About This Book
"The Dead House" is a complex and intense young adult novel, ideal for mature readers aged 12-18. It's presented through a unique mixed-media format, including diary entries, psychiatric reports, news clippings, and video footage, which adds to its immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The story centers on Carly Johnson, a teen institutionalized after her parents' death, who is believed to have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), manifesting as an alter ego named Kaitlyn. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into a dark mystery surrounding a high school fire, supernatural occurrences, and the horrifying truth about what happened that tragic night. Parents should be aware of prominent themes of mental illness, self-harm, suicide, violence, and supernatural horror.
Told through journal entries, a psychotherapist's notes, court records, and more, relates the tale of Carly, a teen who was institutionalized after her parents' death but released to Elmbrige High School, where she is believed to have a second personality or soul named Kaitlyn, and/or be possessed by a demon.
Concepts
Discussion Prompts
1
How does the mixed-media format (diary entries, reports, etc.) impact your reading experience and understanding of the story?
2
Discuss the portrayal of Carly and Kaitlyn's dissociative identity disorder. How does the book make you think about identity and mental health?
3
What role do the supernatural elements play in the story, and how do they interact with the psychological aspects?
4
Who did you trust in the story, and why? How did the author use unreliable narration to create suspense?
5
The book explores themes of good versus evil. How are these themes presented through the characters and their actions?
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