My Spook-Meter Is Delicate

Jenn Northington Oct 3, 2019

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Amanda and Jenn discuss gothic reads, motherhood memoirs, fun sci-fi, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked.

This episode is sponsored by Read This Book, Rebel by Marie Lu, and Soho Teen.

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Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore (rec’d by Alicia)

Questions

1. Hello!

I am looking for a book that gives me the same feeling as The Black Tapes Podcast. Basically, a journalist gets pulled into a dark story dealing with demons that may have turned their attention to her. I read Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full of Ghosts and that was close. Really anything paranormal that’s got a reality spin could work!

-Lora

2.Hello Ladies! Thank you for the show!
As the fall approaches I find myself wanting to wrap up in a blanket and read something spooky. I don’t read much horror and am not even 100% sure that’s the right descriptor for what I mean. I want something to creep me out, but that doesn’t rely on body horror and excessive gore to do it.
Books I’ve enjoyed in the past with this general feeling include We Have Always Lived in the Castle, the Fireman, Frankenstein, One Bloody Thing After Another, The Hellbound Heart.
I did not like Bird Box or Final Girls and generally haven’t enjoyed Stephen King’s work. I don’t generally like to read true crime & I don’t think I’m looking for something that falls in the thriller category.
Please no books that contain sexual assault.
Thanks!
-April

3.Hi! I am traveling to Prague on October 11th while I’m visiting my motherland, Poland, and I was wondering if you knew any books that are set in Prague where the city is very present. I know Lani Taylor has a trilogy set there so I would love to hear any other suggestions. Preferably adult but if the YA is great with no romance as a main plot, that would be good too. Thank you so much!
-Fabiola

4. Okay, I’ve got a tough one for ya. I’ve been searching for books that have a certain atmosphere and tone. Think Rebecca or In a Lonely Place. I love dark midcentury writing and also grim gothic atmospheres. I’ve read much of Hughes’ and Highsmith’s backlists not to mention those of other authors I discovered reading the Women Crime Writers of the 1940s/50s anthologies (which I loved). I’m looking for something a little different than traditional hard boiled noir. I’m more of a psychological suspense fan. I guess I’m just in love with the quaint old time-y writing of the 40s, 50s and 60s and looking for new discoveries. Bonus points if the novel is set on dark windy coastal shores.

Thank you in advance and for all the great recommendations I’ve gotten from you all in the past!

-Lisa

5. Amanda and Jenn,

I have been listening to the show since 2018 when I was off-work due to a work-related injury, and I listened to the entire backlist in a few months. I went on to devour All the Books, SFF Yeah!, Read or Dead, Hey YA, and their respective backlists- needless to say, I am a fan. My TBR thanks you both (as well your colleagues)!

QUESTION: I am treating myself to a birthday request. After wracking my brain for what I finally wanted to ask, I decided I am looking for a traditional slasher in an isolated location; think along the lines of the “Scream” movies, and the show “Harper’s Island”. I recently read “Ten” by Gretchen McNeil, and that really scratched the itch. Anything you could suggest would be very much appreciated!

BONUS: My favourite month for themed reading is October, I love all the autumn feels of doing Halloween/creepy/scary reading. Already on the list are “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier (with my book club), “Sawkill Girls” by Claire Legrande, “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman, “The Murders of Molly Southborne” by Tade Thompson. As well as potentially “Hex” by Thomas Heuvelt, and “Let the Right One In” by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Any favourites you might have for some October reading would be great, as my October reading may or may not trail into November!

I wanted to share my Goodreads, but alas, it is not up-to-date. I know my question was really specific, but just for clarity, I read across all genres, but I do not particularly love historical fiction. I am also working two jobs, and recently started my Masters degree, so I don’t have a ton of time for huge tomes.

Thank-you so much for the work you do, and taking my TBR and love of reading to the next level! 🙂

Sincerely,
-Kachina Wicks

6. I just found out I’m pregnant with my first child, and even though I wanted and tried for this, I find myself terrified. I’m worrying about all the things—my risk of miscarriage, being pregnant, childbirth, parenting— I’m just a ball of anxiety. I have just about every pregnancy book ever written, but do you have any memoirs, Mary Roach-esque nonfiction about the science of pregnancy, or happy fiction about pregnancy/parenting an infant?
-Kaitlyn

7. Hi ladies!

I recently started listening and stumbled upon your episode about Fifth Element-ish sci-fi. I took your book rec for The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and absolutely loved it (bought the second and third books already). I’d love more recommendations that follow along the same lines, specifically the space setting and character development.

Thanks,

-Lizzy