Velde, Vivian Vande. Being dead.Harcourt, Brace. 203p. c2001. 0-15-204912-6. $6.95. JS This collection of seven ghost stories ghost story n. A story having supernatural or frightening elements, especially a story featuring ghosts or spirits of the dead. ghost story n → cuento de fantasmas is told from a teenager's perspective. The tales are creepy creep·y adj. creep·i·er, creep·i·est Informal 1. Of or producing a sensation of uneasiness or fear, as of things crawling on one's skin: a creepy feeling; a creepy story. 2. but not scary. The first one, "Drop by Drop," has the biggest final twist. Brenda, a 16-year-old, is forced to move into the country with her family and finds an annoying little girl ghost in the new house. The ghost girl pulls typical ghost pranks like calling her on a dead phone line. As the story goes on, clues are given as to the real reason the little girl is appearing in the house, but Velde manages to hide these clues within typical teenage and parental interactions. Brenda is annoyed that her parents assume she ruined the alignment on the car, and is distressed that there is nothing to do in the new town. When the reader discovers that the real reason the little girl is haunting haunt·ing adj. Continually recurring to the mind; unforgettable: a haunting melody. haunt the house is because Brenda caused her death, it is a surprise to all, including Brenda. This fits in with the tradition of campfire-style, surprise-ending ghost stories. Not all of the stories are traditional. For example, "Shadow Brother" is a psychological thriller Psychological thriller is a specific sub-genre of the wide-ranging thriller genre. However, this genre often incorporates elements from the mystery genre in addition to the typical traits of the thriller genre. . Sarah used to listen to the arguments that her brother Kevin had with their father about the Vietnam War Vietnam War, conflict in Southeast Asia, primarily fought in South Vietnam between government forces aided by the United States and guerrilla forces aided by North Vietnam. Kevin opposed the war but sadly he died in it anyway. Their father goes off the deep end. He is consumed with guilt, and maybe by Kevin's ghost. This story is thought provoking pro·vok·ing adj. Troubling the nerves or peace of mind, as by repeated vexations: a provoking delay at the airport. pro·vok and melancholy Melancholy See also Grief. Acheron river of woe in the underworld. [Gk. Myth.: Howe, 5] Anatomy of Melancholy lists causes, symptoms, and characteristics of melancholy. [Br. Lit. . "October Chill," on the other hand, is a love story. Emily, who is dying, falls in love and has a last romance with a teenage boy who has been dead for hundreds of years. The title of the book is derived from the last story, in which a paperboy from the 1930s tells of his untimely death. He settles his score with the bully he worked with, and is able to say goodbye to his mother, in the final tear-jerking scene. These short stories are gripping and varied. They are a good choice for reluctant readers, or for anyone who likes ghost stories. Bethan Steward, Teen Svcs. Libn., Chelmsford P.L., Chelmsford, MA J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers. S--Recommended for senior high school students. |
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