As October goes on, Halloween is getting closer and that spookiness need is becoming more and more intense, am I right?
There is nothing like snuggling up in your favourite sweater and blanket (finally!), grab a tea or coffee and start reading just the right book for the season!
So, if that’s exactly what you’re looking for, here’s a few book recommendations for you, whether you’re looking for something non-fiction, a bit spicy, or just cosy, I got you.
Non-Fiction: The Penguin Book of Witches | Katherine Howe
Well, I have to admit it, this book is not at all like I was expecting it to be – maybe because I should stop buying books for their title or cover and actually read their back cover, but that’s another story. When I bought it, I was expecting a collection of spooky tales on witches, but it turned out to be so much more.
The Penguin Book of Witches is, in fact, a collection of documents and accounts of real events that took place through a long period of time, from medieval Europe to colonial America, that involved witches. And I don’t think you will find a more chilling read, considering that everything in this book really happened.
A quote from the book: “For if any adversity, grief, or sickness, or loss of children, corn, cattle, or liberty happen unto them, by and by they exclaim upon witches.”
Cosy: The Witches | Roald Dahl
When it comes to feeling cosy while reading a book, I turn immediately to my childhood, so picking The Witches by Roald Dahl for this section was a no brainer for me.
If you haven’t experienced the pure worry and horror when reading this book as a child, I highly recommend you read it as an adult and enjoy the magic only Roald Dahl could create.
The main character of the story is an unnamed 7 year old boy who ends up living with his grandmother after losing his parents in a car accident. It’s the grandmother who introduces him to the real-life witches, and teaches him everything about them, including how to recognise a witch by certain details. One day, while on holiday, the boy enters a ballroom where the “Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children” is hosting a meeting…
No more spoilers here, just be prepared to smile, laugh, and even cry a little bit.
A quote from the book: “In fairy-tales, witches always wear silly black hats and black cloaks, and they ride on broomsticks. But this is not a fairy-tale. This is about REAL WITCHES. The most important thing you should know about REAL WITCHES is this. Listen very carefully. Never forget what is coming next.”
Mythological: Circe | Madeleine Miller
How could a list of witchy books not include Circe? I know I have already dedicated a full post to this amazing volume, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop talking about it.
As I have already said, Circe is a story of self-discovery and empowerment, in which Circe, an exiled nymph, who’s passively observing the world, transforms into a powerful witch and an active participant in her own destiny.
Millers prose is able to transport you into the dreamy and misty island where Circe lives and to enchant you with a poetic that feels epic but intimately human at the same time.
It really is the perfect book for a gloomy day spent under a blanket.
A quote from the book: “It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment’s carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”
Spicy: Kingdom of the Wicked | Kerri Maniscalco
Last but not least, this is my absolute must read – or, to be more specific, listen – when October comes.
To be 100% honest, Kingdom of the Wicked is the book that initiated me to the spicy genre, and I don’t regret it one bit.
Set in 1800’s Sicily, it tells the story of Emilia and Vittoria, two streghe (witches) living secretly among humans. For 18 years, they’ve been helping their parents and their nonna in the family restaurant, but one day the family is struck by tragedy. Led by vengeance, Emilia will have to get closer to “le arti oscure” and to Wrath, a demon she summoned, to fulfil her mission…
In terms of “spiciness” – is it even a word? – Kingdom of the Wicked is the mildest of the trilogy written by Maniscalco, but it’s also the one I loved more; its dark atmospheres, the evocative excerpt form the Di Carlo Grimoire, all the recipes… Honestly, if you’re looking for a pleasant and not too demanding read, that’s the book for you.
A quote from the book: “Whatever you do, you must never speak to the Wicked. If you see them, hide. Once you’ve caught a demon prince’s attention, he’ll stop at nothing to claim you.”
What about you? Have you read any of these books? And do you have any other witchy recs for me? Share them in the comment below, so I can add them all to my TBR!
Note: Some links in this article are connected to my Amazon Associates profile, which means I will earn a commission should you choose to proceed with a purchase.
