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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Horrorstor summary
Brief summary
Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix is a spine-chilling novel that takes place in a haunted furniture store. As a group of employees volunteer for an overnight shift, they soon realize that something sinister lurks within the store's walls.
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Horrorstor
Summary of key ideas
The Setting of Horrorstor
In Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix, we are introduced to Orsk, a fictional Swedish furniture store located in Cleveland, Ohio. The store is known for its maze-like layout and its wide range of affordable, stylish furniture. The story begins with the store's manager, Basil, discovering that the store has been vandalized overnight. The damage is inexplicable, and the company's regional manager, a strict and business-focused woman named Amy, is called in to investigate.
As the vandalism continues, Basil, Amy, and two other employees, Ruth Anne and Matt, decide to spend the night in the store to catch the vandals. They soon realize that the store is not being vandalized by humans, but by something much more sinister. The store is haunted by the ghosts of prisoners who died in the building when it was a panopticon prison in the 19th century.
The Haunting of Orsk
As the night progresses, the employees encounter increasingly terrifying phenomena. They are attacked by possessed furniture, chased by ghostly figures, and trapped in the store's labyrinthine layout. They also discover that the store's founder, a ruthless businessman named Ingvar Kampradsson, made a deal with the prison warden to use the prisoners' labor to manufacture his furniture. The prisoners were subjected to inhumane conditions, leading to their deaths and the haunting of the building.
It becomes clear that the haunting is a result of the prisoners' anger and desire for revenge. The group learns that the only way to stop the haunting is to uncover the truth about the prison's dark past and put the spirits to rest. They also realize that the haunting is not limited to the store, but is spreading to the employees' personal lives, affecting their mental and emotional well-being.
The Final Confrontation
As the night draws to a close, the group confronts the source of the haunting in the store's basement. They find the warden's office, where they discover the truth about the prison's history and the inhumane treatment of the prisoners. They also learn that the warden had used a supernatural ritual to bind the prisoners' spirits to the building, ensuring that they would never find peace.
In a climactic battle, the group manages to break the ritual and release the spirits. The store is saved, and the haunting comes to an end. However, the experience has taken a toll on the employees, leaving them traumatized and changed forever. The story ends with the store reopening, but with a new awareness of the building's dark history and the price of its success.
Exploring Capitalism and the Supernatural
Throughout Horrorstor, Grady Hendrix cleverly weaves together elements of horror, satire, and social commentary. The setting of the furniture store, with its soulless corporate culture and emphasis on consumerism, serves as a critique of modern capitalism. The haunting, in turn, represents the dark legacy of exploitation and abuse that often lies beneath the surface of seemingly successful businesses.
In conclusion, Horrorstor is a unique and chilling take on the haunted house genre. It combines supernatural horror with a sharp critique of consumer culture, creating a story that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. The novel's inventive setting, memorable characters, and spine-tingling scares make it a must-read for horror fans and anyone interested in exploring the darker side of capitalism.
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What is Horrorstor about?
Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix is a chilling and darkly comedic novel that takes place in an Orsk furniture store. When strange things start happening at night, a group of employees volunteer to stay overnight to uncover the truth. What they find is beyond their worst nightmares, as the store itself seems to be alive with malevolent intentions.
Horrorstor Review
Horrorstor (2014) is a captivating and unique horror novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the eerie halls of a haunted furniture store. Here's why this book is definitely worth your time:
- With its creative premise and blend of horror and satire, it offers a fresh and entertaining take on the genre.
- The book's eye-catching design and layout, mimicking an IKEA catalog, adds an immersive and interactive element to the reading experience.
- Through its engaging characters and suspenseful plot, the book keeps readers hooked until the very end, offering a thrilling and unpredictable ride.
Who should read Horrorstor?
- Readers who enjoy a blend of horror and humor
- People who are fans of unique and unconventional storytelling formats
- Those who appreciate clever social commentary wrapped in a chilling narrative
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Horrorstor FAQs
What is the main message of Horrorstor?
Horrorstor explores the idea that there is more to our everyday reality than meets the eye.
How long does it take to read Horrorstor?
The reading time for Horrorstor varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Horrorstor a good book? Is it worth reading?
Horrorstor is worth reading for its unique blend of horror and satire. It keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Who is the author of Horrorstor?
Grady Hendrix is the author of Horrorstor.
What to read after Horrorstor?
If you're wondering what to read next after Horrorstor, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda