I can’t believe how quickly this year has passed by. I feel as though Christmas has come around so quickly this year, and I won’t complain as it is my favourite time of the year. 2023 has been filled with lots of love, lots of hard work, lots of fun, and of course lots of books!
It has been a special year for me. I feel incredibly lucky to say that it has been filled with personal and professional achievements that I am so proud of. I finished my master’s programme and now I can very proudly say that after lots of hard work, I have a master’s degree in Children’s and Young Adult Literature. Encouraging a love of reading in young children is a particular passion of mine because I truly believe that a love of literature can open so many doors for us in life. It has been wonderful to see my passions paying off. I’ve really felt that all of the work that I’ve been doing for the last few years has started to pay off and have visible results in 2023.
I’ve had some brilliant opportunities this year. I’ve had the opportunity to attend lots of literary events. I’ve gotten to meet and interview several authors with Beehive Books. I had a fantastic time at Dublin Castle when I had the opportunity to work as a CBI Book Doctor at one of the wonderful CBI Book Clinics. I’ve continued to review books for Children’s Books Ireland, and I was delighted to see my reviews featured in this year’s CBI reading guide. I’ve received some beautiful books from HarperCollins Ireland. It was an honour and a dream come true to write an article all about the lifelong benefits of being a reader for writing.ie. I’ve continued to work on my own website Katelovesliterature.com, and if you’ve followed me for a while then you’ll already know that this is my passion project, and if all of that was not amazing enough, I’ve been working behind-the-scenes on a new, upcoming project that is launching in 2024. I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead and I can’t wait to share my news in the New Year.
To everyone who has followed along here and on Instagram/TikTok @katelovesliterature, I want to say thank you so much. Thank you for following along, for tuning in, for commenting, and for sending lovely messages. I’ve gotten to put a few faces to names this year at different book events and it has been really lovely to feel so welcomed in the Irish book community.
This will be my last piece published in 2023. I will be taking some time away from my laptop screen to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities.
I am planning to publish my first piece of 2024 on January 12th. My first piece of 2024 will be my review of Gods Don’t Cry by Ellen Ryan.
I will still be active on Instagram over the next few weeks, as I will have fun sharing some festive snaps. Wishing everyone who celebrates a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Another year is coming to an end. Next week I’ll be publishing my last piece of 2023 and then I’ll be taking a break before getting back into it in the New Year.
It has been a busy year filled with books. Seeing as everyone is winding down for Christmas, I decided that I wanted to share my favourite books of 2023.
I’ve got a mix of fiction, classics, and children’s picture books that I loved and I’ll be sharing them in no particular order.
Without further ado, here are my favourite books of 2023.
The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Book of Lost Things.
Connolly’s unique twists on classic fairy tales are a treat to read. He expertly builds fantasy worlds filled with friends and foes. Poignant, adventurous, and filled with intrigue, I was delighted by this book this year. It is one of my top reads.
Scissorella by Clare Helen Walsh.
Sticking with the fairy tale theme for a moment, a picture book that I loved this year was this artistic take on Cinderella. Walsh’s take beautifully tells this classic tale through pop ups and cut outs, ideal for anyone who loves theatre or puppetry. It is a beauty on my bookshelf, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a gift for a young fairy tale lover.
Tiffany & Co. The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor.
This is another beautiful book that would be a lovely gift. When I spotted the iconic Tiffany blue cover I had to investigate and I was delighted to find this amazing book all about the iconic brand. Filled with history and stunning photographs, I loved learning more about how Tiffany & Co. became the cultural staple that it is today. There is no mistaking the reputation behind those little blue boxes.
Monster Island by Freddie Alexander.
Returning to fantasy now, I loved the premise of this book. What would happen if the monsters under the bed were real after all? Sam is about to find out when she moves in with her grandad. I really enjoyed this book. The thing that I love most about this book is that it is the perfect “starter scare”, for younger readers. Great for kids who want to experience a little thrill, I’ve been recommending this book again and again.
Girls Who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan.
Another amazing read. I absolutely loved this book. From the beautiful illustrations to the stories that Ellen Ryan has brought to live, this book was a treat. I described it as a book of passionate stories that are passionately told in my review and I stand by that. In this book, Ellen Ryan has brought female agency to the centre of her work. I’d have loved to read something like this when I was thirteen, and I believe this book will comfort and inspire young readers.
