For the week of Halloween I thought I would share my top 5 favorite spooky books, although calling them spooky is a bit of a stretch. I don't really enjoy horror books or movies, so perhaps these books just have a hint of spooky. The scariest one on my list is actually a children's book, so we'll just say these books are fun to read for Halloween.
1. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
I have always loved the movie version of this book. It's my favorite "Halloween" movie. So this past year, I finally read the book and it is also great. It might be a tiny bit darker than the movie, but it still has a great plot, great characters, and a dark, but fun atmosphere.
2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Here it is: the scariest book on my list. This one has also been made into a movie and both are a little bit scary. At least if you're a bit of a wimp like me. Coraline is the story of a girl exploring her new home, who stumbles on a door that leads to an alternate world. The alternate world is like her own, but also very different (and creepy).
I love Neil Gaiman's writing. It is so imaginary. I would also recommend The Graveyard Book and The Ocean at the End of the Lane, both by Gaiman. And good for Halloween reading.
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
I know, I know. Harry Potter? I'm a big fan and the second book in the series is especially fun to read around Halloween. Every book has magic, ghosts, supernatural creatures, and witches, but this book also has the fun "death day" party that happens on Halloween.
4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
I admit it has been quite a few years since I've read this one, but I always think of it when I think of reading a creepy book. It reads very much like historical fiction, but also has gothic, mystery, and thriller elements. If you like books about vampires this is an interesting one to read.
5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
This book is the first of a trilogy about witches and vampires. Not only is it a great book to read around Halloween it is also one of my favorite series ever. The characters are interesting, it's exciting, and even romantic.
Here's to curling up under a blanket with a creepy book and the hot drink of your choice.
Happy Hallloween!