Point horror - What do you think?

I got into quite a long conversation with a gentleman the other day about the Point Horror books.  If you are not familiar with these then they were a series of teenage horror books released mainly in the 1990s by various authors.  According to the article by Will Davis (granted this was in 2008), Point Horror have lost their edge, become cringe-worthy reads. However, I disagree. Having partaken in this lengthy conversation with a man in his 30s about our favourite Point Horror stories (he liked ‘Call Waiting’ by R L Stine whereas I favoured ‘The Snowman’ by R L Stine and ‘The Unseen’ by Richie Tankersley Cusick), I got thinking about why I didn’t read these anymore.

It’s not that I’ve grown out of them, I read young adult and children’s books all the time (I promise a review of the Black Cat Detectives will come soon!). You just don’t really see them around anymore. So I hunted the charity shops and found a well thumbed, truly exhausted copy of Point Horror collection number 8 which includes ‘The Dead Game’ by A Bates, ‘The Stranger’ by Caroline B Cooney and ‘Call Waiting’ by R L Stine. I’m part way through it and reviews will appear soon. But what interested me is how difficult some of these titles are to get hold of from the library. They are obviously popular, as I’ve seen quite a few orders for Point Horror titles recently and yet, because they are so old (some are now available on Kindle- although I am still not a fan of ebooks) not many copies remain. The reason they are still talked about and read is because they were and are readable! I agree with Will Davis that many of them followed a set plot, with an American teenager with issues being stalked or haunted (or both) but it is this familiarity that makes them enjoyable. What many people actually enjoy about a book, whether snuggling in bed with one or reading while sunbathing, is the escapism that books offer. I am by no means suggesting that a book with complex characters or engaging plot is not highly enjoyable, far from it – I enjoy a Dickens as much as the next person, I just don’t think Point Horror should be easily dismissed.

There are a few titles released this year that are advertised as ‘Point Horror’ and I’d love anyone who has read any of these to leave a comment... I’m looking forward to comparing the classics to the new releases. I’m really enjoying re-living my childhood through these books and although I haven’t seen them as a stepping stone to ‘harder’ horror such as Stephen King and Christopher Pike, I like to think that many people saw Point Horror as a starting point to enjoying the horror genre and the great writers it has to offer. Will Davis sums up his argument by suggesting that ‘Perhaps if they'd tackled weightier issues the fear factor would have crumbled, since after all, real life is a lot more terrifying than being threatened by some unhinged cheerleader with a chip on her shoulder’ – it is this lack of the weightier issues that I hope to explore in my re-reading of these titles from my childhood.

Check out Will Davis’ article from the guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2008/may/07/whendidpointhorrorloseits

Full list of Point Horror titles (including the 2013 ones):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Horror

Enjoying Literature

I just wanted to add my opinion to the current debate that has been inspired by Michael Gove’s comments about Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. Amongst a million others on the net, Malorie Blackman, brilliant author of readable, unpretentious literature and current children’s laureate, has slated Michael Gove and those who don’t understand the importance of enjoying literature.

As mentioned previously, I work with a group of young people in a high school and I also work in a library. What worries me is the number of children who can’t read at all and I would be overjoyed if, at age 17, 100% of children in the country could read something as complex as Twilight. To those of us who read extensively, daily, whether for work or pleasure, Twilight is a novel which would be an easy read, trashy escapism (which I highly approve of actually!) that doesn’t require much thought other than whether the book is as good as the film.

However, to those children who don’t have the opportunity to read literature regularly (I agree with Malorie Blackman about the importance of using our public libraries but many people in the UK still don’t have a library card), Twilight allows them to fall into another world temporarily, experiencing the joy of lexis, syntax and plot lines. Why oh why are we not encouraging reading at whatever level? Leave it to Eva and The Black Cat detective agency (which is up next for review) are both really simple, enjoyable books, yes, they were made from children but I can enjoy them at 21 just as well as I would have done at 12.

Everyone starts their reading somewhere. I know a gentleman who is just learning to read again after developing dementia. He learnt to read later in life and now has no recollection on how to read the books that he once enjoyed. Luckily, through the use of audio books and the physical copy of the book, he is slowly being able to recognise words again. I realise this is an extreme example but what I’m trying to get across is the importance of reading at any and any level. I do agree that children of a certain age can get great pleasure from reading the classics. I read Jekyll and Hyde as part of my degree for the first time and found it fascinating – but I would not have been able to read a novel like that (or probably wanted to) without the love of literature that I developed as a child.