My review of Gods Don’t Cry by Ellen Ryan will be my first review of 2024.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
I’ve spent the last year and a half writing my master’s dissertation, and I spent lots of time reading and studying A Little Princess. I read this story for the first time when I was young. I’ve come back to it many times throughout the years and after receiving my master’s degree, it will always have a special place in my heart. If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it, especially if you like period pieces.
These are just a few of the books that I enjoyed this year, but when I sat down to write this list, these were the books that immediately came to mind. If you have not read them yet, then I hope you’ve got some new inspiration about what you’ll read next.
I hope you will find some gift inspiration here for the literary lover in your life or maybe you’ve been inspired to grab yourself a festive treat!
Make sure you are following me on Instagram if you don’t already @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext here on Katelovesliterature.com and for all the festive fun that December will bring!
The other night we went to the beautiful Gaiety Theatre to see Cinderella. It was such a fun evening. We had a ball, no pun intended. A long time ago I wrote a piece about the community atmosphere that is created in the theatre. I love the idea of a group of people coming together to experience the same show and yet everyone will leave with their own perspective and opinions. That is one of the best things about live theatre.
Seeing Cinderella in the Gaiety was no different. It was really lovely to be part of one of the earlier audiences for this show. Seeing kids get so excited and have such a great time was really fantastic. There is still a long run left so if you get a chance to go to the 150th Gaiety panto, I’d highly recommend it.
Before I talk about the show itself, I want to take a moment to talk about why I love the story of Cinderella. I’d also like to briefly talk about the impressive history of panto.
I’ve just submitted my master’s dissertation, and I won’t go into too many details about that, but I will say that the entire project focused on Cinderella tales. It is probably very obvious that I am a big fan of the tale. I’ve always loved the story of Cinderella. It has been my favourite fairy tale since I was young. I know there are hundreds of adaptations, and I know the story has been criticised in many ways throughout the years (my dissertation touches on these topics), but I think overall, it is a story that is filled with more nuance than it is often given credit for. It is a simple tale that has the potential to carry a lot of depth. It is a story that is filled with magic and hope. The rags to riches scene will always be one of my favourite scenes. It is pure magic.
When I was a drama student sitting yearly speech and drama examinations, one of the requirements was that we had to have a broad knowledge of theatre history. We studied many different time periods, looking at how theatre has changed and developed through time. The history of panto or pantomime is a fun subject to learn about, and I highly encourage doing some research if you’re interested in learning more about how pantos came to be.
Pantomimes can be traced back to the 16th century. The origins of pantos are often linked back to Commedia dell’Arte, an Italian form of theatre. This type of theatre took place outdoors, and featured dance, music, and masked characters.
I would argue that the following five features can be classed as conventional staples of pantomime …
Slapstick comedy
Music and dance (usually incorporating popular music from the year the piece is performed).
Stories are usually fairy tales and folktales that have been adapted to include pop culture references
Repeated character tropes that audiences are familiar with (for example, every panto has a dame).
Audience participation (particularly call and response) is encouraged. Young kids are encouraged to boo the baddies and cheer for the goodies and they have to let the characters know when there is trouble ahead. “She’s behind you!!!”
What is a panto dame?
The panto dame is a brilliant part. It is an extremely over-the-top, comedic, female character that is traditionally played by a man. In The Gaiety’s 2023 production of Cinderella, the dame role is filled by the larger-than-life Nanny Scrumptious, nanny to the Prince. Played by the amazing Joe Conlan.
Panto is so much fun. It is, in my opinion, one of the best kinds of theatre. I say this because I believe that for a lot of people, going to the panto is their first time to ever go to the theatre. So many people have told me that some of their favourite Christmas memories involve going to the panto in the winter. It really just sets off the festivities. It is fun, it is loud and unpredictable. It is a type of theatre that encourages singing along and shouting back, which is a great way to get the young kids in the audience excited. Pantos are also a fantastic way to get young kids engaging with a story. They really connect to the characters onstage, and due to the talented casts drawing them in, they become utterly enchanted by the goings on in panto land. They boo the wicked stepsisters, they cheer for Cinderella, they eagerly and earnestly shout out to help the Prince find the girl who left her glass slipper behind. Pantos encourage pure joy and wonder, and I hope to always love them as much as I always have.
The other night in The Gaiety was magical. The entire cast was absolutely fantastic.
I want to take a moment to mention Michael Joseph as he was just brilliant in the role of the lovely Buttons. Buttons is a great character. He is lots of fun, and full of heart, and Michael has an incredible voice. We especially loved his performance. Ciara Lyons is lovely as Cinderella. Her voice is sweet and strong, and she had a very charming presence onstage.
