Don’t Ever Get Sick at Granny’s: Come on get down with the sickness
This book is a fever dream of Wizard of Oz and Misery references, involves somewhat cartoonish methods of abuse towards the protagonist, and has a splash of body horror. Don’t Ever Get Sick at Granny’s, the 16th instalment of Ghosts of Fear Street, is in a word… wacky. This book makes I Live in Your Basement (1997) read as a coherent novel, yet has a more discernable plot than Go Eat Worms! (1994).
It was ghostwritten by Jahnna N. Malcolm (the collective pen name for Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner), who is also said to have authored 2 other Ghosts of Fear Street titles; Revenge of the Shadow People (1996); and Camp Fear Ghouls (1997). Knowing that Stine is no stranger to the surreal and weird when it comes to his work, it will still push you to ask, was this book too weird to be written by Stine?
I will let you decide.
Blurb
Corey’s father warned him, “Don’t ever get sick at Granny’s.”
The story starts with what makes no sense! If your parent(s) knew that they would be putting their child in any kind of danger by leaving them with another adult, why the hell would you leave them with that person?! Anyway, it seems that convenience flies in the face of reason, because Meg, his sister, has the opportunity to apply for a prestigious ballet school. An opportunity of a lifetime for Meg.
His parents have to take her to a hotel for the period of her audition, and they will leave Corey at his grandmother’s house. Why? Because they don’t want him moping around the dance studio.
But Corey has never met Granny Marsha before, he didn’t even know she existed. Even though his parents claimed that they only visited her last summer. His mother emphasises that granny gave him amazing presents, such as a dartboard, skateboards and basketballs (plural). Still, Corey has no recollection of this. Again, more weirdness at the very beginning. I think I would remember the person who brought me multiple basketballs as gifts.
Corey will soon understand why his dad warned him. After his parents leave, Corey starts to show symptoms of a cold, then Granny then takes action! She’s determined to eliminate every last germ in Corey’s body, even if it means killing him!
Themes in Don’t Ever Get Sick at Granny’s
Psychological Horror
There are many instances where Granny Marsha exerts her authority and power over Corey, mostly through her cartoonish methods of helping sick Corey (at best, at worst abuse!). They often involve some form of restraining Corey to endure the torment. Granny’s house is isolated and has barred windows, adding more to an atmosphere of isolation and powerlessness. At one point Corey blames himself for the bad treatment he receives.
Other psychological aspects explored in the book are that of; obsession; delusion; and the lengths to which a disturbed mind can go. This story has very much a Misery vibe, where Granny Marsha takes the place of Annie Wilkes, often tormenting her victim with what she claims will make him healthy again.
Body Horror
In one scene, where I will try to refrain from spoilers as much as I can, one of Granny’s treatments causes Corey to break out in “green fur”. This intentionally depicts an unnatural and psychologically upsetting violation human of Corey’s body.
Summary
Don’t Ever Get Sick at Granny’s had some interesting elements. With its surreal imagery, misery-for-kids storyline and sense of dread, it made a fun read. However, I was not a fan, as were most, of the ending. It was too unexpected to be a satisfying Stine twist, and negated any resolution that could be gained from the main storyline.
Whilst holes in the story gave the whole scenario a ‘dream-like’ feel, plugging at least some of these plotholes could have made this book, turning a lot of good ideas into brilliant ones. Overall, it is a fun, quick read. Much more could have been done with this though.
