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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved the surrealist creepy nature of this little novel.
This is a difficult book to describe. It's a quick read that lingers well after you finish it for the eerie themes it touches on--it's not just the overt scariness of wasps (I happen to be allergic to wasps so that was quite effective for me!) but of being forgotten and existing outside of things.
I liked that the protagonist clearly had an anxiety issue and while that impacted the plot, the story wasn't about his anxiety.
I liked that the protagonist clearly had an anxiety issue and while that impacted the plot, the story wasn't about his anxiety.
Oppel hits all the right notes in delivering this creepy read perfectly pitched for a wide range of young readers. Balancing authentic emotion with supernatural happenings, Oppel's story will appeal to both horror fans and those who prefer realistic fiction. Steve is a remarkably sympathetic character, realistically concerned for his new, sickly sibling, and taking on too many of his parents' worries like kids so often do. The wasps are tangibly horrific with their mandibles, slimy larvae, and papery nest slowly growing outside Steve's window - Oppel's descriptions will have readers squirming in their seats. Succinct and efficient with plenty of action in counterpoint to Steve's internal struggles, this would be a great read aloud for younger elementary kids who love scary stuff, and older independent readers will fly through it.
This book is not necessarily my cup of tea but what an interesting premise and read. Says some stuff about mental health, but also like weird fantasy/sci-fi vibes are happening. Kind of dark for this age group, so I would definitely give it to ages 10+ unless I knew the kid and their reading preferences.
This was fantastic, surreal and scary. And it definitely changed the way I think about wasps...
took a while to pick it up and read
BUT
love how I read this
also gives major hey Stephen vibes (Taylor’s version)
BUT
love how I read this
also gives major hey Stephen vibes (Taylor’s version)
Holy Cow. I had no idea what to expect going into this book. A writer I admire posted about it, so I looked it up and saw it was recommended for fans of Coraline. I don’t want to say too much because I think it’s best to go in not knowing much. I thought this book was bizarre and excellent.
I liked this book because it was weird and super creepy, but are there really any kids named Steve?