We were rooting for her to get her happily ever after.
Bravo and congratulations to the entire cast and crew who make the show happen every night. It is no easy feat. The show is non-stop, high energy, and filled with magic from start to finish. Every member of the cast was brilliant. The dancing from the ensemble was full of energy, they really brought the show to life. We loved seeing everyone having a great time onstage, especially the younger members of the cast. The kids were just fantastic. It is great to see young people who clearly love what they’re doing brimming with talent.
I couldn’t recommend going to see Cinderella in The Gaiety enough. It would be a perfect family night out, ideal if you want to bring your young children to something magical this Christmas. I would also recommend going with friends or for a date night like we did. I wanted to see the show because of my love for the story, and to mark the end of an era in my life after studying different versions of Cinderella for so long, but all of that aside, it was great fun to just be big kids for a few hours.
If you get the chance to see it, go and have an absolute ball!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext on Katelovesliterature.com.
Live theatre, is anything more special? If you have been following me for a while then you already know that a night out at the theatre is my perfect night out! It is definitely a pricier treat, but I think it is absolutely worth the splurge. I’ve never regretted a night at the theatre.
Last year I was incredibly lucky as I got to see so many shows, and I happily gave myself some extra treats because I missed being able to go to live shows when everything was closed. 2023 was not quite so busy, however I have still been incredibly fortunate because I’ve been able to see some fabulous shows this year.
It is that time of year where I’m starting to reflect and round up before publishing my 2023 Literature Lover Inspired Gift Guide … so without further ado, here are the Theatre Trips that I Enjoyed in 2023!
I have been to five live shows this year, soon to be six as I am counting down the days until I go to The Gaiety Panto! I am dying to see Cinderella. I know it will be so festive and lots of fun. It is the start of my festive season and our night out at the panto will kick off my Christmas tidings. Keep an eye out because I’ll be publishing a review asap … I’m really looking forward to embracing the magic and wonder.
Let’s rewind to February of this year. I had the pleasure of seeing Blood Brothers in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. I adore Blood Brothers. It is my absolute favourite show. It is simply a masterpiece. It is so striking. The music, the story, the phenomenal cast, who I have had the pleasure of seeing twice now during this run … I cannot say enough good things about Blood Brothers. Funny, witty, poignant, and heartbreaking. It is a must see show. This show gets a special mention because I have been lucky enough to have seen the amazing Sean Jones as Mickey four times now. He is an incredible actor, and I just want to take a moment to give him a special mention. He has been playing the role of Mickey for twenty-three years, and I’ve heard and read different things about this being his last tour. So if I got to see him during his last run of this role, that is amazing, and I feel very lucky that I got to see him play this part more than once.
This show means a lot to me. I studied it thoroughly during my final year in drama classes, and in many ways I credit Blood Brothers for helping me develop a deep appreciation for the arts, an appreciation that has led to so much of my current studies and work … What Sean Jones does in act two of this show, the way he has the audience in the palm of his hands, the way he has everybody paying attention in utter silence, it was stunning to witness. Blood Brothers is a show that I will never miss. If you have the opportunity to go and see it, don’t walk, run.
In March we went on a lovely trip to London where we saw The Phantom of the Opera.
We had a ball in London. We explored Soho, went to see one of the homes of Charles Dickens, and we went to see the notorious opera ghost at Her Majesty’s Theatre. This show is beautiful. It is a true spectacle from the lavish costumes to the sweeping score, and of course there is the matter of a falling chandelier. The staging of this show is simply beautiful, and the attention to detail is something to behold. We had a ball. I’d highly recommend this show if you’re looking for a treat in the West End.
The third and final musical we went to see in 2023 was Dirty Dancing The Musical! This show dazzled at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. It was sexy, steamy, electric, and so much fun! Ideal for those who love the movie, but want a fabulous night out. The stage was exploding with talent as the wonderful dancers lit up the stage. We all know the story, we all know the love affair, we all know the unforgettable score, and of course the famous lines. Am I going to say it? You bet! We had the time of our lives. Dirty Dancing is a must see onstage! I’m so thrilled that we went to see it.
This year we also got to attend two live concerts. The Rock Orchestra performed in the Helix and we went to a Candlelight Concert in St. Andrew’s Parish Church. The very talented Avoca String Quartet performed a tribute to The Beatles.
