Ready to Imbib Some Peril?
The weather cools. The leaves turn brilliant orange, red, and yellow. Football starts, brunswick stew is cooked and consumed with glee (a particular precursor of autumn around here) and it’s that time. Time to bring out the spooky, the creepy, the absolutely, most terrifying reading I can stand!! My most favorite Reading Challenge in the whole wide world is about to begin!! Woot! And now begins the hard process of 1) picking which challenge to do and 2) which books to read!!
I can already answer number 1. I’m going to really challenge myself and try to read 4 books.
Number 2, isn’t quite so easy. I already know one. I’ve been wanting to reread Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian ever since I read it the first time. I will definitely be reading that one. But what else to read? It is a great, profound question; one which I don’t have any answer to. All I have is a handy list of books to choose from. So let’s see, will it be:
I could finish 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill or read his Heart-Shaped Box. I could read Duma Key by his father. I’m thinking of ordering The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, because it looks so good! I also had no idea Megan Chance had a new novel out, so I may be picking up The Spiritualist as well! I still have A Game of Thrones and The Name of the Wind that I got for my birthday. I got Fangland by John Marks ages ago! Speaking of vampires, I still have Colleen Gleason’s new book, When Twilight Burns somewhere on my shelves. And I’ve already preordered PC and Kristin Cast’s new book in the House of Night Series, which I am reasonably sure I’ll read. Let’s not forget Angelica by Arthur Phillips, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, The Last Witchfinder by James Morrow, and The Ghost Writer by John Harwood. And, could this be the year I finally make it through Dracula??? Not to mention the sudden temptation to reread The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly, as I’m seeing it on several lists! This is all off the top of my head of course, I know I have other books lurking in the shadows of my vast shelves. I just can’t wait to begin!
Read the Thirteenth Tale… you won't be sorry!
Yep, you've got some tough choices. I'll second Deslily's thoughts, Thirteenth Tale is deliciously R.I.P.ing! I'm excited about The Graveyard Book. Gaiman said in an interview the other day that it is his favorite out of everything he has written and that makes me want to get it and read it even more. I loved the opening chapter, The Witch's Headstone, that was released as a short story a year or so back. I'm so glad you're in and look forward to your thoughts on whatever you choose to read.
Oooh, I would say put Heart-Shaped Box and The Book of Lost Things at the tippy top of your list. I think you'll ADORE both of those!
So many good books to choose right? I highly recommend Heart-Shaped Box. Oh creepy but so good.
I'm considering 20th Century Ghosts. Anyway, have fun
Oh, great. Now I need to add more to my list! I thought I had it finalized, but now I'm not so sure.
I agree with Andi and Iliana. Definitely go with Heart-Shaped Box. Scary!!!!!!!!
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You've pulled together a great pool with some really interesting looking reads. I'd echo the Heart-Shaped Box comments. It's perfect for this challenge!
Oh you've got a great selection to choose from! I'm so glad it's RIP time again!
Now I'm excited, too! I also have yet to make it through Dracula, but I'm excited to do it!
I think I'll re-read The Thirteenth Tale next year, since I didn't leave any room for re-reads on my RIP III list! I've heard good things about Heart Shaped Box.
Some great books there, Heather! I have chosen Heart Shaped Box as one of my choices for this challenge, and I heartily recommend The Ghost Writer. Good luck with the challenge!
Oh, and I agree with you on everything but the brunswick stew – yuck.
So many great books! I look forward to hearing your progress.
Deciding which books is always the hardest part! I'm rereading Rebecca now just because it seemed like time for a reread (and it is great–if you've not read it, I highly recommend it). I'd like to read Colleen Gleason's first book, since I've heard so many good things about it. And I forgot about Angelica…that sounds good, too.
Isn't it four books? You sound like you're planning on a couple of dozen.
Hi Heather!
I'll be reading 20th Century Ghosts for the challenge, and I loved Heart Shaped Box, so I think either of those (or both!) would be a great choice.
If I were you, I'd make it a priority to read The Book of Lost Things and The Thirteenth Tale! They are both brilliant.