So in the new year I'm sure we all have been watching the news, and their always trying to paint various people in a villainous light. And I'm seeing a trend. Kids have a habit of turning people they don't know into villains. And today I've got two such stories to share with you about kids and their villains. Neither are very factual, but they are both enjoyable shorts. Just a bit of fluff to lighten things up.
_________________
The Pumpkin Eater
Justin Cawthorne
18 pages
This unique seasonal story looks at the kinds of stories that parents tell children.(You know, if you don't behave the boogeyman will get you" type of stuff) The made up things, like how flashlights scare away monsters. This one is set in October on Halloween and examines what happens when a boy heads somewhere that is frightening. Yet he is determined to trick or treat the place anyway, to prove something to his friend. We learn something very interesting about the person who lives there though, he's not your everyday neighbor.
A fun read for most ages, though an adult should pre-read it to determine if it is appropriate for their child. It isn't traumatizing, but it can seem scary to very young kids.
_________________
The Demon of Walker's Woods
Dan Dillard
79 pages
This story is a much more grim look at the way children demonize older people that they do not know. It also examines the reactions that children have when something awful happens to someone that they are close too. You're shown how they progress to various levels, pushed by curiosity, only to have their fears confirmed. Recommended for and teens and up, children should only read this piece at an adults discretion. As it may be crueler than most can stand.
_________________________
Well, Happy reading folks! Hope you have a great day and I hope the new year is going well for you ^_^.
Showing posts with label Halloween Themes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween Themes. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Friday, November 4, 2011
Gossip Gets You Nowhere
Ok. So the title honestly made me think about the commercials that I saw for Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. And at the beginning it really was a smidgen irritating. But I'm going to tell you about it , because I did enjoy it once I got into the swing of it.
The Gossip Ghouls by Z
424 page read
This is a fun and interesting read, most likely meant for teens. It looks at a different dynamic and use of Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies. Not only that it throws all three of them into the High School Setting that many of the intended audience would be familiar with.
I enjoyed it's catty and very girly characters that seemed to be fairly web savvy. The way the author used technology to make the story seem relevant was fun.
Honestly, it is a bit much at times. Some of the authors decisions about her characters actions seem a bit harsh. Teenagers getting married for instance. That sent shudders down my spine. But marriage in general is an institution that I am not entirely on friendly terms with at this point in my life.
Some books that are similar in content are the Monster High books. If your reader is a bit younger (say starting between 10 and 13) I would recommend letting them read those mainstream novels first. Gossip Ghouls is good, but it's messages aren't always clear. Not only that it doesn't display the lines between right and wrong clearly. There doesn't seem to be any negative consequences for any-ones actions. The writer even makes it seem as though death is not permanent.
A fun read though, definitely something to add to your eBook stash if you're hording for a rainy day. Just don't expect Anne Rice, think of it as more of a ....fluffy read.
The Gossip Ghouls by Z
424 page read
This is a fun and interesting read, most likely meant for teens. It looks at a different dynamic and use of Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies. Not only that it throws all three of them into the High School Setting that many of the intended audience would be familiar with.
I enjoyed it's catty and very girly characters that seemed to be fairly web savvy. The way the author used technology to make the story seem relevant was fun.
Honestly, it is a bit much at times. Some of the authors decisions about her characters actions seem a bit harsh. Teenagers getting married for instance. That sent shudders down my spine. But marriage in general is an institution that I am not entirely on friendly terms with at this point in my life.
Some books that are similar in content are the Monster High books. If your reader is a bit younger (say starting between 10 and 13) I would recommend letting them read those mainstream novels first. Gossip Ghouls is good, but it's messages aren't always clear. Not only that it doesn't display the lines between right and wrong clearly. There doesn't seem to be any negative consequences for any-ones actions. The writer even makes it seem as though death is not permanent.
A fun read though, definitely something to add to your eBook stash if you're hording for a rainy day. Just don't expect Anne Rice, think of it as more of a ....fluffy read.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)