Both evenings were absolutely fantastic. There is nothing like the sound of a live orchestra/live instruments echoing through the halls. Personally I am a big fan of the strings. It was brilliant to hear songs we know and love played by an incredibly talented group of musicians. The Rock Orchestra was a mix of instrumental and vocal performances, whereas the Candlelight Concert was strictly instrumental, but we thoroughly enjoyed both evenings out.
I would highly recommend concerts like this if you’re trying to decide on the perfect date night activity, or if you’re looking for a fun, musical night out with friends or family. The tickets were reasonably priced and we enjoyed every second. The Candlelight Concert in particular was visually stunning too. The name may give it away, but the entire venue was filled with flameless candles. So the atmosphere was just gorgeous. It made for a perfect night.
Tickets to shows like this would also make a great gift for music lovers… but I’ll be talking more about ideal gifts in my Literature Lover Inspired Gift Guide very soon.
Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #comingupnext
I am ready for the festivities to begin. Roll on December!
A fabulous family member of mine reached out and asked me to share this brilliant book event. Not only is it for a fantastic cause, but it is a simple fundraiser that will hopefully inspire young readers to pick up more books and expand their literacy skills. Adults can join in too!
The MS Readathon is an annual event that is run by the MS Societies in Australia, Ireland, and the USA. It is held every year during the month of November and according to the website, nearly 7,000 people are taking part already. That is a lot of books!
I love how much freedom the kids have. They can choose any book they like. Picturebooks, comics, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction … there are no limitations! The aim of this event is to get people reading as many books as possible.
An event like this is a win win for everyone. Participants will not only improve their reading skills by reading more frequently, but hopefully they will develop a deeper love of reading too, and they will be raising money to help support people who are living with MS.
There are many ways to fundraise, the different options are outlined on the website.
I highly encourage you to get involved if you can. Everything counts, be it on a larger scale or a smaller one.
When we all work together and do a little something, we can collectively make a big difference.
As a #discoveririshchildrensbooks champion, this is also a great opportunity to highlight how a readathon is a great opportunity to pick up as many Irish children’s books as possible. We have some incredible authors, illustrators, and storytellers right here on our doorstep. You just may find a new favourite book!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you don’t already @katelovesliteraure for all updates about what is #comingupsoon
I’ll be sharing all Readathon Updates on Instagram so be sure to tune in.
A dark and sensual story, set in an old castle in a dark forest, always sitting under dreary, grey skies.
What could be a better October read?
Young Laura lives with her retired father in the Styria forest. All is picturesque until an unknown house guest arrives. Carmilla is myserteous and beautiful. She spends most of the day asleep and her moods can be unpredictable. It appears that she and Laura have met before, in a dream that Laura had as a child. But was it really a dream?
Not long after Carmilla’s arrival, young girls who live near the castle have started to die, seemingly from unknown causes.
The story goes on, narrated by Laura, we follow her first-person account of what it was like being in a vampire’s gaze. Each page is filled with desire and dread, and dark secrets eventually emerge.
It was interesting going into this book knowing that Carmilla is a vampire. Despite never having read the book before, I knew that it was an early work of vampire fiction, and I knew that the story predated Dracula, so I feel that perhaps some of the suspense was dampened. I’m sure it would have been thrilling to read this book when it was first published, when vampire traits were not so culturally established. The mystery of Carmilla’s character would have been heightened if I didn’t know anything about her before reading.
This didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book, it is just a thought I had when preparing to write down my thoughts.
There are many roads that one could go down when discussing Carmilla.
The book dives into important key themes such as sexuality, specifically female sexuality as Le Fanu presents a sapphic relationship to readers in a way that is extremely straightforward for the time that this work was published in. I would argue that vampires have an established reputation as being very sensual figures, and I think that you can see this trope being carved out in Carmilla because the act of draining someone’s blood is presented as an act that always combines pain and pleasure. Carmilla chooses beautiful young women to prey on and she enjoys biting their necks and sucking their blood, and Laura in particular, enjoys the feelings even though she is sometimes unnerved. The other major theme that this book presents is the idea of extreme class divides.
Le Fanu takes the idea of the rich “feeding off the poor,” to a literal place.
I want to talk about the character of Carmilla specifically, because in so many ways she is a significant literary figure that represents so much power, but she is also a villain. I found this duality the most interesting when I was reading the book.
When you consider the gender roles and the strict societal rules of the 19th century, it is easy to look at Carmilla and identify her as a female character who defies the patriarchy. Due to her immortality, she is powerful all by herself. She comes from an aristocratic background yet she did not have to marry or have children or continue any sort of bloodline. (Pardon the pun). She uses her attractiveness to her advantage. People, (men) welcome her into their homes because of her status and because of her beauty, and she is able to take advantage of the fact that people do not see her as a threat. She is also completely unapologetic about her sexuality. There is nothing repressed about her sensual acts or her expressions of desire.
