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Forget Everything And Read: Strange & Scary Stories for Kids and Grown-ups
If you’ve read Be Afraid… volumes 1 to 3, you’ll be ready for what comes next.
From a mysterious tentacled space creature that you can’t get away from, a ghostly mansion that you must escape, to a time machine that isn’t what you think.
Forget Everything And Read follows in the footsteps of the Be Afraid... series, containing strange stories that’ll teach you about fear, hope, and even love. There’s something for everyone.
What’s behind the Keyhole? Who is Eyelash Man? And what are the mysteries of planet hEart?
If you want to know what the Fear Feeder is, read on…
From a mysterious tentacled space creature that you can’t get away from, a ghostly mansion that you must escape, to a time machine that isn’t what you think.
Forget Everything And Read follows in the footsteps of the Be Afraid... series, containing strange stories that’ll teach you about fear, hope, and even love. There’s something for everyone.
What’s behind the Keyhole? Who is Eyelash Man? And what are the mysteries of planet hEart?
If you want to know what the Fear Feeder is, read on…
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2025
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 25, 2025
A Collection of Imaginative and Heartfelt Stories Rating
This book is a remarkable collection of short stories that seamlessly blend imagination, deep emotions, and valuable life lessons. Each story introduces unique characters and settings, from a mysterious Fear Feeder to a time-traveling boy, a planet reborn through unity, and even an unusual superhero with incredibly long eyelashes. The variety ensures that every reader, regardless of age, will find something to resonate with.
What makes this book stand out is the way it tackles profound themes fear, love, self-acceptance, friendship, and change through engaging narratives.
The story hEart is especially moving, showing how a planet’s transformation mirrors the power of hope and unity. Meanwhile, Little Isabella offers a beautiful lesson on self-love before love for others, a message that many young readers (and adults) will find deeply relevant.
The writing is vivid and captivating, making it easy to visualize the worlds created within these pages. The characters are relatable, and their journeys are meaningful. Whether it’s Blossom learning to embrace change, Callum exploring the uncertainty of the future, or Max and Milly discovering the value of companionship, each story leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, this book is an inspiring, heartwarming, and thought-provoking read. It is perfect for children, young adults, and even adults who appreciate stories filled with depth and creativity. Highly recommended!
This book is a remarkable collection of short stories that seamlessly blend imagination, deep emotions, and valuable life lessons. Each story introduces unique characters and settings, from a mysterious Fear Feeder to a time-traveling boy, a planet reborn through unity, and even an unusual superhero with incredibly long eyelashes. The variety ensures that every reader, regardless of age, will find something to resonate with.
What makes this book stand out is the way it tackles profound themes fear, love, self-acceptance, friendship, and change through engaging narratives.
The story hEart is especially moving, showing how a planet’s transformation mirrors the power of hope and unity. Meanwhile, Little Isabella offers a beautiful lesson on self-love before love for others, a message that many young readers (and adults) will find deeply relevant.
The writing is vivid and captivating, making it easy to visualize the worlds created within these pages. The characters are relatable, and their journeys are meaningful. Whether it’s Blossom learning to embrace change, Callum exploring the uncertainty of the future, or Max and Milly discovering the value of companionship, each story leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, this book is an inspiring, heartwarming, and thought-provoking read. It is perfect for children, young adults, and even adults who appreciate stories filled with depth and creativity. Highly recommended!
October 19, 2025
I was expecting a collection of scary stories when I read this book, so I downloaded it and decided to read it because you know me I love scary stories. What I found though is that these stories are more than just scary stories. There weird and spooky and quirky like the first story is about magnetic mustaches that attach themselves to people out of the blue and what the people have to do to get rid of them or decide to keep them! It sounds weird but it's actually a lot of fun. When I used to babysit my friends daughters, I would come up with stories and tell them these whimsical little tails that I rode on my own, and they just loved it because I could come up with fun and funny and exciting stories that just went off and all kinds of weird directions and it was fun for all of us. These stories remind me of the stories that I used to make up to tell my friend's children, so I appreciate the stories from that aspect and I'm glad that I got a chance to read this book and check out all of the stories contained in it it's a good read. It's spooky and weird it's creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky just like the Addams family and I'm glad that I gave it a read. If you like scary stories or weird funny stories This book might be something you will want to check out!
