I can’t believe it’s almost the end of October and with that the end of the R.I.P. III Challenge. I set out to read two books this time around and actually finished three so yay me!
I’ve already mentioned Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie. Not necessarily my favorite Agatha read so far but it was enjoyable and actually a bit surprising so that’s always good.
The other two books I finished were Coraline by Neil Gaiman and Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall.
“She will take your life and all you are and all you care’st for, and she will leave you with nothing but mist and fog. She’ll take your joy. And one day you’ll awake and your heart and your soul will have gone. A husk you’ll be, a wisp you’ll be, and a thing no more than a dream on waking, or a memory of something forgotten.”
Coraline was just as good as everyone’s been saying. I kept hearing that it was a creepy tale but I don’t think I really believed that so much just because this is a children’s book but wow, there are some seriously creepy characters and events that happen in this book.
While I could have easily have finished this book in one day, I actually took my time with the story. I savored it a bit more and of course didn’t want to read it at night for fear of dreaming about black buttons. You can read more of my thoughts here.
“There are some girls who have everything. And not just the ones who are born with silver spoons in their mouths. Some girls are born with an intangible, magnetic aura: something that radiates beneath their flawless skin… Then there are the jealous ones.”
I read Sisters of Misery during the Read-A-Thon and I found it to be a perfect story to get caught up in. It’s got danger, mystery and some very mean girls. There were a few things that bothered me a bit in the story, mainly how I never really felt like I knew some of the characters, but overall it was entertaining and I really liked how each chapter began with a rune reading. If you want to know more about the book you can read more of my thoughts here.
So, if you are looking for some spooky reads for this Halloween I’d recommend any of these books. Now a big thank you to Carl V. who made this another fabulous challenge.
Now I need to find some scary reads for Halloween, which is my most favorite holiday. Right now it’s a toss up between an Edgar Allan Poe short story (I usually read The Raven on Halloween) or something from The Mammoth Book of Victorian & Edwardian Ghost Stories. I’ll let you know which one I pick.
How about you? Planning to read any ghost stories or have one to recommend?
Oh Iliana, I love, love, love Coraline! It’s one of my favourite Gaiman’s books; the same goes to The Graveyard Book!
I almost picked up Sisters of Misery during my last visit to the bookstore… but after reading your thoughts it makes me want to pick up this book again!! 🙂
I read this aloud to my kids – the disembodied hand at the end almost put them over the edge. We all loved it. 🙂
I just checked the “Mammoth Book” on Amazon and there are a few that are listed for $1. Certainly seem well worth the bargain! I may just have to pick one up for some November reading.
I loved Coraline as well. All the more so because I read it with my daughter who was 13 at the time. And I have Sisters of Misery as a review book that I really, really must get to before they come poke my eyes out. Glad to see you liked it. That would be a good book to read for Halloween.
I meant to tell you how much I’m enjoying my little journal I bought from your etsy shop. I took it along on vacation and tried to record things just after they happened. It was small enough to carry around with me and so beautiful that it made me smile every time I wrote in it. Of course, I got way behind in journaling after the 2nd day. EGADS! Now it sits by my computer as I write our happenings on my travel blog. It cheers me whenever I look at it. And of course, it makes me think of you. 😀
I’m so glad you enjoyed Coraline so much, Iliana! I agree that it’s scary for both adults and children – just in different ways.
Enjoy your Halloween poems and/or ghost stories! That book of Victorian and Edwardian ghost stories sounds like something I’d love.
Those black buttons were something weren’t they?! Creeptaculous! Coraline is by far my favorite Gaiman book so far. The Graveyard Book sounds like it might topple Coraline though. We’ll see.
I have seen Coraline everywhere. I just may have to pick up this graphic novel
Melody – Now that I’ve read Coraline I definitely need to read The Graveyard Book. I remember your review of it recently and it sounds so good!
Carrie K. – Really, oh how fun! I’ve heard that the author has done readings of the book (maybe has one on his blog? – can’t remember) but I can imagine how that is a great way to enjoy this tale!
Mike B. – Did you get it? It is a bargain isn’t it? There’s another collection of ghost stories that I really want to get my hands on and need to look for it.
Booklogged – Oh that’s so awesome – I’m so glad you liked the journal. I can totally relate on falling behind on my journaling when I’m traveling. It all starts with the best of intentions but I’m usually so tired at the end of the day that the last thing I want to do is write 🙂 Hope you enjoy Sisters of Misery… I was surprised by the ending too!
Nymeth – I think I’m going to start reading something from my ghost stories book tonight. Watch, I’ll end up with insomnia after this 🙂
Andi – creeptaculous indeed! Ooh… I can’t wait to see the movie too. Normally I wouldn’t be that excited about it but I’m so curious how it’ll be on the big screen.
Serena – I know, I had seen it everywhere too and am so glad I finally picked it up. I was a bit hesitant at first too because I had previously tried one of his books and couldn’t get into it but now I’ll definitely go look for more!
I’m glad you enjoyed Sisters of Misery. I agree with you in wishing some of the other characters had been fleshed out more, but maybe that will come in the next book. I noticed recently that there is a graphic novel version of Coraline as well which might be fun. I just received The Graveyard Book, I couldn’t resist after all the rave reviews.
Those both sound really good and perfect for this spooky time of year! Hmmm, I wonder what you will pick!
Can you believe we have The Excorcist and Halloween lined up to watch tonight. I don’t think I will be getting any sleep! Haha.
tanabata – Wasn’t the ending great to Sisters of Misery? I was like, no!!! What happens next! haha.. I really want to read The Graveyard Book. It sounds so wonderful.
Christine – You brave girl – The Exorcist is the one spooky movie I cannot watch. I’m down with everything else but that one is freaky! We went to Sixth Street – ha, brought back some good old memories 😉
I usually don’t plan to read spooky books this time of year, but this year it worked out that I did–at least in terms of more Halloween like characters. I’m not sure the spooking factor came into play so much with the Charlaine Harris books and the short story book I read about imaginary friends. Still, they seemed to fit the bill. I am hoping to spend tomorrow reading that ghost story I was supposed to read last week. A little late for the Halloween season, but close enough. 🙂
If you liekd Coraline then definitely read The Graveyard Book. I love the idea of the rune readings at the start of each chapter. Someone else recommened Sisters of Misery recently and it is going on my christmas wishlist for sure.