In ways she reminds me of Milady de Winter in The Three Musketeers, yet Carmilla displays absolutely no concern towards the poor. In fact, she sees them as simply meals. She goes as far as scolding Laura for showing empathy at the funeral of a peasant girl who died due to an “unknown illness.” Carmilla states that she doesn’t concern herself with “peasants.”
There is a disconnected attitude displayed towards the poor in general in the novella. Laura and her father describe themselves as “middle-class,” yet it is clear that they live a luxurious life in their castle. They also do not worry at all about the mysterious illness that is killing young girls, because even though they do show some sympathy towards those girls, they never see themselves as being under any threat. They view the mysterious disease as an illness that peasants simply spread among themselves. This disconnected attitude highlights how privilege creates bubbles for people to live in. Laura is not as vicious as Carmilla, who views herself as superior due to her aristocratic lineage, but she does recognise that her father’s position protects her in many ways. Carmilla’s comments at the poor girl’s funeral appear even more callous when you learn that it is she who is feeding on those young girls. There is also the implication that people were not too concerned about whatever was plaguing the villages until Laura started displaying symptoms. Now a middle-class girl is unwell, so doctors must try harder.
It is very telling when you see some people’s lives being presented as disposable.
It is important that we stop and ask why that is? It is also a theme that can be found in other works.
In Jekyll and Hyde, the musical, the rich are terrified when Hyde starts murdering people in their social circles, but they are relieved later when he kills Lucy, a prostitute, showing that they don’t mind that there is a vicious murderer still on the loose, as long as he is not targeting them.
If one removes the vampire element for a moment, it is the same when a poor person gets sick in a period piece vs a rich person. The rich person is taken seriously, and often provided with the best care. A poor person may not be able to receive any medical attention at all due to money, and there often isn’t much sympathy given. It is an example of how anyone can get sick, but not everyone can recover in the same manner and this can be due to finances alone. A rich person may arrogantly assume that an illness will not impact them, but if it does, they have a better chance at surviving due to money and care.
I’m a big fan of the supernatural elements of Carmilla. I don’t wish to spoil the ending, but I will say that I enjoyed the ambiguity. The idea that even though a figure has been “beaten,” but they may not be fully gone is always intriguing. This idea suggests that danger could return at any time, so the “safety,” found at the supposedly happy ending is always sitting under threat. I particularly like this because I think it perfectly illustrates that gothic trope of safety being subverted.
I would recommend Carmilla if you have not already read it. It is a great read that is not too long and the suspense builds beautifully. It is a literary classic for a reason. Even if vampire fiction is not usually your cup of tea, it is a dark and engaging tale that will captivate readers, and it is interesting to see early works of vampire fiction before mainstream tropes were commonly established.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you don’t already for all updates about katelovesliterature.com
The month of October is one of my favourite months of the year. I am a cliché. I love autumn.
I love seeing the leaves change colour and cover the ground in layers of orange, red, and gold.
I love crisp October days that are filled with blue skies and air that is fresh and cold.
I enjoy #spookyseason. I think October lends itself to creativity. People are embracing the vivid, rich colours of the season. People are discussing some scarier books, some spookier short stories, and we celebrate and discuss the eerie, the spooky, the mysterious. It is fun.
It is not everyone’s cup of tea, but what is?
I’ve been thinking a lot about horror as a genre lately. I’ve always been very honest and I’ve spoken a lot about how I scare easily. I am squeamish. Blood and gore is not for me, however over the last three years, I’ve had a different experience with horror. Before I would avoid it completely, but over the last few years I’ve found that even if there is one or two scenes that I have to look away from, I can still enjoy and appreciate horror. There are some aspects of horror that I do really enjoy.
I’m a fan of gothic literature and there are certain gothic tropes that will always intrigue me.
A great example is how the idea of a safe space is often subverted in gothic literature.
One’s home is often presented to readers and to audiences as the safe space. It is the outside that is scary, however gothic literature tends to subvert this idea. Home becomes the place where the darkness lurks. The place where, in theory, you should be the safest, becomes the place where the danger lies. I’ve always found this concept fascinating. I’ve also always loved the contrast between what is often visually a beautiful house, clashed against the darkness that is happening inside behind the facade.
