October Book Recommendations

REBECCA BEET shares her top four reads for October and Hallowe'en.

As we settle into autumn, and the nights start to draw in, you may be on the lookout for some seasonal book recommendations. Below is a selection of easy-read books that create a cosy atmosphere perfect for curling up with a blanket and a cup of tea - or to take your mind off your academic reading lists!

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

Sheets is a graphic novel that follows the story of Marjorie, a teenage girl, who is single-handedly attempting to run her family’s small laundromat. Aside from dealing with difficult customers, and the day-to-day demands of high school, she also has a ghost to contend with. Wendell is the ghost of a young boy who has begun to spend time in the forbidden world: the human world. Unknowingly to him this adds to the stresses and pressures of Marjorie’s life. With beautiful artwork and illustrations, and a heart-warming story, Sheets is the perfect quick read to get you into the autumnal Hallowe’en spirit.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, The Graveyard Book follows the story of Bod, a boy who is adopted by residents of a village graveyard. Bod is orphaned at a young age after his parents are murdered by a mysterious character only known as the man Jack. Jack will later come back to haunt Bod. Nonetheless, throughout the novel we learn about Bod and his supernatural abilities, the mundane life of the graveyard, and the not-so-mundane antics of Bod and his friends. It goes without saying that the graveyard setting provides the perfect world for some October reading on a quiet and cosy night in.

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

Another quick read, Through the Woods is a comic-style collection of short stories with brilliantly creepy illustrations. Made up of five chilling stories which all revolve around the unknown dark abyss, Through the Woods provides a world of horror guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is a brilliant addition to an October TBR because it offers fantastic world building and, of course, magic. A fantasy novel, set in the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, the plot follows the magicians Celia and Marco as they are put head-to-head by their teachers and mentors in a battle to decide who is the best magician. The battle takes place in a circus called Le Cirque des Rêves which is made up of hundreds of small circus tents, each with a different theme and attraction. Despite the magic and the battles, the most mysterious feature of Le Cirque des Rêves is that it is only open at night. For those who appreciate a longer read The Night Circus is the perfect choice because it will sweep you up into its magical and action-packed world.

Have you read any of the books above? If not, will you be adding them to your October TBR? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Rebecca Beet