Seven recommendations to get you enthusiastic about this spooky season- memoirs, thrillers, horror novels, and children’s books included
- Burton by Burton by Tim Burton with a forward by Johnny Depp: While it would seem more customary to lead this list with a scary story, a memoir by the Pumpkin King himself is the perfect starting point to ease you into the Halloween Spirit (it is still September, after all.) This memoir is a comprehensive guide to how Tim Burton made each of his films, formed friendships that would grow notorious in their collaborated works, scared the shit out of his coworkers at Disney and became a living legend.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (poem) by Tim Burton: While we’re all familiar with the Disney film of the same name, Tim’s masterpiece was originally written as a poem in 1982, then transformed into a children’s book. It’s the first book Tim Burton wrote/illustrated but wasn’t published until 2006. The original illustrations are spooky and gorgeous, but the real gem is hearing such a well known film plot in its original form, condensed into poetry.
- Carrie by Stephen King: I am not known for being a fan of Stephen King, I’d go as far to say that I am more known for being a Stephen King hater, but I will say that I enjoy his first novel, Carrie. The story of Carrie White is that of a high-school girl with telekinetic abilities who is pushed to the brink by her bullying classmates and overbearing, religious mother. In a fit of rage after being humiliated at the Prom, she unleashes her wrath on the town. While I do have some qualms with the integrity of the novel, it’s shocking, spooky and fun. Stephen King is notorious for his contributions to science fiction and horror- through these supernatural elements, King tells the story of a young girl that feels honest and real.
- Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews: Gross! Disgusting! Shocking! My mom recommended it to me! I called this book a guilty pleasure read on my social media and one of my followers called me vile. I really don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that it’s not for the faint of heart. If you like the show American Horror Story, you’ll probably enjoy this book because it’s more gross than it is scary, but you literally can’t put it down or stop laughing uncomfortably.
- I Know What I Saw by Linda S. Godfrey: This is a nonfiction book that follows Linda Godfrey as she interviews people who have encountered monsters of myth and fable such as Bigfoot or Slenderman. Skeptics and enthusiasts alike can enjoy this engaging read: for the gullible, like me, I suggest reading with a friend or group to discuss which stories you believe.
- Short stories by H.P. Lovecraft: I’ve actually been listening to Lovecraft’s short stories rather than reading. In this form, while I try to focus on what’s being illustrated, it’s fun to get lost a bit and speculate where the story is going to go. Not too horrifying to prevent me from listening right before I go to sleep, but I will say that humanoid monsters are frequenting my dreams more often than usual.
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt: Dark academia gives me spooky, autumn vibes. This book is honestly one of my favorite novels, the prose is delicious and the plot is interesting, engaging and fucking shocking! I wouldn’t strictly say this novel is in the horror genre, but it definitely toes the line. The ensemble is composed of seven irredeemable characters that become humbled by their individual story arcs while telling a murder mystery in reverse. This book feels like black coffee, knit sweaters and pretentious isolationism.
