Rating: 
Summary: dream on
Review: a good story by Lebbon, one by Campbell. otherwise completely uninteresting. a lot of sentimental stories by different authors. almost strangely bad stories. i am giving it 2 stars for the research around halloween.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent anthology
Review: A perfect gift for your favorite horror and monster lover is October Dreams, a collection of new and reprinted fiction, along with various essays and reflections, all centering on everyone's favorite holiday, Halloween.October Dreams carries over twenty fiction pieces (new versus reprint being about half and half), by many of the heaviest hitters in the field: Douglas Clegg, Poppy Z. Brite, Charles L. Grant, Peter Straub, Dean Koontz, Ramsey Campbell, Ray Bradbury, the late Richard Laymon and many, many others. Many of the authors also contribute short reflection pieces, detailing their favorite Halloween memories. Lastly, several essays explore such aspects of the holiday as its history, Halloween in literature, and a detailed look at "Halloween"-related movies. I won't go into a "this story is great, that story sucked" litany, as such things are subjective. I can, however, say that the overall quality of the stories is very good. I found several to be flat-out excellent. Perhaps one of the best compliments one can pay this anthology is that I will be pursuing other works of many of the authors within this collection that I've heretofore been unfamiliar with, as a result of the impressiveness of their stories here. The authors' Halloween remembrances run the gamut of emotions: from humorous to scary, nostalgic, and sorrowful. In perhaps the saddest memory, Halloween for Ray Bradbury will never again be the same. Lastly, there are the essays. One, covering the history of Halloween, is entertaining and informative. Even the most knowledgeable Halloween expert may learn something new here. A well-researched piece covering Halloween fiction nicely scratches the surface of a topic that definitely needs many more pages. Lastly, an overview of Halloween films is one of those fun lists in which you're sure to disagree with the author at some point, hollering out: "How could he have left out: (fill in the blank)?" The only noticeable misstep for the book, in my opinion, is the exclusion of any of the Halloween-themed tales from one of the undisputed masters, Robert Bloch. Don't be scared off by this book's price tag. Considering the incredible lineup of genre authors included here, the quality of the work, and the fact that the book comes in at over 660+ pages, the book is a bargain. Don't pass this one up.
Rating:
Summary: Consistently entertaining Halloween collection
Review: Anthologies are usually, simply by their nature, uneven. When you depend on many different brains to come up with quality stories, you're bound to get some duds. It is this expectation that makes October Dreams so surprisingly well-executed. In fact, there are so many good pieces in here, that it's easier to pick out the minuscule number of bad ones (Hugh B. Cave and Dominick Cancilla, you know who you are). October Dreams is subtitled "A Celebration of Halloween" and it takes this task seriously. Interlaced with classic Halloween stories--and new ones written especially for this collection--are "My Favorite Halloween Memory" reminiscences from the authors, as well as a reading list, a film list, and a history of Halloween that focuses more on the modern cultural aspects (as opposed to the pagan aspects). October Dreams has to be the most consistent collection of stories I have ever read. Usually, I've found a few disappointments by the time I've read five stories, but I didn't find anything to criticize until about the middle of the book. Editors Richard Chizmar (editor of the horror magazine Cemetery Dance) and Robert Morrish have really done their work here. Of course, with a selection of authors like Dean Koontz, Poppy Z. Brite, Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, Peter Straub, and F. Paul Wilson, how could they go too far wrong? A few stories stand out from the pack, and these were the ones I chose to read out loud on Halloween night. First was "The Circle" by Lewis Shiner which is a Twilight Zone-style tale of a group of people who gather to read stories on Halloween who get a surprise when one of their members decides to absent himself but sends in a story to read anyway. Viewers of the series will probably detect the twist before the end, but it is still an enjoyable read because it follows the formula so well. The other stand out is "Mask Games" by John Shirley, where a family invites a mysterious cousin over for a Halloween party and she brings a strange game for everyone to play. This one was disturbing and creepy and kept me riveted throughout its thirty-five pages. That "Mask Games" is one of the longer offerings in October Dreams is also a bonus, as a story can generally be read in one sitting. The one exception is "Porkpie Hat" by Peter Straub, which is a seventy-odd page novella and another disappointment. The length, I think, is the main problem. Straub--known for being long-winded at times--takes far too long to relate the central story within the story and made me wish he would just get on with it. The beginning and end were of much tighter form and contained an idea I would like to see expanded upon, that of an interview with a reclusive jazz legend. Other reviews have mentioned that F. Paul Wilson's story "Buckets"--about an abortion doctor who is terrorized by the spirits of his pre-natal victims--does not belong in this collection, due to its obvious agenda. I disagree. I think that Wilson, as a practicing physician, is simply tapping into his own fears--sort of a "what if?"--which makes the terror that much more palpable. Terror is an emotion that is not rampant in these tales, most of which are walk along the fun side of fear, while others aim merely for disturbing. Surprisingly, "Heavy Set" by Ray Bradbury is one of these. The ending does not spell out the actions of the character in question, which makes us project our own ideas--and my imagination can run wild. I would have been more comfortable with being told, but perhaps that's just an example of Bradbury's genius. October Dreams is certainly worth the cover price (although the last time I checked it was available for much less from Book Closeouts.com, where I bought my copy along with Chizmar's other collections, The Best of Cemetery Dance, Volumes One and Two). It is perfect reading for the week before Halloween (I know, that's when I read it) as it really gets the reader in the spirit of the holiday. Plus, the reading list ("Trick-or-Read" by Stefan Dziemianowicz) and film list ("'First of all, It Was October...'" by Gary Braunbeck) give other suggestions for holiday entertainment to be relished after you've finished with this wonderful book. Happy Halloween!
