooked her up with a place to stay after her house burned
BUT: he is violently vocal about doling out metric ass loads of grief when it comes to who she dates/associates with in general, he contradicts himself by calling in Eric (the happy pill) to acheive his own agenda, he had crappy timing! he has kissed her twice- once when she was upset about taking a break from Bill and once when her house had burned up and she was on overload!
Alcide-
He replaced her wrap, he was friendly and honest with her when he didn't have to be so generous, he stuck up for her in CD, he hooked her up with "pretty girlie time" at his sister's salon, he tendedd to her when she got beaten up by weres, he made a special trip to bring her things back, he tried to be her Calgon when her house burned down (sure bad timing- but it was a sincere offer)
BUT: he lied to her to get her to Col. Flood's funeral, got her involved in the battle for succession (then spurned her when things didn't go his way), tried to blackmail her into helping him by holding the Debbie thing over her head, he says "vampire" like the Pope says "athiest"
Quinn-
He tended to her scratched (possibly bitten) leg, he took her out for a show, he defended her against the bitten weres, he stood off against the Shreveport pack in her defense (but he took her with him- so that kinda cancels it out for me), he was really easy with the compliments and endearments, he brought "grease and caffine" to Hadley's apt., he gave her a few "O"s, he helped her escape the Pelts, he took an arrow to the shoulder for her (that's still not as cool as 5 bullets. sorry), he refused to leave her during the Soda Bomb incedent, he killed Andre
BUT: he says "vampire" like he's gonna puke too, he hid his past from her, he harassed her after Eric made it clear that he should stay away, he called her an idiot because of the Soda Bomb Incedent, he broke down her front door during the hostile take over, his bitterness caused Sookie to get a head injury, he disappeared during the Spring Blood Ball, he travels for work a lot, he was sent by the queen just like Billy-Boy was, his sister and mother need him too much/often, he killed Andre
Come to think of it... every guy Sookie had ever been to bed with or thought about going to bed with tried to "fix" her life when her house burned. Except Eric. Because he knew she'd ask if she wanted someone to help? because he was waiting for her to ask so that he could get the info he wanted from her in return? I think that its because he knew that she would feel helpless if he did offer and he respects her... but that is all between the lines. Only CH knows that for sure
I might have hit my word limit for the day...
Lemme know your thoughts- I love "talking" to folks who love these books like I do... My dirt bag SIL raved and plugged the books like they were own then once I got hooked the turd told me she was only halfway into the 2nd book! ffft! I coulda kicked her. lol
Night all
I forgot that when Bill healed her after the Rattrays attack- he did feed on them before tending to Sookie
DAAD- he loaned her a bartender (even though he was obviously short on them), he admonished said bartender for doing a crappy job of looking out for her, he took care of the Mickey situation and took a bell ringing for it, he helped repair the damage from the Mickey scuffle, he left when she asked him to, he rushed to her side when he realized what Charles was, he was angry when he found out Alcide had pulled her into the were stuff
I also personally, think, when he had his little chat with Tara, he was the one who got Tara to sell Sookie her old car to her for $1.
Maybe he didn't outright say anything - but I think he may have planted anough seeds to let her know just what length Sookie went to to get her away from Mickey & that she owes Sookie as a so called "friend".
he should have taken care of the reconstruction of her kitchen... ya think?
It's a good point. However - baring in mind CT singled Sookie out b'c the supe community knew how Eric felt about her - rebuilding her home, would be too much of an acknowledgement of responsibility. I think he probably didn't b'c he realized it would be too dangerous by the end of DAAD.
Besides by the end of the story, when the truth is finally out, she had rebuilt it anyway - it would have also been too awkward to except it in hindsight, I think.
I've had a feeling that hat Eric glamored Tara into that too! But I thought I was just doing to much between the lines.. I tend to do that...
As for the reconstruction, I'm really seeing your perspective- It would've been too much acknowledgement- but after I saw it in print too I came full circle... taking care of Sookie's construction would have been an affirmation that it would have hurt deeply for her to be hurt/killed before he knew for himself the truth of the going ons in DTTW.
I've had a feeling that hat Eric glamored Tara into that too! But I thought I was just doing to much between the lines.. I tend to do that...
I am not sure about the glamour part... Maybe, but I always thought that he just made Tara feel really guilty for putting Sookie in such a dangerous spot because of her own stupidity. I don't THINK he had to work to hard to do that...
Notice though that Tara does not discourage Sookie & Eric's relationship in D&G.... I think she realizes on some level that Eric really does try to look out for Sookie.
And as far as reading to much into things, welcome to the club... These book are rich with stuff for doing that very thing... We all feel like there is a ton that is left unsaid or inferred, hence seeking answers online and ending up here...
Yeah - I don't think he actually glamoured her. And I think out of his respect for Sookie, esp. after what had just happend, that's why he wouldn't.
But also, I don't think he needed to. I just think he told her ...or inferred to her what he thinks she would do. Big time.
That was an awesome post ericismine - anyone brave enough to post it where CH might be likely to read it - to remind her of how she has written Eric (even if she doesn't really like him) and the other men in Sookie's life? I read something from Laurell K. Hamilton (re. Anita Blake) where she said that she wasn't going to have a "hero" vampire, that it was just too corny and she couldn't understand why such creatures become objects of desire (gross paraphrasing here - sorry 
) - but then by the end of book 3 she realised that it had happened with one of her characters!?!?!?!? Maybe CH never had the intention for Eric's character to turn out the way he has, but now that he has ... ?
I read something from Laurell K. Hamilton (re. Anita Blake) where she said that she wasn't going to have a "hero" vampire, that it was just too corny and she couldn't understand why such creatures become objects of desire (gross paraphrasing here - sorry 
)
Okay so here is the thing that I think that CH is not thinking through... She did not write a mythological character. She wrote a character. He is self serving and does things that are out and out selfish with out apology and because he is falable he is in many ways very real. This makes his acts of heroism that much more significant... Yes he is a vampire, which means that he is inherantly self serving and in many ways inhuman, but he is also easy to relate to because he is a reluctant hero. He knows the pressure of doing the right thing and wants to avoid that, but something in Sookie pulls on him and moves him in that direction.... He is an object of desire because he struggles and we see his struggle and relate to it..
Eric is the Yen to Sookie's Yang. He is not perfect and neither is she. She is a person of sun light and summer and he is a creature of the night but she has a darkness to her nature that only Eric can truly appreciate and Eric has a sense of decency that Sookie manages to draw out (no matter how deeply it is buried). This is why I love the Eric and Sookie Dynamic so much... Maybe CH did not mean to have the story of them turn out this way, but damn it is good...
"Maybe CH did not mean to have the story of them turn out this way, but damn it is good..." - no arguements here, but I wonder if this was part of the reason for DAG - is she trying to turn their story around - I just can't shake my bad feeling about what she's going to do with E & S!!!!!
See this is where I disagree with CH. Create the characters, throw them into a situation, and let them go where they want to. If you force it, you will loose the characters and the readers. It will seem contrived. Plot based books can shove characters around more, but character driven needs the freedom to let them be them. If CH has a goal in mind that she starts forcing now, then she is going to loose them and they start doing things out of character.
Exactly - it is almost llike the characters took on a life of their own and have veered off on an unanticipated tangent, and now CH is trying to get them back on what she thought was the track ... but maybe the success of "True Blood" has muddied the waters somewhat with regard to the "track" - there has to be a reason for the differences in DAG??!?!?
Frenchie
I have often thought the same thing....I feel like the sudden success of True Blood and all of the Fans loving Bill and Sookie together have had an effect on the outcome of DAG.....I thought that she had the perfect set up to Kill Bill off and let him die a romantic hero but she instead let him survive to cause more of a love triangle once again. I sort of think that if she had let h im die the fans of the show would have been outraged....and it may have caused some people to quit watching......I just think that True Blood is in some way influencing her writing....JMO
As for the "Track" of the characters.....it seems odd to me that she can create a wonderful character like Eric but still feel negatively about him....I mean she is the writer...she has ultimate control over what he says and does....if she doesn't like him then she has the power to change him....I mean she made us not like Bill so what is stopping her from making us not like Eric.....Is he just so likable on his own that she can't help but make him better??? Maybe she didn't intend for us to like him so much and is describing a man she personally wouldn't like and that man just happens to be nearly every other woman's fantasy??
I just don't understand how she could resist a man like Eric. I think her negative remarks about him echoes a lot of how Sookie sometimes feels about Eric in the story. Sookie is always looking for a way to blame or find fault with everything he does and willingly turns a blind eye to all of the good things he does for her. I just see a very large parallel to CH's feeling and Sookie's feelings toward Eric. They both are trying desperately not to like Eric.
I have been thinking about this and the nature of writing and I think CH had no idea that this was the direction that the story was going in, hence the attempt to change midstream maybe. Maybe the intent was to have Sookie end up with someone else or maybe she intended for Sookie to end up with Eric and in establishing this made him better than she intended..
Think about this... She does not like Eric very much and she has cast a disparaging light, to some extent, on the person that Sookie ends up with. Perhaps she has done this because she does not feel that Eric is a savory choice in a partner or that he is as much trouble as he is joy.
I think the story may have worked it self out through CH (like she is the proxy for the story) and D&G was an attempt to regain control and reshape the direction. It may not have worked out as well because she did not let the story write itself?
Lets hope CH isn't influenced by TB because TB Eric is not the Eric we know and love from the books. I really hope she doesn't change his character.
I think that AB may (and I am not sure on this) be attempting to make Eric seem complex and set a good back ground for him to show that he is not a bad guy really, or at least not as bad as he may seem...
I think you're right Caroline. I really like TV Eric & think he's pretty much like book Eric. I mean the books are in Sookie's perspective (we all know how off some of Sookie's interpretations can be) and on the show whenever Eric is around Sookie I see the Eric I love so much. Yeah we saw him rip a man apart but he's a vampire and for all we know, he's probably done this before off-page. I'm glad we are seeing who Eric is & I see book Eric more & more with each episode. Haven't seen the 3rd episode yet but by the posts here it'll be an Eric treat.
DiB
yesterdayCH has said on her site today that Remy is in the next book and that she likes Quinn and 'will see what's in the cards for him' and (from an earlier question) that she believes he's a good guy who 'hasn't done anything wrong.' If I have read all those books for Sookie to end up with Quinn... Ugh. Anyone but Mr Stripes please.
UrbangalyesterdayNo please, not Quinn. I did feel that Sookie treated him unfairly but I never warmed to Quinn as a character. He did care dearly for his family which is a plus in my book but apart from that, he didn't seem to have much of a personality.
Quinn was wasted ink on paper.
yesterdayhe's a good guy who 'hasn't done anything wrong.'
I wonder if that's in general or that we know about...
And if he is doing it for his family, then I guess that wouldn't make him bad...
If she ended up with Quinn, I would throw up!
yesterdayI feel deep down that Sookie won't end up with a vamp but the thought of the series ending with her and Quinn is too much.
yesterdayOr Bill's Creepy blood feeding in True Blood Season #2 .
Word! Doesn't matter how many gore scenes we get, that was the creepiest thing ever. Bill feeding Sookie like a baby. His face expressions were just... eww
13 hours agoI feel deep down that Sookie won't end up with a vamp but the thought of the series ending with her and Quinn is too much.
I go back and forth on that one. But it seems to me that this series has been, at its heart, a vampire-human love story from the start. After all,CH started the series with only the intention to write one book - and DUD was a romance between a vampire and a young women. Wouldnt it dishonour the original intention and spirit of the books (as CH likes to say) if she changed such a fundamental aspect...? I get that with the terms CH has set, a life with a vamp wouldnt exactly be ideal, but it seems to me that ending up with a vamp has been a major direction starter since the beginning. Besides, bill and eric are in EVERY book. that is not the case for Sokie's other love interests. why spend so much time developing their roles in Sookie's life, to makeher change her mind?
P.s. man oh man do i NOT want Sookie to end up with Quiin. I respectt the opinion of those who do adore the weretiger, but i've already got my heart set on a blond sheriff!
5 hours agoAs long as she doesn't end up with Bill I can take it. I prefer Eric but Sam is ok too. I used to like Alcide, but I think he's a jerk now. The only thing that bothers me about Quinn is the "babe" thing. It drives me crazy. So different form Eric saying "lover", which feels so special, like he invented the word only for Sookie. He only started calling her that when he started having feelings for her. Quinn called Sookie "babe" from the day they met. It's annoying. Really it feels that's how he calls every woman he wants to bed, you know...
This as nothing to do with the forum but can anyone tell me who Clancy is?
Clancy is a vampire that worked for (in Fangtasia) and owed allegiance to Eric Northman. He has played a minor role through out the series and has moderate to strong disdain for Sookie.
I get that many have their hearts set on Eric. I am with you all on that. However, I don't think Eric has fully explored the love interests in his life. His job status and Sookie. I can see where CH could say she is not sure if Eric loves Sookie. In love's complete form we cannot be sure. As Sookie said in D&G something like "what you think is good for me usually falls right in step with what you think is good for you." It has been said by both Sookie and Eric that they have feelings that aren't love yet. I think they have to find out if it is worth it. I think this is something they are deciding while going through this pseudo marriage and blood bond confusion. She is not the naive girl in love for the first time anymore. I think she wants to be smarter about her heart. She mentioned that with Quinn (even though she screw up forthwith, pardon the pun). With that in mind, her head knows Eric is straight with her and hasn't betrayed her. This keeps him in her good favor. The question is does she love Eric as he is?