April 6, 2025
A Wild Ride Through the Strange, Surreal, and Soulful
Forget Everything And Read is a gripping collection that instantly transported me back to the eerie charm of Tales of the Unexpected. Each story is an unpredictable journey—bizarre, imaginative, and utterly addictive.
From the very first tale , I was drawn in. What follows is a series of unforgettable stories that twist reality, challenge perception, and tap into something deeper. Whether it’s a haunted mansion you desperately need to escape, a time machine that defies expectations, or an alien world with secrets of its own, every narrative delivers a fresh jolt of fear, wonder, or even tenderness.
This isn’t just a compilation of weird tales—it’s a smart, emotionally resonant exploration of fear, hope, and love. The stories don’t just unsettle; they provoke thought and often hit with surprising emotional depth.
If you love stories that are as thought-provoking as they are chilling, this is one collection you don’t want to miss.
Forget Everything And Read is a gripping collection that instantly transported me back to the eerie charm of Tales of the Unexpected. Each story is an unpredictable journey—bizarre, imaginative, and utterly addictive.
From the very first tale , I was drawn in. What follows is a series of unforgettable stories that twist reality, challenge perception, and tap into something deeper. Whether it’s a haunted mansion you desperately need to escape, a time machine that defies expectations, or an alien world with secrets of its own, every narrative delivers a fresh jolt of fear, wonder, or even tenderness.
This isn’t just a compilation of weird tales—it’s a smart, emotionally resonant exploration of fear, hope, and love. The stories don’t just unsettle; they provoke thought and often hit with surprising emotional depth.
If you love stories that are as thought-provoking as they are chilling, this is one collection you don’t want to miss.
March 25, 2025
A Hauntingly Brilliant Collection
I just finished reading "Forget Everything And Read" and I'm still reeling from the experience. This collection of strange stories is seriously unsettling, but in the best possible way.
As a fan of the "Be Afraid..." series, I was excited to dive into this latest installment. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the opening tale of a mysterious tentacled space creature, I was hooked. Each subsequent story was like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless and eager for more.
What I love about this collection is its ability to balance fear with hope and love. These aren't just shallow horror stories; they're complex explorations of the human condition. The author has a keen understanding of what makes us tick, and uses this knowledge to craft stories that are both terrifying and thought-provoking.
I just finished reading "Forget Everything And Read" and I'm still reeling from the experience. This collection of strange stories is seriously unsettling, but in the best possible way.
As a fan of the "Be Afraid..." series, I was excited to dive into this latest installment. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the opening tale of a mysterious tentacled space creature, I was hooked. Each subsequent story was like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless and eager for more.
What I love about this collection is its ability to balance fear with hope and love. These aren't just shallow horror stories; they're complex explorations of the human condition. The author has a keen understanding of what makes us tick, and uses this knowledge to craft stories that are both terrifying and thought-provoking.
July 10, 2025
Forget Everything And Read Fear, Wonder, and the Unknown Collide
If you’ve journeyed through Be Afraid… Volumes 1 to 3, you know what to expect sort of. Forget Everything And Read delivers more of what fans love: surreal, unsettling, and thought provoking tales that blur the line between nightmare and revelation.
From inescapable alien horrors to haunted mansions and mind bending time travel, each story is a portal into the bizarre. But this collection isn’t just about fear it’s about what fear reveals: hope, love, curiosity, and the strange beauty of the unknown.
Who or what is the Fear Feeder? What secrets lie behind the Keyhole? And why does Eyelash Man haunt your dreams long after the story ends?
Bold, imaginative, and sometimes deeply human, Forget Everything And Read is a twisted, wonderful ride through the edges of reality. You’ve been warned.
If you’ve journeyed through Be Afraid… Volumes 1 to 3, you know what to expect sort of. Forget Everything And Read delivers more of what fans love: surreal, unsettling, and thought provoking tales that blur the line between nightmare and revelation.
