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Fear Street #17
The Best Friend
FEAR STREET -- WHERE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARES LIVE... Honey Perkins just moved to Shadyside. But she's telling everyone that she is Becka Norwood's best friend from elementary school. Trouble is, Becka doesn't remember her at all. But that doesn't stop Honey. She insists on doing everything Becka does -- borrowing her clothes, borrowing her boyfriend...and then the horrible accidents begin. Honey swears she has nothing to do with them. She's just being a good friend. A best friend...to the end.
147 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1992
61 people are currently reading
3095 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Stine
1,679 books18.6k followersRobert Lawrence Stine known as R. L. Stine and Jovial Bob Stine, is an American novelist and writer, well known for targeting younger audiences. Stine, who is often called the Stephen King of children's literature, is the author of dozens of popular horror fiction novellas, including the books in the Goosebumps, Rotten School, Mostly Ghostly, The Nightmare Room and Fear Street series.
R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children's author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.
Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA's Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.
http://us.macmillan.com/itsthefirstda...
R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children's author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.
Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA's Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.
http://us.macmillan.com/itsthefirstda...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
August 28, 2020
I'd read plenty of Stine's Goosebumps and Point Horror books growing up.
With the news of a trilogy of movies set in Shadyside being released next summer, I really wanted to try some of the Fear Street novels.
So full of Stine's signature tropes of fake out cliffhanger chapters and goofy pranks, along with the whole 90's vibe gives me plenty of nostalgia.
This psychological thriller was so batshit crazy that it's actually one of my favourites so far.
Honey Perkins keeps insisting to Becka that they were best friends growing up.
But Becka Norwood has no recollection of even knowing the suprise visitor, let alone having been close pals.
At first Becka thinks Honey is harmless having eventually realised that they shared a class together, but the possessive behaviour soon becomes intolerable as Honey initially won't leave her alone to eventually even copying her hairstyle.
Seeing Becka's patience slowly erode having initially being sympathetic with Honey is the strongest element of the story.
Stine loves a good twist ending and I certainly wasn't expecting this conclusion.
It's was so good that I actually loved it, I can see why other reviews would have an issue with it but felt it was the most suitable ending.
With the news of a trilogy of movies set in Shadyside being released next summer, I really wanted to try some of the Fear Street novels.
So full of Stine's signature tropes of fake out cliffhanger chapters and goofy pranks, along with the whole 90's vibe gives me plenty of nostalgia.
This psychological thriller was so batshit crazy that it's actually one of my favourites so far.
Honey Perkins keeps insisting to Becka that they were best friends growing up.
But Becka Norwood has no recollection of even knowing the suprise visitor, let alone having been close pals.
At first Becka thinks Honey is harmless having eventually realised that they shared a class together, but the possessive behaviour soon becomes intolerable as Honey initially won't leave her alone to eventually even copying her hairstyle.
Seeing Becka's patience slowly erode having initially being sympathetic with Honey is the strongest element of the story.
Stine loves a good twist ending and I certainly wasn't expecting this conclusion.
It's was so good that I actually loved it, I can see why other reviews would have an issue with it but felt it was the most suitable ending.
November 8, 2018
Lo que más me sobresaltó de esta historia es lo horrible que sería tener a alguien tan cercano y que te llame "amiga" como esta tal Honey.
Me sentiría vigilada y sin la libertad de actuar ni siquiera de pensar.
La tensión se siente todo el tiempo y conforme la protagonista va descubriendo la verdad detrás de la amiga perfecta, la incertidumbre se irá apoderando de nosotros, hasta llegar a la verdad.
Claro, si es que sobrevivimos a ello.
Me sentiría vigilada y sin la libertad de actuar ni siquiera de pensar.
La tensión se siente todo el tiempo y conforme la protagonista va descubriendo la verdad detrás de la amiga perfecta, la incertidumbre se irá apoderando de nosotros, hasta llegar a la verdad.
Claro, si es que sobrevivimos a ello.
December 8, 2021
The Best Friend?! More like THE WORST FRIEND....like, ever!!! 💀💀
The first time we meet new neighbor Honey Perkins, the psychotic, gas-lighting, obsessive stalker and possible murderer, I hate her already. Her EXTREMELY BIG HANDS are mentioned right away (LOLL) as well as her questionable taste in clothing. I mean, a bright orange sweater and a green miniskirt over black tights?? I would never 💀💀
Honey Big Hands proceeds to co-opt all of our protag Becka's interests and hobbies from her ultra-short haircut to her special silver skirt (soooo 90's) to her lame-o ex-boyfriend. She vehemently insists that she and Becka used to be super tight BFF's back in 3rd grade before she moved away, even though Becka has NO CLUE WHO TF she is. Annnnd when Becka dares to hang out with her other 2 REAL friends, they get into some pretty gnarly "accidents" 😱
Random observations:
- LMAO at that dramatic book cover!! I love it!! But the scene depicted never happens in the book, booooo!!!
- Gotta love the Sassy magazine and the (fake) Guns N Rose's Christmas Album shoutout 🤣🤣🙌🏼 Ahhh the early 1990's!!
