A Book A Week

Good stories linger in our minds, prompting us to reflect on their themes, characters, and the emotions they evoke. Some of the most memorable stories for me come from the horror genre. Great horror does more than just scare; it challenges us to consider concepts like good and evil and the complexities of humanity. The best stories are driven by compelling characters, regardless of genre, and resonate with us long after we've finished reading. Paul Tremblay is a master at blending terrifying scenarios with intricate characters. He has captivated readers with genre-defining works such as A Head Full of Ghosts and The Cabin at the End of the World. Now, he returns with his latest tale, Horror Movie, a chilling story of nostalgia, regret, and second chances.

Sometimes, you can just sense when a project is destined to be magical. For the cast and crew of Horror Movie, that feeling is unmistakable. It's the summer of 1993, and they are pushing the boundaries of guerrilla filmmaking. Their art-house approach embraces the rawness of each scene. Lacking a substantial budget, they depend on their setting—an abandoned school—their script—an evolving document only fully known to the director and screenwriter—and a cast deeply immersed in their roles. The standout of this ensemble is the film's monster, "The Thin Kid," portrayed by a wiry misfit with no previous acting experience. To keep him fully engaged in his character, the filmmakers instruct him to always wear his mask on set and avoid speaking to the other cast and crew. This method results in true cinematic magic. Oddly, though, the completed movie is never released. Only three scenes ever make it to the public. Over the years, curiosity about the final film and the mysterious events on set turn Horror Movie into a legend. Devoted fans yearn to see the entire film and experience its enigmatic terror.

Decades later, the actor who played "The Thin Kid" is the only surviving member of the original cast. Curiosity about the unreleased project has reached a fever pitch, and a major movie studio is eager to capitalize on the buzz. They plan to remake Horror Movie, using the original script and hiring the actor to produce and reprise his legendary role. He is excited to finally complete the project, and the substantial paycheck is an excellent incentive to do it. As production gears up, though, the past comes crashing back in. He'll have to confront the secrets buried within the original screenplay, face the reality of the unconventional events of the filming, and avoid crossing the same dangerous lines that led to an unspeakable tragedy. 

Horror Movie sees Paul Tremblay craft a terse, visceral novel that chilled me to my core. The book unfolds through shifting perspectives: the unnamed actor's audiobook recollections, past and present, and excerpts from the original screenplay. It took me a moment to fully grasp the structure, but I quickly fell into the story's rhythm and was utterly captivated. Tremblay's terror works on multiple levels. First, there's the mystery of what happened on the film set. It's shrouded in secrecy and gradually revealed through flashbacks. Concurrently, the novel presents an actual horror movie as a screenplay, immersing us in a retro horror vibe that reflects our nostalgia and expectations. Further still, the novel critiques reboot and sequel culture, highlighting Hollywood's tendency to recycle ideas and extend franchises far beyond their natural shelf life. Tremblay brings the ramifications of this creative stagnation to a fittingly horrific conclusion.

Finally, and perhaps most effectively, Horror Movie works on an unconscious level. Three-quarters of the way through, I began to feel a growing sense of unease that had been building since I started reading. I began to piece together the clues, realizing how a perfectly laid path had been set out, leading me, the unsuspecting reader, to a shocking yet inevitable ending. It was a gut punch of a revelation that only the best horror can deliver. Ultimately, Horror Movie is a masterful showcase of the power of this genre and an homage to all the great horror stories that have come before it. The novel further cements Tremblay's position as a storyteller at the peak of his craft.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 57)

M. Night Shyamalan is a name synonymous with horror. His breakout directorial hit The Sixth Sense set the stage for an incredible run of original suspense films known for their trademark twist endings. In later years, the writer-director became infamous for a string of commercial and critical misfires that saw his stature in Hollywood diminish. Recently, he has shifted away from big studio productions, opting for self-financed films that harken back to the grassroots approach of his earlier, more successful works. When I first caught wind of Shyamalan's plans to adapt Paul Tremblay's terrifying novel, The Cabin at the End of the World, for the screen, I approached the news with a mix of cautious optimism. I enjoyed most of Shyamalan's films, including some of his less well-received ones, so I was eager to witness his interpretation of a novel that I held in such high regard.

