Last week, we talked about some of my favorite gothic literature. This week, we’re going paranormal with some of my favorite stories about ghosts!
Some are novels, some are short stories, but they all have visitors from the beyond.
The History of Ghost Stories
From what I can tell, the first recorded ghost story comes from the Epic of Gilgamesh. This epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia (8000-2000 BCE) talk about the legendary King Gilgamesh and his conquests. During the tale, his friend Enkidu dies, but visits Gilgamesh later as a spirit to warn the king of the fate of those who die unfulfilled or forgotten.
Since then, ghosts have become a popular focus for stories and poems as a way to cope with ideas of the afterlife. Some ghosts are good and helpful, some are evil and up to no good, but they all serve to teach us some version of how we can face our own mortality.
My Favorite Ghost Stories
This House is Haunted by John Boyne
A classic tale about a governess, two children, and a mysterious house that holds more than meets the eye.
The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
The true documentation of a family tormented by evil spirits in their new home.
The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates
When ghost hunting goes wrong, a team of believers and skeptics alike must band together to solve the mystery and defeat the evil- or die.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
A tale of innocence betrayed, murder, and the spirit of a victim who tries to cope with her demise. One of the few books that made me ugly cry.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
A superstitious town, a new school master, and a spirit who’s forever looking for his head….
It’s not Halloween without it!
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
It has the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future, so it totally counts!
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
My (and many other kids of the 90’s) used this book to enter the world of horror! This list wouldn’t be complete without it.
Those are my recommendations! I’ve read them all (and some more than once), and they have plenty of ghostly experiences to go around! If ghosts aren’t your thing, check in next week for my list of favorite stories where people go absolutely mad!
What is your favorite ghost story? Let me know in the comments!
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