How has your week been? What have you been reading lately? I recently finished A Haunting on Hill, Elizabeth Hand. This is the first authorized sequel to the classic, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Both are creepy, atmospheric novels. And while on vacation in Japan this week, I also finished Run, Blake Crouch which is a fast paced, horrific thriller. Now, on to the 10+ things I bookmarked recently.
one+ It’s the beginning of a new month, so as usual here’s Amazon’s Best books of October 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors and Goodreads Readers’ Most Anticipated Books for October. Also All The Crime, Horror, and Mystery Novels You Need to Check Out This Fall. Which new releases are you most looking forward to? Do any of your favorite authors have new books coming out this quarter?
two+ Also since it’s October, it’s also #WickedGoodReads Month here at Chapter Adventure, and we kicked things off with Murder, Monsters and Madness [A #WickedGoodReads List]. They’re also celebrating Spooktastic Reads 2024 at Wyrd and Wonder – 13 days to share the thrills of dark fantasy, paranormal romance, ghost stories, urban legends, all things Gothic and even a side of horror for those who dare.
three+ If you’re looking to join me in reading something macabre this season, check out Be Afraid: The Best Horror and Thriller Novels I’ve Read in 2024 (So Far) via What is Quinn Reading. From this list, I loved Incidents Around the House, Josh Malerman and Murder Road, Simone St. James.
four+ How many of the The 78 Most Popular Horror Novels of the Past Five Years have you read? I clearly need more horror books in my life since I’ve read just about half of these. I’m also bookmarking Creature Feature: 128 New Books with Vampires, Witches, Ghosts, and More because I could definitely read more about ghoulish monsters.
five+ I know not everyone is into horror books (so sad about that), so here’s 52 Doorstopper Books for Long Fall Evenings and 17 Novels You Need to Read This Fall. You cannot go wrong with The Reformatory, Tananarive Due or Life After Life, Kate Atkinson. And how did cozying up under a blanket with a good book not make it to 30 Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Fall?!
six+ This week’s “Top 10 Tuesday” theme is Books Read or Avoided Because of the Hype. Interesting topic because while I do read some books because of the hype, I rarely stay away just because of hype … BUT … I’m doing just that with Intermezzo, Sally Rooney (for now). Mainly because I’m not really big on contemporary or literary fiction, but also a little bit because of the hype. I kinda feel like I’m being a hater.
seven+ All readers should be aware of Where To Find Free Books: 6 Options and consider this your reminder that since it’s a new month, it’s time to get your free books from Amazon First Reads (if you’re a Prime member). During October, you get 2 books free and they all sound really good. I selected the short story from Joe Hill, Ushers, because I love Joe Hill (his book NOS4A2 is on our list of 4 Gateway Books Into Magical Realism).
eight+ Have you ever found a real gem in one of those public free book shelves/book trading places? Lots of people have – I know there’s one at the little park near me, but I’ve never checked it. This is my reminder to go check it out this weekend.
nine+ Off the books – What’s a recent fave budget buy? I bought this cheaper than normal” ($49.99) Heyday Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Wireless Over Ear Headphones from Target, and they have been solid. Sound is good, noise cancelling is almost too good, but taking phone calls aren’t great. Since that’s a rare occasion when I’m using this, I would say this is a solid buy.
ten+ Off the Books – What are you watching lately? I recently finished the movie Rebel Ridge (Netflix) which I really enjoyed. Looking for what to watch this weekend? Try your favorite authors’ favorite films or something from The Literary Film & TV You Need to Stream in October.
—- Cheers to the weekend and week ahead!