- Being gaslit can drive you crazy....LITERALLY. Just ask Ingrid Bergman and Becka Norwood.
- That last final moment and last sentence of the book....UTTERLY CHILLING. It left me shaking my head and muttering to myself for days. Speaking of going crazy 😱😱😱
4 out of 5 creepy "soothing" whispers in the dark from your BFF, Honey Big Hands. Sssssh, it will be ok. She will never leave you. She's you best and only friend, til the bitter end 💀💀💀
The first time we meet new neighbor Honey Perkins, the psychotic, gas-lighting, obsessive stalker and possible murderer, I hate her already. Her EXTREMELY BIG HANDS are mentioned right away (LOLL) as well as her questionable taste in clothing. I mean, a bright orange sweater and a green miniskirt over black tights?? I would never 💀💀
Honey Big Hands proceeds to co-opt all of our protag Becka's interests and hobbies from her ultra-short haircut to her special silver skirt (soooo 90's) to her lame-o ex-boyfriend. She vehemently insists that she and Becka used to be super tight BFF's back in 3rd grade before she moved away, even though Becka has NO CLUE WHO TF she is. Annnnd when Becka dares to hang out with her other 2 REAL friends, they get into some pretty gnarly "accidents" 😱
Random observations:
- LMAO at that dramatic book cover!! I love it!! But the scene depicted never happens in the book, booooo!!!
- Gotta love the Sassy magazine and the (fake) Guns N Rose's Christmas Album shoutout 🤣🤣🙌🏼 Ahhh the early 1990's!!
- Being gaslit can drive you crazy....LITERALLY. Just ask Ingrid Bergman and Becka Norwood.
- That last final moment and last sentence of the book....UTTERLY CHILLING. It left me shaking my head and muttering to myself for days. Speaking of going crazy 😱😱😱
4 out of 5 creepy "soothing" whispers in the dark from your BFF, Honey Big Hands. Sssssh, it will be ok. She will never leave you. She's you best and only friend, til the bitter end 💀💀💀
May 10, 2020
When R.L. Stine gets it right, he really gets it right!
This Fear Street version of Single White Female is scary and fun. It's also cleverer than most people give it credit for! Honey may be a few books short of a library shelf, but Becka isn't exactly the poster child for calm and collected!
As everybody knows, the ending was so unpopular that a contest was created to decide how Honey should get her comeuppance in a sequel.
However, I thought the ending worked perfectly well with what came before it. What was so creepy and unsettling about Honey was that we never really knew where she was coming from or what was motivating her. She wants to be Honey's best friend and absolutely nothing will stand in her way!
This is my favourite Fear Street book - heck, one of my favourite books of all time. I've read it many times over the years. It's perfectly paced, with little nuances you don't usually get in a R.L. Stine quickie - as mentioned before, Becka is more than a bit prone to hysteria and may possibly be an unreliable narrator.
What a pity they had to tarnish this near-perfect slice of teen terror with a silly sequel.
This Fear Street version of Single White Female is scary and fun. It's also cleverer than most people give it credit for! Honey may be a few books short of a library shelf, but Becka isn't exactly the poster child for calm and collected!
As everybody knows, the ending was so unpopular that a contest was created to decide how Honey should get her comeuppance in a sequel.
However, I thought the ending worked perfectly well with what came before it. What was so creepy and unsettling about Honey was that we never really knew where she was coming from or what was motivating her. She wants to be Honey's best friend and absolutely nothing will stand in her way!
This is my favourite Fear Street book - heck, one of my favourite books of all time. I've read it many times over the years. It's perfectly paced, with little nuances you don't usually get in a R.L. Stine quickie - as mentioned before, Becka is more than a bit prone to hysteria and may possibly be an unreliable narrator.
What a pity they had to tarnish this near-perfect slice of teen terror with a silly sequel.
December 18, 2025
Finally another 5-star read! I knew going into this that it takes place around Christmas time and the character Honey was so terrible that the publisher literally held a freakin' fan contest centered around her. Other than that I was entirely blind going into this, and it didn't disappoint. I marked out as soon as Honey showed up, and this character made this such an exciting read. This book perfectly demonstrates how terrifying a psychopath can be, and by the end, I was left wanting more of Honey and more of the simp dynamic with Becka and her two love interests, Eric and Bill. My only gripe is that the Christmas party should've been a major plot point, but instead it got brushed over in a single chapter. This was epic as hell and I can't wait to read the sequel.
December 29, 2017
What is with the woman on this cover? She looks like she’s 40 years old, not 16. Her hair is godawful.
Anyway, I’ve already recapped part two of this, which is a relief, because otherwise I’d be pissed (as many, many readers were).
There’s not really a need for an in-depth recap, however, because if you’ve seen Single White Female then you have essentially read this book. Honey Perkins moves into Becka Norwood’s life and takes everything from her, stating that she can be Becka’s only friend. But after rereading my recap on the second book, I have concluded that all these people suck despite appearances here. Including Becka.
