PAC Student Media

By Jordan Sosa
Pulse Staff Reporter

October is known for bats, ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night. Getting into the spirit of Halloween is made easier with spine-tingling literature.

Palo Alto student Hunter Schneider recommended the 1897 Gothic novel “Dracula” by Bram Stoker.

“Dracula’s character isn’t just seen as a vampire. He’s seen as this supernatural figure who walks among human civilization. You aren’t supposed to see him as a just a bloodsucking monster, but as this wolf in sheep’s clothing. Another way to read this book, is imagine you don’t know what a vampire is. You don’t know about the lore, the movies, the different types of vampires there are. Then give this book a read, you’ll soon see how this story of Dracula became so well known,” said Schneider.

Moriah Sosa, a new student to Palo Alto who is majoring in Liberal Arts, said she’s been a big fan of both the Harry Potter films and books.

“Just like the actors in the movies, I grew up with the Harry Potter series. It’s a fun series with great action, wonder, and adventure that deals with growing up. If you read the first book, be prepared because the following books will just hook you even more into the mythos and the world of Harry Potter,” said Sosa.

Trevor Chipman of City Base Cinema recommended “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” for all ages.

“I love those stories! No matter how much you want to put down the book, you can’t. Being scared is natural, and these short stories are perfect, being on the very edge of scaring you and keeping you entertained. Sometimes I’ll read a short story to my two kids. I’ll quickly flip through the book and pick a story that has a jump scare at the end. Of course, they get scared, but they laugh, too,” said Chipman, who uses some of the stories to help decorate his home as a haunted house for the month of October.

All three of these recommendations touch upon different genres of creepiness or wonder in terms of the supernatural. Any of these recommended books can be enjoyed by all ages, so give them a read. Maybe you’ll find you love reading stories that make you shiver at night?

If mid-terms have stressed you out or made you tense, then come join in Palo Alto’s Halloween events, like the Día De Los Muertos party taking place on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Palo Alto College Student Center. Watch a Folkloric Dance performance by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center while enjoying some free tamales and pan de dulce.

Before the month is over, Palo Alto will have a free Paloween party held in the Palo Alto Student Center on Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Have a ball dancing in your costume and enjoying some free candy, food, and face-painting. Enter in the costume contest, and you could win a mystery prize.