The House Next Door

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Anne Rivers Siddons is a writer of literary fiction whose one foray into the horror genre is this remarkable 1978 novel, The House Next Door. The setting is a wealthy suburb in Atlanta where an ambitious young architect is building a dramatically contemporary house. The novel uses a frame device to put three short stories under a single cover: as each of three families moves into the house in succession, we watch the bad things that happen to them and eventually force them to leave. But the frame itself--the observations of an urbane and sophisticated couple who live next door and become close friends with the architect--is the most deeply involving story in the book.

Stephen King was so impressed by The House Next Door that when he wrote Danse Macabre, his personal tour of the horror genre, he sought out Siddons for an interview. She told him, "The haunted house has always spoken specially and directly to me as the emblem of particular horror. Maybe it's because, to a woman, her house is so much more than that: it is kingdom, responsibility, comfort, total world to her.... It is an extension of ourselves; it tolls in answer to one of the most basic chords mankind will ever hear.... So basic is it that the desecration of it, the corruption, as it were, by something alien takes on a peculiar and bone-deep horror and disgust."

Siddons was also fascinated by how the supernatural has the power to disturb the complacent rich and their comfortable little world: "What has the unspeakable and the unbelievable got to do with second homes and tax shelters and private schools for the kids and a pâté in every terrine and a BMW in every garage? Primitive man might howl before his returning dead and point; his neighbor would see, and howl along with him.... The resident of Fox Run Chase who meets a ghoulie out by the hot tub is going to be frozen dead in his or her Nikes on the tennis courts the next day if he or she persists in gabbling about it. And there he is, alone with the horror and ostracized on all sides. It's a double turn of the screw."

One caveat: some people find the ending a false note that mars the effect. Even so, The House Next Door is an exquisite horror novel. --Fiona Webster

Book Description

Thirty-something Colquitt and Walter Kennedy live in a charming, peaceful suburb of the newly bustling Atlanta. Life is made up of enjoyable work, long, lazy weekends, and the company of good neighbors. Then, to their shock, construction starts on the vacant lot next door, a wooded hillside they'd believed would always remain undeveloped. Soon, though, they come to realize that more is wrong than their own diminished privacy. Surely the house can't be "haunted," yet something about it seems to destroy the goodness of every person who comes to live in it, until the entire heart of this friendly neighborhood threatens to be torn apart.

Customer Reviews:

Not as scary as it could have been.......2007-09-24

This had a great premise to the story but never really got off the ground. Very predictable.

Wow!.......2007-09-15

Colquitt Kennedy is just the kind of neighbor you'd like to have; she's kind, thoughtful, and absolutely normal. She's the sort who would bring you chicken soup if you were sick or meet your kids at the bus if you were running late. In fact, the whole neighborhood seems to be made of up of that kind of people. Solid, salt-of-the-earth types who have known each other for years, seen each others' children grow, shared holidays, and so on.

So when Colquitt begins to think there's something strange and sinister about the house next door, it's a wonder more people don't believe her.

Everyone in this book is so realistically written (from Colquitt and Walter to their old friends and new neighbors) that when the weird stuff starts happening, you get sucked right in.

I've been home for a week with an injury, so I've been catching up on a LOT of reading, and I've read some things I really enjoyed, but this one was so hard to put down that I read it well into the night and finished it first thing when I woke up. When it was over, I was sad to say goodbye, despite the stunning, upside-down ending. I don't know what to pick up next because I'm still so entrenched in Colquitt's world.

This is my first Anne Rivers Siddons book, and from what I understand it's the only one she's written with paranormal elements, but I will be looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

I Loved It!!!.......2007-07-20

This is the first book I have read by Anne. I couldn't put it down. The characters were like some of my neighbors. I would have changed the ending in favor of Col and Walter though. They deserved that at least.I recommend this book to anyone who wants a Rosemarys Baby type of book to read.At least that's my input.

