It’s finally Fall! Temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing to their autumnal hues, and there’s finally an excuse to stay inside curled up with a good book. For October, the month of Halloween and things spooky, the staff of the Alexander Family Library selected some of our favorite items available through The Library to send shivers up your spine. Make sure to have a cozy blanket handy– you’ll need it to combat these chilly reads!
by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, Jamie’s pick
Jamie’s pick
Predating “Dracula” by 26 years, the Gothic novella Carmilla tells the tale of a mysterious young woman who takes shelter with a family after a carriage accident…and then the young women of the village begin dying off. A mutual obsession between the narrator and her family’s visitor heightens the horror when Carmilla’s identity is finally revealed. Carmilla will appeal to fans of early vampire fiction, and its short length means it won’t keep you up all night!
“When I Arrived at the Castle”
by Emily Carroll
Dylan’s pick
A horror comic that is as beautifully illustrated as it is written! “When I Arrived at the Castle” mixes gothic horror and classic myths of monsters and fairy tales and takes everything you knew about tropes and rips them to shreds. The art style is simple at first glance, with the only colors used being white, black, and red. Emily Carroll works wonders with this color scheme, creating an ornate, elegant world. If you appreciate nightmarish monsters, characters who are not what they seem, and lush artwork, sink your claws into this comic!
by Ray Bradbury
Rachael’s pick
I think the most intriguing thing about this book is that if you look at society today and the way a lot of the adolescents’ minds are geared in this day and age, you can see the world heading in this direction. The book was originally published in 1953, and it has only become more plausible since then now that we have large flat screen TV’s that take up a whole wall and touch screens, and we have things like Alexa and Siri. It’s a very fascinating book filled with plot twists, police chases, and futuristic technology. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you think about where our future could be headed.
“Best of Halloween Tricks & Treats”
by Better Homes and Gardens
Berta’s pick
I am not a big fan of Halloween horror books or movies, but I LOVE to host Halloween costume parties and bake. For Halloween, I enjoy making crafts, and scary treats. One of my favorite books that I often use for inspiration is “Best of Halloween Tricks & Treats.”
by E. Lockhart
Kari’s pick
Affluence is often a precursor to adversity. In this gripping and twisted tale, the wealthy Sinclair family spends summers on their private island where young Cadence uncovers the eerie secret surrounding her tragic accident.
by Wendy Webb
Renu’s pick
Julia Bishop’s story revolves around her sudden entry into the large, old Havenwood estate, and is a story full of horror, mystery, and spine-chilling events. Julia faces many twists and turns while exploring multiple truths related to a previous life, which have all but vanished from her current life. Suspenseful from start to finish, “The Vanishing” is a wonderfully written, well crafted story that will keep reader’s minds engaged from beginning to end.