Becka’s friends Trish and Lilah both get hurt by Honey and have to go to the hospital but, as we know from number two, Becka never visits them in the hospital, causing Trish to seek revenge on Becka. Some friend. Bill, Becka’s boyfriend, is also stabbed by Honey at the end of this book but he miraculously survives and teams up with Trish in the second one. No word on poor Lilah. :(
Honey drives Becka crazy, and she stays crazy. But, honestly, girl brought so much of this on herself. I know restraining orders existed in the 90s. But Becka doesn’t contact the police or pursue that avenue. And from the moment Honey pops up in Becka’s room claiming to be her best friend from childhood, Becka doesn’t say, as she should, “Who the fuck are you? I’ve never seen you before in my life. Please kindly get the fuck out of my room and my house and don’t ever contact me again, or I will notify the authorities.”
But, you know. Logic and books aren’t always the best bedfellows.
Anyway, I’ve already recapped part two of this, which is a relief, because otherwise I’d be pissed (as many, many readers were).
There’s not really a need for an in-depth recap, however, because if you’ve seen Single White Female then you have essentially read this book. Honey Perkins moves into Becka Norwood’s life and takes everything from her, stating that she can be Becka’s only friend. But after rereading my recap on the second book, I have concluded that all these people suck despite appearances here. Including Becka.
Becka’s friends Trish and Lilah both get hurt by Honey and have to go to the hospital but, as we know from number two, Becka never visits them in the hospital, causing Trish to seek revenge on Becka. Some friend. Bill, Becka’s boyfriend, is also stabbed by Honey at the end of this book but he miraculously survives and teams up with Trish in the second one. No word on poor Lilah. :(
Honey drives Becka crazy, and she stays crazy. But, honestly, girl brought so much of this on herself. I know restraining orders existed in the 90s. But Becka doesn’t contact the police or pursue that avenue. And from the moment Honey pops up in Becka’s room claiming to be her best friend from childhood, Becka doesn’t say, as she should, “Who the fuck are you? I’ve never seen you before in my life. Please kindly get the fuck out of my room and my house and don’t ever contact me again, or I will notify the authorities.”
But, you know. Logic and books aren’t always the best bedfellows.
December 10, 2021
Honey is THE WORST ughh
What an annoying creep 😩 I just wanted her to go away
Unsettling ending. But lol I can’t believe someone FELL onto a knife again. That is the DORKIEST way for a character to die. ☹️
What an annoying creep 😩 I just wanted her to go away
Unsettling ending. But lol I can’t believe someone FELL onto a knife again. That is the DORKIEST way for a character to die. ☹️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2019
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
This book was fucking insane! One afternoon Becka is minding her own business, hanging out with her two friends in her room, when all of a sudden this girl bursts into her room. But for a change, in a Fear Street book, this time it isn’t a killer. Instead it’s a girl Honey who embraces Becka claiming to be her long lost childhood best friend. But Becka has never seen this girl before! Does Becka just have an awful memory, or is this Honey chick absolutely insane?
As I mentioned before, this book was full of craziness! It was very interesting finding out whether Honey and Becka actually knew each other back in the day, because Honey seemed completely off the rails! The things she did were SO weird! For example, she was completely fixated on Becka that when other people talked to her she would ignore them! Like, Becka would be talking to someone, Honey would come over, Becka’s friend would say ‘Hi’ or something to Honey, and Honey would ignore them! First of all, rude! Second of all, her fixation on Becka is disturbing af! She is borderline stalking her! Seriously, wtf is wrong with this girl!
One thing I found frustrating about this book was that Becka, in the beginning, wouldn’t grow a spine and tell Honey to fuck off. Or at least that she was misremembering. Later on, when Honey really get on her nerves, she does start telling her like it is, so hurray for that. But I also do understand that Becka didn’t want to be rude and hurt Honey’s feelings.
Oh and then that ending... What. The. FUCK! Oh my god it was the most insane ending to top off this insane book! But I gotta be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan. The open ending was too open for my taste. It almost felt like the 3rd act of the book was missing. But I actually really enjoyed this book! I love how insane it was and how unhinged Honey was acting. But that ending man, I can’t get over how much I disliked it. There is a sequel to this book though, so I am really looking forward to that!
And because this is a Fear Street book, there were some Easter Eggs! Mickey and Clay, Pam’s delinquent friends from Silent Night , were mentioned. It turns out that Deena Martinson from The Wrong Number was Becka’s childhood best friend. David Metcalf, Cory’s best friend from The New Girl was also mentioned, as was Lisa from that same book. Ricky Schorr and Gary Brandt from The Overnight were also mentioned. And our last appearance was that of Cari Taylor, the main character in Party Summer . She mentioned to Becka that Reva Dalby, from Silent Night, had invited her to go skiing and I’m over here laughing but feeling sorry for Cari because Reva doesn’t have friends. Either this is a very cruel joke and Reva’s not actually taking Cari, or Cari is gonna have the absolute worst time hanging out with that bitch. Lol.
The Fear Street connection: Becka lives on Fear Street... just her luck, I guess. Lol.
This book was fucking insane! One afternoon Becka is minding her own business, hanging out with her two friends in her room, when all of a sudden this girl bursts into her room. But for a change, in a Fear Street book, this time it isn’t a killer. Instead it’s a girl Honey who embraces Becka claiming to be her long lost childhood best friend. But Becka has never seen this girl before! Does Becka just have an awful memory, or is this Honey chick absolutely insane?
