October Reading Recommendations:
In Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno-Garcia delivers a chilling, atmospheric tale set in 1950s Mexico. When young socialite Noemí Taboada receives a troubling letter from her newlywed cousin, she travels to a remote countryside estate to investigate. What begins as a mission to help family quickly turns into a confrontation with dark family secrets, sinister forces, and a house that seems alive with malevolent intent. Blending gothic suspense, eerie horror, and a richly detailed historical setting, this novel will keep you on edge as you unravel its mysteries—and wonder what lurks in the shadows of its haunted halls.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a masterful tale of psychological suspense and classic gothic horror. When a small group of people—drawn by the allure of a supposedly haunted mansion—arrive at Hill House, they encounter more than just creaking floors and shadowed hallways. The house itself seems to have a will of its own, playing on fears, stirring anxieties, and blurring the line between reality and madness. With chilling tension, unforgettable characters, and an atmosphere thick with dread, Jackson’s novel remains a timeless exploration of fear, isolation, and the unknown.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a mesmerizing tale of magic, mystery, and wonder. Set against the backdrop of a traveling circus that only appears at night, the story follows two young illusionists bound by a secret competition they cannot fully control. As the circus weaves its spell over performers and visitors alike, friendships, rivalries, and unexpected romances unfold amidst enchanted tents and breathtaking feats of magic. Richly atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful, this novel is the perfect escape for fall reading, inviting readers to step into a world where wonder and danger exist side by side.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury is a darkly enchanting tale of childhood, fear, and the sinister allure of the unknown. When a mysterious traveling carnival rolls into town, two friends—Jim and Will—find their quiet Midwestern lives upended by its eerie attractions and the malevolent secrets behind its mesmerizing performances. As the boys confront temptation, danger, and the shadows of their own fears, Bradbury weaves a story rich with nostalgia, suspense, and moral depth. Perfect for autumn reading, this classic novel captures the thrill and chill of facing the unknown, one spine-tingling moment at a time.
🥳 SBC TXK 10 Year Celebration
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Mayo Arts Makers Space, 581 Pine St, Texarkana, TX 75503
Silent Book Club is turning 10! Celebrate a decade of quiet reading with us at a special community event featuring:
Bookmark Making Class in partnership with TRAHC
Book Swap – bring a favorite book and trade it for a new treasure
Silent Reading Area – cozy spots for reading over crafting
Light Refreshments
Community Celebration honoring 10 years of Silent Book Club worldwide
We welcome donations of recycled craft items (beads, ribbons, buttons, charms, fabric scraps, lace, or old jewelry) to help give forgotten treasures new life. This event is free and open to the community, with an optional donation to support TRAHC.
☕ October Meet-Up: Read, Relax & Unplug Together
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Mana Brew Coffee, 4707 S Lake Dr, Texarkana, TX 75501
Bring your favorite book—paperback, e-book, graphic novel, or audiobook—and enjoy an hour of peaceful, uninterrupted reading in a cozy setting. Grab a treat, sip your favorite drink, and immerse yourself in your story. Optional social time before or after allows you to chat, swap recommendations, or simply keep reading.
Schedule Snapshot:
6:00 – 6:30 PM | Arrival & Settle In
6:30 – 7:30 PM | Silent Reading Time
7:30 – 8:00 PM | Optional Book Chat or Extra Reading
Silent Book Club is for anyone who loves to read, unwind, and enjoy screen-free time. Come celebrate reading and community—one page at a time!
The Night Circus – “Midnight Magic Chai Latte”
Book Pairing: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Type: Coffee/Tea
Description: Lush, enchanting, and full of wonder—like wandering through the circus tents under the moonlight.
Ingredients:
1 cup brewed chai tea or strong black tea
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tbsp pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
Warm milk with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and honey.
Froth lightly if desired.
Pour over brewed chai tea and sprinkle with extra spice.
Mexican Gothic – “Noemí’s Spiced Apple Bourbon”
Book Pairing: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Type: Alcoholic Cocktail
Description: Dark, elegant, and slightly dangerous—this warm spiced bourbon cider mirrors the chilling atmosphere and twisted secrets of High Place.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
4 oz apple cider
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Warm apple cider with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pour over bourbon in a mug, stir gently.
Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Something Wicked This Way Comes – “Carnival Cocoa”
Book Pairing: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Type: Cozy Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate
Description: Dark, nostalgic, and slightly wicked—this rich hot cocoa with a hint of spice mirrors the thrill and chill of a mysterious carnival.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp maple syrup or sugar
Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Warm milk in a saucepan.
Whisk in cocoa, cinnamon, and maple syrup until smooth.
Serve in a mug with whipped cream or marshmallows on top.
The Haunting of Hill House – “Ghostly Ginger Fizz”
Book Pairing: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Type: Mocktail
Description: Light, mysterious, and slightly eerie with a hint of spice—perfect for sipping while creeping through psychological suspense.
Ingredients:
4 oz sparkling water
2 oz unsweetened apple juice
1 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger
Cinnamon stick or orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Mix apple juice, maple syrup, and grated ginger in a glass.
Top with sparkling water, stir gently.
Garnish with cinnamon stick or orange slice.
