Hi all!

Today I’m sharing my wrap-up for the IT themed readathon – created by me. You can read more about it here. I ended up reading six books. I also watched Funny Games & Hostel, to satisfy the horror movie prompt. I selected Richie Tozier as my member of the Loser’s Club, completing all his challenges. I also had enough time to finish Eddie Kaspbrak’s path. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

MY WRAP-UP! 

1.) Read a horror comedy novel

I loved this funny, yet spooky story. It was set in a surprisingly unsettling IKEA type store. There was plenty of witty dialogue, suspense and action, to keep me interested the entire way through. I believe Grady Hendrix can be a bit hit and miss, but this one was a home-run!

I gave it 4.5/5 stars.

2-3.) Read a horror novella + an LGBTQ+ horror  

I read The Worm and His Kings for both this readathon and the Breath of the Wild Readathon (more on that here). I will start with what I enjoyed. It had excellent trans and sapphic representation. It was also beautifully written. Unfortunately, I don’t think cosmic horror is for me. For a short story, it was extremely confusing and bizarre. I had no idea what was going on and if you ask me how it ended, I couldn’t tell you. I don’t like to think too hard when I’m reading.

I gave it 2/5 stars.

4.) Read a Stephen King novel 

I absolutely loved the 2017 film adaptation, so I was certain I would enjoy the original story. I was right! It was told to perfection. I truly believe Gerald’s Game is one of Kings best works. Check it out if you haven’t already.

I gave it 5/5 stars.

5.) Watch a movie you swore you wouldn’t.

I finally sat down to watch the 2007 remake of Funny Games, starring Naomi Watts and Tim Roth. It was definitely more of a thriller, with horror elements. Like Hostel (see below), the film was tamer than I expected it to be. Having said that, the sadistic games the family were forced to play, made me uncomfortable. Especially because their young child was involved. It moved at a very slow pace, only ramping up toward the end. I guess home invasion movies just aren’t for me.

I gave it 2.5/5 stars.

1-2.) Read a horror novel with a deadly virus + a horror novel you’re scared to pick up 

This was July’s You’ll Read Too Bookclub pick of the month! You can read my entire review here.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars.

3.) Read a horror novel with an underdog as the main character 

After seeing The Black Phone in cinemas (click here), I wanted to read the short story by Joe Hill. It was very similar to the film but didn’t provide any additional context to the Grabber. I was left with so many questions. The lead, Finney, is 100% an underdog.

I gave it 3/5 stars.

4.) Read a psychological horror novel 

The talented Mark Towse sent me a copy of his novella: Gone to the Dogs. I really enjoyed it. It definitely messed with my mind, which is to be expected with a psychological horror. I loved the parallels to The Mist and the way the author was able to conjure a tale, full of dread and comedy at the same time.

I gave it 4/5 stars.

5.) Watch a movie you swore you wouldn’t.

I decided to give Hostel a go and here is what I thought. It’s going to sound twisted but I am so desensitised to horror at this point, the torture was a bit vanilla. In my opinion, Saw and The Human Centipede are much more intense. The beginning of the film was reminiscent of EuroTrip. It was a lot of sex, drugs and drinking. The second half was where the movie ramped up, but still, I was slightly underwhelmed. The disjointed plot lacked substance. I didn’t feel any sort of sympathy for the ‘frat-boy’ type characters.

I gave it 2/5 stars.

Thank you so much for reading! Did you partake in the readathon? 

Peace & Love xoxo