The House with a Clock in Its Walls - Fantasy Mystery Novel for Book Clubs | Perfect for Halloween Reading & Book Discussion Groups

John Bellairs. What's not to love? Spooky, dark, gothic horror with (somehow) a cozy, comforting edge. This is what John Bellairs did best—horror for kids in a way that leaves them not just creeped out, but also reassured and (once they grow up) nostalgic.Lewis, Uncle Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmerman are great, non-cookie-cutter characters. The awkward kid who's *actually* awkward (fat, unkempt, clueless, genuine), not just Hollywood awkward (gorgeous but shy). The bearded, idiosyncratic, he's-a-character uncle who's brash but also kind, aware of life's dark edges but also living solidly in the warm center. The grandmotherly woman who's got a razor-sharp tongue but uses it to show everyone around her that she cares and is looking out for them.If there is such a thing, this is unfailingly *wholesome* horror for kids. No gross-out stuff or gore and guts. No cheap thrills. And underlying messages that used to be things we could all agree to: Don't mess with evils, esp. evils you don't understand. Stand up to the bad guys. Darkness is miserable, light is happy and loving and usually wins. Be kind. Care about people. Look out for the world. Be yourself.The poor Hollywood film isn't even in the same league as the book, and takes all of the things that make Bellairs so great and removes them, leaving behind the usual dreck. Forget the movie, read the book.This book in particular is great because it's not too intense—some of Bellairs' other work is probably best saved for 10 or 11 year olds, but this one has a light touch—sure, it's armageddon. Sure, they're evil wizards. But an eight or nine year old can handle this story well—and be entirely entertained by it. So if you're trying to get or keep your eight or nine year old reading, and they're into danger and adventure and happy families that aren't trite, this is a great read.Start here, then move on to other great John Bellairs books.Oh, and don't bother with the regrettable movie. Hollywood just doesn't get it. They never seem to do.