At this year’s CBI Conference, the theme was Risk and Reward. Obviously horror is a genre that requires characters to take a lot of risks, and there are not always rewards for everyone.
Something that really fascinated me and inspired me to write a discussion piece about horror was something that Amy Clarkin said.
She was speaking about her book What Walks These Halls. Amy was a brilliant speaker. She spoke a lot about her chronic illness and isolation. Something that stood out to me was when she described horror as a safe space. I’m sure others have said this too, but at the time, I almost laughed because it is so ironic. Horror being a safe space, I still think it sounds funny even though I completely understand what she is saying. I have not read What Walks These Halls yet, but it is next on my list.
I am very excited to dive in as I believe it is a ghost story and if you have followed me for a while then you know that I love ghost stories.
Amy’s description of horror as a safe space really inspired me. I’m new to the genre. I am not a lifelong horror fan, so there are many more people who are much more qualified to speak about it than I am, however I’m fascinated by it because I feel like it is similar to children’s literature because of the way it is often dismissed as “just horror.”
Children’s literature is so much more than “just for kids,” and I feel that horror is so much more than “just horror.”
The two things that I’m reflecting on in this discussion piece are the ideas of horror as a way to experience fear in a safe, controlled way, and the ideas of horror being a way for people to express their fears in a way that can be really beneficial for them. Horror as a safe space to discuss what scares us and using horror as almost a coping mechanism or as a comfort are ideas that just intrigue me so much. I want to engage with those ideas and I want to continue to become more familiar with and appreciate horror.
Horror as a Safe Space, Horror as a Teacher.
I am linking this thought to children’s literature because that is my area of study.
When we talk about scarier moments in children’s literature, we talk about the way that fear can benefit kids. It is good for younger readers to experience a scary situation in a safe way through books. It is empowering to see that scary situations can be overcome. I’m always fascinated when I see the idea of happily ever after being criticised as unrealistic, but then scarier moments are also challenged. Happily ever after is not the most realistic concept, sure, but a life with absolutely no scarier moments is also extremely unrealistic. I think there is a need for both. The pure escapism of a happy ending can be lots of fun, and hopefully real life is somewhere in between. Not unrealistic but not full of strife either. Age appropriate scares are very important.
Reading a book that is a bit darker does several things. Firstly, it is a step upwards. It is more challenging, literally and figuratively. Explaining a scary concept or describing danger to a young reader will mean that the author is being quite descriptive and expressive. So the reading level has become more advanced. We’ve taken a step upwards. We’ve also taken a step upwards emotionally, because reading something that may temporarily scare or upset you is how you become a broader reader. How do we expect people to grow up and be moved by literature if they’re never given material that will push and pull on their emotions?
Reading about a scary situation in fiction can also help us develop empathy. Reading in general helps us develop empathy, but reading about fear does so on a more advanced level I think.
When reading, we fear for the character and we worry for the other characters in the book who are also impacted. Something scary happening to someone else allows us to develop empathy for that person, and books can also teach real life lessons too. Be careful with strangers, don’t trust someone you don’t know, don’t do something that feels off or wrong …
One of the greatest lessons I remember learning was how to trust my gut. If a character is describing the feeling of not being sure, of not wanting to do something but feeling pressured, of something feeling not quite right but you can’t say for sure what’s wrong, I remember reading and wishing that the character would just stay put. Just wait. Don’t do that, because that’s dangerous. You don’t know why it is dangerous, but it just is.
Recognising that feeling in books made me more aware in my real life. I became much more aware of my feelings and my surroundings, and if something did not feel right, even if I could not fully explain why, I just didn’t do it.
I definitely believe a bit of fear is needed. Even the most simple of plots need stakes of some kind, otherwise what is the point? Where is the motivation? Fear can be brilliant in many ways. It challenges readers to heighten their reading level, it challenges them emotionally and helps people develop empathy for others. Fear in books can also help readers sharpen their skills in real life, as fear can teach readers lessons about looking out for themselves and others without having to learn the hard way. The more you know, the more power you have. Fear can also be immensely satisfying in books and film, especially if that fear is conquered. There is no better feeling than the happiness and joy that can be found when a protagonist finally conquers their fear. It is a great moment and it shows young readers that we can do hard things and we can conquer fears. It may not be easy, but it also may not be impossible.
Horror as an Escape, Horror as a Form of Expression.
This is an idea that I’m intrigued by and I would love to hear more writers and authors speak about this, but the idea of using horror as a way to deal with something “real,” fascinates me.