Thoroughly, deliciously creepy.......2007-07-08

This may not be the most conventional horror story ever written, but I have to say it gave me the shivers in ways most horror stories don't. There's something silently insidious about how the house managed to ruin so many lives...granted, it's not very realistic, but who wants realism in a story about something so supernaturally horrific?

The fact that Colquitt and Walter led such normal (if charmed) lives and something like that house could so completely destroy them is horrible enough, but the things that happened to the people who lived in it took me over the edge...and the end result of what happened to the Kennedys and what they had to resort to was, in my mind, the most cruel trick of all.

This is one of those great books best read at night, or during a storm with a blanket pulled safely around you, a warm critter at your feet, and plenty of time. I loved it.

Thrilling Read.......2007-06-27

This is my first A.R.S. book and I really enjoyed it. Parts of the book were a little slow ... it is not a quick moving book, but I did not want to put it down anyway. I read a lot of true crime, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz, as well as other mysteries, and this book thrilled me and haunted me like so many of those others have.

I agree, Colquit, is a an odd name, not easy to read - as one reviewer pointed out... and as another reviewer pointed out there are no ghosts, and as other reviewers pointed out there was some killing of pets ... but these are minor flaws. Take the book as a whole and you have a haunting story and the ending leaves you hanging. (BTW: The killing of the pets went along nicely with the whole premise of the haunting - the 'evil presence' took things near and dear to these people - pets fit right in.)

One reviewer pointed out that she has not enjoyed other A.R.S. books like she enjoyed this one, so I am a little wary about reading her other books, but I will give them a try nonetheless (at least a few).

I think this book felt very real. The characters felt like real people and this brought the story home to me. It made me feel like this is possible - much like a Dean Koontz book. Many of Stephen King's books don't feel like the stories could actually happen - but this one and D.K.'s books have that quality and that is what freaks me out - and that is what I enjoy about those books - and this one!

I recommend it!

Outwitting Neighbors: A Practical and Entertaining Guide to Achieving Peaceful Coexistence with the People Next Door

Average customer rating:

better than average, but message is between the lines
A Total Waste of Money
not great
Funny, with some good techniques
People are strange!

Outwitting Neighbors: A Practical and Entertaining Guide to Achieving Peaceful Coexistence with the People Next Door
Bill Adler Jr.
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1585741612

Book Description

Finally, ideas for successful ways to go to bat, or battle, against those inconsiderate or downright obnoxious neighbors. Whether the situation calls for a friendly negotiation or an all-out war, OUTWITTING NEIGHBORS is the source to call on.

Bill Adler Jr. helps navigate condo, co-op, and homeowner associations; property boundary disputes; weird and uncivilized neighbors (and advice for when you're the weird neighbor); neighbors who use their front yard as a junkyard, have bad teenage children, don't keep their large dogs leashed, have litigious tendencies, and worse.

OUTWITTING NEIGHBORS is full of humor and sound advice. It is indispensable for homeowners, apartment dwellers, and urban, suburban, and rural folks alike.

Customer Reviews:

better than average, but message is between the lines.......2003-06-24

I got this book as a gag gift, but once I read it, it did help me learn to find common ground with bad neighbors, and accept that many times the devil you know (and can endure/work with) is better than the devil you don't know. I agree with other reviewers, who note that most of the book is comprised of horror stories designed for reader support and sympathy.

However, the examples add up to a powerful and useful message: (1) When trying to resolve neighbor problems, the fastest way to make an *enemy* is to indicate that you know better than they how to run their lives. (2) The fastest way to get results is to accept the neighbors for who they are, and then explain to them how their behavior (or their kids/pets/etc.) will lead to a behavior of your own.

My own story: One of my neighbors has a dog (a big adult Weimaraner) who was allowed to run unleashed in a shared apartment-building yard space, which literally is in violation of the lease. And when I would park my car or use my garage, the dog would charge me, and once came very close to taking a chunk out of my leg. Now, I could have yelled, or beaten the dog with a tire iron, but that would of course have made an enemy of the neighbors, who otherwise are very nice people. Even worse, it wouldn't really solve the problem, which is bad pet ownership and training!

