Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The October Quick Reads

A lot honestly, I just keep forgetting to put the books back on the shelf here for you to see. Today I read a handful of short stories, all of which were fairly different. But they all had something in common, they have characters familiar to the Halloween scene that is going on this month.

Each were enjoyable in their own ways, and each one had a different theme. Most are available free via Smashwords if you are interested in reading them. Or if you have a nook they can be found on the Barnes and Noble website.

The Vampire Shortstop by Scott Nicholson
This story is charming and sad at the same time. It's about little league and as the title states, a Vampire Shortstop, but it also shows how a town reacts to a player that is different. If any of your kids play the game, they may enjoy it as well, but please read it before you let them read it as the story might be a bit strong for some age groups.

Why I Slept Through Halloween by H Jason Schulz
Schulz makes fun of a bunch of stereotyped actions and events that happen in a teens life in this short but amusing tale. Unlike most, it has a clear and simple show of action and consequence. I'd recommend it for readers 12 and up, though younger readers may enjoy it as well.


Ouija Be My Friend? by Tarmin P. Lupo
This fast paced story leaves the reader on a cliffhanger to decide for themselves what happens. Featuring a Ouija board in an unexpected place (a nursing home), you get taken on a fast roller coaster of who did it moments. You could end up surprised, or you might just laugh. Recommend this for ages 14 and up, as there it can be seen as fairly dark.

Hecate's Collar of Bones by Jill Zeller
This story is a look at life and death from the eyes of someone that works very close to Death. It looks at how he views the world around him, and the realizations that come from being so close to Death. It is a pleasant, clean story. But not recommended for young readers.

Vatican Vamps by Megan Hammer
This story takes a quick peek into the lives of vampires that do not crackle pop and sizzle in the confines of a church or holy space. That in and of itself seemed interesting. If you are one of those people who enjoyed Twilight, it may be a fun read as it is a different approach. Even if you didn't care for twilight, it had an awesome twist ending.

Some Summonings are Suspect by Jeffery Somogyi
The title of this story left me wondering what to expect. I got something a lot different than i had expected too. I got laughs. I was expecting a horror story, which yes, there are elements of horror, but this particular story seems to be presented as a mockery. It is adorable, but like The Vampire Short Stop I would recommend reading it before letting your child read it, as some of it might be a bit much for them.

Well, that's a short view of what I've recently read, when I finish the next book I'm reading I will get back to you. Have fun, and enjoy the written word! Pick up a book, they do your mind good.