Rating:
Summary: Highly engaging, fun novel!
Review: As an enormous fan of Halloween, I was overjoyed to find that a novel like this was in existence. I am always on the look out for anything related to the holiday, and when I saw the cover of this book and finished reading the reviews, I knew I had to have it. I am still reading the book and am now about halfway through, and I would definitely recommend it to others who are as enthusiastic about Halloween as I am and who love to read Halloween stories. My favorite story so far is probably The Black Pumpkin, which really is quite creepy. There are maybe a couple of stories that I wouldn't really consider to be too "Halloweenish", in particular, Heavy Set, which I personally didn't think really belonged in the book at all. But most of the stories provide for some really fun reading. I think that what also makes this book so interesting and enjoyable are the favorite memories of all of the writers. I certainly have my own wonderful memories of celebrating Halloween when I was younger and it's a lot of fun to read about other people's memories as well (especially the one about the boy who says he saw a real witch!). If you're a real Halloween lover and you love to read spooky (and some not-so-spooky, but fun, nonetheless) stories, then this book is well worth it. It's been a long time since I found a book that made me look forward to sitting down and reading it, and this one definitely keeps my interest. I only hope I can find more like it when I'm finished! Tisha, a.k.a. Mariess
Rating: 
Summary: A Halloween Treat!
Review: As Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, I simply had to pick up this collection of classic novellas, never-before-published stories, and essays. Sprinkled throughout these creepy tales and intriguing essays are short descriptions of favorite Halloween memories from some of the authors whose tales are included herein, written specifically for this anthology. This collection as a whole does not disappoint. As with any anthology, some stories are much better than others, and different people will be drawn to different stories than others will. Luckily the good far outweigh the bad and everyone can easily find something palatable in this weighty assemblage.
Some of my favorites include: "The Black Pumpkin" by Dean Koontz is the story of a sinister pumpkin and it's maker who promises that "you get what you give" with respect to the money paid for his work. This is the first story in the book, and is most certainly a great way to kick off the collection. "Mask Game" by John Shirley is, at 35 pages, one of the longer stories in the book. Cousin Neva comes over one night to play a new game involving some homemade masks. When everyone places the masks on their faces, they get a whole new perspective on those around them. "Boo" by Richard Laymon is a story of several trick-or-treaters who get more than they bargained for when the come across an old unlit house on the block and invite the resident to join them in their candy-obtaining festivities. "Buckets" by F Paul Wilson is probably my favorite story in this particular anthology. Dr. Edward Cantrell is haunted on Halloween night by some of his choices in the past involving his abortion clinic. "Eyes" by Charles L. Grant tells the tale of Ron and his son Paulie, and a fatal mistake that Ron is reminded of when he glances at the carved eyes of pumpkins. Also included is a short essay on the history of Halloween, as well as a recommended Halloween "Trick or Read" reading list, and a list of creepy Halloween movies that are not to be missed. These prove an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to indulge in the holiday year-round, and finds they are craving more. Richard Chizmar and Robert Morrish have done an excellent job pulling together something truly special for Halloween enthusiasts. October Dreams is indeed a celebration of Halloween! This collection of tales is not to be missed by anyone who is a fan of the holiday, or anyone who wants to indulge in some creepy campfire-type ghost stories.
Rating:
Summary: A Halloween Treat!
Review: As Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, I simply had to pick up this collection of classic novellas, never-before-published stories, and essays. Sprinkled throughout these creepy tales and intriguing essays are short descriptions of favorite Halloween memories from some of the authors whose tales are included herein, written specifically for this anthology. This collection as a whole does not disappoint. As with any anthology, some stories are much better than others, and different people will be drawn to different stories than others will. Luckily the good far outweigh the bad and everyone can easily find something palatable in this weighty assemblage.