How come I don’t remember that? Becka asked herself. It seems to me I’d remember that if it were true. Honey seems so sincere. I don’t think she’s deliberately lying.
Does she live in some kind of fantasy world?
As I mentioned before, this book was full of craziness! It was very interesting finding out whether Honey and Becka actually knew each other back in the day, because Honey seemed completely off the rails! The things she did were SO weird! For example, she was completely fixated on Becka that when other people talked to her she would ignore them! Like, Becka would be talking to someone, Honey would come over, Becka’s friend would say ‘Hi’ or something to Honey, and Honey would ignore them! First of all, rude! Second of all, her fixation on Becka is disturbing af! She is borderline stalking her! Seriously, wtf is wrong with this girl!
One thing I found frustrating about this book was that Becka, in the beginning, wouldn’t grow a spine and tell Honey to fuck off. Or at least that she was misremembering. Later on, when Honey really get on her nerves, she does start telling her like it is, so hurray for that. But I also do understand that Becka didn’t want to be rude and hurt Honey’s feelings.
Oh and then that ending... What. The. FUCK! Oh my god it was the most insane ending to top off this insane book! But I gotta be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan. The open ending was too open for my taste. It almost felt like the 3rd act of the book was missing. But I actually really enjoyed this book! I love how insane it was and how unhinged Honey was acting. But that ending man, I can’t get over how much I disliked it. There is a sequel to this book though, so I am really looking forward to that!
And because this is a Fear Street book, there were some Easter Eggs! Mickey and Clay, Pam’s delinquent friends from Silent Night , were mentioned. It turns out that Deena Martinson from The Wrong Number was Becka’s childhood best friend. David Metcalf, Cory’s best friend from The New Girl was also mentioned, as was Lisa from that same book. Ricky Schorr and Gary Brandt from The Overnight were also mentioned. And our last appearance was that of Cari Taylor, the main character in Party Summer . She mentioned to Becka that Reva Dalby, from Silent Night, had invited her to go skiing and I’m over here laughing but feeling sorry for Cari because Reva doesn’t have friends. Either this is a very cruel joke and Reva’s not actually taking Cari, or Cari is gonna have the absolute worst time hanging out with that bitch. Lol.
The Fear Street connection: Becka lives on Fear Street... just her luck, I guess. Lol.
January 21, 2020
I hate that ending but I know its classic R.L Stine to leave you hanging sometimes
Sadly I won't get answer over all these questions
Sadly I won't get answer over all these questions
November 23, 2014
WOW. Just WOW! This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the GREATEST Fear Street book in the history of Fear Street books! I don't think any other Fear Street book could top this! In fact, I'd be willing to say that it's the best book in the history of the world! I mean it! It's THAT good! If you haven't read it, READ IT! The plot is very innovative, the characters are very interesting, the villain is VERY complex, and the ending is nothing less than twisted. I'm gonna try and get my own copy of this book so I can have it forever.
Plot Synopsis: Honey Perkins was a new girl in Shadyside, but she claims to have been Becka Norwood's best friend back in elementary school. At first, Becka is sympathetic towards Honey, despite not having any memory of being her friend. But soon, she becomes scared by Honey. She's so clingy and copies Becka. Then, Becka's other friends start having horrible accidents. Is Becka being paranoid? Or does Honey want to be Becka's ONLY friend?
This book is so PERFECT! What makes the book so great is Honey's character. The depths of her delusions are very startling and her quirky behavior is sort of adorable (in a creepy sort of way). I also love the character of Becka. When I first saw this book, I expected Becka to be a stereotypical popular girl with dozens of friends. But she turned out to be a much more relatable character. >. Plus, the subplot involving her boyfriend, Bill, who her parents don't approve of is relatable and surprisingly interesting. Overall, this book is a great read for any horror fan and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Pros: Honey Perkins' character, the interesting plot, the shocking ending, Becka's character and transformation, and the interesting romantic subplot.
Cons: ABSOLUTELY NONE! This is PERFECT in every single way!
Plot Synopsis: Honey Perkins was a new girl in Shadyside, but she claims to have been Becka Norwood's best friend back in elementary school. At first, Becka is sympathetic towards Honey, despite not having any memory of being her friend. But soon, she becomes scared by Honey. She's so clingy and copies Becka. Then, Becka's other friends start having horrible accidents. Is Becka being paranoid? Or does Honey want to be Becka's ONLY friend?
This book is so PERFECT! What makes the book so great is Honey's character. The depths of her delusions are very startling and her quirky behavior is sort of adorable (in a creepy sort of way). I also love the character of Becka. When I first saw this book, I expected Becka to be a stereotypical popular girl with dozens of friends. But she turned out to be a much more relatable character. >. Plus, the subplot involving her boyfriend, Bill, who her parents don't approve of is relatable and surprisingly interesting. Overall, this book is a great read for any horror fan and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Pros: Honey Perkins' character, the interesting plot, the shocking ending, Becka's character and transformation, and the interesting romantic subplot.
Cons: ABSOLUTELY NONE! This is PERFECT in every single way!
