"Things could be different."

I first read The Giver (1993) by Lois Lowry so long ago, that I don't remember reading it, only having read it. No spoilers, in case it's new to you, so come on in for this introduction to living in a "perfect" world.

tell me your thoughts about this chapter at spookysistersbookclub@gmail.com

Intro/outro music is a modified version of Analog Bubbles by DeepTheme Music

Reading chapter 1 from Still Life with Woodpecker (1980) by Tom Robbins, still one of the weirdest and somehow most quotable books that I love.

Music is Opulent Mirage by SyncMusicTracks

"Rin glared up at her, blood dripping from her mouth, and smiled."

new year, new music, same old reading favorite quotes from books I'm reading

music credits

• Analog Bubbles by DeepTheme
• Star Chasers by kulluh

Selected excerpts from chapter 1 of THE DARK IS RISING by Susan Cooper (1973), set to a modified version of Twinkled Tapes by BIIANSU

Happy new year, book friends!

"Alanna gritted her teeth and thrust her chin forward stubbornly. She would see this through."

It's midwinter in the endless library, and Aurelien has only the very best books to shine a light in the gloom. "Alanna" (1983) by Tamora Pierce is a bright, fun, gritty-in-age-appropriate-ways, accessible first book in a girl-forward fantasy series.

Episode references:

• Sunny Nwazue from AKATA WITCH series by Nnedi Okorafor
• Penelope from THE MYSTERY HOWLING series by Maryrose Wood

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Want more quoteable quotes? Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/spookyaurelien

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• Theme: Magical Transition by Kevin McLeod
• Additional music and sound effects from zapsplat.com

A wealthy CEO faces a criminal investigation amid tragedy, trauma, and a supernatural threat. The Usher family learns an informant lurks among them.

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023) has entered the Flanaverse. Based on various Edgar Allan Poe stories and characters, this show explores the prominent and wealthy Usher family. Is this just spooky Succession? Is it spooky at all? What kind of horror is this? Watch episode 1 along with Aurelien and find out!

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

• Created by Mike Flanagan
• Directed by Mike Flanagan, Michael Fimognari
• Network: Netflix
• Original release: October 12, 2023

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Want more commentary watchalongs? Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/spookyaurelien

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• Theme: Magical Transition by Kevin McLeod
• Additional music and sound effects from zapsplat.com

"Her head starts to turn, and I gasp --"

Trick or treat, spooky friends! Aurelien and Dustin (from The Rewatch Recap) wrote a spooky little PG-rated story together. Keep an eye on your windows and stay alert as you settle into "The Woman in the Brown Coat" (2022).

Produced by Dustin: https://linktr.ee/DustinCanRead

With additional voice acting by Kay: https://linktr.ee/fmwlpod

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Want more original stories? Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/spookyaurelien

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• Theme: Magical Transition by Kevin McLeod
• Additional music and sound effects from zapsplat.com

"All the future looked gloomy and threatening, and the gaunt wolf hovered at the door of the Lynnes' humble home."

Gather round, spooks and strangers! For this special spooky season October Friday the 13th, Aurelien reads aloud chapter 1 of "Her Dark Inheritance" (1892) by Mrs. E. Burke Collins. What do you think the inheritance is, spooky friends? And do you want to hear more?

Read the story: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/46363/46363-h/46363-h.htm

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Want more spooky reads? Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/spookyaurelien

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• Theme: Magical Transition by Kevin McLeod
• Additional music and sound effects from zapsplat.com