Beth’s Picks: Spooky Reads for Halloween

We’re in the mood for Halloween at BCPL!

This year, we want to make your Halloween extra spooktacular with fun events for the entire family all October long. From a special Halloween Family Storytime in the dark to our illuminated pumpkin trail and a haunted house, we’ve got you covered for pre-Halloween activities. We’ve also got you covered this month for some awesome, spooky reading recommendations. Beth from our Lebanon Junction Branch is kicking us off with six picks she thinks you’ll love!
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay ​
A teenaged girl begins to show signs of possession, and the family enlists the help of their priest and a reality show. Is she truly possessed, schizophrenic, or is the whole thing fake??

 

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Two sisters and a feeble uncle are the only survivors of a family tragedy, one that ostracized them from the villagers. Is there a murderer among the family or the villagers, or is it something else?

 

“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson ​
I think this is one of the best short stories ever written. It has had a lasting impact on me, and the story of sacrifice, mob action and just going along with something… these themes stand out in all of Jackson’s works, but most especially this one.

 

The Best of Richard Matheson by Richard Matheson ​
Matheson is a greatly overlooked author—his stories range from slightly twisted to terrifying. Many people don’t realize how prolific he was, but they’ve likely seen a movie or TV episode written by him.

 

With Their Dying Breaths by CC Thomas
I knew about Waverly Hills even before I moved here 8 years ago—the history, hope, hopelessness, and possibility of hauntings make this a must-read for ghost and history lovers alike.

 

Night Shift by Stephen King
There’s one story, “The Boogeyman,” that scared me so much ​in 1978 that I still CANNOT sleep if the closet door is open. Even the tiniest bit.

Psst.. Want to learn more about our upcoming events? Discover ALL THE HALLOWEEN THINGS at bcplib.org/enjoy-fall-festivities.

Source: Book News and Reviews