September 15, 2015
No way would I put up with Honey. I wish the book would have explained why Honey was crazy. It needed more explaining.
February 3, 2022
This is my first Fear Street book and I know this is complete out of order, but these books are hard to come by. Luckily, I got two at a thrift store to give a try after watching the trilogy on Netflix and the book was amazing. The ending of this book honestly gave me chills. I love the covers. Very nostalgic.
April 9, 2021
3.75 stars. Apparently I read this as a kid and didn't mark it. The ending is great and I know people hate it, but I loved it. Review to come.
July 18, 2010
I don't get scared but this book was just really realistic and when I read it I felt what the main character Becka was feeling trapped and confused really. This book starts out normal and then everything just spirals out of control, it's kind of confusing at times because if your not really paying attention to whats happening you get lost quick. I don't think R.L. Stine books are scary but this one was for me. Not a spoiler or anything but for you who want or are thinking about reading this book watch out because you will be SHOCKED at the end. I really just recommend this book for readers who like books with a lot of suspense, and twisted endings because trust me at the end the tabled turn and you will be very Surprised.
December 1, 2022
Spent most of the book trying to figure it all out—was Honey real? Was this a figment of Becka’s imagination? Why couldn’t she just tell Honey off to begin with?
And truly an ending where Stine just went for it. Surprised me!
Also, I’m really obsessed with how the “teen” on the front looks like Angela’s mom in My So-Called Life.
And truly an ending where Stine just went for it. Surprised me!
Also, I’m really obsessed with how the “teen” on the front looks like Angela’s mom in My So-Called Life.
August 14, 2018
Damnnnn there was some craziness in this one!
Poor Becka.
Probably one of the more slowly creepy Fear Street books, rather than just gruesome horror.
Poor Becka.
Probably one of the more slowly creepy Fear Street books, rather than just gruesome horror.
August 11, 2021
*1.75*
I- I hated that ending so much, that I actually wanted to scream. While this book wasn't amazing up until that point, as it felt a little too much like a Single White Female reimagining, it was fairly enjoyable, but that "twist" really pissed me off . I was very tempted to give this book a 1 star rating purely because of that, but like I said, there were some really nice parts to this, especially Bill. I love how he remains by Becka's side, and doesn't just automatically assume that she's losing it, too many horror stories feature that trope, and it's honestly really tiring. I don't really know if I'll bother with the sequel to this, because I haven't heard the greatest things, and that's from people that actually enjoyed this one lol, but only time will tell.
I- I hated that ending so much, that I actually wanted to scream. While this book wasn't amazing up until that point, as it felt a little too much like a Single White Female reimagining, it was fairly enjoyable, but that "twist" really pissed me off . I was very tempted to give this book a 1 star rating purely because of that, but like I said, there were some really nice parts to this, especially Bill. I love how he remains by Becka's side, and doesn't just automatically assume that she's losing it, too many horror stories feature that trope, and it's honestly really tiring. I don't really know if I'll bother with the sequel to this, because I haven't heard the greatest things, and that's from people that actually enjoyed this one lol, but only time will tell.
January 1, 2023
So...
This was another terrifying entry into the Fear Street series.
Becka has never seen Honey before in her life, but Honey insists that she's her best friend. Her best best friend, from fourth grade now moved back into the area for high school. Honey slowly sinks her claws into Becka, forcing herself into Becka's life and taking over.
It's Gaslight in book form, and it's terrifying.
Seriously.
This was another terrifying entry into the Fear Street series.
Becka has never seen Honey before in her life, but Honey insists that she's her best friend. Her best best friend, from fourth grade now moved back into the area for high school. Honey slowly sinks her claws into Becka, forcing herself into Becka's life and taking over.
It's Gaslight in book form, and it's terrifying.
Seriously.
March 11, 2022
The ending is good, actually.
https://spongey444.wordpress.com/2022...
https://spongey444.wordpress.com/2022...
September 29, 2023
The whole book while reading it I was like: Wtf?
December 16, 2022
Well it seems we're off to a great start...physical violence! So we have our main character parked out in the cold with her about to be former boyfriend, Eric Fraser. No he was just trying to paw at her and got a little forceful but this isn't the reason Becka is about to dump her guy...no she just wants to get back with her ex, Bill Planter.
Okay so I'm supposed to like Becka, right? Well torn between immature, hot to cold Eric or nervous yet fickle Becka as my favorite character so far. When Becka does dump Eric he handles it rather chill and drops her back at her home on our titular Fear Street, where Becka decides she's going to go see Bill (why so late Becks?) and she gets into a car accident!
Of course it's not as bad as it seems...just one busted headlight and a peeved Mr. Norwood but Becka still doesn't get punished (why don't we get that in the real world, Stine?) I mean the next day Becka's two best friends, Lilah and Trish, are hanging out in her room talking about her break up with Eric...she didn't even get grounded for taking the car without permission let alone get the headlight wrecked!
Anyway, as the girls talk all of a sudden another girl bursts into the room and makes a beeline for Becka, hugging her and gushing how good it is to see her...except Becka has no idea who the girl is? She soon introduces herself as Honey Perkins, that she and her dad have moved back to Shadyside and how glad she is to see her childhood friend!