From inescapable alien horrors to haunted mansions and mind bending time travel, each story is a portal into the bizarre. But this collection isn’t just about fear it’s about what fear reveals: hope, love, curiosity, and the strange beauty of the unknown.
Who or what is the Fear Feeder? What secrets lie behind the Keyhole? And why does Eyelash Man haunt your dreams long after the story ends?
Bold, imaginative, and sometimes deeply human, Forget Everything And Read is a twisted, wonderful ride through the edges of reality. You’ve been warned.
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April 18, 2025‘Forget Everything and Read ‘is an entertaining collection of 15 short stories that will appeal to kids and adults alike. Zak has written 5 other volumes of similar work and his imagination is amazing.
These are scary in the tradition of Roald Dahl so if your little readers can cope with his work, they can definitely cope with this.
From ghostly mansions to a superhero with unusual powers, time machines and a Fear Feeder, each story is engaging and thought provoking. They all have positive life lessons that address issues like loneliness and self-doubt, resilience and acceptance that linger long after the first read.
Thoroughly entertaining and a fun read.
These are scary in the tradition of Roald Dahl so if your little readers can cope with his work, they can definitely cope with this.
From ghostly mansions to a superhero with unusual powers, time machines and a Fear Feeder, each story is engaging and thought provoking. They all have positive life lessons that address issues like loneliness and self-doubt, resilience and acceptance that linger long after the first read.
Thoroughly entertaining and a fun read.
July 15, 2025
Delightfully Creepy and Wonderfully Imaginative
Forget Everything And Read by Zak Bellingham is a wildly inventive and spine tingling collection of strange and scary stories perfect for both kids and adults who love a good thrill. Packed with bizarre creatures, haunted mansions, mysterious machines, and thought provoking twists, each tale is as entertaining as it is unsettling.
The storytelling is sharp, imaginative, and layered with deeper themes like fear, hope, and courage. Whether you're a fan of the Be Afraid series or discovering Bellingham for the first time, this collection is a must read for lovers of eerie adventures with heart.
Forget Everything And Read by Zak Bellingham is a wildly inventive and spine tingling collection of strange and scary stories perfect for both kids and adults who love a good thrill. Packed with bizarre creatures, haunted mansions, mysterious machines, and thought provoking twists, each tale is as entertaining as it is unsettling.
The storytelling is sharp, imaginative, and layered with deeper themes like fear, hope, and courage. Whether you're a fan of the Be Afraid series or discovering Bellingham for the first time, this collection is a must read for lovers of eerie adventures with heart.
March 5, 2025
Forget Everything And Read: Strange & Scary Stories for Kids and Grown-ups by Zak Bellingham is a collection of eerie and mysterious tales that spark both curiosity and chills.
This book takes readers on a thrilling journey through strange encounters, from a tentacled space creature that won’t let you escape to a haunted mansion with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Each story blends fear, adventure, and even moments of hope and wonder. The mysteries of planet hEart, the secrets behind the Keyhole, and the legend of the Fear Feeder make this collection hard to put down.
This book takes readers on a thrilling journey through strange encounters, from a tentacled space creature that won’t let you escape to a haunted mansion with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Each story blends fear, adventure, and even moments of hope and wonder. The mysteries of planet hEart, the secrets behind the Keyhole, and the legend of the Fear Feeder make this collection hard to put down.
March 31, 2025
Scary Stories In The Dark
Zak Bellingham has managed to write a thought-provoking, collection of scary short stories. I enjoyed these short stories as much as my grandson did.
The stories manage to take the reader on an exploration of what it is to be human and the valuable life lessons that come with that.
The author spins his web of creativity and remarkable storytelling.
I really appreciated its suspenseful twists particular short & scary stories.
D A Wysong author of Monster Hunters of America.
Zak Bellingham has managed to write a thought-provoking, collection of scary short stories. I enjoyed these short stories as much as my grandson did.
The stories manage to take the reader on an exploration of what it is to be human and the valuable life lessons that come with that.
The author spins his web of creativity and remarkable storytelling.
I really appreciated its suspenseful twists particular short & scary stories.
D A Wysong author of Monster Hunters of America.
