Reading takes the reader to new and exciting worlds. However, in the fall, the intriguing can be just as frightening, with horror growing in popularity alongside the coming of All Hallows’ Eve. Even in the OHS library, media specialists pick out some of their favorite Halloween-themed books for students to read. With the spooky season upon the school, it is time to ask what Orono is reading this eerie autumn.
“My favorite fall book is “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It is an interesting deconstruction of the gothic romance genre, and it blends its horror elements well into displaying the evils of colonialism,” senior Maddie Dore said.
Many kids during this time of year also like to read books that make themes feel warm and cozy in the ever-growing cold. Other times, people like to read classics or books they remember well from their childhood.
“Where the “Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls is a good fall book because it evokes the season well with its descriptions. It is also a good story, even if the ending is sad,” junior Ben Masica said.
Where the “Red Fern Grows” is the story about a boy who buys and takes care of two hound dogs for hunting. The setting and story is heavily based on the author’s childhood in the Ozarks, and the book is renowned for its depictions of happy youth and symbolism of coming-of-age themes.
Another well-liked Halloween novel is “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury. It is the story of a sinister traveling circus coming to town and once mysterious happenings start to occur, it is up to the boys to solve the mystery before evil takes over the town.
“I like “Something Wicked This Way Comes” a lot because there are a lot of mysterious vibes, and in all honesty, it reminds me of ValleyScare,” junior Caleb Thompson said.
The Halloween horror classics remain popular to this day. Authors like Stephen King are still read frequently at OHS.
“I really enjoy “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King. It is creepy but not in a nightmare-inducing way. I initially read it because my dad told me it unnerved him,” senior Leah Barry said.
All in all, whatever mood you are in during this trick-or-treating season, it is also a great idea to open a book and explore a new, and sometimes terrifying, world.