The story centers around a family consisting of a gay couple, portrayed by Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge, and their adopted daughter, Wen. Seeking a peaceful vacation, the trio retreats to a remote cabin in the woods. While her fathers unwind on the cabin's back patio, young Wen keeps herself occupied by collecting grasshoppers in the front yard. She meticulously names and catalogs these creatures until she notices a large, imposing figure approaching the dirt road. This intimidating man, portrayed terrifyingly by Dave Bautista, introduces himself to Wen and cryptically explains that he and his companions require their help to save the world. At this moment, Wen's instincts signal the impending danger to her and her family, prompting her to flee and seek her parents' assistance.

It doesn't take long for the man and his three associates to capture the family and hold them hostage within the cabin. It's within the confines of this cabin that their true intentions are unveiled. The strangers believe they have been chosen to prevent an impending apocalypse, with the family playing a pivotal role in their mission. Confounded, terrified, and isolated from the outside world, the family must grapple with their beliefs and make a life-altering decision before it's too late.

Knock at the Cabin demonstrates Shyamalan's directorial prowess, successfully translating Tremblay's harrowing story into a gripping cinematic experience. Dave Bautista delivers a standout performance, skillfully oscillating between nuanced grief and menacing intimidation. His emotionally charged portrayal adds layers of tension, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Rupert Grint, renowned for his role in Harry Potter, also makes a striking appearance, showcasing his versatility in a raw and terrifying character that's a stark departure from his iconic role. The film earns its R rating through its graphic violence, as Shyamalan fearlessly captures the horrifying essence of Tremblay's premise. While the movie delves into moments of intense terror, it also balances the narrative with poignant character development, providing viewers with brief respites amid the suspense.

As in the novel, the film admirably presents a gay couple without sensationalism, portraying their relationship as authentically normal. Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge breathe life into their characters, crafting a genuine and relatable portrayal of this couple. Shyamalan opts for an ending distinct from the novel, which may be less contentious. Regardless of one's stance on the ending, the film masterfully explores themes of family, duty, and sacrifice within the framework of chilling horror. It stands as an excellent addition to any spooky season watchlist.

"Everything isn't ending. Civilization is more resilient than people think."

Paul Tremblay's penchant for high-concept horror with down-to-earth character development has seen him ascend the ranks of modern American horror authors. With each new novel, his work becomes more terrifying and more emotionally impactful. In his latest novel Survivor Song, Tremblay writes one of his most compelling narratives to date. A twist of fate has made his imagined scenario in the book eerily mirror the current situation that much of the world is still grappling with. I've always been a fan of Tremblay, so I happily accepted a copy of Survivor Song from his publisher.

Before this year, it would have been hard to imagine a world riddled with a global health pandemic. That's exactly the premise Tremblay presents in this novel. A highly contagious strain of rabies with an accelerated incubation period has begun to ravage parts of the US. Cities have been shut down under government-mandated lockdowns, hospitals are at full capacity, and people are panicking. Individuals infected with the virus lose all semblance of normal human function. They become crazed zombies, infected with the unyielding need to bite and infect others.

The book opens with a bang as pregnant Natalie is helping her husband Paul unload groceries. Their whole city is on lockdown, so they are eager to safely get their items into the house. A moment of carelessness sees them leave their front door ajar, allowing an infected man to enter their home. In a flash, Paul is killed and Natalie is bitten in the arm. Fearful of infection and eager to keep her unborn child safe, she frantically drives to her friend Dr. Ramola's house. The two race against the clock of the impending infection to try to save the life of Natalie's child.

