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Looking for a good scare?
Try a few of the creepiest books you've never read |
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Choosing your next book isn't often easy for the discriminating horror fan. Yes, there is a lot out there, but if you want something that's not formulaic, that's well-written, that's even original and capable of sending a chill or two up your spine - good luck.
And it's not even that the horror novel's dead - it may be hard to believe that there are still fresh plots untilled by masters like King or Matheson or Straub, but just as the writers of mysteries and romance manage to somehow cut new material out of their genres' well-worn cloth, so horror fiction can - and has been - recycled in new, inventive ways.
Case in point - the following five books. If part of your Halloween tradition is to snuggle up on one of the many stormy days we've been having with a good chiller, but you think you've exhausted your supply, here are some selections you may have missed:
 Those Across the River, by Christopher Buehlman - Haunted by memories of the Great War, failed academic Frank Nichols and his wife have arrived in the sleepy Georgia town of Whitbrow, where Frank hopes to write a history of his family's old estate - the Savoyard Plantation - and the horrors that occurred there. At first their new life seems to be everything they wanted. But under the facade of summer socials and small-town charm, there is an unspoken dread that the townsfolk have lived with for generations. A presence that demands sacrifice. It comes from the shadowy woods across the river, where the ruins of the Savoyard Plantation still stand. Where a long-smoldering debt of blood has never been forgotten.
Where it has been waiting for Frank Nichols... The Ruins, by Scott Smith - Don't let the horrible movie deter you - this novel by the writer of A Simple Plan deserves a look. Trapped in the Mexican jungle, a group of friends stumble upon a creeping horror unlike anything they could ever imagine. Two young couples are on a lazy Mexican vacation - sun-drenched days, drunken nights, making friends with fellow tourists. When the brother of one of those friends disappears, they decide to venture into the jungle to look for him. What started out as a fun day-trip slowly spirals into a nightmare when they find an ancient ruins site... and the terrifying presence that lurks there.  The Dead Path, by Stephen M. Irwin - A haunting vision in the woods sets off a series of tragic events, leaving Nicholas Close lost amid visions of ghosts trapped in their harrowing, final moments. These uniquely terrifying apparitions lead him on a thrilling and suspenseful ride to confront a wicked soul, and will leave an indelible mark on lovers of high-quality suspense and horror alike. A new, interesting twist on an ancient horror.
The Walking, by Bentley Little - Private investigator Miles Huerdeen is on a mission to find a link between the victims in a bizarre nationwide string of deaths dating back decades, his own recurring nightmares, and an elderly client's prophetic handwritten list of dead men's names. Miles's world is suddenly turned upside down when he discovers his own father, who suffered a fatal stroke, purposefully striding around his bedroom. Miles's obsession with his father's transformation into a zombie leads him to the families of other dead "walkers" and on a supernatural journey into the Arizona desert. Summer of Night, by Dan Simmons - It's the summer of 1960 and in the small town of Elm Haven, Illinois, five 12-year-old boys are forging the powerful bonds that a lifetime of change will not break. From sunset bike rides to shaded hiding places in the woods, the boys' days are marked by all of the secrets and silences of an idyllic middle-childhood. But amid the sundrenched cornfields their loyalty will be pitilessly tested. When a long-silent bell peals in the middle of the night, the townsfolk know it marks the end of their carefree days. From the depths of the Old Central School, a hulking fortress tinged with the mahogany scent of coffins, an invisible evil is rising. Strange and horrifying events begin to overtake everyday life, spreading terror through the town. Determined to exorcize this ancient plague, Mike, Duane, Dale, Harlen, and Kevin must wage a war of blood against an arcane abomination who owns the night... The Ritual, by Adam L.G. Nevill - Okay, this admittedly lost its  momentum toward the end, but it's still above par. When four old University friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect with one another. But when Luke, the only man still single and living a precarious existence, finds he has little left in common with his well-heeled friends, tensions rise. With limited experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry, and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, Luke figures things couldn't possibly get any worse. But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artifacts decorate the walls and there are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. As the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn't come easy among these ancient trees . . .
Fans of The Blair Witch Project will appreciate the first half of the book, whose creepiness factor is upped by the woodsy setting. The tension of a good portion of the book is also built by the interaction of the characters who - as they get more and more lost, frustrated, and scared, begin to turn on one another in a realistic series of sometimes humorous, sometimes brutal scenes. Of course there are plenty more where these came from, but hopefully you'll find something that grabs you (or at least makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up) from this short list. If you have any suggestions of your own, send them in! We'll compile another list. |
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Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library The Exchange meets for the first time Friday (Oct. 12) at 2 p.m. Each month we'll exchange ideas, information, and tips on a variety of topics. Come enjoy some adult interaction while discussing subjects that matter to you, such as parenting, cooking, and more. Meetings are designed to be a little more than a half hour, so those with children will have plenty of time to pick them up from school or meet the bus. This month's topic is couponing - bring some to trade along with any questions you may have about the best way in which to collect and organize your own each week.
Monday: Happy Columbus Day! School's closed, but the library's open. Ages 3 and up are invited to the 10:30 a.m. session of Mini-Masterpieces, where we'll be channeling Louise Nevelson with our own (easier) version of 3D art.  Tuesday: Book Buddies meet at 10:30 a.m. Book Talk will meet at 6:30 p.m. This month's selection is Sharon Creech's Absolutely Normal Chaos. The Nonfiction Book Club also meets at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Cheryl Strayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Textile Tuesday will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the community room of the Town Hall, for anyone who wants to quilt, sew, knit, or crochet. Come and go as you please. Wednesday: Mommy and Me meets at 10 a.m., Toddler Story Time at 11 a.m., and Book Buddies at 1 p.m. The Studio is open from 2-3:30 p.m. for any junior high students who want to hang out or study. The Masterpiece Art Club meets at 4 p.m. Friday: The Exchange meets at 2 p.m. This month's topic is coupons.
Ongoing: As you probably noticed above, each Tuesday the community room of the Town Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who'd like to come in and quilt, sew, crochet, or knit. These Textile Tuesdays are open to all skill levels. Bring a friend and a project and come and go as you like - it's a great opportunity to learn something new, get creative, and share ideas! October is National Pizza Month! Show your Wallkill Public Library Card at Rob's or Tosco's any Friday this month and get 10 percent off your pie!
Upcoming: - Millie the Tail-Wagging Tutor will be here Thursday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. for her friends ages 5 and up to read her a short book.  - Flex your creative muscles with our Pumpkin Contest Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 5-6 p.m. Drop your real or foam pumpkins off by 5 p.m. that evening - they can be carved or painted. We'll provide the flicker candles (battery operated) to light them up. There will be judging, prizes, snacks, and fun, and your creations will be displayed around the library later that evening for.... - The Haunted Library, which will be open from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. Brave souls ages 7 and up are invited to take the tour through some of the library's darkest corners....if they dare! - Ages 5 and up can come in at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, and make a Day of the Dead Mask while learning about this Mexican celebration created to honor those who have died. Only ten spots are available for this program, so be sure to register!
Don't forget to like us on our Facebook page! Our total reach has gone up almost 65 percent, with a weekly count of 571 visitors. Be one of them and take a look at the latest goings-on here at the library, as well as pictures and news from past events. |
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The Who Was collection has arrived!  A 16-year-old girl named Sacagawea was the "go-to" person for Lewis and Clark as they made an unforgettable journey across America. Her story is a portrait of bravery, courage and strength.
In school, Theodor Seuss Geisel was voted "least likely to succeed." However, in 1985, Princeton University awarded Geisel - a.k.a. "Dr. Seuss" - an honorary degree for being a person who had done something important for the world. A lover of animals, drawing and writing, Seuss went from being the creator of Green Eggs and Ham to a Pulitzer Prize-winner.
Queen Elizabeth, Elvis Presley, Mark Twain and Neil Armstrong join Sacagawea and Dr. Seuss in this wonderful new collection of biographies. User-friendly and filled with interesting facts, these true stories are flying off the shelves. But don't worry; new selections have been arriving daily. For a list of incoming books, click here.
Introduce yourself to one of these movers and shakers who changed the world. They're waiting for you in the biography section of the Children's Room. If there is someone you would like to read about, let us know so we can add them to our collection. Carolyn Thorenz
Children's Room Coordinator |
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Stop by front hall case for new display  The Historical Society's Freda Fenn has arranged a stunning display of cobalt blue souvenir pieces in the glass case in the library's lobby.
Freda has spent years collecting the antique china from all over the world. All of it was made in Germany, mainly in Dresden, where the porcelain decorating industry flourished from the late 18th century until the WWII bombings that devastated the city. Be sure to pause and take a look at these beautifully unique pieces the next time you're in. |
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Rain doesn't keep crowds from Faire
 More than 50 vendors crowded the library lawn for this year's Sept. 29 Harvest Faire.
Though the day began wet, once the rain passed the crowds came out to enjoy the day's shopping and entertainment.
 | | Well Above Average, one of the talented bands from the New York School of Music, performed Saturday. |
The latter included impressive performances by Marty Singleton, the N.O.R. Band, and artists from Walden's New York School of Music. Students from Wallkill High School also wowed the crowd with their brass quintet, Fourteen Valves and a Slide. Thanks to all who participated, as well as to DJ extraordinaire Steve Landsman, who managed the sound system, and to superintendent of highways Michael Eggelton for the use of his flatbed as a stage.
Thanks also go out to:
- John Valk and the Town Board for use of the Town Hall, as well as for their support
- Chief of Police Frank Petrone for closing the street and providing a police presence
- Pete Mule and Fair Rite for providing barrels and bags for refuse
- Stewart and Carolyn Crowell for the corn stalks, trailer, and encouragement
- Robin Hall from the New York School of Music
- Emily, Emma, and Analise for their help with the children's tent
- the Times Herald-Record and Wallkill Valley Times
- the Boy Scouts for their food and cooperation
- Chocolate Dreams for their constant support of library and Friends' events
- all the patrons who donated gift baskets
- the library staff for their help with the vendor applications
- Shapers, Cafe Mio, and Water Street Market for their gift certificates
If you missed the opportunity to pick up the mums that were on sale that day, there are still some left - stop by the library, where you can buy two eight-inch pots for $10 or one for $6. |
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Knox's HQ offers old-time frights for free
If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween this season, a trip to the historic Knox's Headquarters may fill the ticket.
The state historic site will be offering spooky tours around the grounds Saturday, Oct. 27. Come from 8-8:30 p.m. or 8:30-9 p.m. that night and get a glimpse into a haunted 18th century and a feel for what creeped out horror fans of yesteryear.
You'll be led through an 18th-century house, where you'll encounter ghostly spirits and other frightening horrors of the night.
The tours are free, but reservations are required - call 561-1765, ext.22, to make yours. Children ages 7 and up are welcome, too. |
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Moyers video celebrates freedom to read Famed journalist and Banned Books Week honorary co-chair Bill Moyers produced a video essay in honor of the 30th Anniversary of Banned Books Week and for the Banned Books Virtual Read-Out. In it, Moyers discusses the importance of our freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. Check it out on the ALA's website. |
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Site celebrates the exchange of ideas
TED.com was launched in 2007 as a place in which to exchange ideas and offer inspiration. 
TED itself began in 1984 as a conference that connected the best thinkers from the worlds of technology, entertainment, and design and has grown to encompass two annual conferences, along with projects, video sites, and more.
Visit TED.com for videos of talks featuring informed professionals specializing in a variety of topics, from science to global issues to business and more.
If you're curious about a topic you've heard on the news or read about, TED.com is a good place to go to glean more information, as well as inspiration and the excitement a free exchange of brilliant ideas and lessons stirs. |
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