So, after consulting Adler's book, I left a note for the neighbors (copied to our landlord) which indicated that I respected their decisions on how to train their dog, but that I would have Mace in my pocket at all times. So, the next time that their unleashed dog (or any others) attacked, I would have to disable the dog but leave no permanent harm. After all, the dog is just being protective, however misguided the effort. Well, lo and behold, the next day the neighbors came by with an apology, *and* a plate of cholocate chip cookies (this is absolutely true) for me, as a peace offering, and they always leash their dog now. Better still, I got to meet the dog about 2 months later, and now he treats me like a friend---one more watchdog who watches out for the right people!

Anyway, Adler's book was the key for me to understand neighbor psychology: communicate your respect for them and their ways, but also communicate in a non-threatening way what may happen if you feel you are in danger or are being harmed by their actions. And, I must say, the horror stories made me feel much less alone, and also grateful that I don't have worse problems than decent neighbors who bake cookies!

A Total Waste of Money.......2003-06-06

There is absolutely nothing in this book about "outwitting your neighbor". It's a collection of horror stories about how bad neighbor disputes can get and suggestions about making nice-nice with the people who are making your life a living hell. It left me feeling more hopeless and depressed about our situation than when I started reading it.

One of the lame-o quotes in the book implies to just wait the situation out, everything changes, dogs die, kids grow up, people move. The truth though is life's short. The years fly by. People should not be able to intentionally make other people miserable for even one day. Local governments should inact tough laws and enforce them zealously.

I think people who buy a book with a title like this have serious problems. They've surely already tried to talk it out peacefully, make ammends, even called the police, mayor and city council to no avail. They are looking for hope, helpful suggestions and effective strategies. This book offers none of the above.

The author should have called his book what my problem neighbor has shouted at me many times: "If you don't like it, just move!"

not great.......2001-11-10

Mostly a collection of bad neighbor stories. The solutions offered are pretty much common sense: "Build a fence" or "bring some home made cookies". There's a section on how to inflict revenge on you neighbor...that's pretty interesting.

Funny, with some good techniques.......2001-07-06

Bill Adler has always been a funny writer, and this book is no exception. He gives lots of real-life stories here. Once in a while, though, it feels a little as if he's making fun of the people involved- maybe a few fewer stories, and a few more techniques, would be a more effective tool.

The solutions to various neighbor problems run the gamut from sneaky, underhanded tricks involving tape recorders, to assorted legal tactics. Mediation is mentioned in several cases, although not enough in my opinion. I am fortunate to live in a city with a Dispute Resolution Center where professional mediators handle all sorts of neighborhood problems and minor legal thingies; however, I guess not every town has one, so perhaps I can't take for granted that he should recommend everyone try mediation.

The main point of this book, though, is to read the stories of all the horrible neighbors, and be glad they're not yours. If all you have is a slightly yappy dog next door, count yourself lucky. Enjoy the tales of encroaching plants, garbage, old cars, noise, parties, sunbathers, shade-tree mechanics, and downright psychotics. Make notes about what sort of resources there are. Adler names city and state departments and agencies you may not have known existed. He provides practical advice on how to document problems, and how to poll a neighborhood to bring people together to address a problem.

Many of these stories can also serve as clear instructions on how NOT to get into a 20-year feud. One thing Adler does point out in a couple of places is that if you find a problem with a neighbor, but nobody else in the neighborhood agrees with you, maybe YOU are just too sensitive. It's unlikely that the people this is aimed at will realize it, sigh...

People are strange!.......2001-05-21

This book reviews a huge variety of problems which come up between neighbors. Most of these are documented as they became legal cases, so the facts are true.

But in addition, the author does a good job winding through the stories with wit and a biting edge - helping us laugh at all the foibles and idiosyncracies of people. Usually we can find something we've seen or can identify with.