That is an awesome observation meander and you raise some really good points.. I think on some level, they both know that they love the other (maybe) but YES they are trying to figure out what that means and is it worth it... OR Sookie approaches Eric in a very Rhett / Scarlette way. She does not quite know what he means to her yet...
Even though it has been growing inside her since she met him..
Bur she denies it since it does not fit with what she thought she wanted when she was younger...
The question is does she love Eric as he is?
Well, just like with anyone - there are going to be things you love about them and things you don't. I think Eric has certain traits that Sookie loves and wants, but also has to figure out what she is willing to give up to be with him. Not only the ideal picture she had as a child, but also willingly opening herself up to be vulnerable with another person again. She has her guards up and it's gonna take a while to knock them down. It's the same for Eric.
I go back and forth on that one. But it seems to me that this series has been, at its heart, a vampire-human love story from the start. After all,CH started the series with only the intention to write one book - and DUD was a romance between a vampire and a young women. Wouldnt it dishonour the original intention and spirit of the books (as CH likes to say) if she changed such a fundamental aspect...?
Completely.
I don't really see why her ending up with a vamp is so out of the realms of possibility. I think in this world - she could end up with anyone. Doesn't matter human or supe - she'll have to make adjustments for anyone she ends up with. With a human - it will be curbing her telepathy with a supe - who knows but it'll be something.
The fact is that this is Sook's life now & there is no going back. As with anyone in any relationship there will be compromises to be made.
I still see the option utterly up for grabs & that it doesn't really matter what the person is per say - just who he is to Sookie at the end of the day. What he brings to the table as a man. If he provides her what she is looking for - they share the same morals & values & fulfill her most important needs - I think it'll come down to that.
Back in DTTW - she said herself it didn't take much to actually make her happy. Granted a lot has happened since then but I think that fundamental - to be happy, feel cherished, loved & valued - is what will matter most at the end. And whomever can provide that will be the winner. At least I hope. Wouldn't it be awful if you had a heroine who just settled!?!
i do have a question, if she does enf up with bill or eric what happens when she gets older? will they dump her, CH said she wont change so what then?
yeah, thats kind of my issue. If she does end up with Bill or Eric, and CH said she wasnt going to become a vampire then her HEA seems doomed. Will E or B stick around when she's old like 60? Why would they want to when they can go find someone else who's young and beautiful? So then she might get 10-15 maybe 20 years with the vamp, and then spend the rest of her years alone?
I feel like CH has backed us into a corner of disapointing endings. Twilight had it easy, Bella became a vampire and voila! HEA. I understand that for Sookie, thats not an option she particularly wants but it sure would make things easy. Notice how Sookie never thinks of the age thing when she's with Bill or Eric? OK granted the lets-have-a-relationship-with-Eric is new but still with all the time she spends around vamps she never thinks about aging?
Did CH promise a Happily Ever After actually? Or are we assuming she gets one?
i do have a question, if she does enf up with bill or eric what happens when she gets older? will they dump her, CH said she wont change so what then?
Personally, I would find it more romantic that even when she is old and gray, the vampire could still love her the same way he did 50 years ago. That's what true love is isn't it? It surpasses logic, age, time, etc.
Did CH promise a Happily Ever After actually? Or are we assuming she gets one?
CH said Sookie will have a "fairly" HEA. It isn't going to be perfect and Sookie might not get everything she dreams of, but she'll be happy with her life and her final suitor choice.
Personally, I would find it more romantic that even when she is old and gray, the vampire could still love her the same way he did 50 years ago. That's what true love is isn't it? It surpasses logic, age, time, etc.
I do to. There is a poignancy to that. I had this idea that I can picture Sookie old & at her deathbed with the 2 vampires who loved her by her side, seeing her off. Each thanking her in their own way for what she woke in them. Etc....
Aww...(tear).
I had a thought in Eric's favor... It is a small thing, but I think it is cute.
Eric is secretly neat. Well not secretly, but he is tidy. Sookie does not notice this because of the mess they (THEY) made of her bathroom when he had amnesia, but when she woke up with Eric in her bed in CD and then went to take a shower, he made the bed for her. He also was very tidy when he pulled the covers back in D&G. I can't think of anything else right now, but in general I get the sense that he likes things to be squared away and clean....
He rinsed out his bottles in DTTW...
Although she thinks it's Pam who hangs his towels in ATD bc' she had to hang them for him. I think that's just b'c they did the nasty though.
LOL! It is cute...
Also, in DTTW, he later got up and washed out his TrueBlood bottle.
Hey Laura! Same thought...
I think that's just b'c they did the nasty though.
Me too. I can't see him rinsing bottles and making beds, but leaving towels on the floor...
Kinda off topic, but, I like the scene where Sookie wakes up to find Eric in her bed instead of Bill (CD). She starts to get after him and he tells her they need to talk but she should go freshen up first and while he doesnt mind talking in bed he would prefer the hygenic Sookie he's come to know. My sentence is awful but you get the point...He likes neatness, cleanness. I always wondered about the towel thing. Sookie just assumed he was used to being taken care of because he didnt pick up his towel? ha! He's always making her bed, rinsing out bottles, etc.
I like Eric and Sookie together but I have to be honest that I would have preferred Alcide to be in the running against Eric and Quinn as well. I think he's a good respectable and honorable guy...way better than Quinn. I know that he was mated to Maria Star but refesh my memory...wasn't she killed? Also, for some reason I have a feeling that Remy Savoy will end up attracted to Sookie as well.
I'm not sure about Remy. I think we'll see more of him and who knows. Wouldn't put it past anyone to throw in her with him to help raise Hunter. Hunter does need a mommy afterall. Besides, it will make for interesting writing if she's step mommying while telling him, "I know what you plan to do, but don't you go there, Buster!"
I prefer Alcide to Quinn too, Melissa. I would go so far as to say he may be 2nd on my favorites.. As far as Remy is concerned, I wonder if he would not be to freaked out by Sookie's gift and Sookie would be to freaked out by being able to read his mind even when she did not to.
I don't want her with Remy but he is a possibility because is already getting used to his son being able to read his mind. So he could get used to her being able to. Although, I would hope that Sookie would not want to put Remy or Hunter into the dangerous battle ground that is her life. I think that would be grossly irresponsible.
I don't think it would be a matter of Remy getting used to it, but Sookie. Her issue with human romantic attachments is that she can hear their thoughts (even if their thoughts are good ones). She doesn't want to constantly know what another person is thinking. So, I don't see Remy as a possibility.
I prefer Alcide to Quinn too, Melissa.
I would prefer that pairing too.
And I really disliked Alcide for many reasons. One big one was that he wasn't true to himself. I felt he was worse than Sookie in not admitting things to himself (Debbie, his father, who he really wants to date, etc..) He was secretly an elitist snob & was embarrassed of Sookie many times. Plus - he had the oddest times of hitting on her which always irked me.
But we haven't seen him in a while & I am willing ot give him the benefit of the doubt hat he has matured & come a long way (hopefully) since he became pack leader. But I kind of feel he is out of the running b'c he's THAT guy.
The guy that you have lust for (& vice versa) but you know you're not right for one another. Sure you get along & there's a lot of lust but your belief's are fundamentally different so you know down deep, you may scratch the itch... but it's probably not going anywhere. Plus you are like the rebound girl for HIM. And I felt over the books that's how he did essentially treat Sookie. Like his rebound.
I mean - he dropped her like a hot potato for Maria Starr when he felt that Sookie couldn't (?) or wouldn't (?) understand how to comfort what his dad died. Here she helping him out like he manipulated her to do & when she does - he goes running into a pack members arms instead of saying word one to Sookie. Poof. Just like that. That said a lot me.
So... there are those kind of things that I have yet to get over. I need to see what he is like now.
Is there no hope for Barry the Bellboy??
Wow Laura you've brought up some good points about Alcide. I agree he wasn't up front with Sookie about a lot of things but neither was Quinn. NOOO...not the Bellboy...talk about NEVER having secrets from your boyfriend!
Thanks Melissa. Yup - Quinn wasn't either. It's a hard one. But I think I marginally prefer there pairing based on his behavior at the end of FDTW.
He seems to have a bit more humility when he goes & talks to Sookie. And he did keep Tray with her once he found out she was in danger bc' she was a friend of the pack. I liked that he kept someone she trusted with her. I am curious to see how he reacts toward Sookie now that Tray is dead. That will tell me alot I think.
I know - I know - they would need super shields!! I just like him though!
I secretly really like Barry. I think because he's in the same situation (being neck deep in vamp/supe politics) as Sookie that they would have a real understanding. I know the whole "telepathic" part of their relationship would be a real bother, but maybe they would be able to control and he's young- I think around 20 or 21 (although in ATD he had grown up a lot). But this is just a thought- I'm team Eric all the way with Sam coming in a distance second...maybe Barry after that.
I am curious to see how he reacts toward Sookie now that Tray is dead.
I don't think he will blame her for that. After all, it was Tray's job - he was a bodyguard.
I'm more curious about his response to Sookie now that she is married to Eric. You know he HATES vampires! I wonder what Alcide will have to say about that...
I can't wait to see how Amelia acts towards her too! I would also like to see just how "in" a relationship she and Eric will be. Will he have time for her? Will Bill try to fill the voids that Eric can't fill? If you think about the past books, Sookie and Bill didn't really do anything outside of staying home and having sex. He only took her to Fangtasia where she first saw Eric but it wasn't a date she was only trying to investigate murders. The only time she went on a date was with Quinn and that still ended in a disaster. Eric asked her out but he only took her to meet grandpa. What kind of relationships are these that she doesn't really spend time with them in public??? I hate to say this but Bill took Selah out more!!!
I'm more curious about his response to Sookie now that she is married to Eric. That's true he does hate vampires. I would like to see his response to that as well...
I can't wait to see how Amelia acts towards her too!
I'm kind of worried about that...I feel like Amelia might hold some resentment towards Sookie b'c it is basically her fault he is dead.
I hate to say this but Bill took Selah out more!!!
Yeah, he did! But I think that was Bill's snobbiness seeping through. I think he was more comforable being seen out with Selah, than with Sookie. He was fine taking her to Fangtasia where he could dress her up like a $5 hooker and parade her in front of Eric.
I'm kind of worried about that...I feel like Amelia might hold some resentment towards Sookie b'c it is basically her fault he is dead.
Yeah, there is bound to be some tension there
I hate to say this but Bill took Selah out more!!!
I always figured that was due to all the sex. That's all Bill ever wanted to do with her. But there was the once he took her to Fangtasia to see a live vampire band. I remember that.
Yeah, he did! But I think that was Bill's snobbiness seeping through. I think he was more comforable being seen out with Selah, than with Sookie. He was fine taking her to Fangtasia where he could dress her up like a $5 hooker and parade her in front of Eric. Do you think Bill would stoop that low to only want to be seen with the classy lawyer and not the uneducated barmaid? I thought he paraded Selah around just to make Sookie jealous. I'm sure that was part of it too. But he still did more with Selah even took her took her to his "distant" family's wedding.
With Sookie...I wasn't very clear
Taking Selah to Merlotte's every time they had a date was stooping pretty low. Oh, he definitely wanted to make Sookie jealous. But the fact that he barely took Sookie anywhere, but was fine being publically seen with Portia and Selah indicates something more to me.
That's true...I'd forgotten about Portia he went to a football game with her. It was where Bill saw Sookie kiss JB and after he went to Sookie's house and had rough sex with her...Sookie: "Be Sweet"...Bill: "Can't next time"...WTF!...trying to mark his damn territory! Portia ended up being a relative anyway. Didn't this happen in LDID after they got back from Dallas when Sookie was upset with him for running off after the shooters and leaving her at Eric's mercy?
"WTF!" is right. That's Bill for ya...
- When bill first arrived, he was trying to down play his presence in bon temps and his association with Sookie more. He did not want to call to much attention to her and risk someone realizing what he was really up to or what her value was (applies to supes only). He was keeping her out of sight because it would be easier to keep her safe / ignorant.
- He was being snobbish when displaying Portia and Selah and not taking Sookie out, but this was mostly for the sake of the regular human world. He was trying to fit in? He was trying to make Sookie jealous?
Taking Selah to Merlotte's every time they had a date was stooping pretty low. Oh, he definitely wanted to make Sookie jealous. But the fact that he barely took Sookie anywhere, but was fine being publically seen with Portia and Selah indicates something more to me.
I also think that Bill was of two minds about taking out Portia and Selah and not taking Sookie out.
I think that now the jig is up with the queen and the cat is out of the bag with the real reason he was there coupled with Sookie's known value to the supe world, he would be more inclined to take her out. I think the same with Alcide to a lesser extent even though the fact that she is not Were is a biggy for him..
The thing is, they were not what he should have been when it was important.
i think Eric will stay with sookie because he remembered all the promises he made to her and all the time they spent together.
also, Bill cheated on her and made her suffer a lot. He doesn't deserve her and even if he tries to get her back, Sookie will be already with Eric. She's his.
I don't think Sookie has a One...she doesn't know... I can tell Eric does love her the most...but then..she in the last book said...another thing. I think she will end up with Sam...hate thinking like that, but I know CH knew who the one was from the begging, and Eric at that time was a minor character...and she said she hasn't change her mind..so It might be the good Sam. Well that's my opinion, i don't think Bill is gonna get the girl after all.
but I know CH knew who the one was from the begging, and Eric at that time was a minor character.
