I decided to read this between my Janet Evanovich books, even though I claimed to be ODing on Fear Street as it is. So I read it during the commercials of Food Network’s new show where people try to beat world records. After all, stupid knowledge like how many pancakes can be made in an hour (over 500 now) and the highest pizza toss (just over 21 feet) may come in handy some day (yeah right – but it’s still fun).

To get back on topic, if you’re just joining us Fear Street readers and aren’t familiar with the series, maybe this one will jog your memory; Goosebumps. R.L. Stine, young adult author extraordinaire, made Fear Street for kids too old for Goosebumps, or at least more interested in freaky stuff as opposed to evil spongy things under the sink. Fear Street consists of thriller/horror stories that occur in Shadyside, usually linked to a street named (duh) Fear Street. It’s a cursed street, to say the least. But no one believes in curses, right?

Maggie and her mother and sister, Andrea, have just moved into a house on Fear Street. Oh joy. Especially since it’s run-down and looks like something horror movies are staged in. Oh the irony. Maggie and Andrea have already picked their rooms, and when Maggie opens her door she finds a beautifully carved canopy bed, a little leftover gift from the previous owners it seems. But when she sleeps in it, that’s when the nightmare starts. She keeps seeing the same girl, over and over, and knows something bad is going to happen. Suddenly bad things start happening in the real world and Maggie starts to think it has something to do with that bed and the frightened girl she keeps dreaming about.

Maggie and Andrea are pretty much arguing the entire time. Ok, well maybe not, but Andrea is a brat and has some issues. She needs a good smack in the face, I think. But then I wouldn’t know about sisterly hate because my siblings and I seem to be some of the few out there that really do like each other. I know everyone in this town seems to fairly well hate their sibling, or at least one of them. Whatever.

Getting back on topic – er, again – Andrea does become annoying because of her brattiness. You feel bad for Maggie because she has to put up with it and her mother takes sides. I felt myself rather annoyed throughout the majority of this book, and not just because of Andrea’s attitude. Stine pulls a few tricks that are supposed to be scary or give a quick thrill, but they’re actually pretty lame. Ohmigod, I’m being chased and the person doesn’t yell my name – or I didn’t hear it! Not the first time this has happened in a Fear Street book. Or she sees someone and thinks “Oh no! They’re dead!” No, honey, they’re not – and why is that the first thing these people think? Oh no! Mom is on the couch with her eyes closed and her mouth open! She’s dead! Aaaaguughghgagh!! Oh, no wait, she’s asleep. *rolls eyes* Or when Maggie starts seeing the girl from her dreams when she’s awake – the girl is standing outside and suddenly she disappears! Ok, you were staring at her the entire time, your eyes can’t play tricks that serious. Freaked out or not I think I’d be aware of whether or not someone goes poof! or just dives into a hedge stage right.

Another thing is that Stine’s writing seems to have regressed in this book. Like maybe he wasn’t trying or something. I can’t say for sure. But the problems I’ve already had issues with are back; repetition, overuse of the word “so,” and now dialogue that doesn’t seem to fit. There have been times where I think, “Haha, no one talks like that” or “No one ever says that,” and there were plenty of those instances in this book. Here’s a prime example encompassing all of them on page 38: “I’m so pumped, Justin. So totally pumped.” No thanks.

Can you guess? Doubtful. Well, actually maybe you can, but you may second guess yourself because the idea is so wacky. Hard to say. I don’t remember what I thought the first time around. This time I already knew so any possible “thrill” was already nonexistent. It’s not that impressive, even if supernatural stuff is involved. But because this book was not meant for 23 year-old skeptics, I’m going to cut it a little slack. After all, with the weird plot it isn’t exactly average, but it’s not super great either.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

NT

My Book’s Info:
Price: The spine says $3.99
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Inc.
ISBN: 0671785699
Format: Paperback
Pages: 148
Date Published: 1994
Cover Art: Bill Schmidt


Fear Street Series
The New Girl
The Surprise Party
The Overnight
Missing
The Sleepwalker
Halloween Party
The Stepsister
The Secret Bedroom
The Cheater
Sunburn

Recommended: Yes