Horror as a metaphor is not a new concept, I’m not reinventing the wheel by discussing this, but I do want to highlight the idea because of how it has helped me develop a new appreciation for horror.
One of my favourite books is A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. In the book, the young protagonist Conor must come to terms with the fact that his mother is dying. In his grief, he is visited by a monster who tells him stories and helps him face his true fear. Conor is truly afraid to admit that he is ready for his mother to die. He has watched her suffer for a long time. He knows she is not getting any better. He wants her to be at peace. He will miss her, but he is ready. He is afraid of admitting this because he is afraid that admitting he is ready for her to die will make him a horrible person. He fears that feeling this way makes him a monster.
This book is incredibly moving. There are so many interpretations. Some say that the monster represents the stages of grief, others say a monster is a great way to articulate grief because a young teen may not be able to express grief clearly. They may just be able to say that they’re scared and monsters are stereotypically scary. The book is ambiguous because it never confirms whether or not the monster is a figment of Conor’s imagination or if he is a real figure who does exist somewhere and he shows up for children when they need him. Regardless of which interpretation you prefer, this book is poignant and so deeply moving.
Patrick Ness expanded on the late Siobhan Dowd’s idea. Some have questioned if perhaps the book was more personal when you consider Dowd’s perspective. Did this story help her face any fears or come to terms with her own diagnosis? I won’t elaborate further on that point as I believe that it was not officially stated by Dowd or Ness that this was the case, however it is a reasonable interpretation.
Grief being the real monster is a popular idea. We see it again in The Babadook, and I believe that John Krasinski stated that for him, A Quiet Place was all about how parents fear for their children and he wanted to explore the lengths that one would go to so they could protect their family.
I’m not an author so it is something that I cannot discuss from personal experience, but I am fascinated by the idea of turning to horror as a genre and using it as a way to express a personal fear.
I love looking at what that personal fear may be, and how it was portrayed in horror, and thinking about why those choices were made. To return to fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood is a story about being cautious and wary of predators. The predator lurking in the dark, off the beaten track in the story is a wolf and it can function as both a straightforward story and as a metaphor for safety. If you’re alone, be aware of your surroundings. Do not get lured into unknown territory. Stay in public spaces, and always be aware of those lurking in the dark because they may wish you harm. The wolf can be both an actual wolf and the wolf can also represent a predator.
Final Thoughts
Horror is a genre that I have previously taken for granted. It is not “just horror.”
There are many different kinds of horror film or book. Horror can be extremely nuanced and complex. It can also be about the sudden thrill of a jump scare. Horror can be extremely metaphorical and the genre can be used as a lens to teach about fears, but it also can be used to cope with fears. Scares here and there can enhance our reading skills, broaden our horizons, and help us be more informed. If you are easily scared or squeamish like me, but you’re curious, know that there are still ways to enjoy things on the scarier side. You can look away from specific scenes if you need to and I’ve found that reading is much easier than watching a scary film because the visuals can scare me more than just reading about something. I’ve found some spooky short stories that I really love and I’m so glad that I didn’t miss out on them. This could be an option for you too!
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Spooky, but not too scary picks for younger readers.
A recommend reading list by Kate O’Brien.
There is a certain amount of fun that comes with being scared. With each year that passes I enjoy horror a little bit more, but I’ll be honest, I’ve always been the type to get scared easily.
Despite being somewhat of a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat, I’ve always been fascinated by spooky stories. They draw in readers in such a way that even though there are some scares between the pages, the tales are too good to miss.
For younger readers who want to enjoy spooky season but don’t want anything too scary just yet, starter scares are a brilliant option. What is a starter scare? Let me tell you.
Not every single “scary” book is spine chillingly spooky, some have the perfect balance of humour and mystery mixed in so that younger readers who want a little scare can enjoy the spookier elements without the story being too dark or too much.
There are some films that I would describe as starter scares too, so perhaps I’ll publish a “Not Too Spooky Movies,’ list next week … Stay tuned!
For now, here’s some selected reads that younger readers may enjoy as we get closer to Halloween.
The Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine.
An obvious choice perhaps, but The Goosebumps series has been applauded as the series that paved the way for horror stories for children. These books are relatable for young readers in many ways because the protagonists are always tweens or teens. Despite the stories featuring scarier elements such as the supernatural, each story follows a similar structure, meaning that young readers will experience scary situations through fiction, but they will do so in a familiar, controlled way.