She knew who "the one" was after writing DUD and before writing LDID, so it doesn't necessary matter that Eric was a minor character in DUD because his character definitely began to shine in LDID and became not so minor...
ty for the hope Ash....
LOL! No problem!
I think CH can still change her mind about who "the one" will be for Sookie. She may very well let "the one" for Sookie be based solely on the feedback she's getting from her fans. Nothing wrong with changing her mind.
I think that it has been said before that CH does know who the one for sookie is and that she has known for early into writting the series. IMO I hope that it is Eric, S & E's chemistry and connection throughout the whole series is what I feel is the biggest pull for me. But I don't know I do have a feeling that in the end its going to be Sam, the line in FDTW-"keeping you alive is important to me" spoke volumes to me. I do believe that sam would has always been waiting in the wings for sookie and that maybe the day will come when he really fights for her.
I'm not a Bill fan but I think his actions in D&G were a statement that hes back in the running for the one for sookie.
Also there is Quinn, poor Quinn, I hated the way that it ended with S & Q. CH said that he is coming back in the next books so I have not doubt that will cause more romantic complications for the Sook.
But all and all, I hope the one for sookie is Eric. The bond they have together is too strong to ignore for much longer IMO, I really hope that CH puts us out of our misery and has Eric acutally say the words"I Love You" to Sookie.
But with 3 more book deals comfirmed for CH, there is no doubt that she'll keep us guessing for a long while yet!
I think that it has been said before that CH does know who the one for sookie is and that she has known for early into writting the series.
She has. She has confirmed that by the end of DUD & beginning of LDID, she knew. She didn't know if the series was going to get picked up until the end of DUD so it sounded as if in the inital stages of LDID, she knew.
But you know, I have always felt the possibility that she may have had a future character in mind too.
I'm not a Bill fan but I think his actions in D&G were a statement that hes back in the running for the one for sookie.
I think so too. She has never taken him out though in the 1st place. Well not that she would admit to when asked.
But with 3 more book deals comfirmed for CH, there is no doubt that she'll keep us guessing for a long while yet!
If she decided on Eric, I wish she would pair them befoe the series ends.
I just read the Night Huntress series & the couple in that series is amazing! They still have a TON of chemistry while being totally devoted to one another. And - they still get into plenty of trouble & hi-jinks together.
IMO, it's totally possible to have romantic leads paired up without losing the heat. It just has to be done well!
CH said on her site a few days ago that she hasn't decided if she will wait tell us who Sookie settles for in the last book or let us all know earlier. My money's on the last book.
Probably - she certainly loves dangling that carrot.
Plus she has said he doesn't consider herself a romance novelist (could've fooled me - this whole series is centered on Sookie's love life. In fact - that is what the inital idead came from)!
Anyway - if she doesn't consider herself a romance novelist - I am going to guess that she doesn't feel as comfortable writing more in depth intimate scenes - meaning, dialog & communications between couples - in order to make it work.
She has said once before that in her opinion people don't naturally have big talks with one another or make time to do it. So I think it's may be a belief of hers that most couples don't communicate so in-depth.
But this is MY interpretation of what she has said. I am just explaining further why I don't think it will happen before the end either.
she has said he doesn't consider herself a romance novelist
Could've fooled me too! Cause I definitely haven't been reading for the Were wars...
LOL!!
Cause I definitely haven't been reading for the Were wars...
Not to mention the Fae war that lasted a page. Take away the will they/won't they romance and what's left?
As I've said before, I think its a shame that she won't resolve the love interest earlier--and I agree, I don't think she will. I've read some of the Women of the Underworld series (Books 1,2, and 6) where the protagonist, Elena, (a werewolf) and her mate, Clay (the werewolf who bit her) are together (albeit somewhat conflictedly) and that have a rousing good time solving mysteries, cracking skulls, and guarding their Alpha while stopping for a good roll in the hay every now and again. It's fun reading. And they also don't have many heavy relationship "talks." They work in dialogue about their status in the same way Sookie and Eric do-amidst the chaos.
I go back to my view that Harris thinks the Eric/Bill/Alice/Quinn/Sam/whomever thing is what's selling books and she isn't going to wrap it up until the bitter end. However if the quality of the books suffers, I may end up checking in here to see what happens rather than suffering through bad writing. As a full time lawyer and mommy and wife, I don't have time to read bad books. Good books only here.
I really really really really hope the next book has more zing than the last. Yes, it was a transition book. Yes, she tied up some plot lines, but the writing was drab, the dialogue rote, and the consistency, horrid. I need my CH from books 1-8 back, please. As my Mama would say, "I think she has the Big Head." I am worried that her fame has caused her to lose her muse. Or worse, to not care.
Okay - my question about Quinn. Why did CH have them break up, then have him show up to have him disagree with her and then put him in another book. I am afraid he will be the one because he keeps popping up and it seems really forced. I don't feel like they had amazing chemistry except when they first met and went on their date - but after that he defintiely put work before her and their relationship, in addition to not having any time with her other than their driveby's. I thought about her comments when she broke up with him because of his family - but really, he was never really around much before that. What type of life would that be? Besides, he is always owing the vamps something. I would hate to be with a guy that could always be coerced into dangerous situations and always be indebted to the vamps for one service or another.
My other big question is why did CH marry Eric and Sookie and if there is a big chance that the marriage will be annulled or not count? I mean, I agree with whomever said that CH and Sookie both do not trust Eric and give him his props. He is my favorite guys, or course!
Now, to me, the situation with Sam is what makes me think that something might happen. I think someone said in the next book they were speculating that they go to his brother's wedding. That would give him a chance to get close. But really, I see CH picking someone that will make Sookie's life stay pretty much the same. With Sam, they could still work at the bar together and that would give her an outlet for hearing voices. They could live in the family house together, which CH always talks about as being important to Sookie, and they could both stay in the same town. He doesn't want her to get too invovled with supe politics, and even though he knows what is going on, he stays under the radar, which I know Sookie would like. Plus, he acted like a jealous boyfriend when she told him she was married to Eric. He would not have gotten that upset if he didn't have some strong feelings behind it.
Sam's always the possibility, but it's such a dull one. He's the safe choice. We have seen Sam trust Sookie with various aspects of running the bar. And she has said she likes being a barmaid (lord knows why). But the only character in the entire series that has been experiencing personal growth is Eric. All the other characters are static. Sookie is sadder but wiser and maybe has more supernatural street smarts, but she's unchanged personally. I would hate to see Eric go through all this just to be a discard.
Why have him change at all, since he could have remained the big bad dangerous Eric that Sookie lusts after, but doesn't trust.
Although, we can't rely on everything that CH says, since she seems to fudge information when she wants to keep things up in the air. Her recent comment that she didn't know if Eric loved Sookie was ridiculous. All you have to do is look on the page to see how he feels for her. Surely she knows what she wrote (even if she can't keep character names straight).
I'm kind of hoping that Amelia and Sam hook up, which would have been a good reason to bump off Tray. CH did say that Sam gets a girlfriend in DITF.
Yeah- I would like Sam with Amelia. Not just because he would be taken out of the running, but because I think that they would make a good couple. I just hope that Amelia does not blame Sookie, which I think is going to happen...
I agree, I also think that Amelia will blame Sookie.
And I just realized that having Sam and Amelia hook up would be much like Hermione ending up with Ron, while Harry ended up with Ginny in the Harry Potter series. It took all the friends and permanently tied them together as in-laws.
In the case of Amelia, Sookie, and Sam, it would just be friends that are like her family being tied together. It's a tidy solution.
I am sorry to disagree with you ancient pythoness , but there are three other characters who has shown some growth, one can,t be a suitor, because it is Jason. The other two are Alcide and Bill. Alcide did show a lot more growth than Bill I think, though probably not as much as Eric Sookie and Jason.
Actually, I am waiting to see if Sookie's assessment of Alcide maturing in FDTW pans out. I felt like her observation about that was based on a couple of things which were were flattering to her. Offering her a friend of the pack & telling her she was one of his favorite people at the end of the book.
I'm curious to see him in the next book.
I think any personal growth for Jason and Alcide would be in the sadder but wiser category. And we'll have to see how much. Alcide wasn't immature, so stepping up to the plate and assuming the pack leadership is a logical step. I'd actually love to see Jason grow up a bit.
You know how we don't really count the car boot rape as loving 'Sookie and Bill' sex...I've just re-read book 2 and think the same about him being rough on her even after she asked him to 'be sweet'. He said 'I can't, It's been too long, next time I will be sweet'!!!! What was that all about. Bill is a total pig! So bloody selfish. I would've recinded his invitation and taken a hot scrub in the tub after that.
Eric has never taken physical/sexual advantage once. Even in Book 9, Sookie says she just ignored any protest from Eric and did what she wanted when they were together. Much nicer vamp
Sookie says she just ignored any protest from Eric and did what she wanted when they were together.
But that time Eric was the one telling Sookie to go slow, lol. She did listen at first, but then decided she wanted it faster.
Eric has never taken physical/sexual advantage once.
I agree, although, some people would argue that Eric took advantage of Sookie's wounded state in CB. But I'm sure if she told him to stop he definiately would.
I am reading the series again at the mo, and knowing how the Eric/Sookie story develops, and how Bill falls from grace, I am really taking in everything that flows between them from the start. I do think that Eric is Sookie's soul mate. He may play her to his own advantage more often than not but his love for her develops steadily. I wonder why he doesn't come out and say 'I love you' to her tho. It seems very easy for Bill to say. What is the stumbling block for Eric in revealing his feelings? When he regains his memory of his time with Sookie in DTTW he is genuinely shocked at how happy he was with her. I wonder if he will give up everything in the future to be with her and if it will be enough for her.
I cannot see anything in Bill to be attracted to, so I cannot think of her choosing him over Eric, but the surprise may come from Sam or Quinn. I hope not.
I wonder why he doesn't come out and say 'I love you' to her tho.
Well, Eric is 1,000 years old. So, that is 1,000 years of burying human emotions that have just started to unravel. He isn't going to be able to admit feelings so easily. I think before Sookie came along, Eric was pretty much disconnected from that aspect (love) of his human emotions. Also, I don't think that he has ever been in love. In his human life, he married out of duty. He may have come to love his wife, but I am not sure if he was in love. Then, on top of everything, Sookie herself is emotionally retarded after her traumatic first love. I think it could be easier for him to admit if the person he was admitting it to was more accepting and didn't shoot him down every time. He is only going to allow himself to be vulnerable up to a point.
It seems very easy for Bill to say.
Sookie said "I love you" first with Bill. He already knew how she felt about him, so it wasn't that big of a deal for him to say it back. Unlike Eric, I think that Bill has experience in the area of love.
Very good points indeed. I hadn't considered that Eric may not ever have felt true love without duty before, as with his human marriage.
He was very surprised at how happy he had been with Sookie, without the trappings of power that he normally craved. I am sure he has equated power and success with happiness through his 1000 years.
Then, on top of everything, Sookie herself is emotionally retarded
I agree. I don't think she would take it well at this point anyway. I think he knows she would probably twist it and make excuses...blood bond etc. And who wants that thrown back in their face?
Eric did sort of put his feelings out there when he asked Sookie if he would be her only lover, in DAG.
And he was really surprised that she didn't want to know how he felt about her. I'm not sure if he would have actually said "I love you" to her right then and there for the same reasons Min alskaren said, but he would have let her know how much he cares about her. If she had let him.
Jentz, yes he did...and what did he get? “I appreciate you.” Ouch.
Ouch indeed. It's a tricky situation with them right enough.
He thought that she was not like usual women, who always want to know how a man feels, but he still allowed her to poke fun at his resposnes to this question by other women. Initially I thought he didn't offer anything different to her but he did suggest she stay at his house, which was different, and he told her that he had not given blood to anyone since Pam.
Yes I thought the blood thing was a big deal. Pam is what? Er...two hundred something? He also offered Tara his blood because she was Sookie's friend.
You know, if she wouldn't have been so darn stubborn and stayed with Eric for a few days the fairy incident could have been avoided completely. She really just needs to start listening to that man.
Eric did sort of put his feelings out there when he asked Sookie if he would be her only lover, in DAG.
Eric has subtly been putting his feelings out there. But Sookie never picks up on them or dismisses his words and their meanings. There are many examples of Eric revealing his true feelings to Sookie, she just never acknowledges them.
One example is CD - Eric admitted that he had feelings for Sookie, but I don't think she took him seriously. She just chalked it up to him wanting to have sex with her.
Another example is DAAD, when Hot Rain targets Sookie specifically. When Eric reveals why, Sookie just puts that away to ponder later, but never really thinks about it. If she did, she wouldn't constantly be doubting his feelings for her. There are examples of those feelings in almost every book, but I don't feel like outlining Sookie's cluelessness at the moment.
Yes I thought the blood thing was a big deal.
Very big deal. I'm sure Sookie missed that too.
I agree with everything you just said.
That man could probably give up his position as sheriff and sell the bar pack up and move into her hidey-hole, get down on one knee confess his love and propose....and she still probably wouldn't get it.
Nope. The blood bond made him do it.
The thing that really makes me mad about the pillow talk in DAG is that he had previously revealed (a few days earlier) that Hallow's curse would lead him to his heart's desire, which was Sookie. So, when she claims to not want to hear how he feels because she doesn't think she will like it, it's just insulting. I think it's pretty clear right there how deep in denial she is.
Yeah, I didn't enjoy the scene like most people did....it left me feeling frustrated.
