Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted by Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Since April 2022, the meme moved to another host, Aria @ Book Nook Bits.
Let’s Talk Bookish is a meme where participants discuss specific topics, share their opinions, and share their love by visiting each other’s posts.

It’s that time of year again—crisp autumn air, pumpkin-spiced everything, and a sense that something spooky might be lurking just around the corner.

Halloween is almost here, and for many of us, it’s the perfect excuse to dive into our favorite horror books, savor the chills, and get lost in eerie tales.

Do you like reading scary books?

Horror as a genre taps into something primal within us. There’s a thrill in exploring the dark, the unknown, and the uncanny—whether it’s a supernatural force, a psychological unraveling, or the terrifying aspects of humanity itself. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush, the catharsis of facing fear in the safety of our cozy reading nook, or the way horror often holds up a mirror to our real-world anxieties. Whatever the reason, when Halloween comes around, horror lovers everywhere grab their favorite spooky reads.

So, do I love horror? Absolutely. But even if you’re a casual fan, Halloween is the perfect time to explore new stories that unsettle, surprise, and linger long after the final page is turned.

Do you like horror as a genre? Do you have any favorite horror novel tropes or subgenres?

One of the great things about horror is its diversity. There are so many subgenres to explore, so even if you don’t like one type of horror, there’s bound to be another that hooks you in. Do you enjoy ghost stories that leave you glancing over your shoulder? Or maybe you prefer psychological horror that slowly unravels a character’s mind until reality itself feels untrustworthy?

Classic horror fans might love gothic tales—think Frankenstein or Dracula—where eerie settings, mysterious pasts, and doomed characters create an atmosphere thick with tension. If you prefer a more modern take, books like The Haunting of Hill House or The Shining blend psychological suspense with supernatural elements, leaving you questioning what’s real.

And then there are the tropes: haunted houses, cursed objects, creatures lurking in the dark. These recurring themes never get old because each new story brings its own twist, making the familiar feel fresh and frightening all over again.

What books do you like to read around Halloween?

here are a few spine-tingling recommendations that are perfect for this time of year:

What do you think your favorite book characters would dress up as for Halloween?

Now, let’s indulge in a bit of Halloween fun: imagine your favorite book characters celebrating Halloween. What would they dress up as?

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter would definitely go all out—perhaps as Marie Curie or another trailblazing female scientist. Her costume would be both clever and meticulously researched, with the added bonus of magical charm touches.

Dracula from Dracula (if we’re being meta) might ironically dress as a modern-day vampire stereotype, complete with sparkly skin à la Twilight. The Count has been around long enough to appreciate the humor, after all.

Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games might go as Artemis, the goddess of the hunt—fitting for a character so connected to survival and archery. With her bow in hand, she’d be ready to own any costume contest.

Victor Frankenstein from Frankenstein might give a wry nod to his creation by dressing as the monster himself—though one imagines his costume would be more scientific than theatrical.

And of course, if we dive into the horror genre itself, we could imagine Louis and Lestat from Interview with the Vampire exchanging roles for the night in a bit of tongue-in-cheek fun. After centuries of immortality, even vampires deserve a bit of humor, right?

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to grab a cozy blanket, settle in with a stack of horror novels, and let yourself be transported to worlds where the shadows have secrets. Whether you love haunted mansions, psychological thrillers, or the creeping dread of cosmic horror, there’s a story out there ready to give you a good scare. And who knows—maybe your favorite characters will be getting into the Halloween spirit right alongside you.

So, light some candles, turn down the lights, and get ready for a literary fright night. Happy reading, and happy Halloween! 🎃📚

What books do you like to read around Halloween?

How would you dress up as for Halloween?

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