It’s October! This means all things spooky! I decorated our home for Halloween on October 1st (anyone else?). Although I feel like we need more outside – there’s just not enough spooky! I digress…the point of today’s post is to just share a few spooky reads that are on my TBR! I don’t know if I will get to all of these this month as my TBR is already very long, but I should get to a few considering the challenges I’ve decided to take part in!
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
This one is on October’s 30 Books Before 30 TBR! So, I should actually get to it. I have started it (just a few pages in) and it’s already slightly different from the Netflix show! This has me excited for it because – don’t hate me – I wasn’t a huge fan of the show. Don’t get me wrong, it was okay, it just wasn’t that spooky to me. So I’m hoping the book has more of a scare.
WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE
This is another one by Shirley Jackson. I received it in the October NovelTea Book Club – then I found out it has a movie on Netflix! I really hope to get to this one. I’m not entirely sure what it is about but it seems like a spooky/gothic read. This is a quick snapshot of the synopsis on Goodreads: “possibly murderous family and the dramatic struggle that ensues when an unexpected visitor interrupts their unusual way of life.”
WILDER GIRLS
I’m honestly surprised I haven’t picked this one up yet. I keep seeing it everywhere and everyone seems to love it! It seems freaky but at the same time sounds like a sort of zombie/dystopian type of novel. Basically, it seems right up my alley. Although, I will say that the cover ALWAYS throws me off. I keep thinking it’s contemporary.
THE GIRL IN RED
Okay, so this isn’t exactly horror but I think the synopsis makes it seem like it can be a pretty dark tale. It’s a twisted retelling of Little Red Riding Hood (which, heck yes, I am on board with) that seems to use human relations as the scary part of the story. I like those kinds of scary stories as well because, let’s face it, humans can be frightening all on their own.
HOUSE OF LEAVES
This has been on my TBR for probably a decade. No, seriously, a decade. Basically ever since I met my husband he’s been wanting me to read this book. I’ve tried a few times but have never gotten very far. It’s a book that requires quite a commitment but I think if I just applied myself, the payoff of finishing this story would be totally worth it.
Do you theme your TBRs? If so, do you only do it during certain months or all year long? What spooky books do you want to read this month? I’m always looking for recommendations!
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This year I’m really trying to do more seasonal reads – spooky, eerie books and more thrillers, too! I have The Girl in Red on my TBR, as well!
It’s hard for me to squeeze them in when my TBR is so huge hahah I hope you’re able to!
Wilder Girls is SO GOOD! I really hope you love it! I made two serious attempts at House of Leaves years ago and I’ve just decided it wasn’t for me.
I NEED TO GET TO IT SOON UGH hahah & I’ve made ONE attempt. I didn’t hate it, just got distracted lol. It’s a heavy one >.<
I loved Wilder Girls so much! It’s a bit weird 😂, but that was one of my favourite things about it. I hope you enjoy it 😊! I also really need to read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and House of Leaves.
So many people love Wilder Girls! I realllllly can’t wait to get to that one! 🙂
House of leaves was so boring I couldn’t get past the 10th page. Also really don’t like the way people who love it look down upon other readers. Not a club I want to be part of. On the other hand I LOVED we have always lived in the castle. So good!!
Oh how strange! I didn’t even know that was a thing with House of Leaves. My husband and one of his best friends love the book and always want me to read it but they don’t look down on other readers. I wonder why that book attracts those kind of people, though. Hmmmm
I definitely recommend Wilder Girls, and suuuuuper recommend The Girl in Red! It IS very dark, so even if it isn’t horror, it fits the mood! I want to watch Hill House some day, sorry that it wasn’t as good for you. I will lower my expectations accordingly! I DO like to read at least one or two creepy books. Last year, I did The Call (which I definitely recommend, and actually Wilder Girls reminds me of it a bit!), Bird Box, and And the Trees Crept In. This year… well, I am not sure yet! I’ll probably just look at my shelves until something seems appealing 😂
I’m glad to know you liked both Wilder Girls and The Girl in Red! I’m excited to eventually get to them lol. I’ve never heard of The Call. Also, Bird Box? As in the Netflix movie? I had no idea that it was a book!
I always to try to read spooky books in October too! I’ve read quite a few this month and quite enjoyed them all, I plan to continue after my midterms finished!
I might have some spooky books to read into November because I haven’t been reading a lot. Oops haha