When he brought up the Hallow thing it was obvious he didn't want to go deep into the subject at the moment but it was just the fact he even brought it up and admitted it. He very well could have left well enough alone...he didn't. I didn't like how she brushed if off, even in her own thoughts. Cold.
I'm just curious how far he is willing to let this play out before he's had enough. She's more than deserving of a less than pleasant gone with the wind moment. And I can't say I would blame him.
Ooo maybe Sookie is rubbing off on me? Eeeck!
He very well could have left well enough alone...he didn't. I didn't like how she brushed if off, even in her own thoughts. Cold.
Sub-zero temperatures. He didn't have to say a thing, but he did. And he did it for a reason. He wanted her to know that even before the blood bond he had deep feelings for her and he wanted her to know how long he has had them. But seriously...She couldn't think of a thing to say?
And I can't say I would blame him.
I wouldn't either. She would deserve it.
Ooo maybe Sookie is rubbing off on me? Eeeck!
LOL! It happens and can be contagious. But the chronic and most serious disorder remains with the host (Sookie). Don't worry!
Now that I think about it. Maybe it's best she kept her mouth shut. She could have popped off with a-
“I didn't realize you had a heart Eric.”
But I think that might be more in character with TB Sookie.
“I didn't realize you had a heart Eric.”
Yeah, I'm thinking that would be TB Sookie. Sounds exactly like something stupid she would say. But maybe you are right. She probably would've ruined the moment with some stupid comment about his character or the blood bond.
The Bill/Stalker thing always creeps me out. Especially when he comes in on her changing after the wedding. And none of this borderline behavior bothers her. Why? For being such a feisty gal, Sookie is awfully passive when it comes to Bill. She freaked out on Alcide when he got jealous of Eric.
It was hilarious, however, when Selah say she saw Bill talking to Sookie and Sookie replies, "Then he knew you were there." (I paraphrase, of course.) That was a far more stinging than an "up yours".
Ashmarie
yesterdayDo you guys think CH would be capable of puting B&S back together?
I pray everday that it never happens, but you never know. I'm really hoping that is beyond her writing capabilities, but it is possible. I think I would burn that book...
It's just hard for me to see her ever having sex with Bill after that. I would be disgusted.
Maybe there's a more specific thread fo me to go?
"Who is the 'one' for Sookie" thread maybe...
yesterdayI wonder why CH says people read him wrongly?
Is this sarcasm? I can't tell, but if it isn't I can give you a run down of some lame Bill lover comments...
MorganayesterdayOk... But about CH, I heard in one of her series the heroine ends up with her brother... I don't know the circunstances but I wonder sometimes... Really I'm usually not over sensitive or anything and I like dark romance. But rape and phaedophilia is where I can't keep reading anymore, even if the plot is interesting. Hence I dorpped Anne Rice's Mayfair witches series (13 year old girls with 40-80 years old men).
Is this sarcasm? I can't tell, but if it isn't I can give you a run down of some lame Bill lover comments...
I post in the twop forums sometimes and someone posted CH saying "people are misreading Eric" or so... I don't know. Because if one goes by the books Eric actions speaks for themselves. So I don't know what she means. I'll look it up, I think I can find it. It's a rapid Bill fan who posted it and I may or may not habe registered just so I can defend Eric. =).
Phoenix2I mean, it's not about he being responsible or not, it's about she being a victim of a terrible crime and it's not okay.
Exactly, I don't care if he was not in his right mind when he did that, it is unforgivable in my book. And yes, he didn't address that at all! He was the one who did it so he should have said something to her about it. I think Alcide was the only one who actually called it rape.
I will be offended if CH has Sookie with Bill in the end. If her intention is for them to be together at the end of the series I would have prefered the rape part ommited.
It's just hard for me to see her ever having sex with Bill after that. I would be disgusted.
Me too. And it wasn't only rape, he nearly drained her, they had to make her drink 2 bottles of True blood for her to come to. So she was rape in a small comparment with barely any air and nearly killed.
yesterdayBecause if one goes by the books Eric actions speaks for themselves. So I don't know what she means. I'll look it up,
No! I know what she said. I wasn't sure if it was a real question. Bill lovers will see what they want. People read him wrong because they want to. It's obvious that his actions speak for themselves, but some people choose not to see it anyway. I'll give you a run down in a minute...
I post in the twop forums sometimes and someone posted CH saying "people are misreading Eric" or so... I don't know. Because if one goes by the books Eric actions speaks for themselves. So I don't know what she means.
I remember someone posted that here too. And in another post when someone asked if Sookie loved Eric (or if Eric loved Sookie) CH said that the characters actions in the book will have to speak for themselves.
Well, what I'm getting when I read their 'actions' is that Eric and Sookie care deeply for each other.
Yeah, me too.
yesterdayI will be offended if CH has Sookie with Bill in the end. If her intention is for them to be together at the end of the series I would have prefered the rape part ommited.
As will I. You know, I actually felt so bad for Bill too at that time. I thiught he would be crushed. I thought he would try to be away from Sookie so she wouldn't get hurt.Typical romantic hero reaction. But No. It's all about Bill. "oh no, oh no" and never mention it again. Then he responded "I paid for that" when Sookie brought up Lorena. I wanted to hit him. He paid? He was tortured, yeah. But she was raped and nearly killed. Then he assumed she would came back to him. He is selfish in his love for her. Even being willing to die for her is because he would lose her, IMO. Bill needs terapy.
yesterdayOkay, So these are some arguments for Eric as the epitome of EVIL...
He tried to glamour her in DUD. I mean, really? That was the first book. He attempted a glamour that didn't work and Bill raped and lied to her. I think his crime was minimal.
He tricked her into taking his blood in LDID. That was really traumatizing to Sookie? So, from this point on he is seen as bad because of his manipulation. Never mind Bill's manipulation...
The blood bond. Some Bill lovers believe that Eric is using the bond to manipulate Sookie's emotions. She doesn't have feelings for him at all, Eric is making her feel that way.
He only sees her as an asset/possession.
His only interest in Sookie is sex. Because you would continuously risk your life for sex...
Even though he is always straight-forward, people find ways to twist what he says and does. Look at all the ways heart's desire was interpreted - Eric's desire was to possess Sookie as an asset or somehow use her telepathy, etc.
yesterdayThen he assumed she would came back to him.
That is the part that really got to me. His assumption that everything would just go back to normal. That he still had a claim on her after what he did. Like she would just forget after he combed her hair or something. And he never really apologized for it either. Then, he has the nerve to throw Selah in her face, like it was Sookie's fault they broke up.
Bill needs terapy.
He needs a stake.
^ Yeah, I actually have read the most amazing Eric-is-eeevil theories in CH's forums. I mean, if you go by her forum, sure people are misinterpretating Eric, LOL. Things like Eric replaced Bill in Sookie's keeper for Sophie Ann etc. CH has killed this already with one of her answers I think.
He needs a stake.
Yeah! In Sookie's words: " maybe he'll have to go away for months to work. Maybe he'll trip and fall on a stake" or so. I was mad that he didn't die in DAG.
damn pinky!
yesterdayThat is the part that really got to me. His assumption that everything would just go back to normal. That he still had a claim on her after what he did. Like she would just forget after he combed her hair or something. And he never really apologized for it either. Then, he has the nerve to throw Selah in her face, like it was Sookie's fault they broke up.
I am now feeling much more confidant that CH isn't this dense and of course Eric and Sookie or at least Sam and Sookie with be together in the end. After everything we have said, and discussed how could the one in any way, shape or form be Bill?
yesterdayThings like Eric replaced Bill in Sookie's keeper for Sophie Ann etc.
Oh yes! That one was just stupid and made no sense at all.
Maybe he'll trip and fall on a stake
I laughed so hard when I read that in the book. I was completely ready for him to die in DAG. And then his damn finger moved. I sometimes wish Eric was less of a man/vampire and would just take him out. Oh, well...
I should probably post this in the DAAD thread, but I'll put it here too. I was looking back through book 5 and came across the part where Sookie and Sam are kissing. Then Bill walks in on them and Sam launches himself at Bill, which was really stupid by the way. Sookie tries to pull Bill off of Sam and he nearly snapes her arms off! I completely forgot about that. She says she was holding back tears of pain. And then he acts all snobby towards her saying he was going to go grocrey shopping so she could stay in his house, because her kitchen was all burnt up. But now that she was kissing Sam, he gets all pissy at her. At least he did apologize for hurting her arms...
Maybe he'll trip and fall on a stake
I laughed so hard when I read that in the book. I was completely ready for him to die in DAG. And then his damn finger moved. I sometimes wish Eric was less of a man/vampire and would just take him out. Oh, well...
Didn't CH say she rewrote the ending of DAG? Maybe he was originally going to die but her editor made her keep him alive so the fans buying her books becasue of TB won't be upset and stop buying them? Someone already said this before in another thread.
yesterdayOh, yeah...Bill is great with the guilt trips. He immediately wants her to feel bad and then proceeds to throw Selah in her face the next night. And admits that he wants her to be jealous. Ugh! He did it in DAG too. When she calls him to check on Tray. She tells him about the "fangbanger" with vampire blood and he responds with a "bitter smile" that he isn't seeing anyone. Like he wanted her to know that he was suffering while she was with Eric.
Didn't CH say she rewrote the ending of DAG? Maybe he was originally going to die but her editor made her keep him alive so the fans buying her books becasue of TB won't be upset and stop buying them?
Yeah, someone brought that up. I hope that was the case, but it is probably better that didn't happen though. Sookie would just spend the next book mourning and blaming herself. But we will probably never know. At least not until the series is over.
Yeah, once again he hurts her. I remember that. I think Bill fans are those type of romance fans who think loves forgives and overcomes evrything.I hate that thought. It's important to love oneself as well. Sookie dumped Bill even though she still loved him. She did what was best for her. I wish she had also asked SA to sent him away as a condition to working for her...
And they get all condescendant about forgiveness and people having better relatioships the second time if you bring up the fact that Bill was a bad boyfriend even before 3 book. I mean, they love Bill and want him to be get the girl. Sookie is irrelevant.
Didn't CH say she rewrote the ending of DAG?
Hmm, that's good. Means she probably won't end up with him.
12 hours agoAnd about Selah: pathetic. The first time was a desperate attempt to win her back by jelously. But the fact he can feel her emotions and he kept bringing Selah to Merlotte's? WTH? Was he reveling in Sookie feeling miserable and angry? Bill is a sad sad criature.
12 hours agoSookie is irrelevant.
They are seeing the guy they want or had. Sookie isn't even a factor.
Was he reveling in Sookies feeling miserable and angry?
Uh-huh. And the fact that he knows she can read minds just added to it. He wanted her to feel like shit and come running back.
And about Selah: pathetic. The first time was a desperate attempt to win her back by jelously. But the fact he can feel her emotions and he kept bringing Selah to Merlotte's? WTH? Was he reveling in Sookie feeling miserable and angry? Bill is a sad sad criature.
THIS and all the other reasons stated above are why I just don't get it. I just don't. WHY? Why does anyone want Bill to be with Sookie? I can understand that he can be an interesting character sometimes (I'm drawing a blank here), but why do they think he should be Sookie's one and only?
They are seeing the guy they want or had. Sookie isn't even a factor.
I guess that's why.
And the TB Bill lovers all wonder why we book lovers get so upset with how they've changed Bill's character so much. His name shouldn't even be Bill, it should be Ricky or something...
dsmackIt doesn't make any sense to me either. Bill is just BAD news. Since DUD. and he just got progressively worse thru the series. His actions are horrific. I don't think Sookie will end up with him. It's either Sam or Eric (pleasebeEricpleasebeEricpleasepleaseplease....)
12 hours ago^ It's makes no sense. I really don't know what they see in him. Or why they think he deserves to get what he wants. He annoyed me from book 1 too .I think the fact CH barely coments about Sam and always gives evasive answers about Eric means it's one of them.
I hope it's Eric too.
Eric, oh please let it be Eric!
New here, but wanted to join in about the Bill Lovers and Selah Pumphrey. The fact that he kept bringing her in to Merlotts to make Sookie jealous is one of the main reasons I will never be able t accept him with Sookie. Yo me that was cruel. I could understand the first time, it was a knee jerk reaction and he was jealous and hurt. But he could tell she was jealous, she told him.But to keep doing it. I remember reading on CH's site how the Bill Lovers were willing to give him a pass on that because he wanted to know how she felt. Huh!
I also don't get in FDTW during the wedding scene he put his hand over his heart when he saw her walking down the aisle. Again the BL's said sooo romantic! But to me again, WTF! Your girlfriend Selah was att your side. No matter what kind of person Selah was , as his date or Gf or whatever didn't she deserve some respect? This, to me does not show those suppossed Southern gentleman manners that they talk about. But again because selah was a horrible person, he gets a pass! Well to me he keeps showing his true nature in so many subtle ways and he is hurtful I just don't get it--why do they think it is an Epic love? Eric has never hurt her and to me it is the little things he does that show he cares and with Bill it is the little thingshe does that show=he's a d*ck!
Just my rant for the day!
3 hours ago^ What bothers me the most is that he walked on her while she was changing. Gross. And he keeps stalking her and wants to know whoever she sleeps with. When, in DAD, he asked her is Twinning was the new vampire in her bed or something I wanted to hit him. And then in DAG he was spying creepily when Eric slept there, and Sookie is all "I know Bill is watching over me". ugh
2 hours agoAnd then in DAG he was spying creepily when Eric slept there, and Sookie is all "I know Bill is watching over me". ugh
That was creepy! I wondered how long he had been lurking out there. If he had been there for a while, I'm sure he could hear them having sex and that's just weird...