Some of my favorites include: "The Black Pumpkin" by Dean Koontz is the story of a sinister pumpkin and it's maker who promises that "you get what you give" with respect to the money paid for his work. This is the first story in the book, and is most certainly a great way to kick off the collection. "Mask Game" by John Shirley is, at 35 pages, one of the longer stories in the book. Cousin Neva comes over one night to play a new game involving some homemade masks. When everyone places the masks on their faces, they get a whole new perspective on those around them. "Boo" by Richard Laymon is a story of several trick-or-treaters who get more than they bargained for when the come across an old unlit house on the block and invite the resident to join them in their candy-obtaining festivities. "Buckets" by F Paul Wilson is probably my favorite story in this particular anthology. Dr. Edward Cantrell is haunted on Halloween night by some of his choices in the past involving his abortion clinic. "Eyes" by Charles L. Grant tells the tale of Ron and his son Paulie, and a fatal mistake that Ron is reminded of when he glances at the carved eyes of pumpkins. Also included is a short essay on the history of Halloween, as well as a recommended Halloween "Trick or Read" reading list, and a list of creepy Halloween movies that are not to be missed. These prove an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to indulge in the holiday year-round, and finds they are craving more. Richard Chizmar and Robert Morrish have done an excellent job pulling together something truly special for Halloween enthusiasts. October Dreams is indeed a celebration of Halloween! This collection of tales is not to be missed by anyone who is a fan of the holiday, or anyone who wants to indulge in some creepy campfire-type ghost stories.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Do you love Halloween? Are you a horror fan? Then hurry up and buy this wonderful anthology. In the entire book there is only one clunker of a story and it is short. It starts with Dean Koontz's "The Black Pumpkin", one of the most frightening short stories I've ever read and rolls onto to end with "Porkpie Hat" which is simply remarkable. How Peter Staub could write so realistically about black life before the Civil Rights era is almost supernatural in itself. Another stand out is "Heavy Set" a story that when I first read it at 13 I didn't understand. Reading it again as an adult I finally got the hideous point Ray Bradbury was makinng. The stories are laced with essays on the authors favorite Halloween memories. Some are tragic, others a little sad and several were quite funny. Whether you like unabashed gore, or cool,subtle horror there is a story in this book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: ...
Review: I really did not enjoy this collection of Holloween stories. A few stories were okay but overall it was horrible. Especially the anti-abortion sermon. Really inappropriate.
Rating:
Summary: All Hallow's eve!
Review: I was attracted to this anthology for two main reasons. For one, Halloween is by far my favorite holiday, and this book is 650 pages devoted exclusively to the witching season. Second, I'm a huge horror lit fan as well and the genre talent involved in here is major league: Koontz, Straub, Brite, Campbell, Bradbury, the list goes on. While the anthology has its highs and its not-so-highs (filler abounds here) there is no doubt that this is the definitive anthology devoted to the season. If anyone knows of a better one please let me know.
There are no less than 22 short stories in here and while some teeter the line of mediocrity there are no major duds. Most of these tales go for spooks and scares and do succeed to a certain extent. In "The Black Pumpkin" Dean Koontz gives us a pumpkin carver whose disturbing creations accurately mirror the foulness in the people who buy them. Gahan Wilson's "Yesterday's Witch" and Ramsey Campbell's "The Trick" both feature old creaky women who the neighborhood kids think are witches. Are these simply the delusional fantasies of kids with overactive imaginations? No, in the end these witches prove to be real and the results are terrifying.
One minor letdown for this fan of horror was the absence of any splatter, gore or bodily violence even despite the inclusion of notable rabble-rousing authors such as Richard Laymon and Jack Ketchum. Another minor letdown is that out of these 22 tales the majority feature the same overall premise, that of trick-or-treating kids in middle class suburbia. Some of these tales however are true originals that do steer clear of that well-beaten path and also happen to be the best the book has to offer. My choice for the three top stories are:
"Pay the ghost" by Tim Lebbon: A young couple loses their daughter on Halloween. To get her back, they must cross a ghettoized village of various atrocities. Lebbon manages to paint an epic scope in 26 terrifying pages.
"Buckets" by F. Paul Wilson: Trick or Treaters at the door of a family doctor who runs an abortion clinic are carrying strange steel buckets instead of the standard pillow cases. What's in the buckets and why is it the color of blood? The fact that Wilson himself is a doctor (whose done abortions?) lends this tale a dose of morbid credibility.
"Porkpie Hat" by Peter Straub: A jazz musician recalls a Halloween night from his childhood that began with trick-or-treating fun and ended in horror when him and his pals take a wrong turn and witness the back alley delivery of a child from a taboo union. I first read this novella several years ago in the Straub anthology "Magic Terror" and still to this day it haunts me.
As if the short stories weren't enough, this book also contains ramblings by popular writers recounting their favorite Halloween memories and in-depth essays detailing the best literature and horror movies devoted to the topic of Halloween. Highly recommended for all you Halloween junkies out there.
Rating:
Summary: Nutshell: Too Many Poor Stories, Not Enough Good Ones
Review: If you just check this out at the library, you could cherry pick the odd winner and it might be worth your trouble.But I felt very much cheated after buying this book on the strength of the five star reviews.
The anti-choice, anti-abortion story is just so out of place in a collection of Halloween tales! Even if this anthology was otherwise excellent, (which it is NOT), the anti-abortion sermon would be the big fly in the soup. Usually, I donate unwanted books to the library; I threw this into the garbage.
| 
