I think this is one of the few Fear Street books that I didn't read as a kid. I was looking around Half Price and just snatched this copy off the shelf. Not gonna lie, I was completely confused at first. The book starts from the POV of a girl in 1965 at a friend's New Year's party and some stuff happens that I won't say because I don't even want to spoil anything (even if it happens in the first three chapters). Then it switches to the present time with a different group of people. The book focused mostly on the present, but there were some flashbacks to the other time. I understood each separate story, but I was at a total loss as to how they'd end up coming together. I have to give R.L. Stine props because he has the talent to make me completely hate all his characters. That truly is meant as a compliment because I'll still read all of his books. The main character Reenie was one I actually liked in the beginning, but then I totally didn't like her character. First off, maybe it's just me, but I was super aggravated with that name of hers. Who the hell is named Maureen and decides to be called 'Reenie' instead? Gahh!! Also, I couldn't believe Reenie didn't do anything to stop the practical joke on PJ. If the kid you're planning on scaring the pants off of has a weak heart condition, why the hell would you think it's a good idea to go ahead with it??? The least she could've done was mention that to everyone and perhaps prevent their group from doing what they did. The group was a bit morbid, but I doubt they would have done the joke if they knew there was a possibility of killing PJ. My jaw seriously dropped at her not saying anything and I wanted to smack her when she was so shocked that the joke went wrong. Of course, the kid was going to have a heart attack or whatever and die! Gahh, it was sooo aggravating to read! What on earth did she think was going to happen in that situation?The ending was actually pretty good. I was glad that everything made sense in final pages and all the hints and storylines came together. The twist was done well. I'm fairly good at guessing the twists, but what happened wasn't at all close to the crazy scenarios I was cooking up in my head. My one issue was the last two pages or so. While the twist was cool, the very end felt a bit rushed and stopped abruptly. I would've liked it if the conclusion was drawn out a little more.
It's a "5-Star" read anytime an R.L. Stine novel surprises me with its twists and turns. "The New Year's Party" did just that. After reading the novel (which is pretty standard Stine fare), I found myself flabbergasted that I didn't see some of the glaringly obvious plot twists along the way. Maybe it's because the teens in this one are as irritating as they come? As my book club partner Jennifer remarked, "As a group, these kids are the biggest dickweeds we've come across yet!" Couldn't have said it better myself, and this is the reason why you've GOT to read this one! Happy New Year.
What do You think about The New Year's Party (1995)?
One of my Favourite RL Stine books,love the Cool endingsthat different with any other RL Stine books! Flashback system stories between 1965 & presentmake me curious, keep guessing & guessing the ending..but, RL Stine have a different style to answer the ending :D3 thumbs up for this book! Moral of this Story : -Never bullied weak,nerd,&diseased people, because they can take More Severe Revenge-Bullied people don't feel right first,because sometimes they can hurt other people inadvertently too,but don't feel it like P.J & Liz do to Ty
—Fen Fen
This is the first book I have ever read by R.L. Stine and I really liked it. Even though it's teen based, this book kept me reading, even more so than some adult mystery/horror writers. As part of the "Fear Street" series, the story takes place during two different era's- the 1960s and current (1990s). This has a "Carrie" like theme where a boy is taken to a party as a joke, and then things happen. (No Spoilers here) I read the whole book in one setting (around 2-3 hrs). I will check out some of his other books. I picked this up at a library book sale, and was glad I took a chance on the book.
—Lance Lumley