CH actually expressed amazement that people were so drawn and attracted to vampires in general, but it was in response to an Eric question. I don't think it was meant to be disparaging of Eric in particular, just vampires.... They suck peoples blood and sometimes (without meaning to necessarily) they kill people so I guess I can see her point (which she illustrates through Sookie from time to time).
That was creepy! I wondered how long he had been lurking out there. If he had been there for a while, I'm sure he could hear them having sex and that's just weird...
I had the same reaction at first, but after some discussion with Laura and Katherine and a few others, I decided that Eric had called bill to take over looking after Sookie. I got the feeling that by the time Dead and Gone rolled around, that Bill had sorta given up and in some messed up way was working for some attrition for what he had done. I also think that some of it was for the sake of the appearance of attrition because he does not grasp how bad some of the stuff that he has done is.
Bill seems to know on some level that he is out of the running... After all he did not even make the list...
I decided that Eric had called bill to take over looking after Sookie.
That makes sense. I hope that's the case.
I got the feeling that by the time Dead and Gone rolled around, that Bill had sorta given up and in some messed up way was working for some attrition for what he had done.
I feel the same. I think it started in FDTW, illustrated the night of the take over. That was what DAG was for Bill - his redemption. I think he has given up on Sookie romantically (knows it isn't going to happen), but still wants some sort of relationship with her - any one he can get.
Guys - I have a request. I'm asking us All of us (again, me very much included) to tone down Bill Lover bashing.
We can talk/vent about this stuff without hurling insults towards people that have a different preference. I just ask you to be aware of how your tone may come across to someone who may want to post before you put certain things out there.
I am not into censoring but I never wanted this to become a place were people are afraid to post b'c they feel ganged up on & uncomfortable b 'c of an aggressive undertone. Believe or not - I welcome all differing opinions. Esp. well formed ones.
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
Respectfully,
Your loving Mod.
Duly noted, Laura. I will try to tone it down.
Sorry. I'll be a good girl from now on.
Thanks ladies. Me too, me too 
I have had my moments concerning Bill (and those that love him), but as I have said before, one of my best friends is a Bill lover... and I still love her... I would say, "pretend that Bill loving woman (or man) is your sister (or brother)", but I have a tumultuous relationship with my sister so....
Better still put an Eric mask on that woman (or man) and smile to yourself...
I will tone it down too. I don't want to scare people away if they have a different viewpoint.
I could totally see Sook with Bill if it wasn't for Eric's genuine love. I mean, we know from the get go Bill was sent by SA, so eep. But Eric, running toward what he wanted most but couldn't find? Hello??? He was so gentle, so loving, so catering. He held her frigging ankle for comfort!!!!! Can anyone see Bill doing that? Seriously??? Bill would be holding onto his family's ugly house for comfort. Eric... not so much. And the shower? We read how Bill declothed Sookie for his "bath" and then expected her to do the same for him. Eric didn't ask that. He just hopped in and went to town. Eric is obviously the "lover" here. Bill may try, but he's just second best (as best) and that's it.
We can safely eliminate Alcide as the "One". Now that he's pack leader, he has to mate with a true were to propogate the pack. Alcide is a one mate sort of wolf (as evidenced by his irrational attachment to Debbie Pelt.) And can you see Sookie letting him mate with a nubile female everytime he overcomes a challenge to his leadership? She may be wishy-washy and in denial of her feelings, but infidelity is the one thing she's will absolutely balk at, thanks to Bill.
That leaves us with three options, if Quinn has a chance in hell. Or four if there's a dark horse out there, another unlikely scenario.
What d'ya think?
I agree. I also didn't like how she had to go to the pack contest, even though she didn't want to, because she was a friend of the pack. In a way, the pack is not that much different from the vampires. It's very controling of its members. If only Quinn was even remotely interesting! Sam is the better 2-natured suitor, definitely.
That leaves us with three options, if Quinn has a chance in hell.
HAHAHAHA!
Yea, the whole throwing bill at sookie thing? not so much, dude. It's one thing to fight over her, which was infantile, but he frigging chucked a vampire at her, even if on accident. when you care for someone, you're simply not that sloppy.
Who knows. I think Bill did redeem himself in book 9 as did Eric, but CH may take the whole eric not saving her thing and use it to propel bill back into sook's graces.
Personally, I could totally see her ending up with Sam. Sam is a shifter, but the closest thing to human she can get without havnig issues. If she can't even sleep with a human or date one, how would she survive the first marital row? And I like Sam. Sam's never done anything to piss us off (too badly).
It's one thing to fight over her, which was infantile, but he frigging chucked a vampire at her
Lol, the way you worded that, so funny!
I think Bill did redeem himself in book 9 as did Eric, but CH may take the whole eric not saving her thing and use it to propel bill back into sook's graces.
Yes, I can see CH doing that too. But unless the reason why Eric didn't save her was something stupid like "Fangtasia was really packed and he couldn't get away.." that would be a very weak reason for them to break up. Just because Eric wasn't the one to save her? I know Sookie is frustrating sometimes but she's not that shallow, she's becoming very practical. And I think if Eric gives Sookie a sound reason why he wasn't there, she would understand and they would move past it.
That being said, CH can do whatever she wants with her characters. But from my reading the books and my own personal analysis of them I don't think its in Sookie's character to end things with Eric just because he wasn't there with Bill and Niall. So really, all I've been rambling about is basically, I hope CH doesn't do that. 
Sam's never done anything to piss us off (too badly).
Sam would be my second choice for her. He's a sweet guy, but as far a story goes, he's the safe choice and he always has been, I haven't seen any major character development from him these past 9 books. I would accept her choosing Sam if CH writes it well, I just really hope its Eric.
I think Sam really does love Sookie but I don't know in what capacity. I really hope it is Eric he just feels right for her.
That being said, CH can do whatever she wants with her characters. But from my reading the books and my own personal analysis of them I don't think its in Sookie's character to end things with Eric just because he wasn't there with Bill and Niall.
I know where you're coming from, but remember Quinn, he put his mother first and she ended any future they had because of it. She wanted him to choose her over his Mum. I just think that when you've only been to bed once and are not engaged or long term you really can't begrudge him taking care of his Mam. Mind you, he could've phoned her.
I know where you're coming from, but remember Quinn, he put his mother first and she ended any future they had because of it.
Yes. But DAG presented an entirely different situation. Quinn's actions not only put her life in danger, but also vampires she cares about.
And as far as Eric putting Sookie first...Didn't he do that? He was in the room fighting the fairies and risking his own undead life for hers. He was putting her before himself. Plus, he ordered Clancy to fight for her life. So, that was Eric putting Sookie ahead of his own underling. Dead and Gone was Eric putting Sookie first. He risked his life, his area, and his underlings for her. Whether she will see this is the problem...
And as far as Eric putting Sookie first...Didn't he do that? He was in the room fighting the fairies and risking his own undead life for hers. He was putting her before himself. Plus, he ordered Clancy to fight for her life. So, that was Eric putting Sookie ahead of his own underling. Dead and Gone was Eric putting Sookie first. He risked his life, his area, and his underlings for her. Whether she will see this is the problem...
Ahh! I love it! You're right, the whole book was about Eric putting Sookie first. And yes, the problem is whether she will see it that way or brush him off. She always says Eric loves a good fight, so she probably thinks whenever Eric fights for her it doesn't count because he would be enjoying it. (Someone else said something very similar in an earlier post, but I can't find it)
I posted this over in the CH Q&A's, Interviews thread but I figured it could go here too.
My best friend, who actually got me into these books, can't stand Eric and Sookie together. Her main argument against them is that to her it feels like incest, because they both have blond hair and blue eyes. I tell her that that's a really ridiculous reason to hate this pairing but she can't help it. She doesn't care who Sookie ends up with as long as its not Eric. (But she would pick Eric over Calvin, but he isn't really a love interest anymore.) So when CH makes comments like these that can give her more ammunition against me, I just don't tell her. I'm horrible, but if she really wanted to know she could look it up herself from time to time right?
Also, my friend has tried really hard to like them as a couple. When she was rereading the books she tried to think "nice things" about them whenever they interacted on the page. And she has had many dreams about them together. The only one I can recall at the moment is the one where Eric and Sookie are walking towards each other in a meadow of flowers. She woke up screaming she told me. I kid you not.
Weirdly, Eric is her favorite character and has been since the first book.
She always says Eric loves a good fight, so she probably thinks whenever Eric fights for her it doesn't count because he would be enjoying it.
Another irritating thing that Sookie doesn't realize: That's part of Eric's draw to Sookie! She's "so much trouble" and instead of being intimidated, Eric LOVES it!!! She's like the perfect gal for the Viking. He loves how strong willed and minded she is. He only steps up when she needs it. He gives her room to breath. He's not crowding her or forcing her into submission (as others who shall remain unnamed try to). So yeah, he loves a good fight. But he really loves a good fight protecting his woman. It's totally a man thing.
** Moved from CH Q&A Thread:
@Paradisacorbasi: Harris was asked which vamp Sookie will choose. She replied, 'You assume it's a vampire'.
9 hours ago"you assume its a vampire"... ughh???? thats kinda scary. man, itll suck if sookie went through all that shit with the vampires and everything she felt for eric.. and then for her to be with a regular guy or sam. if thats how it ends up, ill be very disappointed in CH
8 hours agoHarris was asked which vamp Sookie will choose. She replied, 'You assume it's a vampire'.
This is a freakin' VAMPIRE story! Oh well, I'll bet she just said that so people won't count Sam and Quinn out of the running. Meant to throw us off. She's so good at that...
8 hours agoThat better be the reason.. she will end up getting staked by one of the Eric or even the Bill fans.. plus Quinn? seriously? hes soo annoying!! and sam, thats like incest. he acts more like a brother should act than a guy who wants to be with her... to me, sam takes the role of jason in the books... It cant be Quinn!!! Can it???? What man has purple pansy eyes??? SERIOUSLY!!
7 hours agoMy best friend, who actually got me into these books, can't stand Eric and Sookie together. Her main argument against them is that to her it feels like incest, because they both have blond hair and blue eyes. I tell her that that's a really ridiculous reason to hate this pairing but she can't help it. She doesn't care who Sookie ends up with as long as its not Eric. (But she would pick Eric over Calvin, but he isn't really a love interest anymore.) So when CH makes comments like these that can give her more ammunition against me, I just don't tell her. I'm horrible, but if she really wanted to know she could look it up herself from time to time right?
Also, my friend has tried really hard to like them as a couple. She has had many dreams about them together. The only one I can recall at the moment is the one where Eric and Sookie are walking towards each other in a meadow of flowers. She woke up screaming she told me. I kid you not.
I especulate that it may be setting up to end up with Sam for the following reasons:
1. She still fantasizes about him.
2. When the Nevada vampire was checking her out, he asked her if Sam was her husband. CH has made a point that vampires study body language, and I believe Sam and Sookie's body language was screaming the deep love and confort a married couple feels.
3. When Sookie was being tortured, she wanted to see Sam's face one last time before she died.
Now I'm going to especulate on Sookie's relationship with Bill and Eric. Vampire blood is magical (we all know this) but also fairy blood is powerfully magical. Bill and Eric both gave their blood to Sookie to form a blood bond to her, so it would be more difficult for her to walk away from them. Wouldn't drinking Sookie's fae blood have the same effect in all supes that drink her blood? Analyzing this more carefully I have concluded that whoever drinks Sookie's blood would also be powerfully attracted to Sookie and more likely to be in love or obsessed. Now going back to check who has drink Sookie's blood: Bill, Eric, Quinn (at the packmaster contest), Jake Purifoy (his first meal), and the Russell Eddington (sp?) (In Club Dead, after the Were drew Sookie's blood, she offered Russell to lick it). Now analyzing the effect that it had on them, we all know Bill and Eric both care for Sookie and go the extra mile to protect her; Quinn, who kind of late realized how he cared for her more than he expected and wants her back despite her being married to Eric; Jake Purifoy strangely hang around Sookie during the summit (envying her relationship with Quinn), and even when he was in the plot to kill vampires and humas, he insisted she and Quinn go shopping so she would be away from the hotel during the blast; and lastly, Russell (King of Louisiana) a somewhat ruthless vampire who even when Sookie helped Bill escape out of his house, he warmed up to her and not only forgave her, but he was even trying to keep a friendly conversation with her, while another vampire may have wanted to retaliate against her because she is human?
My point is that the blood bonds are too powerful, and without it, I wondered if Sookie really loves any vampire. She has never had Sam's blood but she still fantasizes about him, and hates to see him dating. I think she fools herself thinking that she doesn't like the girl he is dating, but maybe later we may see that she may not like any girl for Sam? I suspect that she may love Sam, but she is too entangled in the magics of the vampire blood to escape and know what her real feelings are.
Now, for my final theory, I think both Eric and Bill will continue to struggle to keep at bay powerful vampires who are interested in getting Sookie for their own selfish purposes. Eric life may even be endangered by a much more powerful vampire. I think in the end, both Bill and Eric will realized that there's only so much they can do to protect her, and even with all of their efforts, they both will realize that Sookie will never be happy with any of them. Why? As part of her heritage, she loves the sun, she wants a normal family, kids, and eversince she encountered vampires, her life has been spiraling out of control. I suspect both Eric and Bill will make the ultimate sacrifice and make everyone believe she is dead, maybe fighting and dying in the process, only to have Sam take her to a state with a very low vampire population so she will never be found by vampires again (Sookie mentioned fantasizing about this too).
