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greatnate008's review against another edition
4.0
Melissa is such a terrible driver! Why doesn't anyone confront her about her reckless endangerment? She sort of admits she should pay more attention while driving after she blows through a couple of 4 way stops...
Also, there is a ghost in the story.
Also, there is a ghost in the story.
tyler_j's review against another edition
3.25
I really did enjoy this book for the most part! I think I also need to stop looking at reviews before I read a book. Afterwards sure, maybe see things differently or new things, but not before. That just leads to disaster.
Anyway I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I needed to know how it would pan out even as I got worried about the ending. I related to Melissa in some ways. Not entirely because I didn't grow up rich but she isn't a typical snob. Her second guessing herself, her feeling frustrated that no one would listen to her, thinking maybe they were right, being timid but also being able to stick up for herself when she had too.
There is a lot of rape culture in the book. To me it always looked like a bad thing, it wasn't condoned in my eyes. She got frustrated, she said no, you heard her thoughts. If you honestly think that crap is ok i'd have to say the problem is with you, not the book. I do get how this book isn't for everyone though. Could it have been clearer? Maybe, but it seemed obvious to me. I like it didn't talk down to it's readers.
It's not the most well written, it's R.L.Stine and early in his career too I believe. But I did see it tackle some things and I really liked that. The ending could very understandably piss people off though. I see that clearly. To me it makes me think, and I like books that make me think. The plot was a bit...contrived to say the least. And a bit far-fetched. It's not ment to be a masterpiece though. I enjoyed it for what it was. As always these are just my thoughts on the book.
TW: Attempted rape, rape culture
Anyway I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I needed to know how it would pan out even as I got worried about the ending. I related to Melissa in some ways. Not entirely because I didn't grow up rich but she isn't a typical snob. Her second guessing herself, her feeling frustrated that no one would listen to her, thinking maybe they were right, being timid but also being able to stick up for herself when she had too.
There is a lot of rape culture in the book. To me it always looked like a bad thing, it wasn't condoned in my eyes. She got frustrated, she said no, you heard her thoughts. If you honestly think that crap is ok i'd have to say the problem is with you, not the book. I do get how this book isn't for everyone though. Could it have been clearer? Maybe, but it seemed obvious to me. I like it didn't talk down to it's readers.
It's not the most well written, it's R.L.Stine and early in his career too I believe. But I did see it tackle some things and I really liked that. The ending could very understandably piss people off though. I see that clearly. To me it makes me think, and I like books that make me think. The plot was a bit...contrived to say the least. And a bit far-fetched. It's not ment to be a masterpiece though. I enjoyed it for what it was. As always these are just my thoughts on the book.
TW: Attempted rape, rape culture
jsalz13's review against another edition
4.0
This book was good, but very typical. I had it all figured out halfway through.
readertasha's review against another edition
5.0
It was enjoyable. I was actually really sad at the end. I'm such a child but yea its a great read.
booksandbraids's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed the ending on this one, but 90% of it was not very good. This girl should never be allowed behind the wheel of a car. I understand that when the ghost grabbed the wheel and swerved the car it was not her fault. But she did so many other awful things. Running red lights and stop signs and hitting other cars because she was distracted. Parking in a no-parking zone. And then she parked in front of a fire hydrant and I was certain that would get her in trouble but nothing ever came of it, so I have no idea why Stine felt the need to describe that detail.
charlottesometimes's review against another edition
slow-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
2.0
corkycorcoran's review against another edition
3.0
No chills in this installment of the Fear Street series. Does finally feature an actual supernatural story element and a theme of guys who push “no means no” boundaries.
zaradukic's review
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
paperbackstash's review against another edition
4.0
Rating as a book for this young of an age group, was better than the normal RL Stine fear street story.
From an adult perspective of course would not give a four star rating, but for the age group it was well done and well layed out.
The protagonist, Melissa, is from a wealthy family and gets used to teasing about her family's money. Even though she's well-off, she seems less snobby than some of her other friends. On her birthday, all sorts of weird things start happening, such as feeling the steering wheel of her car being grabbed by an unseen force. At home she encounters the ghost of a teenage boy she doesn't recognize, who said she killed him and his death is her fault. He wants revenge, but she claims innocence, swearing she's never seen him in her life.
The ending of this book is actually much deeper than most of Stine's other books, and it's pretty sad. When the bizarre mystery is explained, it's profound, and what happens is bitter and gut-wrenching, which isn't the norm for this kind of stuff. Color me impressed.
There is little creep factor, really. It's more of a mystery type Fear Street. Both characters are completely likeable. To me this is one of Stine's best works, and instead of relying on fun scares and light cliches, there's a real drama story here for young adults to enjoy.
As an adult, these books don't hold up well with writing style and chapter cliffhangers; however, it's great for young adults venturing into older, suspenseful type reading for their age groups.
From an adult perspective of course would not give a four star rating, but for the age group it was well done and well layed out.
The protagonist, Melissa, is from a wealthy family and gets used to teasing about her family's money. Even though she's well-off, she seems less snobby than some of her other friends. On her birthday, all sorts of weird things start happening, such as feeling the steering wheel of her car being grabbed by an unseen force. At home she encounters the ghost of a teenage boy she doesn't recognize, who said she killed him and his death is her fault. He wants revenge, but she claims innocence, swearing she's never seen him in her life.
The ending of this book is actually much deeper than most of Stine's other books, and it's pretty sad. When the bizarre mystery is explained, it's profound, and what happens is bitter and gut-wrenching, which isn't the norm for this kind of stuff. Color me impressed.
There is little creep factor, really. It's more of a mystery type Fear Street. Both characters are completely likeable. To me this is one of Stine's best works, and instead of relying on fun scares and light cliches, there's a real drama story here for young adults to enjoy.
As an adult, these books don't hold up well with writing style and chapter cliffhangers; however, it's great for young adults venturing into older, suspenseful type reading for their age groups.
peyton_'s review against another edition
4.0
“Haunted” follows Melissa struggle to understand why a ghost is after her. There is nothing that she remembers doing to the ghost, Paul, and she does not recognize him. Paul will not leave her alone until her gets justice for his death.
I enjoyed “Haunted” and liked the struggle between Melissa and Paul to discover the truth. In typical YA literary style, Melissa develops feelings for Paul. I thought this was kind of cute, but that might be because Halloween is coming soon and I like to embrace the supernatural elements and decorations. Paul comes across as a dislikable character, but manages to slowly become more pleasant. Paul kind of reminded me of the greasers in “The Outsiders”, in the way that he was described.
“Haunted” was probably the Fear Street novel that I have found most amusing. I found a lot of the writing to be cliché and overdone, but that could be because the book was written twenty-eight years ago. I laughed at a couple of the things that Melissa did and some of Paul’s behaviour was a little silly. Overall, I did find “Haunted” to be entertaining and I remain fond of the Fear Street books.
I enjoyed “Haunted” and liked the struggle between Melissa and Paul to discover the truth. In typical YA literary style, Melissa develops feelings for Paul. I thought this was kind of cute, but that might be because Halloween is coming soon and I like to embrace the supernatural elements and decorations. Paul comes across as a dislikable character, but manages to slowly become more pleasant. Paul kind of reminded me of the greasers in “The Outsiders”, in the way that he was described.
“Haunted” was probably the Fear Street novel that I have found most amusing. I found a lot of the writing to be cliché and overdone, but that could be because the book was written twenty-eight years ago. I laughed at a couple of the things that Melissa did and some of Paul’s behaviour was a little silly. Overall, I did find “Haunted” to be entertaining and I remain fond of the Fear Street books.