![]() ![]() THE SATURDAY NIGHT GHOST CLUB tells the story of Jake Baker, a kid growing up in 1980s Niagra Falls. It was billed as being in the vein of Stranger Things and Stand by Me which made me excited to pick it up. THE SATURDAY NIGHT GHOST CLUB by Craig Davidson was the August book pick for the Grim Readers Book Club. Review #3 Audiobook The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson I can\’t think of any of my reader friends that wouldn\’t find this a great read. Don\’t let that \”horror\” label be the signpost that you steer by and avoid this book. I know some will dismiss this with \”I don\’t read horror\” or somesuch, but this is so much more that that – a tale of youth and how friends come and go throughout your life, the importance of family as it plays out through your life, and the dynamic nature of memory. ![]() To call this book It-lite would be a total disservice, as Ghost Club is considerably lighter on the horrors, pays full-freight on the nostalgia and camaraderie of youth, but both books cross the goal line at different speeds in different cars. This book landed solidly on my best-of list (not just of 2019, but best-of) and will be one I\’ll revisit on a regular basis. Davidson more than delivered on the promise. Before diving in, I read comments that brought out allusions to Stranger Things, Stand By Me, and other tales that harken back to the days of youth when nothing seemed out of reach, everything seemed possible and friends were forever, and I\’ve heard that before with other books so I went in with my guard up. The characters were rich, the voice warm and engaging, and the tale layered with nostalgia. This was a book I enjoyed from beginning to end, one I couldn't wait to get back to after I had to put it down.This book is one of the few gems that comes along once in a long stretch, even if those miles between are filled with milestones of good books. Jan Maxwell was perfect as the voice of the teacher. The narrators also were wonderful I love what Jenna Lamia puts into every performance. I love books that portray boys and girls at this age developing good, deep friendships. But the true prize was the prize of lasting friendship. The theme of "smart kids get ahead," while common, is also one that is dear to my heart. With apologies to all the competent administrators here in audible land, I am sure that we all know someone in such a position who constantly says and does things that make us wonder how on earth he ever got appointed. The incompetent administrator was wonderful comic relief. How many teachers have I had, or have my kids have, that were firm but good? Those were always the most memorable. I loved how she was all about decorum, yet she sometimes struggled with her own emotions and impulses. I spend a lot of time with middle schoolers, as a parent and a volunteer, and these characters were true both in their actions and their motives. I loved how the 6th graders each told some of the same events from his or her own perspective. I chose it based on the good reviews and the fact that Jenna Lamia was one of the narrators. ![]() I read a lot of kids and young adult books because I want to be familiar with what my kids are reading.
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