These books might not all be scary, but they are scarily good!
Note to readers: Some of these books contain sensitive themes, so please read carefully and take care of yourselves.
Spooky Reads to Kick off Spooky Season:
The Screaming Staircase by Anthony Stroud
This novel is set in an alternate 1970s London where the English populace is plagued by benevolent ghosts that only children gifted with the Talent can detect and exterminate. Lucy Carlyle, the "plucky and talented" heroine of the novel draws readers in with her wit and characterization. It follows Lucy and her colleagues Anthony Lockwood and George Cubbins as they solve paranormal cases. Funny from start to finish, and guaranteed to thrill, delight and scare simultaneously. Borrow it here (as a hard copy).
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic, and it's a classic for a reason. The language is old, but it is fast-paced and tons of fun. The protagonist, Ichabod Crane, is comical yet easily pitiable to the reader. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a fast-paced and easily digestible short story. If you are looking for a short story that perfectly encapsulates the perfect spooky season mood, this is it. Since it is in the public domain, it can be found here on The Project Gutenberg's website.
Thrilling:
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
This novel is fascinating and un-put-down-able, with thrills at every turn! What more can I say? The protagonist, a high-school student named Pippa Fitz-Amobi, is an avid fan of true crime who decides to solve an old cold case in her community, the murder of high schooler Andie Bell, as her senior capstone project. She's confident that Andie's boyfriend, Sal, wasn't actually her murderer. Pip is dynamic, clever, and refuses to give up yet also is a borderline perfectionist. It focuses on the importance of truth and justice, and the impact of social media on criminal investigations. It is now a TV show on Netflix. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
Perfect for fans of Holly Black, who wrote the BookTok-famous series The Cruel Prince, The Darkest Part of the Forest is suspenseful and dark, and will have you spellbound! It is set in a small town where humans and faeries coexist, albeit not without confrontation. The protagonist Hazel and her brother Ben grew up making stories about the horned boy sleeping in a glass coffin in the dark forest at the edges of the town. When he wakes up, Hazel and Ben have to reckon with the consequences, and Hazel has to reckon with a truth she has denied for far too long. The asynchronous narrative allows for the reveal of shocking twists. This book is the perfect blend of fantasy and thriller. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).
Tragic fiction:
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak is reflective, thought-provoking, and poignant. It follows the life of socially ostracized freshman Melinda Sordino. After an incident at a summer party, Melinda calls the police and the party is broken up, which her classmates see as an unforgivable evil. Melinda's development throughout the novel goes from someone who is passive after her trauma and lets life happen to her to an empowered young woman who confronts her trauma and reclaims her freedom. Borrow it here (as a novel) or here (as a graphic novel).
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief made me cry. As someone who prides in her ability to not cry except when dogs die in movies, this book grabbed my tear ducts and wrung them out like laundry left in the rain. This novel follows the coming-of-age of Liesel Meminger, as she grows up in Nazi Germany with her best friend Rudy Steiner. Liesel is fiery and readers will be rooting for her triumphs. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as an ebook), here (as an audiobook), or the movie version here (as a DVD).
Dystopia:
Warcross by Marie Lu
Warcross is supposedly popular while being simultaneously criminally underrated. Emika Chen, an embittered orphaned teenage hacker and bounty hunter accidentally glitches into world-famous game Warcross' international championship and is offered a job by the creator of the game, Hideo Tanaka. She must uncover the identity of a hacker compromising the safety of Warcross and its players. As Emika uncovers deeper conspiracies, she must grapple with the truth and dangerous unexpected secrets. Warcross is stunningly suspenseful and will have you on metaphorical pins and needles the whole time. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as a hard copy in the Spanish language), here (as an ebook), or here (as an audiobook).
This Savage Song by V. E. Schwab
This Savage Song is set in an alternate universe of Earth where tragedies, acts of violence, and severe man-made catastrophe create monsters. Civil war in the city-state of Verity lead to the formation of North Verity and South Verity, bitter adversaries in a violent grudge where each side is out for blood. Kate, a human, wants to be monstrous. August, a monster, wants to be human. Fast-paced action, coupled with somber introspection and significant character development make This Savage Song a must-read for fans of dystopia. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as an ebook), or here (as an audiobook).
Historical Fiction
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
The Fountains of Silence is one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read, hands down. Neither too dry nor too heavy, The Fountains of Silence is in a perfect sweet spot that many historical fiction authors struggle to achieve. It follows Ana Torres, a young Spanish woman whose family was torn apart in the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel Matheson, the American son of an oil baron who wishes to pursue photography. The Fountains of Silence manages to be both soft and rich with plot. The Fountains of Silence is worth the read. Borrow it here (as a hard copy).
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was my favorite book for so long. It follows Calpurnia, a young girl who subverts traditional gender roles in 1950s Texas. She becomes a budding scientist and her retired scientist grandfather's protégé. Calpurnia is stubborn and plucky, and I always felt like she was such an important character because she inspired me as a child. A touching coming-of-age novel that will steal your heart and probably never give it back. Borrow it here (as a hard copy).
Fantasy:
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
First of all, can we just take a moment to appreciate that stunning cover? Six Crimson Cranes follows tomboy princess Shiori as she struggles with societal norms, societal expectations, and traditional gender roles. She wishes to break free of the expectations placed on her as a princess. But soon, she and her six brothers are cursed and she undergoes adversity that shapes and transforms her identity and character. Six Crimson Cranes emphasizes the importance of family and its fantasy elements are simply sublime. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows follows six characters linked by necessity: Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey, Nina Zenik, Matthias Helvar, and Wylan Van Eck. Kaz is a criminal mastermind. Inej is a spider who spies for Kaz because of her unique skills as a former acrobat. Jesper Fahey is a sharpshooter. Nina is a Grisha and can wield mystical powers. Matthias is a traitor who wishes to be redeemed in the eyes of his countrymen. Wylan is a demolitions expert and a runaway. Together, the six will break into the Ice Court - the most notorious military and government complex. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).
Teen Romance:
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
A Pho Love Story is a sweet and fluffy modern take on the classic tale of young Juliet and her Romeo. Linh Mai and Bao Nguyen fall in love despite the fact that their parents own rival pho(pronounced ˈfō or fuh) shops, a type of Vietnamese noodle soup. Linh and Bai have a heartwarming relationship, and both undergo serious character development. A Pho Love Story follows themes of family expectations, cultural identity, and young love. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).
Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland
This book was really something. Average high school senior Henry Page falls in love with Grace Town, a girl who is burdened down by her tragic past. Grace is complex and stunningly written, and Henry is easily lovable and relatable. The novel follows sensitive themes of loss with delicate handling. Introspective and slow-paced, I recommend that you add Our Chemical Hearts to your TBR. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as an ebook), or here (as an audiobook).
Have fun reading, remember to hydrate, and take care of yourselves!
With love,
Chinmayi
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