Horror Books at the Library
Ready to get a little scared? Sarah and Cassondra have been digging through the shelves to find some of their favorite horror reads, from creepy and unsettling to downright terrifying. Whether you’re a seasoned horror reader or just looking for something spooky to curl up with this October, they’ve got a few recommendations that might keep you turning pages long after the lights go out.
Sarah’s Recommendations:
Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay – I’m drawn to Paul Trembley in the way I’m drawn to fellow horror writers Grady Hendrix or Stephen King. I might not always love their material, but I usually always like it. This was a book I read after a couple of his others and found myself really enjoying it! It had a lot going for it, it centered around a reality tv program where an exorcism takes place and had a good twist ending. I enjoyed the modern take and found myself thinking about it long after I closed the book. Give it a try!
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers – Ok, I will warn you ahead of time about this one: It is about a cannibal. Who is also a psychopath. Who is also a serial killer. I found it weird, creepy, interesting and sometimes outright gross. If you want to investigate the mind of someone seriously disturbed…look no further than this book.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz– Every year, when my family gets out our Halloween decorations, we pull out the stack of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark from the pile. I love picking one up and reading a story here and there as spooky season goes on. It’s great for that nostalgia feeling and if you can find a copy with the original illustrations it’s even more creepy!
Cassondra’s Recommendations:
Ten Days in a Mad-House by Nellie Bly
This book was my non-fiction graphic novel pick. Quick summary it takes place in 1887, New York City. A woman named Nellie Bly goes undercover to write an expose on a women’s asylum on an island by mainland Manhattan. I don’t want to give away too much in case you haven’t heard or read anything on this story. It’s very scary when some horror stories are real. This book had me locked in within the first few pages. Thanks to Nellie, it was the start of people questioning what is happening within these institutions. Unfortunately, not much got done about the atrocities within these intuitions until the 1970s. It’s due to her courageousness that this spooky season no one will have to escape from an asylum, unless it’s a movie!
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book! This book was quick to read, and the illustrations showed raw emotion. Plus, it’s always nice to learn a bit about American History.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
This book was my fiction graphic novel pick. This book was an absolute page turner. I was so happy to see that the full series was altogether in one book. There are 6 volumes, and they come together in one book to complete the story. A few spoilers ahead, so warning on this review. Samantha Strong is our main character living in the small town of Woodbrook. This small town couldn’t get more cookie cutter, until you realize that our main character is a serial killer. She has been doing this for years hunting in the big city nearby. Unfortunately, her routine gets interrupted by a random killing in her tiny town. Afraid if people start digging too deep, they will uncover her secret, she jumps into her own investigation. This book throws you off the horror aspect because all the characters are cute, adorable animals. They are living like humans, and it’s never touched on why. I like that the author never explains this aspect though. The illustrations really give you the vibe that it’s a warm book, but then it hits hard and fast with the horror element. Viewer discretion is advised.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book! If you enjoy TV series like Dexter, you will enjoy this book.
Wyoming Ghost Stories: Eerie True Tales by Debra D. Munn
This is a fantastic book to check out. If you’re looking for true ghost stories that hit close to home, look no further than here. This author does a great job relaying the unexplainable that many of us try to rationalize away. When the story is being told about a neighboring town it adds that eerie element that this could have happened to you.
Teen Display: Unwrap a Fright
