We are well into spooky season. I hope you have your costume planned! If you’ve been busy playing tricks and giving out treats to discover a new book this month, I’m here to tell you what your costume means about you and what book to reach for next.

Jayne Turner – Staff Writer

If You Dressed Up as Sabrina Carpenter

I see, you popstar! You’re a little bit dramatic, a little bit silly, bubbly, and bright. While others may mistake your girly exterior as weakness, you aren’t afraid to speak your mind to protect your girls. If you dressed as any pop diva this year, check out “I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman. 

This story is one of female connection and humanity. In a world ravaged by an apocalypse, where survival hinges only on the support of one another, 39 women break free from captivity. They embark on a quest towards a rumored city, uncertain if it truly exists.

If You Dressed Up as Fancy Nancy

You’re eccentric, you sparkle, and you love to accessorize. You’re probably the Carrie of your friend group. Your imagination knows no bounds: you can make a skirt into a hat. The book for you is “Bunny” by Mona Awad. It is Halloween, after all, and this book is a horror. 

It follows students in an MFA program, Samantha, and the group of popular girls, The Bunnies. Samantha is initially hesitant about these girls, and when she joins their alluring group, she learns that her suspicions were right. These girls have a taste for blood.

Still need something dazzling? Check out these dresses. 

If You Dressed Up as a Kpop Demon Hunter…

You’re spunky and outspoken. You’re all about girl power and you’re totally a girls’ girl. You aren’t afraid to sing out your favorite songs and you’re not afraid of a karaoke night. Whether you did this costume alone or with a group, you should check out “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman. 

This is a story about the powerful bond of friendship and the moving power of art. The book follows Louisa, an aspiring artist, as she seeks out the story of three mysterious figures minutely painted in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world.

If You Dressed as a Black Cat

You like to keep it simple, but cute. You probably already have a plethora of black clothes in your closet and only needed to throw on the cat ears and paint on whiskers. You may see the glass half empty sometimes, but you like it that way. You prefer your feet on the ground, and you always land on your feet. Check out “She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb. 

Though this story is not necessarily a happy one, we follow Dolores through her struggle with trauma and mental illness. Although the start and middle of this novel travel a rocky road, Dolores’ story concludes in a manner that allows readers to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

If You Were a Clown 

Eek! You likely have a hand for makeup, to take on clown makeup. Whether your clown is cute or gory, you’re probably going to be scaring kids on Halloween night. Aside from the obvious, “It” by Stephen King, you may also enjoy “The Reappearance of Rachel Price” by Holly Jackson. 

It is a mystery that follows teenage Bel as she obsesses over the disappearance of her mother. Her whodunnit is cut short when her mom reappears after 16 years (supposedly) dead. Read as Bel takes off the mask, err, the clown makeup, of this cold case come back to life and gets her mom back for good.  

If You Were Elphaba or Galinda

If you did this costume solo or as a duo, you’re a theatre lover at heart. The release of Wicked: For Good in November is going to be, like, your whole personality. That being said, if you haven’t read the original novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” by Gregory Maguire, you’re in for a treat. It’s dark, detailed, and downright scandalacious.  

If you’ve already read it, gold star for you! Or if you just prefer something lighthearted, check out “Funny Story” by Emily Henry, another heartwarming story about two people who seemingly have nothing in common, but end up finding more connection with each other.

If You Didn’t Dress Up

C’mon now, where’s your Halloween spirit? Are you sure you won’t regret not dressing up this year? Check out “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. This book tells the story of Nora Seed, who finds herself in The Midnight Library, a place between life and death. Here, she has the opportunity to return and fix past mistakes (like not dressing up for Halloween).

If you’re not quite convinced on it, this video will tell you why it will change your life.

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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.