Neil Gaiman has proposed a new tradition: give a scary book to someone at Halloween.
I like the idea of giving books, although I'm not really into being scared. I've avoided "It" and "Silence of the Lambs" and "The Amytiville Horror". I prefer my fiction light and even fluffy. But there are a few scary books I'd be willing to give.
The Graveyard Book by Neil himself starts rather scarily: "There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife." It's a great book and not too scary for adults seeing that it's aimed at children. Suited me fine!
Various other websites have suggested books but no one has mentioned Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr. I found that book haunting; a magic pencil brings to life whatever is drawn with it. The drawings only come to life in dreams but there's a growing and sustained air of menace. Once again, it's written for children so it's about what I can handle as far as horror goes!
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen got a mention. I enjoyed the beginning of the book when it looks like it's going to be a Gothic horror tale, although I found it disappointing when it morphed into a standard romance tale.
Dracula by Bram Stoker is another classic. I don't think the later parts of the book stand up as well as the beginning, but I recommend it if only to see where the vampire genre started.
And finally, I'd recommend Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen if you like your horror funny. If you liked Sean of the Dead, this is the one for you. I found it too gory for my taste but I still enjoyed it.
So, what are your recommendations for scary books for this Halloween?
11 COMMENTS:
"That's not your Mommy anymore" by Matt Mock is highly recommended - and available in Amazon.
Richard, I might be able to cope with the fright level on that one!
Today I went to Waterstones and grabbed my limited gold edition exclusive to waterstone's with added short story of Terry Pratchett's Snuff. :-)
And then I got me a chocolate apple (as a nod to halloween!).
Take care
x
Kitty, if only I'd done that! I got two copies of Snuff sent to my son (I didn't think the first one had gone through) so he's bringing one over when he comes to see us. I'd love a special edition!
I'm with you and not liking scary stories. My imagination is a bit too rich to put in more horror ammo.
I remember when Neil held the twitter contest to come up with the name. It's a cool idea.
Some of your recommendations look very interesting.
I was reading one of EEs book club books that was both scary and fascinating - The Devil in the White City. Put it down unfinished years ago and I don't even know where it is now. Says more about my willingness to read details about a serial killer than the quality of the book.
Maybe the scariest books are the ones that have not been written yet.
Meanwhile — preparing for pumpkins.
Sarah, I'm with you on this! I see no point in reading things that make me feel worse, not better!
Whirl, I'm thinking you mean the ones you haven't written yet!
Well, I guess I won't recommend DROOD, then. : )
stacy, I googled DROOD! Thank you for not recommending it!
You're welcome! But I should probably warn you that there are some gory and disturbing moments. Really disturbing. And gory. Not the entire thing, but some sections. Still, a good read.
Hah! Word verification: allies.
You're welcome! But I should probably warn you that there are some gory and disturbing moments. Really disturbing. And gory. Not the entire thing, but some sections. Still, a good read.
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