Arts & Culture

If there were one list of absolute must-read books, what would you put on it? We asked 31 noted authors that question; here are their picks.

Halloween is a time to embrace the scary. After all, it’s when haunted houses, spooky jack-o-lanterns, and menacing costumes all make their grand annual appearance. If the cobwebs and skeletons adorning your neighbors’ homes aren’t quite putting you into the Halloween spirit, here are seven books to get you ready for the frightful holiday. From psychological thrillers to flat out horror novels, these books will get your heart racing as you tear through the pages. And really, what’s better than a book that you cannot put down? A seemingly perfect husband reveals his psychopathic dark side in B.A. Paris’ horrifying Behind Closed Doors. An old friend resurfaces and gets too close (in a Single White Female sort of way) in Watching Edie, by British author Camilla Way. Thanks to Keith Donohue’s The Motion of Puppets, you may never look at a toy store the same way. And crumbling old homes reveal their haunted histories in Arrowood and The Witch on Persimmon Point. Crime novelist extraordinaire Tana French is back with the sixth installment of her Dublin Murder Squad series, one that is getting lots of attention this month. French’s The Trespasser follows detective Antoinette Conway as she struggles to solve a murder case as her colleagues do everything they can to get in her way. These books may not feature ghouls and goblins (check out 7 Creepy Books That Might Give You Nightmares for more seasonal reads), but they are guaranteed to make the hair on your neck stand up. Happy Halloween and happy reading!

Some are new, some are staff favorites, but all are terrific—and you’ll love at least one.

Ditch the usual Andy Warhol print or Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster for some unique (and affordable) artwork.

Behind every strong, smart woman, there’s an inspiring character who helped motivate her to be herself and be heard.

If you hate to be seaside (or lakeside or poolside or anything -side) without a book in hand, you’ve landed in the right place. Here, great beach reads recommended by notable authors and experts. 

It's time to choose the No-Obligation Book Club's next read.

All you need now is a yellow ball gown.