Books for the Halloween Spirit

If you're anything like me, you want to read something a little spookier during the fall season. But if you're like me, you also don't always know where to start. I'm a total baby about scary movies, and although I'm a little bit better with books I'm still someone who has to stay far away from anything too spooky, too bloody, too terrifying. A little bit is fine. But too much will keep me up at night. That doesn't stop me from enjoying the necessity of the season--a book that sets my heart racing while I cuddle up on the couch. I've explored different types of books over the years, for this purpose, and I've found some winners for those of us who have delicate sensibilities. I hope you find at least one of these books to give you that sense of dread we all want to feel this time of year (while being able to safely make hot chocolate if we want). 

My picks:

We Have Always Lived in the Castle--Shirley Jackson

If you've read any Jackson before, you know she's not scared of delving into the most horrifying and eerie parts of humanity. Just as dark and shocking as her short story "The Lottery" but much creepier, and with a foreboding atmosphere. It's quite short so I read it in one sitting. I could not stop talking about it right after, and I told my husband every detail of the plot at two in the morning because I was so hung up on it. It might not scare you, but it will creep you out. 

The Historian--Elizabeth Kostova

I first tried to read this in middle school, but it is massive, especially when you're in eighth grade. Instead of finishing it I forgot about it for years and then one day decided to buy it and finally finish it. And I'm immensely happy that I did. Obviously it's a historical fiction, but the history is rich, and full, and spans years and years of research and storytelling. It deals with Vlad the Impaler, my favorite historical villain/hero (depends who you ask), and a young girl who wants to find her family at all costs. If that's not enough, Vlad the Impaler is the original inspiration for Count Dracula. But this is not a story about Twilight vampires. The villains of a story that explores the history of the most famous vampire of all time are not sparkly, nor are they friendly. 

And Then There Were None--Agatha Christie

The queen of mystery and suspense! No Halloween is complete without some Agatha Christie to keep you guessing. I loved this book so much. Ten people, all with secrets too horrific to tell, are stranded on a mysterious island until the storm passes. And interestingly enough, no one seems to know who invited them all. A thriller, and a perfectly woven mystery, it's impossible to put down and keeps you hooked until the last second when you think you've figured it out. But you haven't, I promise. 

Since Halloween is soon to be over, I'll leave it at this for now. In the meantime, I'll come up with some cozy fall reads that don't have to do with things that go bump in the night. Until then, say hi to the monsters under the bed for me. 

Love,

Sarai