March 26, 2025
Engaging Stories for All Ages
These stories are both whimsical and deeply profound. While some have magical elements, like time travel and talking animals, others feel very real addressing self-doubt, loneliness, and resilience. The themes are universal, making this book enjoyable for children, teens, and adults alike. Highly recommended for those who love meaningful short stories with a touch of adventure!
These stories are both whimsical and deeply profound. While some have magical elements, like time travel and talking animals, others feel very real addressing self-doubt, loneliness, and resilience. The themes are universal, making this book enjoyable for children, teens, and adults alike. Highly recommended for those who love meaningful short stories with a touch of adventure!
April 23, 2025
For the Fearless and the Dreamers
Forget Everything And Read is a delightfully strange, imaginative, and deeply emotional journey. With tales that range from surreal creatures to heartfelt life lessons, it’s like a mixtape of childhood fears, hopes, and triumphs. “The Birth of the Fear Feeder” genuinely sent chills down my spine, while stories like “Isabella” and “Max & Milly” melted my heart. A must-read for anyone who believes stories can scare and soothe in the same breath.
Forget Everything And Read is a delightfully strange, imaginative, and deeply emotional journey. With tales that range from surreal creatures to heartfelt life lessons, it’s like a mixtape of childhood fears, hopes, and triumphs. “The Birth of the Fear Feeder” genuinely sent chills down my spine, while stories like “Isabella” and “Max & Milly” melted my heart. A must-read for anyone who believes stories can scare and soothe in the same breath.
April 24, 2025
A Cast of Complex and Relatable Figures
This book introduces a wide range of characters some heroic, some flawed, and all deeply human (even when they’re not). Ben and Anna’s unwavering friendship despite distance, Chloe’s hidden secrets about the haunted house, and Jamie’s hilarious transformation into Eyelash Man all showcase different aspects of human nature. The way the author explores their emotions, fears, and hopes makes them relatable, drawing readers into their worlds with ease.
This book introduces a wide range of characters some heroic, some flawed, and all deeply human (even when they’re not). Ben and Anna’s unwavering friendship despite distance, Chloe’s hidden secrets about the haunted house, and Jamie’s hilarious transformation into Eyelash Man all showcase different aspects of human nature. The way the author explores their emotions, fears, and hopes makes them relatable, drawing readers into their worlds with ease.
April 13, 2025
Literary Gem for All Ages
This collection took my breath away. Every story is unique, imaginative, and meaningful. From cosmic time loops to childhood friendships and life-altering encounters, the book weaves together fantasy, sci-fi, and heartwarming realism. A true treasure trove of tales that both kids and adults will cherish.
This collection took my breath away. Every story is unique, imaginative, and meaningful. From cosmic time loops to childhood friendships and life-altering encounters, the book weaves together fantasy, sci-fi, and heartwarming realism. A true treasure trove of tales that both kids and adults will cherish.
April 23, 2025
A Lesson in Every Shadow
I bought this expecting a spooky, horror-inspired collection, and while it delivers on the creep factor, it’s the lessons that linger. Themes of self-love, resilience, friendship, and embracing imperfection are wrapped in creative storytelling. “Eduard and Miss Takes” should be required reading in schools. Empowering and tender in all the right places.
I bought this expecting a spooky, horror-inspired collection, and while it delivers on the creep factor, it’s the lessons that linger. Themes of self-love, resilience, friendship, and embracing imperfection are wrapped in creative storytelling. “Eduard and Miss Takes” should be required reading in schools. Empowering and tender in all the right places.
April 23, 2025
A Unique Blend of Imagination and Emotion
With a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling, this collection surprises at every turn.
Whether it's a planet divided by labels, an old house hiding secrets, or best friends reconnecting through letters, each story has its own charm.
The writing is accessible yet layered, making it an engaging read for thoughtful minds.
With a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling, this collection surprises at every turn.
Whether it's a planet divided by labels, an old house hiding secrets, or best friends reconnecting through letters, each story has its own charm.
The writing is accessible yet layered, making it an engaging read for thoughtful minds.
April 23, 2025
Great for Young Readers and Grown-Ups Alike
There’s something timeless about this book. It reminds me of sitting cross-legged at storytime, eyes wide, waiting to hear what came next. But the best part? These stories grow with you. Kids will love the adventures, while adults will catch the powerful underlying messages about fear, love, and identity.
