Suitably Scary Reads – All Hallow’s Read 2013

Autumn having settled in upon us and it being October, creeping steadily towards Hallowe’en, it seems like a fitting opportunity to mention All Hallow's Read here again.  Simply put, it’s the tradition that in the week of Hallowe’en or on the night itself, you give someone a suitably scary book to read. 

A Neil Gaiman phenomenon, traced back to this blog post, this provides an ideal opportunity for a festive gift to family and friends.  There are a number of recommended reads available courtesy of the All Hallow's Read website (all divided on an age appropriate basis), including Gaiman's own and others such as Tor.com.  Helpfully, a number of the lists are available for download in PDF format to allow them to be displayed in, for example, schools and libraries.  So, go on – treat someone to something beyond the usual for Hallowe’en this year and help expand on a holiday tradition of book giving.        

Celebrations Ensue

Following on from my previous post related to Neil Gaiman's All Hallow's Read, I recently learnt that he has released a free audiobook download of a short story, Click-Clack the Rattle Bag, in conjunction with Audible in celebration of the festival.  Even better, each free download results in a donation to charity.  US and UK sites are accessible here (US) and here (UK), subject to which you’ll have access to a suitably spooky story for Hallowe'en.  It’s approximately 10 minutes long and sends a shiver down the spine by the conclusion.  Be quick, though, as the story will only be capable of download until Hallowe'en.

Enjoy!

Ahem! Announcements, ahoy! (All Hallow’s Read)

Autumn is upon us already and the nights are closing in, which makes it time to give a mention to Neil Gaiman's pet project for the month, All Hallow's Read.  The premise itself is simple – during the week of Hallowe’en or on the night itself, you give someone a scary book (interpretation of “scary” being at the whim of the giver).  There are even a number of suggestions concerning potentially suitable books on the relevant website, organised by age range.

Why not give it a try this year and spread the word?  Equally, feel free to add your recommendations for suitably scary books within the “comments” section below!

And another thing - reviews for “scary” books and short stories will follow throughout the month of October in the build up towards Hallowe’en!