So, for anyone who doesn’t believe in the importance of graphic novels, comics, slushy teenage romance, chick lit, sci-fi or any awesome sub-genre that are actually underrepresented and unappreciated as brilliant works of art (if they are funny, emotive, engaging or imaginative then they stand out as effective literature surely?), look at what you read as a child. Look at how you were inspired to love literature and language and how your ability to read has shaped your life. Only by reading things we enjoy can we place ourselves in the world of literature, develop our reading skills and hone in on the genres we enjoy whether this be classics or comics. Being able to read and enjoying reading are much more important than knowing the ins and outs of the classics... no matter how old you are.

For more information check out:-

This brilliant article by Isabel Hardman:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/10049459/If-only-Michael-Gove-wasnt-such-a-know-it-all.html

Or  Malorie Blackman’s views:

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/childrens-laureate-malorie-blackman-takes-a-bite-out-of-snobs-who-dismiss-twilight-novels-8643791.html

Leave it to Eva Review

Title: Leave it to Eva

Author: Judi Curtin

Release Date: 1^st August 2012

Publisher: O’Brien Press

Fun, feisty Eva Gordon always tries to help her friends, but this time she might have a problem that’s too big even for her ...

When Eva and her family got to Seacove, she’s looking forward to seeing her friend Kate, but things have gone very wrong for Kate and this time Eva’s not sure if she should help her.

It’s not just Seacove Eva’s visiting – her friend Ruby offers her the chance of a visit to London. And there may be a way the trip with Ruby can help Eva sort things out for everyone...

If you have a problem that needs solving, just leave it to Eva!

 

Eva’s trip to Seacove is a much awaited one, she is really looking forward to catching up with her friends Lily and Kate. However, when Eva arrives in Seacove, she finds that things have changed since her last visit. Lily and Kate are no longer friends, Kate is holding a dangerous secret... one that  could get her into a lot of trouble. Eva’s friend, Ruby, is also having trouble in London, will Eva have time to fix everything before the end of the holidays?

I've recently begun working with a group of young people, listening to them read in my local high school. What struck me as interesting when working with these groups is how many children would love to read something exciting, with a fun story but simple language... Leave it to Eva is one of those stories. Written from the point of Eva, a determined and friendly young woman, the story follows her holiday adventures in Seacove and London. Eva can’t help but make her friend’s business her business and surprisingly, her determination means she manages to solve a lot of their problems.

I’m not sure if I would be able to stand having a friend like Eva, at times she seems a bit disloyal and does tend to thrust her input onto her friend’s lives which has surprisingly positive consequences... I tend to be a bit cynical in this respect, thinking that maybe things wouldn’t quite happen like that in real life. (I do realise the importance of escapism and am not for one second suggesting that the happy ending wasn’t vital to my enjoyment of the book). Eva is just such an unusual character in that, despite my determination to dislike her, I found I couldn’t help myself by the end! I’m slightly disappointed that I missed out on reading the first two Eva books before this one as they follow on in a sequence and explore her friendships in greater detail.

I did actually really enjoy this book. I found Eva’s character really captivating and the novel had an uplifting ending, despite the real life difficult issues that her friends face. The book deals with families, neglect, disability and friendships in a brutally honest way which contrasts with a positive escapist ending. I would recommend this title mainly to female readers who fancy something light and easy going but that deals with real themes and has a steady plot line.

4.5/5 For younger readers or those who would like something with simpler language.

With special thanks to O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of the novel.

Bite Club Review

Title: Bite Club (Morganville Vampires Book Ten)

Author: Rachel Caine

Release date: 2^nd May 2011

Publisher: Allison and Busby 

Morganville is a quiet college town where humans and vampires live in relative peace. But lately a great deal of blood is being spilt...

 

Having survived a number of adventures with her new night-dwelling friends, college student Clare Danvers has come to realise that for the most part, the undead just want to get on with their lives.  

 

But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

 

There’s a new extreme sport being broadcast over the Internet: bare-knuckle fighting pitting captured vampires against one another – or, worse, against humans. Claire soon discovers that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville. And if they want to survive, they’ll have to do a lot more than fight... 

Another day in Morganville, another problem that threatens the town’s safety. In a town where vampires roam the streets, this is no idle threat and once again, it’s down to Claire and her friends to sort out the problem. But somehow, Shane, Claire’s boyfriend is involved this time and so is Bishop, one of the most dangerous vampires – will anyone get out alive?

