‘Tis the Season
As we get closer to Halloween, sometimes it can be fun to get into a little creepy reading. I’ll be the first to admit that I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to scary things (though movies and TV shows tend to scare me more than books). If you remember the series Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, let me just say, those stories (and the illustrations!) still terrify me. And they’re meant for children!
Sometimes, though, I do try to get outside my comfort zone and read things beyond my typical wheelhouse. A few months ago, I read a British book called The Little Stranger as part of a book club, and while it wasn’t terrifying, it definitely gave me the creeps. Right now I’m on hold through my library for the audiobook of Coraline, which I’ve listened to before, but I thought would be fun to do around Halloween, especially now that my son is getting to the age where he can sit and listen to a story. Sort of. Around the same time I listened to Coraline, I also listened to Gaiman’s book The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I wouldn’t call it a horror book, per se, but it’s one of those books where you enjoy the journey, but are so relieved when it’s over and you know that it wasn’t real.
Horror Classics
So what are some of the seminal horror books out there?
There’s Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, which, I must admit, I borrowed from a friend something like eight years ago, and still have yet to read. Netflix recently made it into a show, and I’ve heard good things about it, so maybe that will get me to read it at last–you all know I love a good adaptation.
What horror list would be complete without some Stephen King, the master of fright himself? I’ve only read one not-so-scary novela of his and then his craft book On Writing (cannot recommend this one enough, both for creative writers and just people interested in story), so I won’t give a specific recommendation, but from what I’ve heard IT, Carrie, and Misery are some of his most iconic horror novels (feel free to let us know if you have another you personally prefer!).
Maybe you’re looking for something a little newer, though. Book Riot has a great list of horror books from this year, and it’s a fun mix of YA, comics, and books geared towards adults (However, I always say that these genres are a bit arbitrary. I consider myself an adult–most of the time–and many of my favorite books are from the young adult classification). The two that stood out to me most on the list were Infidel and Sawkill Girls (and I’m 99% sure we sent an advance reader copy of the latter in a Plume box to one of you a few months ago–if you’re that Plumer, let us know if you enjoyed the book!).
So if you’re feeling brave, make yourself a cup of tea, get a fire going, and curl up with a spooky book this fall, and see if the writer can transport you to a place of genuine fear. If you have to do it during the day, we won’t tell!
What’s your favorite scary book? Let us know on social media: Twitter, Instagram, and/or Facebook.