There’s something timeless about this book. It reminds me of sitting cross-legged at storytime, eyes wide, waiting to hear what came next. But the best part? These stories grow with you. Kids will love the adventures, while adults will catch the powerful underlying messages about fear, love, and identity.
April 24, 2025
Hauntingly Beautiful
Even the scarier stories like “The Fear Feeder” or “Through the Keyhole” carry a strange beauty and emotional depth. There’s a real heart to this book that shines through. The writing balances suspense and tenderness with ease. You’ll feel a bit haunted when you finish, but in the best way.
Even the scarier stories like “The Fear Feeder” or “Through the Keyhole” carry a strange beauty and emotional depth. There’s a real heart to this book that shines through. The writing balances suspense and tenderness with ease. You’ll feel a bit haunted when you finish, but in the best way.
April 24, 2025
A Universe of Emotion
This book doesn’t just tell stories it creates an entire emotional universe. Love, fear, bravery, identity, self-worth each story digs into something real. “Blossom” brought me to tears, and “The Labels” left me thinking about it for days. This is storytelling at its most creative and meaningful.
This book doesn’t just tell stories it creates an entire emotional universe. Love, fear, bravery, identity, self-worth each story digs into something real. “Blossom” brought me to tears, and “The Labels” left me thinking about it for days. This is storytelling at its most creative and meaningful.
April 24, 2025
Goosebumps
This collection is the perfect blend of eerie tales and soul-touching moments. From ghost-hunting friends to a planet reborn through love, it weaves genres together masterfully. Whether you’re here for the thrill or the message, each story leaves an imprint. “hEart” gave me a lump in my throat, while “Eyelash Man” made me laugh out loud. Magical storytelling.
This collection is the perfect blend of eerie tales and soul-touching moments. From ghost-hunting friends to a planet reborn through love, it weaves genres together masterfully. Whether you’re here for the thrill or the message, each story leaves an imprint. “hEart” gave me a lump in my throat, while “Eyelash Man” made me laugh out loud. Magical storytelling.
April 24, 2025
If Pixar Wrote Short Stories
The tone and variety of this collection reminded me of Pixar’s best work fun for kids, meaningful for adults. “Girl and Boy in the Magical World” was my favorite it begins like a dream and ends like a beautiful metaphor for growing up and meeting the people who matter most. Sweet, strange, and unforgettable.
The tone and variety of this collection reminded me of Pixar’s best work fun for kids, meaningful for adults. “Girl and Boy in the Magical World” was my favorite it begins like a dream and ends like a beautiful metaphor for growing up and meeting the people who matter most. Sweet, strange, and unforgettable.
February 7, 2025
I read this book straight away with my kids, as they loved the previous Be Afraid.. series from the same author. This book did not disappoint! Arguably, the best yet. Great illustrations, life lessons and mild scares, with a great variety of strange stories. Kids loved this. As did I!
March 24, 2025
Zak Bellingham does it again!
This is another fun round of strange and scary stories that are filled with heart, life lessons and fun!
Bellingham is such a creative storyteller, I can’t wait to see what’s next!
This is another fun round of strange and scary stories that are filled with heart, life lessons and fun!
Bellingham is such a creative storyteller, I can’t wait to see what’s next!
April 23, 2025
A Sci-Fi and Fantasy Treasure Chest
The stories stand strong individually but feel even more powerful as a collection. Each tale adds a new layer to the author's universe of wonder, fear, and healing.
The stories stand strong individually but feel even more powerful as a collection. Each tale adds a new layer to the author's universe of wonder, fear, and healing.
August 5, 2025
A stunning continuation of the Be Afraid… universe. Every story creeps under your skin in the best way possible.
August 5, 2025
This isn’t just horror it’s imagination turned inside out. Surreal, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
August 5, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect, but Forget Everything And Read is a genre defying masterpiece. Horror, sci-fi, and poetry all in one.
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book one of the things that first caught my attention was the lovely and vibrant front cover. The author writes really well and each of the stories was extremely captivating.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews