Most people think of October and its howling autumnal winds when they think of scary stories, but summer is actually the perfect time to cool off with some shivers up your spine. Whether it be reading about a summer camp slasher, books bound in human skin or a dystopian surveillance state, you are sure to find “something that scares you…” to read this summer – and to fill a square on your Book Bingo while you’re at it.
Are you scared of… horror movies?
My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
Avid 80’s slasher movie fan Jade Daniels is a Native teen in Proofrock, a small town with a grizzly history. When subtle horror movie tropes start cropping up, Jade is convinced she is in the beginning of a slasher film. Will she be able to help the final girl stop the killer? Or will this horror show go off script?
The thing I love the most about this book is the development of Jade. As the book progresses we get to see her layers peeled away and get a picture of her real life trauma that is lurking beneath her slasher fanaticism.
Are you scared of… puppets?
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Louise’s parents pass away unexpectedly, drawing her back to her childhood home. As she and her brother Mark argue what to do with the house, Louise begins to unlock repressed memories of her childhood and the haunted objects that still lurk within the home.
I put this book on hold expecting it to be an over-the-top horror comedy about ghosts haunting an old house. However, the book I got was way more terrifying and had way more puppets. Yes. Puppets.
Are you scared of… bachelor parties?
Boys Weekend by Mattie Lubchansky
Sammie recently came out as Trans, which their old friends are having trouble parsing. Despite reservations, Sammie has still agreed to be ‘Best Man’ and go on the bachelor party trip to a futuristic party town. Something strange and deeply troubling is lurking in this city and only Sammie seems to be able to see it.
I had no context for this book when I stole it off my husband’s nightstand, so the supernatural and horror elements completely surprised me in the best way possible. It tackles toxic masculinity and gender identity in a very fun way. As weird as it is to type that out.
Find more scary selections from me on this Book BINGO booklist.
For more ideas for books to meet your Summer Book Bingo challenge, follow our Shelf Talk BookBingoNW2024 series or check the hashtag #BookBingoNW2024 on social media. Book Bingo is presented in partnership with Seattle Arts & Lectures.
~ posted by Amanda H.
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