Pardon me for my long post, please give me your opinions and the reasons behind your theories.
Robeal
HI Robeal
These are excellent points that I will ponder and respond to. In the mean time, please introduce yourself on the Official Introduce Yourself Thread
Just one of the mods.... Caroline
1. She still fantasizes about him.
She's fantasized about all of her suitors - Sam, Alcide, Quinn, Eric, and Bill. I wouldn't give her fantasies too much weight considering that.
2. When the Nevada vampire was checking her out, he asked her if Sam was her husband.
Jonathon was sent to investigate Sookie and discover Eric's connection to her. When I read that part, I thought that the question was posed as either a conversation starter or an attempt to figure out Eric's exact relationship to Sookie. If she was married to Sam, then it could be concluded that Sookie was just an asset to Eric. A telepath he was using and nothing more. But if she wasn't with Sam (or anyone), then it would be concluded that Eric's relationship with Sookie was a little more personal.
Also, they had knowledge about Sookie before the investigator was sent - they had Quinn. Nevada knew she was in a relationship with Quinn at the time, so I'm sure Jonathon knew Sam wasn't her husband. I think he asked the question as a way to start a conversation.
3. When Sookie was being tortured, she wanted to see Sam's face one last time before she died.
Yes, she did. But I'm not sure if it was in a romantic way - longing to be with him one last time or if it was the kind of situation where you are on the verge of death and you think about someone you love and care about and wanting to see them (like a parent, close friend, or sibling).
I have to think about your other points and get back to you...
Thank you CMaC, I just introduced myself.
Robeal
wow robeal, even though it breaks my heart that it might not be eric and sookie together.. you have came up with some very compelling points..
Thank you, the saddest thing is that I'm totally team Eric! and I will root for him all the way to the end...
Ashmarie I feel hit the nail on the head. After Sookie told Eric she was wishing he'd come hopeing and thinking of him when she was tourched, he felt really bad but explained what happened and she forgave him. Plus he was visting her while she was sick. And if she didn't she would've kicked up a stink about him telling her grand fathier off about her being his woman, noone elses and takeing her home and takeing care of her. Also pam made a point saying Eric lived on in Sookie.
I so hope we don't hear from Quinn again he, Bill, Alyceed, all betryed her. Eric has told her the truth no matter how bad it was all the time as he explained to her he can't tell her everything but he has never lied to her nor will he. He has been himself the whole time and not pretended to be other wise as the others have.
Plus Pam and Sookie are great friends to. So I hope CH doesn't destroy eric and sookies realationship. They suit eachother.
Cac, regarding your question about Quinn:
"Okay - my question about Quinn. Why did CH have them break up, then have him show up to have him disagree with her and then put him in another book. I am afraid he will be the one because he keeps popping up and it seems really forced. I don't feel like they had amazing chemistry except when they first met and went on their date - but after that he defintiely put work before her and their relationship, in addition to not having any time with her other than their driveby's. I thought about her comments when she broke up with him because of his family - but really, he was never really around much before that. What type of life would that be? Besides, he is always owing the vamps something. I would hate to be with a guy that could always be coerced into dangerous situations and always be indebted to the vamps for one service or another"
I think Quinn is getting setup to be a major villain in one of the future books. I believed that he downplayed his feelings for Sookie to lust when he initially got involved with her. He dissappeared for long periods of time but expected Sookie to be available for him whenever he wanted. When Sookie broke up with him, he made a dignified exit, considering how successful he is with other women, he probably thought he would move on easily. When he couldn't (which I suspect because he drank Sookie's blood, he may become obsessed with her), and he is now angry and desperate for a woman he can't even visit because she unexpectedly married Eric, which he suspect is out of character coming from Sookie. Considering his background on mental stability problems, he may "lose it" and probably kidnap Sookie or try to kill Eric, thinking that she really loves him, but she is being manipulated with the blood bond to stay with Eric.
Also visiting what Eric told Sookie about the "Reinfeld effect" from people drinking vampire blood, when the human takes too much vampire blood, the magic overwhelms the humans causing them to lose their personalities. Considering that Faeries are much more powerful and seductive than vampires, wouldn't lower quantities of fae blood cause the same effect on some humans/supes? Would it be possible for Quinn become so obsessed that he may have to be put down?? Just pondering.... anything is possible in CH world
he felt really bad but explained what happened and she forgave him.
Actually, he hasn't explained why he didn't show up to rescue her. And she hasn't forgiven him.
I get what you are saying - if she didn't forgive him, she wouldn't want him near her, taking care of her, etc. But this is Sookie we are talking about. She is the queen of avoidance issues. I wouldn't put it past her to completely avoid the issue because she is afraid to confront him about it. She is afraid of what his explanation might be and at the moment she is content living without the knowledge - "ignorance is bliss."
I think Quinn is getting setup to be a major villain in one of the future books.
Haha. Welcome to the club! We have some conspiracy theories surrounding Quinn. There are a few threads dedicated to just that - you should check them out.
There are so many things wrong with Quinn. He is very dubious. But I don't know if CH is going to use it. He has every possibility of being the villain - I can find examples all over the books - but CH has her own plans...
Considering his background on mental stability problems, he may "lose it" and probably kidnap Sookie or try to kill Eric, thinking that she really loves him, but she is being manipulated with the blood bond to stay with Eric.
I can see this from Quinn. I definitely could see him pulling an attempted staking with Eric. They don't like each other much and there is a clear rivalry there.
Another thought in line with the down fall of Quinn. He does not avoid danger and IS constantly in trouble with / indebted to the vamps. Those obligations could vary easily ensnare Sookie. MAYBE Quinn knew this and did not want her to put herself in a situation where she would risk her happiness to help him (though I get the feeling that it was not his motivation) but if he really understood what he could be putting through, wouldn't it make sense that he just lay low and let the heat die down and stay clear of bad stuff or if he was not willing to find the high road, stay away from Sookie because it would mean she would be a part of a life that she does not agree with and will ultimately make her miserable.
Even if Sookie were long gone when the trouble passed, it would make his life easier in the long run if he just did the right thing.
Quinn does not see how his actions affect Sookie in a negative way. He may love her, but does he really love her? Love means wanting what is best for the person that you love. It is conflicted and part of you will want more than anything to be selfish, but being grown means accepting that you can't always get what you want.
(though I get the feeling that it was not his motivation)
I don't think that was his motivation either.
stay away from Sookie because it would mean she would be a part of a life that she does not agree with and will ultimately make her miserable.
I don't think that was his motivation in FDTW, but it could be later. The fact that he showed up in DAG and was clearly seeking reconciliation and a way back into a relationship with Sookie negates that as his reasons for staying away in FDTW. He wasn't thinking about that (yet).
Love means wanting what is best for the person that you love. It is conflicted and part of you will want more than anything to be selfish, but being grown means accepting that you can't always get what you want.
I think this might apply to all the suitors actually. They all have traits that could make Sookie a target (vampire, shifter, Were). They all pose a danger by their very nature.
I really like Quinn and I think it wasn´t fair the way Sookie broke up with him because he really didn´t had a choice. Anywy my favorite it´s Eric he is just great but i don´t think he will be the ONE for Sookie because CH said that Sookie will have a normal human life and haw she could be with a vampire if she is getting old and he is not. If i were Sookie I would become a vampire to be with him.
I moved this from the connecting that dots: Quinn thread to add to my response to Pau. I have been with the same man since I was 23. We both have changed drastically over the years and then changed again. When I met him, he looked like a serial killer who borrowed his paw paw's glasses. He grew into an amazingly hansom man and I just grew. I snapped back some and he gained what I lost... We have both been on the high end of the attractive seesaw while the other was anchored at the low... Still think he is the hottest thing and he still does not mind me in my underwear with the lights on. When you love someone, it does not really matter.
Eric's feelings for Sookie have constantly defied reason. He has put up with more than most sane men would put up with... Doesn't it seem like what he has for her goes deeper than superficial beauty?
I think this might apply to all the suitors actually. They all have traits that could make Sookie a target (vampire, shifter, Were). They all pose a danger by their very nature.
Agreed, but to some extent the same could be said about any man. Part of being involved with someone else is dealing with some level of crap that you might not deal with on your own, but it is a calculated risk that should be made with some consideration of what you would really be compromising. They all pose a risk to Sookie, but how much of a risk and what are they doing to counteract that risk? This is what makes me ambivalent about all of her suitors and what keeps me from freaking out if it does not go the way that I would like it to go. Most of them (actually only Sam, Bill and Eric) work actively to protect Sookie even though they fall short and let her down (sometimes).
Eric's feelings for Sookie have constantly defied reason. He has put up with more than most sane men would put up with... Doesn't it seem like what he has for her goes deeper than superficial beauty?
To add to that note...
To say that it is impossible for Sookie to end up with a vampire because one is mortal, while the other isn't, aren't you concluding that love is superficial? Once Sookie's youth and beauty fades, love will too? If that's the case, then it was never love to begin with. Love defies reason. It doesn't make sense.
Amen....
he felt really bad but explained what happened and she forgave him.
Actually, he hasn't explained why he didn't show up to rescue her. And she hasn't forgiven him.
I get what you are saying - if she didn't forgive him, she wouldn't want him near her, taking care of her, etc. But this is Sookie we are talking about. She is the queen of avoidance issues. I wouldn't put it past her to completely avoid the issue because she is afraid to confront him about it. She is afraid of what his explanation might be and at the moment she is content living without the knowledge - "ignorance is bliss."
i totally agree.. she lives by that statement.. this reminded me of after they make love in the last book, he asks if she wants to know his feelings and she pretty much says that she doesnt care and she doesnt want to know what he feels for her because she probably wouldnt like his answer... . with this i dont understand? isnt it pretty freaking obvious that he loves her for all the shit hes done for her? either shes playing stupid sookie...or hurt and untrustworthy of men sookie because of bill. it makes me kind of mad that she keeps shooting eric down when he asks about her feelings and not only about him but her feelings about other past-suitors.. shes very frustrating! i wish she would just get over her insecurities.. you would think with her about-dieing 900 times that she would "seize the day" and realize life is too short to not say i love you
i wish she would just get over her insecurities.. you would think with her about-dieing 900 times that she would "seize the day" and realize life is too short to not say i love you
Maybe she will...in the next book. Doubt it, but maybe. If anything Eric might say it, or something close to it.
i know.. it was just wishful thinking (sigh)
What do we have if not wishful thinking at this point?
i think there is more in store for eric and sookies love life in the next book. she has some thonking to do about what Niale said when he left.
yeah Sookie says that she'll never be the same physically/emotionally.. maybe she'll search her conscious and get to know her feelings better which will help her grow up a bit and stop acting like eric wants herjust for her telepathy and.. how she always is afraid of him.. i dont get that part either.. why does she always say shes afraid of him? i dont remember her saying that about bill yet she should have been more afraid of him since hes the one who ripped her heart in half.. poor eric.. sometimes, i wish he'd just find someone else to make her jealous so she would finally realize she loves him..
but then sookie would be reminded of bill. when bill and sook broke up, he started bringing dates into the bar. i think eric should just find new ways to proclaim his love for sookie. remember when he tricked her into getting engaged to him? but i really donth think she minded it. she knows she loves him, she just doesnt know if its the blood bond or her heart. but i know its all heart with eric.
I have some thoughts to share on the whole "Who's the one for Sookie?" topic and I don't know anyone who has read all the books so I hope you all don't mind me posting them here.
I'm not totally sure where CH is going with her story or who she plans as "the one"(though I am pulling for Eric and have my list of ordered favorites after him, *see below*), but I have to say, I mostly trust that I will be happy with the ending, however it turns out. Over the course of the 9 books CH has introduced several characters as potential loves for Sookie. Every time she does, I think "oh no, not another one." but then somehow they win me over (except Quinn, I really don't like Quinn and never did. I'm not sure why.) I'm not saying that each one of these guys doesn't have his down falls. They all have their faults (yes, even Eric. He married her with out even warning her and explaining why it was necesary first. Uncool.). I just don't think any of them are beyond redemption, even Bill (though I'm not sure if I feel that way because I met TB Bill before I met Book Bill. I try to keep them separate in my mind but I'm not always entirely successful.). CH still has four books to twist and turn the lives of these people and I think that is plently of time to make any one of her suitors into Mr. Right. Even Calvin Norris could be made into her perfect man if CH chose (Don't worry ladies, that is just an extreme example. I'm sure that ship has sailed. Plus, I really like him with Tanya).
That said, here is my ordered list of who I'd like to see as the one and why or why not.
1. Eric: The smart money is on Eric. He's lovely and loving and has put in the most face time proving it. It just makes sense. Other reasons have been posted over and over throughout this forum so I won't bore you with further explanation.
2.Alcide: The chemistry and comfort between Alcide and Sookie in CD was undeniable. More so than any of her other suitor (excluding Eric) IMO. Sure, things have changed since then and he has definitely made some mistakes but nothing that can't be forgiven with the right apology and actions. Like I said before, there are still 4 books left.
