Children (in peril / ARE the peril)

Hello all, for July we've opted for books with children as a focus, either as protagonists in peril, or as the antagonistic force causing the peril. (bonus points if children are both 😜)

This is technically horror month, so this theme was put in place with thoughts of books, for example, where children having to band together to battle against some threating force (such as monsters, demonic clowns, or even survival situations). Perhaps adults are not present, or adults are oblivious to the threat. Or the protagonist is an adult, but their motivation is the safety of their children.

Then to bring the theme full circle we opted to allow readers to turn it on its head and read something where the children the threat (because kids can be cruel) e.g. the old school demonic child trope, or wild children growing up without restraints of civilisation etc

Of course, for non-horror fans who want a lighter read, these themes can fit with sci-fi and fantasy too - you can't have a grand space adventure or academic year at a magic school without some level of danger.

The theme should be wide enough to get a variety of books on the table. Here are some examples to set the mood, but as always you are free to read whatever you wish and tell us on day what you thought of it.

Example Horror

• Lord of the flies, by William Golding (1954)
• The Exorcist, by William Blatty (1971)
• The Omen, by David Seltzer (1976)
• IT, by Stephen King (1986)
• Pet Sematary, by Stephen King (1983)
• Caroline, by Neil Gaiman (2002)
• Let the Right One in, by John Ajvide Lindqvist (2004)

Fantasy examples

• Life of Pi, by Yann Martel (2001)
• A Deadly Education, by Noami Novik (2001)
• Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone, by JK Rowling (1997)

Sci-Fi

• Hunger Games, by Suzanne Colins (2008)
• Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton (1990)

Venue change: As a reminder, since June we're meeting in STARBUCKS on 1st floor Cineworld, Renfrew Street. We can't book a table, but its not a big cafe, just look for books (unless you as first, then grab a table 😉). I'll try and be there around 6.10pm.