This book has been on my 'to read' list since 2011 when it was released. I absolutely adore Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire series and couldn't wait to read this one. I started it over the bank holiday and with the sunshine and summer feeling that was about I felt like rejoining old friends with this read. Although the sunshine and warm weather didn't last (no surprise there really) I did enjoy reading this book while snuggled up in front of the fire with a blanket and a warm vimto.

Although it is a while since I read Ghost Town, book nine in the series, I found it so easy to get back into the story and didn't really feel like I had to re-familiarise myself with the characters, they were just there waiting for me to read them into life again – that's how readable her books are.

My only criticism of the novel would be the first person narratives from Shane, Claire's boyfriend. While Shane has never been my favourite character (I find him whiney and a bit pathetic although I know he has ‘issues’ from his past) I have seen him as essential to the plot and believed that the reason I had any feelings about his character at all was down to good writing. I still believe Rachel Caine is a brilliant writer, who hooks you in and allows you to read her novels comfortably rather than trying to overpower you with complexity in plot or language but Shane’s character was driving me bonkers. From Claire’s point of view (the novel is written in third person but follows Claire’s character) Shane was behaving unreasonably and I found him irritating and hearing from his point of view, I didn’t feel any more sympathy.  

The plot (as always) was full of interesting twists and was dissimilar to the plot of the other novels in her series while following a similar formula that you can easily slip into. I find her novels really easy to read with recognisable and detailed characters and that’s why I wanted to read this book in the nice weather.  Morganville is a really interesting place and each book in the series adds more to the Morganville scene without becoming repetitive. Although the romantic vampire trope has become popular and over-used, I find Rachel Caine’s series is multi-dimensional with her own town and her own vampire rules. I would recommend this title and the series to anyone who fancies an easy read with (mostly) likeable characters.

3.5/5 Another novel in a brilliant series but one of the characters was a little on the annoying side.

There is no dog review

Title: There is no dog

Author: Meg Rosoff

Release date: 4^th August 2011

Publisher: Puffin

In the beginning there was Bob.

and Bob created the heavens and the earth,

and the beasts of the field,

and the creatures of the sea,

and twenty-five million other species,

including lots of gorgeous girls.

And all of this he created in just six days.

Six days! Congratulations, Bob.

No wonder Earth is such a mess.

Imagine that God is a typical teenage boy.

He is lazy, careless, self-obsessed, sex-mad – and about to meet Lucy, the most beautiful girl on earth.

Unfortunately, whenever Bob falls in love, disaster follows.

Let us pray that Bob does not fall in love with Lucy.

Bob is a teenage boy full of raging hormones and testosterone. He also happens to be the God of a little planet called Earth. Bob doesn't realise that he has to be attentive to his creations and often doesn't get up til midday, leaving his assistant, Mr B to get on with running the planet. But what happens when Mr B resigns? Can Bob ever restore humanity's faith in God?

This book caught my eye a few months ago because of its unusual title and the fact that it was also available in Playaway format at my local library. (Playaways are audio books stored on an MP3 player so they are easier to carry on the go). I must admit I couldn't get into the audio (although I do struggle with audio books at times) but was hooked with the book straight away. The book opens with a humorous quote from Stephen King which sets the tone of the book immediately.

This book had a Terry Pratchett feel to it and was very amusing throughout. I could just imagine the third person narrative being used as a voice over to a discworld film. The way each character is described with all their flaws gives the narrator a definitive character. However, I would add that Rosoff still has her own unique style and the book merely manages to capture Pratchett's hilarious and blunt omnipotent voice rather than mirroring his work. 

My favourite character was Estelle as she manages to command the page without doing or saying anything vitally important. She is a brilliant example of a magical supporting character. With her help, Mr B realises that he has more to offer the people of earth than Bob ever could do and helps offer a happy ending to the tale.

I found the book really funny and engaging with a variety of plot twists and a collection of well developed characters. The book works so well as a completed piece because each element of the novel is captivating and so well thought out. Rosoff has produced something that I would recommend for all readers, whether you are a fan of Pratchett or not.  

5/5 Something unusual that will appeal to fans of good, creative literature.

The Killing Joke Review

Title : The Killing Joke

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Release date: 1^st April 2005

Publisher: Orion

 
When Guy Fletcher protests at a sick joke he overhears in a pub, he finds himself headbutted and struck by an idea in quick succession. Is it possible to trace a joke all the way back to its original source?