3. Bill: I don't really want her to be with Bill but I could see how it could work with the right writing. Plus, it would make for a handy circle. The whole first love thing is a romantic idea. it doesn't work that way in real life but this isn't real life. Of course, to make it work, CH is going to have to work a little harder than just having Bill be willing to die for her. BTW, I actually didn't find Bill's lurking in the woods creepy. I just assumed he was watching out for her. And though this might not be a very popular opinion, I think the rape in the trunk could be forgivable due to the circumstances or the situation. But it is a bitter pill to swallow.
5. Remy: I don't really wish for him to be the one, he just comes before the rest. He hasn't really been introduced so she could really write him however she wants and he might end up being an awesome guy. Of course, he is human and therefore, readable to Sookie which causes problems.
6. Sam: I don't want her to be with Sam either but I could be persuaded...I guess. I'm sure there could be some circumstances that might make the match more attractive but so far, there hasn't been any. Like some of you, I did notice the little hints CH has inserted that there might be more to Sookie's feelings for Sam (picturing his face when she though she was going to die, etc.) but I chose to see them as either misdirection on CH's part or just in a some what brotherly way. Of course, that might be wishful thinking.
7. Everyone else, including Calvin, Barry, even Andy. None of them are right for her and none of them will work.
8. Quinn: I just hate him. When she first saw him at the funeral, I just got a bad feeling and it never went away. I was sooo disappointed when she slept with him, even when she dry humped him. It's probably mostly due to his shaved head. I don't find that attractive at all. At least not on a white man.
That's it, that's all. Thanks!
Hi Mackenzie - Welcome! Please read the Rules thread & Intro yourself if you like. Much has been discussed & the forum is FULL of spoilers.
Mackenzie.... I love the list and all the reasons.
My reaction to Quinn is much the same, but that is entirely because of my preference in men. I don't mind a shaved head on a man regardless of race or creed and some men wear it well, but Quinn had me puking at Babe. CH has a wry whit and a funny take on things but her love of Quinn has always sorta baffled me. If Quinn does end up being "The One" he may be the only suitor that would truly disappoint me. If this is the case I will channel Scarlet O'Hara, put on my best face, smooth out my skirts and say, "Tomorrow is another day". I will also say touche to all the lovers of Quinn and mentally try to shake their hand with dignity.
I've decided - Eric or Bill.
If Quinn or Sam (he bores me) ended up being the one....that'll suck for me.
Alcide - he could be alright if he smartens up but so far - he hasn't been in it around in the right capacity for me to appreciate that option at this stage.
So Eric & then Bill it is....
I'm with you, Laura. Eric or Bill...
I hate Quinn (If you couldn't tell already) and Sam is so safe it's boring.
I like Alcide, but he has been very immature and I need some more development before I find him viable. I'll have to see how he is in the next book before I make any judgments...
Eggggsactly!
i doubt bill.. hes like on his deathbed, i wouldnt be surprised if CH tries to kill him off again and then her editors/publishers/AB plead for her not to because of the huge following.. its either eric or sam realistically IMO.. im hoping for eric and if its not well.. ill be confused with him continuing being used in the books and how his character now "loves her" and then for her to be with someone else.. idk seems kinda off if she wouldnt pick him, but this is CH..
I don't think Alcide is still in the running in Sookie's opinion (or my opinion). The way he handled the situation with Debbie, then the untimely death of his father (all but blaming Sookie) I think that sort of killed the flame for Sookie.
I am not a Quinn fan, but if CH was to talk the time to properly explain Quinn and his background and why he is the way he is... if she did this in a way that could bring everything (his attitude and his mystery) into perspective then I could be accepting of Quinn. I have to admit, I do like that he turns into a Tiger. That is what gives him some allure in my eyes. I prefer a tiger to a wolf... I guess I'm a cat person.
i wouldnt be surprised if CH tries to kill him off again and then her editors/publishers/AB plead for her not to
I love how you throw AB in there. Hilarious!!
**take the time haha not talk the time
I love the AB part too. Oh, Lord...
I think part of the problem with Quinn (ignoring his ridiculous pansy eyes), was that it always seemed forced. He licked her leg, which was very weird that she let him, considering the fact that she didn't even know him. And then they have a home cooked dinner together, a date, a dry hump, and finally a one-night stand in bed. And that's a relationship? Then he drops off the map and ends up aiding the Nevada vamps in killing a large portion of Louisiana vamps. With Alcide you could see they connected on a personal level and had good chemistry (emotional and physical). With Quinn it was just physical chemistry. They never connected emotionally.
But it's Eric and the pas de deux with Sookie that has been at the heart of all the books starting with LDID. We even got hints of it when he flew by her hospital room in DUD. They've been drawing ever closer, with us finally being told that Sookie was his heart's desire, along with his willingness to tell her how he feels. Then Niall confirmed it for us--the vampire (Eric, of course) is not a bad man and he loves her. This information is given, despite how thick Sookie can be.
I'm not entirely sure that CH had made her mind up about The One until she gave us DTTW. That really clinched it. LDID did have that cute scene where Eric couldn't stand seeing Sookie cry. And CD did have Eric stating he didn't like having feelings, so those were early clues that there was more to Eric than the badass Sheriff. In DTTW, we were shown a sweet and tender side of Eric we never knew was there. And we also learn definitively what kind of a lover he is (gracious plenty and all). Who wouldn't want The One to be hung and fabulous in bed? Of course he needed other positive personality traits to round that out, and we were shown a preview of them then, and they've been revealed in subsequent books.
Eric is the only love interest that has shown up in one of the anthology stories. "Dracula Night" was quite a charming story, also showing a different side of Eric.
I correct myself: Bill was in "One Word Answer," but only as a next door neighbor.
He licked her leg, which was very weird that she let him, considering the fact that she didn't even know him
Sookie is used to strangers licking her wounds... it happens in almost every book. It's not new to her. (just a comment)
With Quinn it was just physical chemistry. They never connected emotionally.
That has been my issue with their "relationship" as well. They never got to a true emotional level. Even the sex scene in ATD was lackluster (Not going to complain about that though. I was so glad there wasn't much elaboration). There was no passion - it was just sex.
AP, that was inspired! You totally pinned down the weird vibe I've always gotten from Quinn, and he is the first love interest I ever read of Sookie's, since I started the series in the middle the first time. I didn't like hime even then!
But it's Eric and the pas de deux with Sookie
The ballerina in me (slightly chunky) do love the pas de deux reference. It gives Eric a bit of a Baryshnikov feel...
Eric is the only love interest that has shown up in one of the anthology stories. "Dracula Night" was quite a charming story, also showing a different side of Eric.
I correct myself: Bill was in "One Word Answer," but only as a next door neighbor.
Funny you should mention this because I just re-read Dracula Night and have been thinking on one word answer. I think that these are both interesting side stories for the vamp contenders in Sookie's life and tells a lot about both of them.
In One Word Answer the reader sees how Bill can be impulsive and acts before really thinking about the entire situation clearly. His heart is in the right place, but his first instinct is to protect Sookie so her rushes in (maybe where angels fear to tread). In this story he acts (though not entirely rashly) while Sookie, who knows how he will respond to the circumstances, sets it up so he acts a certain way. He sorta gets played by Sookie of all people. Of course at the end of the story he puts it all together and realizes what Sookie has done, so he is learning (or maybe he knew and allowed it to happen).
In Dracula Night, Eric stands by and lets the scene play out. He steps in once the pieces are in place and assist Sookie, but only after she has really helped herself.... More importantly, what he does do is take control of the aftermath and makes sure that nothing bad happens to Sookie as a result of what she did... At one point she says that he seemed so collected and in charge, but she knew differently because her hand was on his arm and he was shaking (presumably with fear for what could happen to her).
Both of these suitors are looking out for Sookie in the best way that they know how, but Bill acts and then thinks while Eric thinks and then acts. Bill keeps Sookie safe by acting for her, while Eric allows Sookie to act for herself and then helps her deal with the aftermath.
Bill is in many respects what she needed at the beginning of the series and continues to stick by her and help when and how he can because she needs it. She has not entirely figured out the best way to help to help herself.
Eric is the one who helps her figure it out for herself and helps her deal with her decisions.
Both have an important role in Sookie's life, but I see Bill more as a father figure and Eric as more of a partner...
Both of these suitors are looking out for Sookie in the best way that they know how, but Bill acts and then thinks while Eric thinks and then acts. Bill keeps Sookie safe by acting for her, while Eric allows Sookie to act for herself and then helps her deal with the aftermath.
I love this, Caroline. Very good assessment.
CD is also a good example of this. Eric mostly stands in as back-up during the whole book from the staking to the "Bonnie and Clyde" scene at the gas station. He lets Sookie control the situation and only steps up when he is needed.
Another example is in the begining of DAAD when Sookie was at Fangtasia talking to Eric in that booth. A man comes up and tells her she shouldn't be with a "dead guy." Sookie deflects him very civilly and he apologizes and leaves. Eric sits there and lets Sookie deal with the man in her own way. He may not agree with her methods but he didn't jump in and take over.
Caroline I really love how you delineated the way the two vamps react to Sookie and treat her. We've seen many examples (that I'm too lazy to look up) where Eric respects Sookie and her thought processes. He bragged to Andre about how she thinks outside the box in ATD.
Hey Guys I am new here and have really enjoyed reading your posts. I found your forum when I was looking for more info on a certain Sookie Suitor, so I have read just about all of the threads on Sookie and her boys.
I decided that I wanted to weigh in with my opinion too after I read somewhere that some people thought "that all Sookie's suitors cheapened her". I disagree, since this is a story about tolerance. I think the wide variety of suitors defines that point really well. Sookie is valuable to all these "minority" men because she sees them for what they are and that gives her more choices than the "average' woman. I think that Sookie is such a focal point in the story and that ultimately the "One" will be her choice is what makes her a strong character and makes the storyline more profound rather than cheapens her as a character.
I really like the fact that all of the suitors are still in the running and all of them have a fanbase that defends them. Everyone has their favorites, but it is still possible for any of them to be the "One" for Sookie. I see that Ms. Harris has given us a vast array of vary different men in order to appeal to many different types of readers. While they are all very unique and use different methods, they all have the same goal...Sookie. As it stands they all have faults and good points too, but they are all still evolving as they are striving to be better men because of their interaction with Sookie. I know that many people have definite opinions on who will be the "One", but I have faith (please be right) that Ms. Harris will be able to satisfy her readers with Sookie's choice whoever it may be.
My hats off to Ms. Harris for her ability to make so many strong characters (Good, bad and everything in between) and to touch so many people with her stories.
P.S. I do have many opinions on who is a better choice and why, but I believe that belongs in a different post.
I decided that I wanted to weigh in with my opinion too after I read somewhere that some people thought "that all Sookie's suitors cheapened her". I disagree, since this is a story about tolerance. I think the wide variety of suitors defines that point really well. Sookie is valuable to all these "minority"
Gosh you did? Gosh...I just said gosh.....anyway, I must have missed that post. That's pretty hardcore!
I agree. Nicely said.
Actually - your whole post is really great.
Reading it I'm thinking you may like the following threads which don't get much attention (aww poor threads): "The Wildcard": Sookie's Role in Sookieverse and/or Sookie's Point of View & Best Character Traits
Bill is in many respects what she needed at the beginning of the series and continues to stick by her and help when and how he can because she needs it. She has not entirely figured out the best way to help to help herself.
Eric is the one who helps her figure it out for herself and helps her deal with her decisions.
Excellent points! Though on the other hand, Eric doesn't always let Sookie act for herself of make her own decisions. (Like marrying her with out her consent.) To use Sookie's words, he can be very heavy-handed when it suits him.
However, on the whole, I'd say your observations are spot on. Kudos!
In Eric's defense, he tried to tell Sookie what was going on and she didn't feel like listening.
Amelia didn't tell Sookie about Eric's trying to call her the day before.
Amelia didn't tell Sookie about Eric's trying to call her the day before.
There is the rub... Amelia is always forgetting to tell Sookie that Eric called... What is up with that!
Eric was looking at some serious time constraints and may not have told Sookie that much anyway because she may not have gone along with it and it would have taken longer than they had to convince her.
He may have been able to buy time with Victor, but that would have looked suspicious to Nevada and could have compromised Sookie.
He may be high handed, but he is not consistent with it. I think this is a big reason that Sookie notices it more with Eric than she does with some of her other suitors who have all been high handed and maybe with more consistancy..
Yeah to be honest - I don't think Eric planned on busting out the marriage bond unless push came to shove & it did. The fact that ATD happened like it did was a lucky coincidence. I base that on CH saying that Eric had no idea about what Andre was planning on doing.
Not to say that I don't think he immediately knew what he was doing when he whipped it out. I do. But I don't thikn it was premediated therefore - Idon't think he really had any immediate plans to make it known or push that issue until the time came (& I think he deductive reasoning helped him to figure out that it would come sooner rather than later with Sookie).
But then if we get into this discussion - I think it's best for another thread.
yeppers.... Mayhaps dead and Gone: Eric?
Yeah or his connecting the dots thread but I actually think we went over it in there already?
Ad Nauseum? Actually had another thought in line with Eric so will move some to the Connecting the dots: Eric..
I have been reading the various Suitor threads and I have enjoyed all the conjecture, but I am not convinced. This might fit better in the Quinn thread, but I want the Eric fans thoughts and I do not know how many of them read Quinn's threads. I would like to offer another theory based on CH's comments and the fact that this is a fictional story.
What if CH has already told us who her choice is and it is Quinn? (ducks to dodge all the rotten tomatos)
If I was starting from scratch at creating the perfect man for Sookie (based on her character at the end of DUD... when CH said she decided who Sookie would end up with) this is what I would consider.
