Over the years I've purchased every old and new copy of the pb version of The Keep at thrift shops to sell on ebay. Never got around to it. Before Christmas break let out a number of weeks ago, I asked my SAT students to select a genre and that I would give them a book in the genre for Christmas. Five students selected Vampires or Monsters; two selected nonfiction. To the latter I gave a copy of Stupid American History, a fun book that derails American myths about historical icons. To the former group I gave them each a copy of The Keep. I told them that the book may or may not be suitable for 12-13 year olds, but I was sure they would be able to enjoy it. I tried to remember how "adult" the reading was, but couldn't remember anything traumatic. After the students finished taking their practice SAT test, they used the remaining time to start reading their books. They were mesmerized. I hope I brought some new fans into the fold. I also hope I don't get any complaints from parents.
AC
P.S. For Christmas Eve I showed WC Fields movies to the nephews and nieces. They liked the physical humor, but the play on words went over their heads. For Thanksgiving we introduced them to The Three Stooges. Curly was a hit. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk. New Year's Eve: The Marx Brothers.