 Guy’s quest takes him across the UK, from a humourless Hungarian dentist to a group of giggling grave-diggers, from a hyper active troupe of boy scouts to half a dozen undercover detectives. And along the way some pretty odd things are happening. Guy is sure he is being followed by an Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman. He has an unfortunate accident on a banana skin. There’s a fly in his soup, an army of nuns on his train – and an exploding house in Cambridge... Guy is on the verge of discovering something very unpleasant. Making jokes is no laughing matter.

If you were to trace the origins of a joke, how far would you go?

I couldn't work out whether this novel is pure genius or utterly bonkers... so I settled for a mixture of both.

The complex sentence structures and lexis give the book a sophisticated edge but the content is so ridiculous that I couldn't help but plough through the text.

The entire content of the book relies on communication, whether this be in the form of jokes spreading throughout the country or what the author of a book chooses to tell you about their particular story (see the end of the book!). I'm not going to go on some obsessive joke hunt like Guy Fletcher did but the story did make me wonder about the origins of jokes. Who's to say there isn't a joke factory somewhere? The character of Liddy makes some compelling arguments about why jokes are a necessary part of society but I'd rather believe there's a 'fat boy in the attic' somewhere who has nothing better to do with his time than a terrifying international conspiracy.

Guy and Sally's romance adds another level to a ridiculous story and I hope I'm not ruining the plot for anyone when I say I'm really REALLY glad they got their happy ending. In fact the ending was brilliantly positive but in keeping with the silly style of the rest of the story. I did actually laugh out loud when I reached the final chapter of the book, Anthony Horowitz lets his readers know that the story never truly ends, just like jokes which are continually being revised and redistributed.

I felt that Guy really developed as a character which helped drive the novel. He has gone off on a wild goose chase but what if, this time, he can actually catch the goose? The entire story takes place over a few weeks but I felt like I'd known Guy for years and could really sympathise with him when his world comes crumbling down.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who fancies a good laugh. It has a compelling narrative, colourful characters and a string of unusual occurrences.

5/5 Beware the Englishman, Irishman and the Scotsman!

The Future of Us Review

Title: The Future of Us

Author: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Release date: 5^th January 2012

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children’s Books

It’s 1996 and less than half of all high school students have ever used the internet. Facebook will not be invented for another eight years.

Josh and Emma have been neighbours their whole lives. They’ve been best friends almost as long – at least they were until last November, when everything changed. Things have been awkward ever since, but when Josh’s family gets a free AOL CD in the mail, his mum makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When the two friends log on, the discover their profiles on Facebook.

And they’re looking at themselves fifteen years into the future.

Everyone wonders what their destiny will be.

Josh and Emma are about to find out.

The first time Emma uses the internet on her home PC, she discovers something life changing. Facebook. But it’s 1996 and her profile reveals details about her future self. Emma doesn’t even know what Facebook is, all she can deduce is that she doesn’t seem happy in the future. With the help of her friend Josh, can she create a future with a positive Facebook profile?

What I liked most about this book was that it allowed me to reminisce about a time before mobile phones and computers were so mainstream. I remember when it took ages to dial a connection for your internet and I also remember getting my first mobile phone. (I've just got my first ever phone with internet and now I wonder how I ever managed without it!) While many teenagers will enjoy looking back at how things were before they were born (imagine a life without Facebook! ), I felt that being a little bit older and remembering how things used to be added another level to my enjoyment of the book which younger readers might not experience.

The complex relationship between Emma and Josh is funny, heart-warming and emotional and really made the book a fantastic read. The way they verge on being friends/more than friends throughout the novel is made really obvious and humorous. Each chapter is written from the point of view of Josh or Emma and it was lovely to see both sides of their relationship as it developed.

The way Facebook is used within the novel as Emma’s indicator of whether or not her future is a happy one really made me think about the way we portray ourselves through social networking. Some of us are optimists and only try to post positive things so that other people think our lives are perfect and others only share their misfortune. It's interesting to think how much of ourselves we actually reveal through our personal profiles and how obsessive some people get over checking it, just like Emma does. 

I picked up this novel because the idea of a world without Facebook caught my attention. While adults in the world today grew up without home PCs, let alone the internet, many teenagers today can’t go a few hours without needing to update their status or check their wall. The novel explored the positives and negatives of being ‘Facebook obsessed’ while being hilarious and uplifting. It was a brilliant teenage novel but the future aspect made it a real page turner.

I wonder what my Facebook profile will look like in fifteen years time and  I wonder if I'll like it?

4.5/5 I think anyone who uses Facebook would really enjoy this book.