Books like The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena

The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena is a canonical work of Goosebumps. It juxtaposes California-raised youths against the raw elements of Alaskan tundra, and a beast that is the embodiment of dangerous desire. "All my life, I've wanted to see snow," begins Jordan. Then, once confronted with the horrors of wish-fulfillment, "I don't deserve to die - just because I want to see snow!"Like a Euripides tragedy, however, it is not enough for the sun-dwellers to narrowly escape with their lives. They must conquer, must prove their ambitions worthy. So they pluck the snow monster from its source and bring it home.In an unexpectedly thematic climax, the manifestation of elemental longing usurps what they hold dear. Pasadena pools, towering palm trees and the luxury of warmth--all taken for granted, all destroyed.By some miracle, the kids survive. But there's nothing to show for it and the sin of their greed lives on, spreading itself insidiously, like a plague.