There is something off about Honey as she ignores Lilah and Trish after her introduction and she fawns all over Becka about her hair, her room and even an enamel parrot pin she owns (given to her by Bill because she's a bird lover...kinda sweet that this is all we know about him so far.)
Soon Honey says she has to head back home next door and Becka and her puzzled friends try to remember who this crazy chick is. Not only that they make fun of her clothes and when they finally find a fourth grade picture and locate Honey, they remember how weird she was and nobody liked her. If you couldn't tell I'm trying to see if I like any characters and so far despite her cray-cray scene, Honey is winning along with the unseen Bill.
Well Becka freaks out more when she realizes her parrot pin is gone (oh no not Bill's present!) and she just down right accuses her of stealing it. I'm absent-minded so maybe Honey forgot she was wearing it like I might do (having been accused of stealing something without proof is just awful) but when she goes to get it *gasp* the house next door stands empty! Okay so maybe Honey did steal it...
The weirdness level starts rising as Becka comes home to find Honey trying on her clothes and talking to herself. It seems she lives in a fantasy world where she and Becka were almost like sisters with wearing each other clothes and played awful tricks on each other as part of a "Gotcha" game (which Honey demonstrates by almost choking Becka with her "man-hands").
Becka tries slowly to keep her cool as Honey almost breaks down that her best friend doesn't seem to remember all the fun things they did and of course when Honey insists that Becka gave her the parrot pin!
Things then seem to go from bad to worse for Becka when Lilah gets in a bike accident because her rear brake cable has been...*horrified gasp* messed with. Lilah survives but has a broken leg. Becka is more than ready to blame Honey and on a date with Bill, Becka thinks Honey is spying on them!
Okay Honey may be Mondo bizarro but I think that Becks is going a little cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs from paranoia (I think Bill is along the same train of thought as I but he really cares about Becka so again...points for him.)
Everything comes to a head when Honey shows up at school with the same hairdo as Becka then starts dating her ex Eric! Becka has had it with Honey but at a Christmas party Trish is throwing, Honey also shows up wearing the exact same outfit (and party crashing too!)
When Trish falls down the stairs and breaks her neck (but still survives...how? I'm not a doctor but really?) Becka knows for sure Honey did it out of spite and faints as soon as the police arrive.
Usually at this point I would be kind of vague about the ending but in this case what with there being a The Best Friend 2 and most people knowing the ending which resulted in there being a sequel in the first place so...
Becka has a full on breakdown from seeing Trish fall down the stairs and of course dealing with the stress Honey has caused her. She is given tranquilizers and ordered to bed rest by a doctor but a call from Honey while her mother is out drags Becka from almost a dead sleep with the promise of a surprise and what ...is that Bill in the background!?
So in the freezing snow Becka heads over to Honey's house and yes it is Bill sitting at the kitchen table with the two of them smiling and everything after that goes into a red screen of hate for Becka! Entering the house she grabs a big, honking knife planning to stab Honey to death but faints from being so weak.
Bill is not happy as he thought Becka knew he was over at Honey's (seeing as both of Becks parents hate him for past juvenile delinquency and thinking he broke Becka's heart when it was their fault in the first place pulling a Romeo & Juliet "you can't see him ever again!" rant.)
When Bill tries to help Becka it is now Honey who has the big freak out telling him to stay away from her friend and they both go for the knife. In the struggle, Bill trips forward onto the knife and is stabbed deeply. In a panic, Honey places the bloody knife in Becka's hand and when she comes to Honey promises she'll protect her friend...saying she didn't mean to kill Bill.
Still out of it, Becka looks to see her boyfriend in a puddle of blood and graciously thanks Honey because...what are friends for?
This Fear Street book is infamous as a villain getting away with their evil deeds and our heroine/hero taking the fall into a pretty fucked ending. When I first read it I thought it was a good book but now that I am older and have re-read it, the characters are all awful except for Bill!
Until we get to the last chapter, I feel Honey is being treated unfairly with the thievery and copycatting an exception (that's just creepy) she is just a girl who comes on a little strong out of loneliness. She may live in a fantasy world where Becka's the queen but proof is never really given that she pushed Trish on purpose.
I have no doubt about her rigging up Lilah's bike because there is literally no one around but to push a person down the stairs of their own home in front of so many people...Honey is obviously not that dumb given the ending.
Lilah and Trish aren't any better than Becka for making fun of Honey at first, mocking her obviously unhealthy admiration of Becka instead of all three of them maybe trying to get Honey some help...the girl probably has bipolar disorder and low self-esteem if she is trying to be as fashionable as Becka who is blond and sexy while even Stine describes Honey as "not pretty" with her auburn hair, dramatic looks, full body and large hands.
Becka Norwood is the worst offender despite the clingy and unstable Honey Perkins for being so paranoid, high-strung and getting pissed when Honey starts dating Eric. Yes I know dating a bestie's ex is a big no-no but if Honey isn't even her friend why should she care? I think if Becka had just let Honey be with Eric and she had just gone on to be with Bill and not give the matter anymore thought...huge tragedies could have been avoided.
A high school version of Single White Female it is still a good book after all these years despite the ending and awful characters.
If you've never read The Best Friend and enjoy bad made for TV movies like I do, this book is for you.
Okay so I'm supposed to like Becka, right? Well torn between immature, hot to cold Eric or nervous yet fickle Becka as my favorite character so far. When Becka does dump Eric he handles it rather chill and drops her back at her home on our titular Fear Street, where Becka decides she's going to go see Bill (why so late Becks?) and she gets into a car accident!
Of course it's not as bad as it seems...just one busted headlight and a peeved Mr. Norwood but Becka still doesn't get punished (why don't we get that in the real world, Stine?) I mean the next day Becka's two best friends, Lilah and Trish, are hanging out in her room talking about her break up with Eric...she didn't even get grounded for taking the car without permission let alone get the headlight wrecked!
Anyway, as the girls talk all of a sudden another girl bursts into the room and makes a beeline for Becka, hugging her and gushing how good it is to see her...except Becka has no idea who the girl is? She soon introduces herself as Honey Perkins, that she and her dad have moved back to Shadyside and how glad she is to see her childhood friend!
There is something off about Honey as she ignores Lilah and Trish after her introduction and she fawns all over Becka about her hair, her room and even an enamel parrot pin she owns (given to her by Bill because she's a bird lover...kinda sweet that this is all we know about him so far.)
Soon Honey says she has to head back home next door and Becka and her puzzled friends try to remember who this crazy chick is. Not only that they make fun of her clothes and when they finally find a fourth grade picture and locate Honey, they remember how weird she was and nobody liked her. If you couldn't tell I'm trying to see if I like any characters and so far despite her cray-cray scene, Honey is winning along with the unseen Bill.
Well Becka freaks out more when she realizes her parrot pin is gone (oh no not Bill's present!) and she just down right accuses her of stealing it. I'm absent-minded so maybe Honey forgot she was wearing it like I might do (having been accused of stealing something without proof is just awful) but when she goes to get it *gasp* the house next door stands empty! Okay so maybe Honey did steal it...
The weirdness level starts rising as Becka comes home to find Honey trying on her clothes and talking to herself. It seems she lives in a fantasy world where she and Becka were almost like sisters with wearing each other clothes and played awful tricks on each other as part of a "Gotcha" game (which Honey demonstrates by almost choking Becka with her "man-hands").
Becka tries slowly to keep her cool as Honey almost breaks down that her best friend doesn't seem to remember all the fun things they did and of course when Honey insists that Becka gave her the parrot pin!
Things then seem to go from bad to worse for Becka when Lilah gets in a bike accident because her rear brake cable has been...*horrified gasp* messed with. Lilah survives but has a broken leg. Becka is more than ready to blame Honey and on a date with Bill, Becka thinks Honey is spying on them!
Okay Honey may be Mondo bizarro but I think that Becks is going a little cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs from paranoia (I think Bill is along the same train of thought as I but he really cares about Becka so again...points for him.)
Everything comes to a head when Honey shows up at school with the same hairdo as Becka then starts dating her ex Eric! Becka has had it with Honey but at a Christmas party Trish is throwing, Honey also shows up wearing the exact same outfit (and party crashing too!)
When Trish falls down the stairs and breaks her neck (but still survives...how? I'm not a doctor but really?) Becka knows for sure Honey did it out of spite and faints as soon as the police arrive.
Usually at this point I would be kind of vague about the ending but in this case what with there being a The Best Friend 2 and most people knowing the ending which resulted in there being a sequel in the first place so...
Becka has a full on breakdown from seeing Trish fall down the stairs and of course dealing with the stress Honey has caused her. She is given tranquilizers and ordered to bed rest by a doctor but a call from Honey while her mother is out drags Becka from almost a dead sleep with the promise of a surprise and what ...is that Bill in the background!?
So in the freezing snow Becka heads over to Honey's house and yes it is Bill sitting at the kitchen table with the two of them smiling and everything after that goes into a red screen of hate for Becka! Entering the house she grabs a big, honking knife planning to stab Honey to death but faints from being so weak.
Bill is not happy as he thought Becka knew he was over at Honey's (seeing as both of Becks parents hate him for past juvenile delinquency and thinking he broke Becka's heart when it was their fault in the first place pulling a Romeo & Juliet "you can't see him ever again!" rant.)
When Bill tries to help Becka it is now Honey who has the big freak out telling him to stay away from her friend and they both go for the knife. In the struggle, Bill trips forward onto the knife and is stabbed deeply. In a panic, Honey places the bloody knife in Becka's hand and when she comes to Honey promises she'll protect her friend...saying she didn't mean to kill Bill.
Still out of it, Becka looks to see her boyfriend in a puddle of blood and graciously thanks Honey because...what are friends for?
This Fear Street book is infamous as a villain getting away with their evil deeds and our heroine/hero taking the fall into a pretty fucked ending. When I first read it I thought it was a good book but now that I am older and have re-read it, the characters are all awful except for Bill!
