Halloween, and fall in general, is the perfect time of year to pick up some frightening books to really help you get into the holiday spirit. Here are a handful you can devour alongside your Halloween candy this year.
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker
It’s hard to beat the classics, and this one needs no introduction. Stoker’s classic vampire tale centers around the pinnacle of horror icons, Count Dracula, and features gothic and horror elements that made the book as famous when it was published as it is now. However, if you’ve been keeping up with Drac’s antics in the form of Dracula Daily, might I recommend:
“Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu
The vampire story that predates “Dracula,” this one also features a lesbian love story at its center. The titular vampiress begins to appear to protagonist Laura following a carriage accident, and the two’s relationship intensifies until its frightening climax. If you loved “Dracula” or would prefer a vampire story that centers women instead, this would be a great choice.
“Lobizona” by Romina Garber
Taking the werewolf trope that we have all come to know, Garber weaves a story about Manu, an Argentine immigrant living illegally in America. Based heavily on Garber’s native Argentine folklore, this book looks at the real-world horror of what undocumented immigrants face in America while also adding a supernatural twist.
“The Vegetarian” by Han Kang
For those who like body horror, Kang’s novella in three parts delivers a story of a woman who rejects the standards of her culture and family by refusing to eat meat. Her nightmares that drive her towards this decision make brief glimpses across the page and help form a story that is equal parts cerebral and terrifying.
“American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis
For just about every type of horror you can imagine — there is the very popular “American Psycho.” Well known now for Christian Bale’s horrifying portrayal of the axe-wielding, Huey Lewis-loving Patrick Bateman, this book I recommend with just about every trigger warning you can imagine. If you can handle the amount of gore and horror on these pages, you’re also in for a treat that satirizes capitalism. Bonus points if you have “Hip To Be Square” as a backing soundtrack to your reading experience.
