Horror Aficionados discussion

This is the thread for the August 2025 Group Read #2 - Jaws by Peter Benchley. Please use spoiler tags to avoid giving away key plot points. Happy reading!

I read JAWS when I was s kid--just after the movie came out and messed with my ten-year-old mind.

I remember the movie being "better," but then what the heck did I know, age ten?

Might be worth a re-read…?

I first read this when I was about 12 or 13...

The film is great - near perfect!

The book, as you might expect contains much more details, backstory and other plots - makes for a great read.

I also read this book when I was 10 (still have my copy) and saw the film the moment it came into the cinema...it too messed with my mind like Philip says.
The film is still one of my favourites...might dig my copy of the book out as I think it was a lot more detailed as far as I can remember??

🦈🦈🦈🦈🩸🩸🩸🩸

Just be aware the book and the movie are very different. I love the movie, it's one of the best. The book, not so much.
(view spoiler)[the book is mainly about the Chief's wife having an affair with Hooper. Thank gawd that wasn't in the movie. 🙄
Also, don't expect much shark action (hide spoiler)]

WendyB wrote: "Just be aware the book and the movie are very different. I love the movie, it's one of the best. The book, not so much.
the book is mainly about the Chief's wife having an affair with Hooper. Thank..."

I agree Wendy. The movie is a classic for a reason, it's so good! This is one of the rare times where the movie is better than the book.

I've seen that some towns near water will do a Jaws movie night where you are in a float of some kind to watch the movie. I would love to know if anyone has participated in this. 🛟🦈

Being in a float and watching Jaws... that looks like so much fun!
I wonder if they have someone put on a shark fin and swim around the floats? hmmm...

I agree! The movie is impeccable, but the book was a letdown. (view spoiler)[Whoever decided not to include Ellen and Hooper's affair in the film: you did a good thing. It was more like a weird town drama that happens to feature a couple shark attacks. (hide spoiler)]

It's way less famous, but I enjoy Benchley's novel Beast more for water horror (and I actually love that TV movie-- it's no Jaws, but it's a lot of fun). I've been thinking about giving The Deep a try too. Does anyone know if it's any good?

WendyB wrote: "Being in a float and watching Jaws... that looks like so much fun!
I wonder if they have someone put on a shark fin and swim around the floats? hmmm..."

I would totally sit in a pool or lake and watch Jaws! I would not, however, do it in an ocean where ACTUAL sharks might be. haha

Alan wrote: "WendyB wrote: "Being in a float and watching Jaws... that looks like so much fun!
I wonder if they have someone put on a shark fin and swim around the floats? hmmm..."

"
That pic needs the Caddyshack candybar floating around on the surface. 😀

I read this the same year the movie came out. I can't remember if it was before or after the movie release.
Put a copy on order. Looking forward to reading this again and seeing if it still holds up.

I just started and it's great so far! Hopefully it goes better than The Deep, I would love to redeem Benchley on my shelf

Luke wrote: "I just started and it's great so far! Hopefully it goes better than The Deep, I would love to redeem Benchley on my shelf"

You may have to try Beast or White Shark for that.

Alan wrote: "Luke wrote: "I just started and it's great so far! Hopefully it goes better than The Deep, I would love to redeem Benchley on my shelf"

You may have to try Beast or White Shark for that."

I have Beast on my shelf, maybe that should be up next month

Just received my copy, and read Chapter One. That is a classic example of how to "hook" your reader early, just like the movie did.
Very descriptive, very disgusting. Loved it.
Don't know if the rest will maintain that level and hold up, but I'm anxious to get to Chapter Two.

Just finished reading Part 1 last night.
I'm trying to evaluate this without comparing to the movie, but those memories are strong.
In Part One I felt that Benchley did a nice job of spotlighting all the secondary issues with a shark attack on a beach resort (closed beaches, loss of revenue, politics, etc) while still maintaining interest and continuing to build the suspense/dread. I didn't think there was much filler at all.

Now into Part 2, at page 195.
I agree with Wendy B that the side plot/romance with Hooper was thankfully left out of the movie. The flirtation scene was awkward, to say the least. And, the Mafia connection was also unnecessary. While both of these side plots are interesting, and Benchley details them well - - they take away from the more thrilling drama of the shark. So glad they didn't clutter up the movie.
P.S. . . . I didn't put my notes in spoilers because I feel pretty sure everyone in this group discussion is familiar with both movie and book - - so why bother.

I have somehow made it this far in life without seeing the Movie, so going in completely blind was perfect; I am, however, hoping the movie focuses more on the shark and less on the small town economics and infidelity

Luke wrote: "I have somehow made it this far in life without seeing the Movie, so going in completely blind was perfect; I am, however, hoping the movie focuses more on the shark and less on the small town econ..."

It does. No romance/flirtation scenes. Hooper in the movie is a totally different - and more interesting character than what I have read so far. The movie does focus a little on small resort town economics, but doesn't do more than necessary, and without the Mafia subplot.

Michael wrote: "Luke wrote: "I have somehow made it this far in life without seeing the Movie, so going in completely blind was perfect; I am, however, hoping the movie focuses more on the shark and less on the sm..."

The Mafia and romance subplots of the book are what made me dislike it and love the movie so much more for skipping those dumb elements.

I finished last evening. THREE STARS for me.

Here's my review . . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Although it's largely similar to the film, there's enough changes and additional details/plotlines to make it worth the read and it's highly entertaining throughout. I do agree that the affair section was unneeded though. Good fun.

I would love to read Jaws at some point (the film is probably one of the best movies ever made), but I already have a backlog the size of a mountain.

PJ wrote: "I would love to read Jaws at some point (the film is probably one of the best movies ever made), but I already have a backlog the size of a mountain."

How big a mountain?
Are we talking a gentle rolling hill or Mt Everest? 😉

I wanna say Ben Nevis. It will be enjoyable, but there will be effort involved. I have a lot of James Herbert books on my shelves, but I always find his books to be quick, easy, and fun, and I have a ton of Discworld novels too, but Terry Pratchett makes me happy.