Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Voted for by our members as our Horror additional read



Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky

Imagine... Leaving your house in the middle of the night. Knowing your mother is doing her best, but she's just as scared as you.

Imagine... Starting a new school, making friends. Seeing how happy it makes your mother. Hearing a voice, calling out to you.

Imagine... Following the signs, into the woods. Going missing for six days. Remembering nothing about what happened.

Imagine... Something that will change everything... And having to save everyone you love.

I read this already but really liked it. Look forward to discussions when more have. My spoiler free review: Very horrifying, and also a very true to life picture of lonely children who don't fit in where they are and are bullied. The book was longer than it needed to be, but the day to day of the children's lives really was important. The children seemed more middle school age than the 7/8 they were portrayed and the school did not operate like an elementary, but their emotions and relationships were true to life and touching. Can't say much about the terror part to avoid spoilers, but it was a terrifying story for all ages.

I’m having a really hard time getting through this book. I’ve got like 200 more pages and it’s dragging 😓

Caroline wrote: "I’m having a really hard time getting through this book. I’ve got like 200 more pages and it’s dragging 😓"

Oh, that's rough. It's such a long book. You definitely don't want it to drag. I've noticed the reviews for this one are all over the place.

I loved this book. It is a longer book, at 705 pages, but is so engrossing. I read the entire book in one day. Thrilling, mysterious in a way, and creepy. I had chills run down my spine a few times. I also read some of scarier parts out loud to my husband, he isn't a reader. Definitely has a good vs evil undertone. It reminded me in a way of Stephen King's Desperation, I think it was due to the supporting characters rallying around a leader of each group, good vs evil. I found it very unique and a little quirky. I am so glad I went on this adventure.

I was surprised how fast I flew this book with how long it was. I did wonder about half way through where the story was going to go as it had already seemed to reach the climax. Could've been a bit shorter but overall really enjoyed this book.

Hey Everyone! I am new to the group and I actually read this book a while ago. I hadn't found anyone who read it and enjoyed it so I'm now glad I joined the group. I could not put this book down. I was looking for a good horror novel at the time and this one cured my reading slump. It was so creepy and the ending, while a bit over the top, was right up my alley.

Jessica wrote: "I was surprised how fast I flew this book with how long it was. I did wonder about half way through where the story was going to go as it had already seemed to reach the climax. Could've been a bit..."

I love when I get so engaged n a book that flies by!

Esther wrote: "Hey Everyone! I am new to the group and I actually read this book a while ago. I hadn't found anyone who read it and enjoyed it so I'm now glad I joined the group. I could not put this book down. I..."

Welcome to the group, Esther! Curing your reading slump is a pretty good compliment to this book! You certainly weren't alone in enjoying it in this group.

Kristie wrote: "Esther wrote: "Hey Everyone! I am new to the group and I actually read this book a while ago. I hadn't found anyone who read it and enjoyed it so I'm now glad I joined the group. I could not put th..."

Thanks Kristie! What a nice warm welcome! I'm looking forward to reading more books with you guys.

This was such a different read for me. I usually gravitate towards historical and women's fiction. I enjoyed the story, the creepiness, the fantasy but boy, was it looooong.