Survivor Song is Tremblay's most terrifying novel to date, made even more timely by the fact that it is publishing as the world deals with a real-life infectious virus. I was amazed at how closely Tremblay's fiction captured the scenario we are dealing with now. A year ago, I would have found a glorified zombie tale to be unbelievable, but now it is chillingly close to life. Beyond the plot, Tremblay inhabits his novel with believable characters who you can't help but root for. Flashbacks provide context for Natalie and Ramola's relationship, allowing the emotional stakes to soar alongside the journey to safety. Being that this novel is really close to our current life, I do think you need to be in the proper mood to read it. Still, there's no denying the craft, thoughtfulness, and escapism that Survivor Song provides. "This is not a fairy tale. this is a song."

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 29)

Every once in a while, a novel comes along that surpasses your expectations and defies explanation. Such is the case with Paul Tremblay's latest book The Cabin at the End of the World. I really enjoyed A Head Full of Ghosts when I read it last year, but this novel sees Tremblay take his storytelling to new heights. Even the master of horror himself, Stephen King has called the book "Terrifying". If you manage to scare Stephen King, you've got to be doing something right!

To provide a full summary of this story would be a disservice to anyone planning to read it. Like most great horror, the books hinges upon a pretty simple setup. It starts innocently enough. Young Wen and her fathers plan to celebrate some family time at a cabin in the woods, away from distractions and the rest of the world. Little do they know that the rest of the world will soon be invading their little getaway.

As husbands Andrew and Eric enjoy some quiet time on the back deck of the cabin, their adopted daughter Wen is capturing grasshoppers in the front yard. She carefully catalogs each of her finds, giving each insect a name. Wen is surprised to look up and see a lone man walking down the road to the cabin. She doesn't remember seeing any other houses on the drive into the woods, so she's not really sure where he could be coming from. First, she thinks about alerting her dads to this strange figure but then thinks better of it. She doesn't want to disturb their relaxing vacation.

The Cabin at the End of the World is a masterfully relentless novel of horror and suspense. Tremblay lures the reader in with an ever-growing sense of dread and terror. At times, I was so horrified by what I was reading, I had to pause. Despite my fear, I couldn't stay away for too long. I had to see this story through. Tremblay smartly presents the events as they unfold with little suggestion as to why these things are happening or how they came to be. This only adds to the suspense.

Beyond being a solid thriller, The Cabin at the End of the World features well-drawn characters that helped keep me thoroughly invested into the story, even when I didn't understand everything that was happening. Tremblay writes of a gay couple who are refreshingly normal. They face universal challenges with parenting, religion, and trauma that all readers will be able to relate to. Frankly, in 2018 it is surprising that there aren't more diverse characters in the genre. Hopefully, the success of Tremblay's novel will help fuel a shift in representation within horror and thrillers. Through a mix of old-school horror, believable characters, and non-stop suspense, Paul Tremblay's The Cabin at the End of the World ends up being a remarkably effective thriller that makes for the perfect summer read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2018, 27)

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear such a big secret. It might not fit in my head and then it would spill out everywhere."

A Head Full of Ghosts begins as many horror stories do. The Barrett family is a pretty normal group. Mom, Dad, and sisters Marjorie and Merry live a peaceful life in their suburban home. Things change when older sister Marjorie begins to exhibit odd behavior. The doctors and specialists can't seem to find a medical explanation for her condition. Dad turns to the church and becomes convinced that Marjorie is possessed by a demon.

Given their unusual circumstance, the Barrett family does what any American family would do. They cash in on their troubles by allowing a television crew to film their life and attempts at exorcism for a reality show. What ensues is the tragic erosion of a once happy family. The parents don't agree on how to approach treatment for Marjorie, Merry is ignored by the rest of her family, and Marjorie is pushed to physical and emotional limits. Is the girl truly possessed, or is the Barrett family merely enacting a hoax for financial gain?

A Head Full of Ghosts is a refreshing addition to the horror genre. Paul Tremblay writes with a self-awareness that gives an original perspective to an otherwise familiar story. Tremblay clearly has an extensive knowledge and appreciation for all things horror. There is nothing overtly shocking or gory about this book. Rather, the story unfolds with a slow build that gives just enough suspense to keep us hanging onto every word. I like my horror stories to make me think and fill with dread. By that mark, A Head Full of Ghosts is an excellent novel that will leave you with an anxious paranoia of every little bump in the night.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 13)