1. Sookie likes exotic and handsome guys (who doesn't?) and she needs someone both physically and socially strong, but he needs to be different from all her other potential suitors. For Reference here is the list of other suitors by the end of DTTW:
--- Suitors that came during DUD--- ------Suitors that came after DUD------
- a short, lovable, dependable, redheaded Army brat Shifter - a sweet, immature, black, curled haired WereWolf
- an ancient, practical, tall, blond Viking Vampire - a short, mature, honorable, eccentric Were Panther
- An old, dark haired, southern, Civil War Vet Vampire - a really young, inexperienced, shaky Telepathic Human
2. So lets make this guy a self assured, casual, bald headed, Roughneck Shifter from out west. Being a westerner in the south will cause some interesting issues too...i.e vernacular issues and social customs. He needs to be new to her so that means he must live in another town, but have a job that allows him to travel so he came come visit Sookie (that also helps Sookie have time alone with Eric and the other characters in the story too)
3. He needs to be a Supe (of course) to be attracted to Sookie and also give her head some peace... something bigger and tougher than a Were, but not as cold as a Vamp. He needs to be unique, really strong, really well known and as intimidating as hell because Sookie has big enemies. He will need to a high ranking Supe so he has access to all the Vamp events that Sookie might be required to attend.
4. He needs to have more in common with Sookie than the other suitors, so he needs to be very protective of his family (lets give him problems with his immature sibling too) and hmm... he needs to know what it is like to lose a parent as well. He should have experienced a severe trauma as a young kid, but be able to raise above it. He also needs to know what it is like to be controlled and in debted to people you fear/hate because you were protecting someone you love. He needs to be sophisticated enough to deal with Vamp Kings and Queens, but country enough to relate to Sookie on a personal level. He should be from a lower class (like Sookie), but has worked his way up the social ladder... Like a gladiator that fought his way to freedom then used his fame and experience to become a partner in a very successful Supe related business.
5. He will have to be arrogant, brave and well connected enough to take on Eric as the other lead suitor, but with more feeling and emotion than the Vamp shows which will probably lead to some more conflict, but make the relationship more real.
6. Last of all, lets introduce him through people Sookie knows and respects, but keep his past and fame mysterious to add to his mystique.
Conclusion
On the surface he sounds like someone taylor made for our heroine, but after CH introduces him she knows the readers do not like him. If this is true and Quinn is the one, there is the problem with why the readers do not like him... Which makes me wonder if CH expected the readers to not like him and it is part of the plot (of course I have a theory about that too) or if the discrepencies in his storyline are due to her trying to make him fit when the audience does not want him to?
I have a list of reasons for this thought process, but this post ended up kinda long. So I will post this much and see if it even makes sense to anyone else. If it does I will post my reasons. If it doesn't not... I promise I will not post without atleast 4 hrs of sleep again 8 )
First, welcome. This is a great forum and I'm rather new here myself. And now that I've welcomed you, I hope my following comments don't scare you away.
I don't feel like I can agree with the idea that Quinn can be a protector of Sookie with the vamp community. He has shown repeatedly that the vamps have power over him. He has no pull with the vamps. Regardless of his fame, vamps simply do not respect shifters, even Quinn. He merely serves them. He travels and is seldom around. And he still has a very needy and loony family. I don't think CH set him up as The One, but cleverly made the readers dislike him. All the other love interests have their own faults, but they aren't fake ones designed to alienate the reader. They're real faults indicating why the suitor may not be the one. CH reveals information to us (like Bill's "mission"), but she doesn't give us misinformation along the way.
Personally, I don't think Eric is cold. I think he's a volcano underneath, but he's learned to conceal it since the vamp world is so dangerous. And until the revelation, he stayed somewhat apart from humans, as did all vamps, so he's relearning what it's like to have feelings. We've been seeing it revealed more and more. It took him several books to come to grips with what he does feel for Sookie.
I've got to go to bed. I'm trying to discipline myself to sleep normal hours. I'll continue tomorrow. I do like the logical way you presented your analysis, I just thinks feels a bit like it has been shoehorned to fit. I'll explain tomorrow.
Hey Rheyna,
Nice post.
I have to admit I am no so sure about a few things. Personally, I don't feel he has more in common with Sookie for various reasons. One being that there is still much much unknown about him & I go on instinct a lot. And my instinct was that they didn't fully gel (for a few reasons).
But more importantly - I don't feel he has been in the series enough to warrant his result of being the end suitor. I agree his placement has been strategic but I am not so sure it's as the final "one" for those reasons alone.
You actually mention the issues with Quinn & the fact that many readers don't like him. And this only adds to why I feel he is not the one (or at least...shouldn't be).
His appearances have been far too insubstantial as a suitor to take it fully serious, IMO. Add to which all we still don't know b'c of lack of seeing him (esp. in comparison to Bill, Eric & Sam - but Bill & Eric esp). His interactions although slightly explainable also have a dubiousness to them, IMO.
I think it's hard for some readers to settle in with accepting Quinn as a choice when he shows up at the tail end of 5 books & pretty much disappears after 2. And for me - when you compare it to how frequently & prominently the other men have featured, it doesn't make enough sense (although - lots of thing & lots of people in life don't always make sense to me so that's not saying CH isn't going there)!
I mean - Eric has had an entire book dedicated to him. And not only that but revealed another side of him. Some would argue his true self or as someone once said here...his "authentic" self. And not only does he have DTTW but he featured heavily in LDID, CD & DAG. While in the other books - DAAD, DD & ATD although he may have not been in them as heavily, his roles were not only incredibly revealing about his feelings toward Sookie but instrumental in their relationship progression IMO.
Although I hear your points & rationalizations & they makes sense so I can see where your coming from, it's still not enough for me for the above reasons alone (plus others).
6. Last of all, lets introduce him through people Sookie knows and respects, but keep his past and fame mysterious to add to his mystique.
I have to say I can't exactly agree with this bit esp. b'c when she 1st met Quinn, she was really, really pissed at Alcide. And it wasn't a formal intro per say. Her intro came b'c of how Alcide tricked her into reading the packmaster contest. And then the formal intro was made when he was sent via the Queen whom she actually didn't know & we find out in the next book has plotted to have Sookie by her side. So....I am still dubious.
It seems you & I are similar thought in the sense that you connected all the dots lining up Quinn as her suitor & I actually did the same exact thing with Eric.
I think I posted it in the "Connect the Dots: Eric" thread. Or it actually might even be in this one too if you want to check it out. Or I can try & find it & PM you with it.
But basically, b'c of that trajectory I tracked I am sticking to my guns thus far in thinking that it makes sense that the arc is pointing to Eric.
BTW - I really would love to hear your theories on this bit: Which makes me wonder if CH expected the readers to not like him and it is part of the plot (of course I have a theory about that too) or if the discrepencies in his storyline are due to her trying to make him fit when the audience does not want him to?
You all have very interesting theories... I want to expose mine, based mostly in my feelings...(I'm sorry in advance for my poor grammar, I still think in spanish...)
I believe in two possibilities: one is Eric because I think CH invest too many pages showing his "love process" (for that I mean all the things that Eric did for Sookie, his consistent support, honesty, generosity, his increasing feelings, etc) and the little "mysterious things" (how he knows that much about her, found Neil, the "understandable" reason why he didn't rescue her) which are apparently going to be explained in next book. Apart from that, she painted him with positive features: he's sincere, loyal, and if i'ts going to be a vampire, it's going to be him, because I don't think Bill's betrayal and rape can be forgotten…. I feel the author portrait him deliberately doing something unforgivable.
Honestly, I like Eric- Sookie, but I can’t see how to solve the fact that he’s immortal and she’s not… And she’s not goind to be a vampire according to CH… Don't hate me, but I often think maybe Eric dies protecting Sookie... and then we will have a tragic and epic end…
The other possibility -for me- It's Sam. For the exact opposite reason: she still has invested very few pages in him, except showing how much he cares for Sookie. For me, showing -constantly, in almost all books- only that and no much more "lets the door open" for a whole new story (something that CH needs if she have to write two more books) but not with a new character: he was always there. At list, can be a good rival. It would be like falling in love with your best friend. Not that passionate, but real. And they can have a family together.
I don't think the other characters have the same importance or have the same time knowing Sookie... And for some reason, I feel that's an important issue: I don't see her ending with some new guy.
The weakness of this second possibility? Sam is not that powerful... And I think that's and important point: Sookie needs protection.
What do you think about this?
First, welcome. This is a great forum and I'm rather new here myself. And now that I've welcomed you, I hope my following comments don't scare you away.
Thanks for the welcome and don't ever feel like you will offend me with your opinion and please don't be offended when I voice an opposing opinion. I am a debater and I like to take the unpopular side, so having people disagree with me makes the debate more fun. Hence, why I asked this mostly of Eric fans. I actually am not really decided on who I think Sookie's HEA should be. I like Quinn, but maybe it is partially because he is not the popular or obvious choice. 
I don't feel like I can agree with the idea that Quinn can be a protector of Sookie with the vamp community. He has shown repeatedly that the vamps have power over him. He has no pull with the vamps.
I know that Sookie needs some kind of protection, but we are talking about a BF here not just a bodyguard. Protection should not be the only criteria. Plus, if she were not so involved with the Vamp world she would not need as much protection. I am not saying that I think she will ever get out, but she might be able to lessen her involvement. Also even when she was dating Quinn, she still had all her other friends looking out for her too. While Eric is very powerful in the Vamp circles, Quinn holds status and power in the Shifter/Were world. Sookie does not belong to either, but I could see her having to decide which one to fulling align with (by choosing her mate)
In D&G, Niall steps out of her life because he feels that his attention (though well intentioned) has caused her more trouble than if he had stayed away. I can see a direct parallel to her relationship with Eric. Yes, the Vamps would still desire her as an asset, but she would not be such a big target if she was not emotional leverage against Eric. In fact with Eric's growing power she might be safer if everyone thought that she fell out of favor with him.
I do think she would be safest as a Vamp child of Eric's, but I do not think that fits in the story at all.
All the other love interests have their own faults, but they aren't fake ones designed to alienate the reader
I am not so sure the I think Quinn's faults are "fake" and I think Bill's control issues (specifically the rape) alienated quite a few readers 8 - ) I think it is not possible to have as many suitors as Sookie does without alienating some readers.
Personally, I don't think Eric is cold. I think he's a volcano underneath, but he's learned to conceal it since the vamp world is so dangerous.
I do think that Eric is very cold, but I do not mean that in the unfeeling way. He is a Vamp and they do not feel in the same way humans do. I agree with the volcano analogy, but he has contained his feelings & emotions for so long that he does not know how to show it anymore. This is prolly a personal opinion based on my XP with my soldier hubby who has serious issues with showing emotion, but I see it as a major longterm issue for a couple to deal with.
His appearances have been far too insubstantial as a suitor to take it fully serious, IMO.
Yes, but he has roughly the same face time as Alcide, Calvin and more than Barry and they all seem to still be in the running to me... though a few miles behind the leaders.
(although - lots of thing & lots of people in life don't always make sense to me so that's not saying CH isn't going there)!
lol... so true. I am glad too because I do not think I would think about the series as much without the intrigue.
Eric has had an entire book dedicated to him.
Yes, and so does Bill, but maybe that is why I have doubts about him. Nothing else in CH's books seems obvious, so why make Sookie's "One" be the only obvious thing?
BTW - I really would love to hear your theories on this bit: Which makes me wonder if CH expected the readers to not like him and it is part of the plot (of course I have a theory about that too)
I have these on my other comp, so I will have to post them in a little bit.
Yes, but he has roughly the same face time as Alcide, Calvin and more than Barry and they all seem to still be in the running to me... though a few miles behind the leaders.
Sure, as per what CH says has told her readers on her forum. Everyone is in the running- no one is out.
However.... considering she knew who Sookie was going to end up with going into writing book 2 (& still hasn't changed her mind) - we know this isn't exactly true.
The fact that CH has had her mind allllmost made up (she says she reserves the right to change it) has ruled out all but one.
It's true in the sense that she wants to keep the reader guessing & milk it. So she serves up the hope & she serves up the debate by continuing to be active on her forum & fuel the anticipation & paranoia.
Yes, and so does Bill, but maybe that is why I have doubts about him. Nothing else in CH's books seems obvious, so why make Sookie's "One" be the only obvious thing?
Yes he does but in fairness - only the 1st one. Which was the whole set-up & intro book. So he's still 2nd in the running for me. The fact that she set up LDID & CD the way she did & then the Eric dedication book to me, is very significant & telling.
In fact with Eric's growing power she might be safer if everyone thought that she fell out of favor with him.
huh.... I like the way that you think, but i don't agree on this one. If Sookie fell out of Eric's favor, she would be fair game. She has already called attention to her talent by going to the vamp conference in ATD (at the behest of the Queen via Quinn I might add) and the fact that she is an asset not just because she can read the minds of humans but because she can draw the right conclusions and pull the truth from a situation (I agree with this excellent point that you made on the demoralizing of Sookie thread). She will never be able to escape those cross hairs and not having Eric running interference / defense would leave her even more vulnerable.
Eric is practical. This could come across as cold, but on many levels this is also what appeals to Sookie on many levels. I think Eric is "the one" for very practical reasons, but for it to be cemented with Sookie he will need to make some sort of leap to showing some romance. The thoughtful romance is there in small ways, but Sookie is going all girl here and looking for some grand gesture...