4 ms·

I could see it going either way. Not to knock the series--I greatly enjoyed them as a child--but there was a solid cookie-cutter formula that they all followed

I could see it going either way. Not to knock the series--I greatly enjoyed them as a child--but there was a solid cookie-cutter formula that they all followed by Vol. 30 or so. For every good one there were about 2-3 that were mediocre, and at least one that could have started its life as a Mad Lib. I get the feeling that if R.L. Stine got to the point that he could pound one of these volumes out in a week, he could have easily trained someone else how to do it, as well.

mccolin 4y ago
Book series targeted at young readers benefit from this composition. My 8yo son follows a few series and he laughs about it when "the formula" reveals itself, but still enjoys the stories. You have to remember a novel – even a short one like a Goosebumps book – is a lot to keep in context as you're starting out reading. The predictable ebbs and flows of a series book help readers focus on the language and the things that are unique about each issue and mystery. When we together read longer books that can't be consumed as quickly – like a Harry Potter novel – he has to work with me to remind himself about the callbacks and references to follow along with the increased nuance. I loved the Goosebumps books as a kid and they will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a shame the basic structure makes it hard to enjoy them as much on a reread as an adult, but that was never the point.