evalolitah's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookwyvern07's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jj315's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun, quick read for some Point Horror nostalgia. I saw the twist coming a mile away, but I still enjoyed the book overall.
authorbaileyday's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Mental illness
Minor: Grief
tyler_j's review against another edition
2.25
Well for the most part I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery of "stay away from Jerry" and who was the murderer. While I didn't guess, and normally that's a good thing, I...don't think I liked the twist. Kinda put a bad taste in my mouth. I did like the part with Vince in the end.
slimeandslashers's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars! Perfect summer read. Lots of people seem to be pretty harsh on this book from what I've read on here. If you are expecting something more than teenage drama, fun late 80s/early 90s vibes, and beach feels, then I'm not sure you should pick this up. However, if you are looking for something light and nostalgic, then dig in! Some things in the story could have been executed better, but I never thought about that while reading; I was just along for the ride! And what a fun, sand-filled ride it was!
liamunderwood's review against another edition
1.0
R.L. Stine played such a formative role in my childhood. I've been fairly enjoying reading Goosebumps, but I'm having way more fun revisiting Point Horror. Except, unfortunately, for R.L. Stine's entries. Both The Baby-Sitter and The Boyfriend were disappointing, but they were at least written in a compelling way and I found myself quickly devouring the books. The same could not be said for Beach Party.
The book opens with the line 'Karen Mandell drove the way she did everything else in life - foot down hard on the gas, full speed ahead, never look behind.' It's all downhill from here. There is one memorable scene in this entire book, but the rest is just excruciatingly boring to read. The plot centres around the dilemma of which boy should our protagonist, Karen, choose to spend her time with - Jerry or Vince. Jerry has a girlfriend, and Vince is supposed to be dangerous. I didn't particularly care for either of her options so struggled to really buy into this dilemma. The ending is also incredibly weak, even by Point Horror standards.
Beach Party is the first Point Horror book that I've found boring. Although flawed, the others all have at least something going for them, or something that makes them stand out. Beach Party has nothing going for it.
1/5
Point Horror Ranked
1) Trick or Treat - 3.5/5
2) Teacher's Pet - 3.5/5
3) April Fools - 3.5/5
4) My Secret Admirer - 3.5/5
5) The Lifeguard - 3.5/5
6) Funhouse - 3/5
7) The Boyfriend - 2/5
8) The Baby-Sitter - 1.5/5
9) Beach Party - 1/5
The book opens with the line 'Karen Mandell drove the way she did everything else in life - foot down hard on the gas, full speed ahead, never look behind.' It's all downhill from here. There is one memorable scene in this entire book, but the rest is just excruciatingly boring to read. The plot centres around the dilemma of which boy should our protagonist, Karen, choose to spend her time with - Jerry or Vince. Jerry has a girlfriend, and Vince is supposed to be dangerous. I didn't particularly care for either of her options so struggled to really buy into this dilemma. The ending is also incredibly weak, even by Point Horror standards.
Beach Party is the first Point Horror book that I've found boring. Although flawed, the others all have at least something going for them, or something that makes them stand out. Beach Party has nothing going for it.
1/5
Point Horror Ranked
1) Trick or Treat - 3.5/5
2) Teacher's Pet - 3.5/5
3) April Fools - 3.5/5
4) My Secret Admirer - 3.5/5
5) The Lifeguard - 3.5/5
6) Funhouse - 3/5
7) The Boyfriend - 2/5
8) The Baby-Sitter - 1.5/5
9) Beach Party - 1/5
mnmetje_mcclain's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0