I Hate Halloween
I Hate Halloween (and it’s not because of some religious hang-up)
Halloween was just never fun. Seven things I remember about halloween:
Candy was never eaten until my parents inspected every wrapper. Handmade goodies were a hard NO.
No one ever saw my cute princess costume because I had to wear a stupid coat.
Dracula was after me and my family (no idea where that came from - well maybe from the vampire shows my sister and I would watch.)
Dracula and Frankenstein lived in my basement.
Frankenstein grabbed my ankle from out of my neighbor’s basement window as I walked by on my way to their front door one year.
Dracula chased me down the block - that’s a story for another day.
Being scared just for the fun of it (spoiler alert: I hated being scared and Nightmare on Elm Street destroyed my capacity for sleep for years).
So once I had kids, I made sure Halloween was never full of ghouls, or creepy skeletons, or Jason horror masks. We had fun dressing up in cute costumes and getting some candy from our neighbors and if there was a “scary house” we just didn’t go past it if we didn’t have to. Of course we talked about all the Halloween horrors being false but at the end of the day it was never going to be my favorite holiday.
So while I hate Halloween I do love a good suspense story. I’ve linked 6 of my favorites below. In all transparency I ultimately read Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a kind of “face my fears” scenario. It’s been awhile since I read it, but I remember it not being like Hollywood Dracula. However, I do not want to read it again. LOL But just in case you are curious, here is the link: https://amzn.to/3PJNVza
Frankenstein is a classic novel written by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818. This iconic work of Gothic literature tells the gripping tale of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life. Driven by his ambition and a desire for scientific discovery, Victor succeeds in bringing a monstrous creature to life through a series of gruesome experiments. However, he soon realizes the horrifying consequences of playing god, as the creature, rejected by its creator and society, seeks vengeance.
The novel delves into themes of morality, ambition, the consequences of scientific discovery, and the isolation of the individual in a world that shuns them. Frankenstein has endured as a timeless exploration of human nature and the ethical implications of scientific advancement, making it a seminal work in the realm of Gothic literature and a thought-provoking examination of the human condition.
Lord of the Flies is a classic novel written by William Golding, first published in 1954. This gripping and thought-provoking story explores the dark and primal aspects of human nature when a group of British boys, stranded on a remote tropical island after a plane crash, attempts to govern themselves. As they struggle for survival, their initially orderly society descends into chaos, revealing the innate capacity for cruelty and violence that lurks within us all. The novel is a chilling allegory that delves into themes of civilization vs. savagery, the loss of innocence, and the fragility of social order. Lord of the Flies is a timeless tale that examines the thin veneer of civilization that separates humanity from its more primitive instincts.
Metamorphosis is a novella written by the renowned Czech author Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. The story revolves around the life of Gregor Samsa, a young salesman who wakes up one morning to discover that he has transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature. As he grapples with his shocking physical transformation, the narrative delves into the emotional and psychological upheaval he experiences.
The novella explores themes of alienation, isolation, and the absurdity of existence. Gregor's transformation serves as a metaphor for the disconnection he feels from his family and society at large, reflecting the sense of estrangement that many individuals may encounter in the modern world.
As the story unfolds, the Samsa family's dynamics change dramatically, and their reactions to Gregor's metamorphosis reveal the complexities of human relationships. Metamorphosis is a haunting and thought-provoking work that will captivate you with its surreal narrative and profound exploration of the human condition.
Edgar Allen Poe, a renowned American writer of the 19th century, is celebrated for his distinctive and macabre literary style. His works are characterized by a dark, Gothic atmosphere, intricate wordplay, and exploration of the human psyche. Poe's writings often delve into themes of death, madness, love, and the uncanny, leaving you both enthralled and unsettled.
"The Crucible" is a powerful and thought-provoking play written by Arthur Miller. Set in the 17th century during the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts, the story revolves around a tight-knit community torn apart by paranoia and hysteria. When a group of young girls is caught dancing in the woods, they accuse innocent people of witchcraft to divert attention from their own actions. As the accusations spread like wildfire, the town's moral fabric unravels, leading to a chilling exploration of the destructive power of fear, religious extremism, and the consequences of blind conformity.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic novella written by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. This gripping tale explores the duality of human nature and the consequences of unchecked desires. The story revolves around Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected and mild-mannered scientist, who becomes obsessed with separating the good and evil sides of his personality. Through a mysterious potion, he transforms into the sinister and violent Mr. Edward Hyde. As Hyde, Jekyll indulges in his darkest impulses, leading to a series of shocking and disturbing events. The novella delves into themes of morality, identity, and the inherent struggle between good and evil within us all. It remains a timeless classic in the realm of Gothic literature, provoking thought and discussion about the human psyche and the consequences of tampering with one's inner demons.
So grab a snack, a cup of coffee, and enjoy some good reading!