Notably, the books never feature death or violence so even though the characters face spooky situations, they never have to deal with anything too serious. The stakes are age appropriate, and the books are funny too. Ideal for readers aged 8-12.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
This book is a childhood favourite. I remember reading an extract of this book, the first chapter I believe, in primary school when I was ten. Gaiman’s work is a spookier step upwards when you compare it to Stine’s series. For example, in this book a toddler manages to escape the killer who is after him after killing his entire family with a knife. The scenes described in the house are dark and bleak, and they may scare a reader who is more squeamish and sensitive. The boy reaches the graveyard. There he escapes the killer and he is taken in by the ghosts who reside there. This book is more touching than scary even though it does contain some gruesome moments. I’d even go as far as saying it is a coming of age story that is simply set in a graveyard with ghosts, however due to its darker elements and themes, and despite being fascinated with the story when I was ten, I would err on the side of caution and recommend it for readers aged 12+
It is an ideal book for readers who have gotten a taste for scarier stories already and want something a bit more intense as Gaiman’s work steps it up a notch.
Monster Island by Freddie Alexander.
This book is another one for readers aged 8-10. I’ve reviewed it already on katelovesliterature.com
I felt that it deserved another mention because it is an ideal book for spooky season. Freddie Alexander’s book explores what would happen if the monsters under the bed turned out to be real after all. Sam has to contend with moving house, adjusting to life in a new place AND with the scary discovery that monsters are real after all. Can she escape? Read and find out.
Helen O’Higgins has brought the tale to life with vivid, Tim Burton-like illustrations. This book is the ideal mix of scary but fun with some fantastic illustrations that readers are sure to love.
Escape Room by Christopher Edge.
Edge’s novel is definitely another step upwards as it is fast-paced and intense. Edge is a writer who knows how to really fill a plot with lots of information and twists and turns. This is a great book for readers who also love to play games as Edge has a knack for writing puzzles. Twelve – year old Ami finds herself in the ultimate escape room. She and her teammates must find the answer and escape before it is too late. Fast paced, high stakes, and completed with a huge twist, this book is a thrilling read. I’d recommend it to readers aged 12-15. I found this story to be a really creative take on the very popular escape room trend. I love the premise, what if it wasn’t just a game? Read and find out what happens for yourself.
I hope you’ll enjoy this short list of starter scares. I hope you’ll feel inspired to pick up a book.
Let me know if you have a favourite spooky book that you remember reading. What is the first scary book you read? Do you remember? I’d love to know.
Stay tuned as there will be more #spookyseason themed discussions coming up.
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Bad Magic: A Skulduggery Pleasant graphic novel by Derek Landy
A review by Kate O’Brien.
Derek Landy fans should look out because a brand new, original graphic novel has just hit the shelves.
Landy has created a stand-alone story about a small Irish town that is haunted by monsters and dark secrets. There is a monster causing havoc. There has been one unexplained death after another, so now Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain have arrived in town to investigate.
They’ll discover that there is not just a monster on the loose, but there are monsters lurking inside many people. With every turn of the page, horror and mystery lures readers further into the bright, vivid, sometimes scary world of Skulduggery Pleasant.
I enjoyed this graphic novel. It was very eye-catching. I am a fan of graphic novels because I am a fan of visual storytelling. I actually really enjoyed seeing this world in this format. I think that more graphic novels from Landy would be welcomed, especially by readers who are just entering into the YA audience.
I really enjoyed the concept and premise. The idea of a monster being fuelled and brought to life by the cruel, hateful things people say was a really interesting, if not completely groundbreaking one. It was an interesting way to highlight how things that some may see as small things build up to become a bigger problem that hurts other people. Landy’s portrayal of prejudice is not the most subtle, he is quite straightforward and obvious in the way he writes about it. I think this makes sense as this graphic novel is aimed at a younger audience. I’m not suggesting that younger readers cannot understand and/or appreciate nuance, however this novel is for readers who are just starting to make their way into the adult world.
I think that older readers may find things a bit too obvious, however I also think that prejudice, sadly, is not a nuanced issue. Sometimes it is. Sometimes there are complex layers to things and we have to disentangle ourselves from prejudices we may have held subconsciously. Other times, sadly, prejudice is loud and obnoxious. Sometimes people will be loud and proud about their hateful views, and I do think it is important for teen readers to see this type of behaviour obviously called out. It is important that prejudice is obviously protested.
Sometimes metaphors have a right to be heavy handed.
I would recommend this novel for readers aged 12-15.
Thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me a review copy.
Please note, this review contains all of my own opinions. It is not an ad, it is not sponsored in any way. It is not paid promotion.
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