Finding Some Good Books to Read for Halloween
Halloween is literally upon us. The weather and the vibes are just right and if you’re like me you like to get a little spooky this time of year. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably looking for some good books to read for Halloween.
If you are looking for some good scifi/thriller reads for this Halloween season (or really anytime) look no further! In my opinion, the best kind of scare is one that you could see actually happening to you. Both books do just that in their own way.
Enjoy the reviews and pick up a copy of any of these reads on Amazon with my affiliate link or through a library app like Libby!
*note: Affiliate links may be used in this blog post. I may receive a small amount through purchases made through my affiliate links. Check out full disclosure for more details*
On to the reviews…
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Rating 5/5
Genre: Dystopian Thriller
If you enjoy:
- Dystopian societies
- Political and religious themes
- Rebellion and underground movements
You might enjoy this book!
I’m sure this book, nor this author, need any introduction from me as their reputations far exceed whatever words I could come up with myself. However, I will admit that this is the first Margaret Atwood book I have read in my 28 years of life despite the wonderful things I’ve heard of her as an author.
Now, I have seen The Handmaid’s Tale, the tv show, but not all of it. I am a person who can be severely emotionally afflicted by visuals. So I don’t often finish a lot of shows that have really emotional situations as it becomes overwhelming for me.
Through reading, I can often handle my thoughts and emotions better which is why I wanted to pick up this book in particular. I wanted to finish out the story that I gave up on, so to speak.
Color Symbolism
The first thing I noticed in this story was the color symbolism that Atwood repeatedly uses throughout the story. The use of color to define the roles of the women is the first thing that sticks out to you as a reader.
Red, the color of blood, the color of sin, given to the Handmaids. The pale blue given to the Wives I’ve read is supposed to mimic the Virgin Mary and immaculate conception. It’s a soft and delicate color, almost pious. The dull green for the Marthas signifies the dullness of their role in this society. Dull and domestic. Similar to that, the brown of the Aunts’ clothing displays a sense of rigidity and order. Their uniforms also serve as their identities.
Themes
The primary theme of the book is power. Power in a patriarchal system that infiltrates the lives of everyone: man, woman, and child. A world created to that man’s design, to exert his power and control over those subjects. A religious power wielded like a bludgeon in their hands that enforces the former.
Thus, every aspect, every detail of everyone’s lives are controlled in the manner that they deem fit. And with this power they govern absolutely. They are given the right to remove freedoms from the people i.e. the women.
“It’s just a book.”
The world Atwood is able to create in 1985 so closely resembles a possible future in the year 2024. It truly makes me wonder, not if Atwood herself was psychic or all knowing, but how long has our society been going down this path?
How easy has it been to telegraph these sentiments and ideas in our society? Could something like this really happen? And if it did, what would I think? “Don’t be stupid, it’s just a book.” “They would never let that happen to us.” But what if they are precisely the ones that want it to be so? Will we bury our heads in the sand and pretend we can’t see what’s happening?
The parallels cannot be ignored. The complete obliteration of women’s rights, for instance, is a very real issue in our lives today. As women, we need to be aware of these things and protect ourselves before we become part of the “transitional age” of our Gilead.
Without continuing to ramble, I want to give my 100% recommendation for the book. If you have not already read it, get a copy on Amazon or try to read it on Libby like I did. It is truly worth your time and it gets a 5/5 from me.
The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost
Rating: an enthusiastic 5/5!
Genre: Sci-fi/Crime Thriller
If you enjoy:
- Native American mythology
- UFOs and extraterrestrial beings
- Military and government conspiracy
- Paranormal and otherworldly mysteries
The second book I want to recommend is The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost who is a co-creator of Twin Peaks.
It’s an accompanying piece that expands on the history, lore, and background of the Twin Peaks show and universe. If you are a Twin Peaks fan-RUN-do not walk, to find a copy of this book!
Book Premise
The book itself is presented as a case file from the FBI going over documents collected by a character referred to as “The Archivist”. This character has collected a dossier of information related to the area of Twin Peaks and the strange happenings that go on there.
The first accounts of the area we get begin with the diaries of Lewis and Clark during their voyage West into Washington State. We get a healthy amount of Native American history and mythology that weaves into conspiracies perpetuated by the US government. And to top it off, a generous sprinkling of extraterrestrial and paranormal activity. You really get it all with this series.
A Case for Twin Peaks
If you’re not already a Twin Peaks fan but you enjoy science fiction, murder mysteries, paranormal themes and government conspiracy, I encourage you to give the series a watch and then read this book. You will be on the edge of your seat with this franchise.
The book has a ton of images of supporting letters, newspaper clippings, etc. that really ties everything together. It will take you some time if you read everything like I did but it’s worth it if you’re looking to consume as much Twin Peaks lore as you can. In the end we find out who The Archivist is and how that connects back to the show is just.. *chef’s kiss*.
Perfect Resolution
The entire book itself brings together the stories of all the characters of the show and provides more background to who they are, their families and the role they play.
Needless to say, I will be purchasing a copy for myself and the second book as well.
Look for this one on Libby or check out the kindle version on Amazon as it’s around $12 as of the writing of this article.
Overall rating 5/5!
With Halloween just days away, I fully recommend both books if you are looking for a good spooky read to get you in the holiday spirit!
You can purchase both through my Amazon links which include kindle and audiobook versions as well if that is more your thing!
The Secret History of Twin Peaks
*Tip: If you’re looking for the kindle version of a book, you will need to open the link in a web browser, not the Amazon app*
Also check out my other book reviews if you’re looking for more book recommendations!
That’s all I got! Until next time <3
