Attention all Kean University students! Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to get into the spirit than by reading popular horror novels. There are a range of novels for Halloween ranging from horror and thriller to suspense.
When looking for horror novels, reading stories turned into movies or by famous writers can be beneficial. Stephen King, Robert Bloch and Thomas Harris are great authors that create imaginable scenes for novels that spark the interest of readers. If students want to complete their Halloween movie checklist the following movies will suffice.
1. IT by Stephen King: Deals with childhood and fears
IT is a thriller that centers around seven characters Beverly Marsh, Richie Tovier, Bill Denbrough, Ben Hanscom, Mike Hanlin, Stanley Uris and Eddie Kaspbrak who are said to be in middle school and these characters bond over the summer from their harsh pasts that haunt them. The beginning of the novel starts off with the main character Bill sick in bed and making a paper boat for his little brother Georgie. Georgie then takes his boat outside in the rain where he encounters Pennywise the dancing clown. Pennywise convinces Georgie to take the boat from him and then brutally tears his arm off killing him. Throughout the story the kids try to conquer their fear of IT and the many fears he takes on while trying to kill him once and for all.
2. Carrie by Stephen King: Deals with religion, bullying and teenage issues
Carrie is a horror novel that focuses on the unfortunate life of Carrie White. Carrie gradually discovers her telekinetic powers while struggling with bullying from peers and even her mother. Her goal to fit in ultimately takes a wrong turn at prom when her anger outshines her powers and causes destruction to her peers and school. Carrie also puts emphasis on religion making it relatable to its readers and pulling them in.
3. Psycho by Robert Bloch: Deals with mental illness
This suspenseful horror novel deals with Norman Bates, a man who has an identity disorder that conflicts with the demons he is battling against. Norman is created to seem like a sympathetic character who is haunted by many issues. Readers can often find themselves being tricked into feeling bad for him as well. Norman then created the Bates Motel where he lures Mary Crane. His mental illness kicks in prompting him to brutally murder Mary in the shower. Students can expect a whirlwind of confusion and suspense throughout the novel.
4. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris: Deals with cannibalism
This is a fictional novel that seeks to broaden the mind of its reader by proposing the sickening truth of cannibalism and murder. FBI Agent Clarice Sterling contacts Dr. Hannibal Lector, a brilliant psychiatrist, who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. It is less of a scary novel but it challenges the mind of the reader to understand who to trust and the truth behind each character.
5. The Amittyville Horror by Jay Hanson: Deals with possession
This is a horror novel that surprisingly deals with real occurrences that have happened. The shocking true story of the Lutz family consisting of George, Kathleen and their children deals with the demonic energy in their home.They were aware of the previous owner Ronald DeFeo murdering his family but thought nothing of it. Throughout the novel readers can expect to come across a house possessed by spirits, haunted by phenomena too terrible to describe.
Whether one is a Halloween lover or not, reading a spooky story can open the imagination of a reader and guide them into the Halloween spirit. Sit back and enjoy a good novel!