Book Description

A collection of four of the most chilling tales ever written about Houses of Horror:THE GHOST NEXT DOOR: Hannah's neighborhood has gotten a little -- weird. Is she being haunted by . . . the ghost next door?IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SINK: Kat and Daniel just moved into a great new house, but something evil already lives there!STAY OUT OF THE BASEMENT: Margaret and Casey's dad is growing creepy plants in their basement -- and now their dad is becoming weedy and seedy himself!WELCOME TO DEAD HOUSE: A new house means new friends for Amanda and Josh . . . but these friends are creepy!

Customer Reviews:

Good for slower readers.......2006-01-23

Haven't read this set yet but looking forward to it, still working on the Scary Stories box set which I recommend too!

A journey into madness.......2005-03-19

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a HUGE horror fanatic, and this box set is just what I need to scratch that itch. Don't worry, it's a figurative itch. The Goosebumps series is FRIGHTfully good, and the TV show was even better, even if it did come on BEFORE Big Bad Beetle-Borgs and not after, which would have been the place of honor that it deserved. If only the TV studios weren't under the thumbs of certain political and religious groups which shall remain nameless. Anyway, this box set is SPOOKtacular, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a FRIGHTfully good time. Oops...I already did that one.

Outstaning.......2001-11-30

This is definately a collecters edal, sure its a little bit pricy , but, anyone who loves to read goosebumps books this is for you.

Average customer rating:

Mary Poppins and the House Next Door
P.L. Travers
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0385297491
Release Date: 1989-06-01

Average customer rating:

The House
Very moving
Richie's best work yet.
It Gave Me Goose Bumps!
Haunting Love Story

The House Next Door
Richie Tankersley Cusick
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0743418387

Book Description

HAUNTED HOUSE

On a whim, Emma Donovan bets her twin brother, Charlie, that she can spend the entire night alone at the spooky, abandoned house next door. The place is seriously creepy, but she's determined to overcome her fears and prove her brother wrong. Until she finds herself reliving a horrific night from the house's past and a passionate love with a handsome -- and strangely familiar -- young man.

When Charlie finds her, he's sure it was all just a dream. Yet Emma has persistent paranormal experiences involving the house and the young man from the past. As her "dreams" intensify, Emma becomes convinced that they are very real...and that she has a dreadful part to play in the supernatural reenactment of a tragic love.

Customer Reviews:

The House.......2007-05-22

I loved it, but towards the end the last quarter of the book it; it seemed that there were somethings either: edited out, or possibly not even realized, it just felt like something was missing. But regardless Thank you for making reading fun.
I have been reading Richie's books ever since one appeared in a scholastic newsletter when I was in middle school. As every one knows at that time there are sooo many reasons to hate reading. But She made me look forward it and to each and every book to this day.

Very moving.......2007-01-19

I thought this book was very good. When i got done reading it i thought wow i almost wish something like that could really happened. Getting to relive something that you had nothing to do with. It was a very sad book and i couldnt put it down. Wish the ending was a little better though.

Richie's best work yet........2006-11-17

I have read almost all of Richie's books and besides the unseen series witch i highly Recommend this is her best work. this book was thrilling heart warming and full of surprises. Richie's books inspired me to write and now because of her i love reading and writing, I think everyone should read this book and all of Richie's others.

- a Fan

It Gave Me Goose Bumps!.......2006-05-24

The House Next Door is a goose-bump-thriller! It kept me up all night it was so good! It enchanted me until the end. A perfect mix of romance and horror. Richie Tankersley Cusick is a very good writer and knows how to put together an interesting plot. I highly recommend this book.

Haunting Love Story.......2006-02-12

I enjoyed this book greatly. I finished it in an afternoon. Its a very engrossing supernatural love story that pulls you in. It has extremely vivid imagery. I actually felt like I was in the snowstorm at the end.It really hit home with me.I knew I'd enjoy the book, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
There is something haunting about the story that stays with you after you finish it. Its not easy to just file away and forget.

Average customer rating:

The House Next Door
Anne Rivers Siddons
Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0788704729

Product Description

Unabridged

The Boy-Oh-Boy Next Door (Full House Stephanie)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!
Stephanie's adventures the best!