Until we get to the last chapter, I feel Honey is being treated unfairly with the thievery and copycatting an exception (that's just creepy) she is just a girl who comes on a little strong out of loneliness. She may live in a fantasy world where Becka's the queen but proof is never really given that she pushed Trish on purpose.
I have no doubt about her rigging up Lilah's bike because there is literally no one around but to push a person down the stairs of their own home in front of so many people...Honey is obviously not that dumb given the ending.
Lilah and Trish aren't any better than Becka for making fun of Honey at first, mocking her obviously unhealthy admiration of Becka instead of all three of them maybe trying to get Honey some help...the girl probably has bipolar disorder and low self-esteem if she is trying to be as fashionable as Becka who is blond and sexy while even Stine describes Honey as "not pretty" with her auburn hair, dramatic looks, full body and large hands.
Becka Norwood is the worst offender despite the clingy and unstable Honey Perkins for being so paranoid, high-strung and getting pissed when Honey starts dating Eric. Yes I know dating a bestie's ex is a big no-no but if Honey isn't even her friend why should she care? I think if Becka had just let Honey be with Eric and she had just gone on to be with Bill and not give the matter anymore thought...huge tragedies could have been avoided.
A high school version of Single White Female it is still a good book after all these years despite the ending and awful characters.
If you've never read The Best Friend and enjoy bad made for TV movies like I do, this book is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2021
titular sentence:
p18: "But Becka and I--You see, we were best best friends in third and fourth grade...."
ocr:
p2: She is Becka Norwoods's best friend from elmmentary school. Trouble is, Becka desno't remember her at all.
...She insists on doing everything Becka does--borrowing her clothes, borrowing her boyfriend.. and then the horrble accidents begin.
p98: ".../ won't!"
p110: Welcome to Fear Street--Where tour worst nightmares live!
...Wherever I go, kios ask me when I'm going to write a new Fear Street Trilogy.
...I have written a brand-new Fear Street Trhdgy.
...I'm very exciteo to return to Fear Street--and I hope you will be there with me for all the good, scary fun!
A bit too juvenile for me, but still, I reiterate that this reads better than Goosebumps.
p18: "But Becka and I--You see, we were best best friends in third and fourth grade...."
ocr:
p2: She is Becka Norwoods's best friend from elmmentary school. Trouble is, Becka desno't remember her at all.
...She insists on doing everything Becka does--borrowing her clothes, borrowing her boyfriend.. and then the horrble accidents begin.
p98: ".../ won't!"
p110: Welcome to Fear Street--Where tour worst nightmares live!
...Wherever I go, kios ask me when I'm going to write a new Fear Street Trilogy.
...I have written a brand-new Fear Street Trhdgy.
...I'm very exciteo to return to Fear Street--and I hope you will be there with me for all the good, scary fun!
A bit too juvenile for me, but still, I reiterate that this reads better than Goosebumps.
December 13, 2021
Becka has problems with her overly strict parents. Mostly because they don't like her new boyfriend. But the real trouble doesn't start until a mysterious girl shows up claiming to be Becka's long lost best friend.
Honey begins showing up and calling Becka constantly, copying everything she does and just won't take the hint to back off.
Then the "accidents" start happening to Becka's real friends. Honey just might be more dangerous than Becka realizes.
The Best Friend is one of the gems of the Fear Street books.
With strong Single White Female (1992) and The Roommate (2011) vibes, this story pulled off a great teen horror story. Also Becka's own descent into madness was written well making the story more realistic and believable.
A great Christmasey read!
Honey begins showing up and calling Becka constantly, copying everything she does and just won't take the hint to back off.
Then the "accidents" start happening to Becka's real friends. Honey just might be more dangerous than Becka realizes.
The Best Friend is one of the gems of the Fear Street books.
With strong Single White Female (1992) and The Roommate (2011) vibes, this story pulled off a great teen horror story. Also Becka's own descent into madness was written well making the story more realistic and believable.
A great Christmasey read!
December 5, 2022
I finished this all in one sitting because I just could not put it down! Such a page turner. I wanted to keep knowing what would happen next. My blood was boiling for Becka. Honey is so crazy and I could never see her next move coming. I would definitely recommend this to others as it’s one of the best Fear Street novels I had read thus far. I can’t wait to read the 2nd one!
July 23, 2022
The best friend is a simple story, one weird girl insists that she knows our main character, Becka. But Becka does not remember her. Honestly, Honeys cool demeanor never really changed. I felt sorry for Becka, everything that was being done to her - I would've been mad at as well.
February 16, 2024
this is a super cheesy and quick read but something about a fear street book is just going to do it for me everytime. i was obsessed with this particular book when i was younger and it’s held up fairly decent, it had me gripping the pages as a 12 year old and again as a 20 year old.
July 22, 2021
Aquí les dejo mi opinión más detallada del libro:
https://youtu.be/Xjs95h3zsl4
https://youtu.be/Xjs95h3zsl4
March 18, 2023
Def one of my fav fear street books! This one was a re read, but it’s like I just read it for the first time. Another thing I love about this book is just how many characters cross over in it
December 20, 2024
Single white female for kids!
April 24, 2025
Maybe this one was ghostwritten? The ending is pretty dark. SWF on Fear Street, not bad.
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