Book Review: "Planet of the Lawn Gnomes" by Devin Joseph Meaney

Planet of the Lawn Gnomes (Goosebumps Most Wanted #1)

Author: R. L. Stine

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks, October 1, 2012

Ah, that fresh Goosebumps smell. The other night I wanted to do some reading, but I did not want to invest myself in a really long book. After some consideration, I decided that I wanted to read ''Planet of the Lawn Gnomes'' by R. L. Stine. Aside from reading a few to my daughter, I have not picked up a Goosebumps book to read since I was a kid. But as soon as I opened the book, the smell of nostalgia quickly flooded my nose and I was transported to a time when all was well and forever would be.

This particular book is book one in the Most Wanted collection. I am only really familiar with the ones I grew up with, but it is good to see that ole' R. L. has gotten so far with this series. There are also ads for a “Horrorland” series and a “Hall of Horrors” series, so if I ever happen to see one I will pick it up for the sake of nostalgia... oh, who the hell am I kidding. I'm a huge kid. I LOVE this kind of stuff!

Pulled from the back of the book: “Jay Gardener can't seem to stay out of trouble. Even after a fresh start in a new neighborhood, he keeps finding himself in bad situations. But it's not his fault! Jay wants to be a good kid, he really does, it's just these strange things keep happening to him. What kind of place did his family move to? And why does every house have so many lawn gnomes in their yard? Jay better learn quickly that there are things a lot scarier than his parents…”

I don't want to ruin too much for anyone, but this book has buzzard hawks, gnomes, biting fish with legs, and enough twists and turns to fully envelop the mind of any young reader. Although the writing is very simple, even as an adult I found this to be highly enjoyable, and I would not be surprised if I read it again down the road.

R. L. Stine has always been one of my favorite authors and biggest inspirations as a writer, and everything he puts his hand to is pure gold. This book is no exception.

I am not 100% up to date with R. L. and I'm not even sure how long ago this book was released while writing this. Either way, I really hope Mr. Stine is continuing to push out works, as I am sure there are many young minds (and adult ones to) that would seriously enjoy his genuinely interesting and unique creations.

I am 100% inspired now to dig out any old Goosebumps books that may be lying around the house. I know we have at least a dozen or so. Over the next little while I may indulge in this nostalgia-laden series. Make that I KNOW I will.

Thanks R.L., as a fan, you are something special. –Devin Joseph Meaney