The Boy-Oh-Boy Next Door (Full House Stephanie)
Rita Miami
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671881213

Book Description

It's no big deal!

So what if Eddie, the boy who just moved in next door, is three years older than Stephanie? He's the only boy for her.

But when her secret crush becomes front page news, Stephanie wishes she'd never laid eyes on the new kid on the block. How will she ever face Eddie again?

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!.......2000-05-11

It is a wooonderrrrffuuulllll book! Stephanie and Eddie, a great pair!It is a fantastic full house book!

Stephanie's adventures the best!.......2000-04-05

This is the second Stephanie book. And its great! Stephanie has got a crush on the new boy in the neaubor hood, Eddie. She thinks that he's the only boy for her! But one day everyone knows it, and she wishes shea never meet Eddie in her hole life. Isn't it just great to watch how Stephanie gets in trouble, and the crazy ways that makes her out of them? Well that this is the book for you!

Average customer rating:

The House Next Door: a Novel
Anne Rivers Siddons
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000GWJU58

Average customer rating:

Honest and thoughtful
Even-handed and helpful

Living Next Door to the Death House
David Clinton Owens , and Virginia Stem Owens
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Book Description

When a prisoner on death row is executed, it's not just the families of the murderer and the victim who feel the effects. The attorneys, the jury, the law enforcement officers, the prison guards, the wardens overseeing the execution, the chaplains and advisors, the technicians "who prepare the syringe and prick the vein" — all of these people are affected, and they all have powerful stories to tell, stories that are woven together in the riveting narrative of "Living Next Door to the Death House."

Authors Virginia Stem Owens and David Clinton Owens live in Huntsville, Texas, which has earned a reputation as the death penalty capital of the United States. They call Huntsville "a company town," where the company in question, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, employs almost a quarter of the residents. With so much of the population directly connected to the prison system, the ultimate punishment — meted out as often as once a week — is always "next door."

Through candid, compelling interviews with those in Huntsville connected both personally and professionally to the Texas prison system and death row, the authors explore how the steady stream of executions in the town has affected these people and the community at large. As the Owenses show, the ever-present death chamber "reaches out like tentacles to touch the lives of everyone who lives here." Some of the people they talk to are in favor of the death penalty, some are against it, many are conflicted.

"Living Next Door to the Death House" shows unforgettably the human face of one of the most controversial and hotly debated issues in the United States today.

Customer Reviews:

Honest and thoughtful.......2003-08-19

In Living Next Door to the Death House, the Owenses have taken on a difficult and potentially painful subject with great sensitivity and compassion. After talking to everyone from victims to prosecutors, guards to abolitionists, they present a balanced portrait of a system that can not be viewed in black and white. Along the way, they challenge the reader to think about capital punishment's relationship to justice and community, and what it means for someone to be executed in your name. A fair and balanced book, I recommend it to anyone seeking a greater understanding of capital punishment in this country.

Even-handed and helpful.......2003-06-25

I have just finished Living Next Door to the Death House and really appreciated the good writing. The book was excellent! It has been very helpful to me in my work as a Methodist pastor; during Advent I did a series of lectures on "tough issues" and thought that Homosexuality or separation of Church and State/Prayer in our schools would be the most passionate subjects, but I was amazed in that the Death Penalty was, by far, the most passionate and difficult for many. I have learned that I can talk about why I am against the Death Penalty, but I have not had a loved one murdered...... the stories I have heard from my members have humbled me and I continue to learn that this whole subject is very complex. This book takes so many of the sides and I found it to be very helpful. I will suggest it to my people here that are struggling. Again, I commend the Owenses for their excellent book.

Average customer rating:

The House Next Door

Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000BJ1JQ4

Product Description

From the back cover: "Len Nielsen stumbled tipsily into the wrong house among the look-alike homes of Fairlawn Acres one night, fell into bed in the dark--and woke beside a stranger's corpse! Police jeered when he couldn't find the house by daylight. But when a babysitter was brutally slain outside Len's own door, he was jailed--and only his wife was left to search the panic-stricken suburb for the real murderer in this harrowing thriller."

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