Since it's the month of October and it's almost Halloween, I figured I should make a list of books that not only I highly recommend, but that I found are incredibly disturbing. These books aren't necessarily horror novels, but they definitely disturbed me to no end, and I do appreciate an old fashioned creepy-can't-get-it-out-of-my-mind story. In no particular order.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I figured I would begin with the latest book that disturbed me. This book wasn't perfect, but it was 100% effective in terms of giving me the creeps. It's such a thrilling, suspenseful page turner that left me with a few goosebumps along the way. Gillian Flynn has a knack for creating messed up characters, and she does it so well that I believe every word! I did see the movie adaptation, and I thought it was so good! The actress that played one of the characters here was great, and I highly, highly recommend everybody to watch it, even if you're not interested in reading the book. But the book... always read the book first ;)
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Next up is a classic disturbing book! A Clockwork Orange has Alex, who is one of the most memorable characters ever. He will forever be stuck in my mind. Such a well-structured and engaging story! I do have to admit though that there's something extra special and extra disturbing about the movie adaptation. The actor that plays Alex just truly captures everything about the character, and I love everything about the movie. Such a classic film, and something I wish everyone would watch at least once.
Misery by Stephen King
Such memorable characters in here. And some of the most memorable scenes as well. If you're looking for a Stephen King book to read, check this out. It's very different from his other novels, and it's what made me appreciate King as an imaginative author. I do have to mention the movie, as Kathy Bates was incredible in it.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Elis
This list can not exist without this book. Some of the events that are told in this book have been some of the most agonizing things I've ever read. It's one of those rare books that made me put it down several times, thinking I could not continue with it! And yes, the movie... must watch.
We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
This book is about an unstable kid, and the story is told from the perspective of a mother who also disturbed and unstable. Put them together and you have this realistic story. I have not seen the movie adaptation, but I hear it's well done.
Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk
Chuck Palahniuk has always been such an out there author, and I have to include his book of short stories on this list. Haunted is an amazingly well-written collection of disturbing short stories. Its themes vary, but every story is unique and well thought out.
Because we're talking about disturbing things, I can't leave this list out without listing the most disturbing film I've ever seen - Requiem for A Dream. Based off a novel as well, but I actually haven't read it. However, the movie... *shudders*
Anyway, that's it for my list. Please let me know what you think of my picks, and if you have any recommendations for disturbing books, do recommend them.
