The Association

by Bentley Little

Book Overview

Barry and Maureen have just been approved as tenants by the Association. Pity they never read the fine print on the lease. It could be the death of them... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451204123
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Signet
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.5" x 1.3" x 4.0"

Customer Reviews

Creepy protagonists

As creepy as this over-the-top story is, the protagonists are just as revolting. Their dear friend disappears in whacko-ville, and everyone else goes to bed. Next morning, two more have disappeared in the middle of the night, and everyone else sits down to breakfast. Wow, I'm glad they're not MY friends! Then there's Mrs. Dumb Bunny, who thinks that -- besieged by mayhem, terrorism, murder -- what a perfect time to get pregnant; that will take her mind off things. The story never explains many of the phenomena (zombie "volunteers," zero compassion for limbless men, worm-like ancient members of the board, the fact that every last resident hasn't just up and left, etc.). Nevertheless, it kept me reading until the end.

You thought your HOA fees and policies were crazy. Think again!!

I couldn't put it down!! Bentley put you right there in the situations of this crazy subdivision from hell . Very detail. Great read!

Supper was late

Well, he did it again Kept me on the edge of my seat for days until WHAM!!!! the end Stephen King is right about Bentley

Did you pay your dues this month? No?! Then run...

Absolutely amazing read. A page turner for me. You know the saying Power corrupts and Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

You can't put this book down!!!

I thought this book was incredible! It kept me on the edge of my seat!A real nail biter!! Bentley Little is an amazing artist with the ability to combine such horrific scenes and undescribable fear into those of his readers within a fictitous story of such believable real life circumstances. It would actually give you the impression that the "good life" isn't so good after all. And with all the great; comes all the terrifying!! This book is a must read for all you horror fanatics out there who like the gruesome and grotesque details of a superbly put together novel. Congratulations Bently Little on a fantastic book!!

Little's Take on Homeowners Associations

I enjoyed this book, and not just because I have some horror stories of my own to tell regarding those socialist homeowners associations. Little's take is exaggerated, weird, sick, outrageously over the top, satiracle and just plain fun.We're talking about a group of older men who worship article 90 in the ccr handbook, who murder children, minorities and gays. An association that can watch your every move, that dictates not only which color you may or may not paint your house with, but that dictates who your friends are, how you are allowed to wear your hair, etc. There are some gruesome butchery scenes described as well, and some loveable characters, like Stumpy, the limbless man who lives in the forest.If you are familiar with Bentley Little, then I need say no more. If you are not, well all I can say is that you will most likely either love or hate him. His stories are extremely exaggerated, gory and full of satire. If you are easily offended, then you'll do well to avoid his works. If you happen to enjoy stories about talking macaroni, crazy James Dean cults and Wicked gated communities, then give his stuff a try, you'll be in for a treat.

Beware of The Association

As a victim who has once lived in a homeowners association subdivision, I could completely relate to certain parts of this wonderful book. Luckily for me, I was only renting. Bentley Little weaves an all out suspense thriller which I found difficult to put down. I felt for the characters Maureen and Barry who thought they had found the perfect house with the perfect scenery, away from all the city life hussle and bussle. Needless to say,for every plus there's a minus. From the first garage sale they held ,to befriending a potential pet, to playing the stereo too loud etc...It all escalates from there. It was non-stop craziness what The Association inflicted upon this couple. I won't even go into the astronomical fines that were incurred from breaking even the slightest rule. I do understand what a fellow reviewer had said about this book being so stupid, especially where the main characters are concerned, but keep in mind...if you're a homeowner who has placed every nickel and dime into your dream home, the last thing you will want to admit is that you have made a huge mistake. I felt the characters were not only having to face the harsh realities of what's surrounding them, but the incredibility that its happening in the first place. Bentley Little wrote not only an intriguing plot, but an all and out nightmare. He has the gift to draw you in, take you for a ride and not let go until the bitter end. Enjoy!

The Association

Excellent reading. I took this book whereever I went. I couldn't put it down. One of the best books I have ever read. I recommend this book highly to anyone who loves to read. This is the first time I have ever read Bentley Little's books. I am going to get all of them. Now I am going back to reading The Association.

Another strong offering from Little...

In Bentley Little's latest, "The Association," a youngish couple, comprising Barry, the writer, and Maureen, the accountant, leave California to live a quieter life in Utah. They manage to get a sweet deal on a nice home. The one drawback? It is in a gated community called "Bonita Vista," and they are required to join its homeowner's association and pay membership fees.The Association has more rules of conduct than God himself, spelled out in a phonebook sized manual called the "C's, C's, and R's." For the residents of Bonita Vista, it is their bible, and punishment for non-compliance ranges from stiff fines to physical dismemberment.Soon, the Welch's find that they are living in a nightmare from which they are unable to extracite themselves. No amount of legal maneuvering can help--the law is on Bonita Vista's side, and the Association is able to conduct their gastly business with impunity. Basically, the Association owns them.In a novel reminescent of "The Store," Bentley Little espouses themes of groupthink, mind control, and--as he always does--the differences between classes. Sometimes, it seems as though Little has some rather condescending views towards those who "just aren't our type, old chap," (the working class.) Still, that hardly diminishes the quality of his work. His novels never fails to draw me in and keep me reading--sometimes at the deriliction of my personal life--until I am finished, and his books have a way of staying with me long after I've completed them.The one complaint I have about this book--and Little's books in general--is the way that it ended. This one had a stronger finish than "The Town," but Little isn't always the greatest at tying up every loose end, and he tends to leave some plotlines unexplained and unresolved. Whether he does this intentionally or this is simply a weakness that he has as a writer,I'm not sure, but I personally don't like it when I'm forced to fill in the blanks that the writer leaves. But that's only a minor complaint in an otherwise great read.As far as I'm concerned, Bentley Little is right up there with a Koontz or a King, not just in quality, but also in readability and bestseller ability. Apparently, he's made a number of enemies in the publishing business, and he's not huge on self-promotion, but I honestly believe that he could be a household name.If you're a horror fan who's been sticking with King, Koontz, and Saul, I'd recommend giving Bentley Little a try. I'm glad that I've discovered him--he's such a unique writer and a welcome breath of fresh air.