Halloween Creatures Book Tag 2.0

Hi everyone!

I was nominated for a book tag recently.

Well…

Alright, I wasn’t technically “nominated,” but Jessica at The Bookworm Chronicles invited everyone who read her post to join in, so…here I am. This is such a fun tag that I couldn’t resist, especially since its October and “things that go bump in the night” abound…. Especially in my neighborhood. *shivers*

This tag was created by Anthony at Keep Reading Forward, so make sure you head over there and see what he’s up to. I was “nominated” for this tag by Jessica Bookworm at The Bookworm Chronicles. Thanks to both of you!

Here are the rules:

• Answer all prompts.
• Answer honestly.
• Tag 1-13 people.
• Link back to this post.
• Remember to credit the creator (Anthony).
• And have fun!

Well, I think it’s only fitting that I’m drinking a pumpkin white chocolate mocha as I write this…yummmm. This should be fun!

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#1. Witch: Magical Character or Book

I think my favorite magical character is probably Minerva McGonagall from the Harry Potter Series. I adore her bits of curt sass, her ever-present wisdom is always welcome, and she never fails to support Harry and co. regardless of how hard the circumstances. Plus, she fits the typical “witch” archetype that I think is missed in a lot of stories.

#2. Werewolf: The Perfect Book to Read at Night

In all honesty, I haven’t read very many thrillers or horrors, so don’t laugh if my answer isn’t nearly as fearsome as you would think. I would probably have to say the perfect book to read at night is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of Four. This particular Sherlock Holmes mystery literally petrified me, and I read it while vacationing in the Rocky Mountains. Here’s why I say this book made me jump out of my skin:

” ‘I wish you, therefore, to make restitution. Put your ears down to my mouth. The treasure is hidden in—’

“At this instant a horrible change came over his expression; his eyes stared wildly, his jaw dropped, and he yelled in a voice which I can never forget, ‘Keep him out! For Christ’s sake keep him out!’ We both stared round at the window behind us upon which is gaze was fixed. A face was looking in at us out of the darkness. We could see the whitening of the nose where it was pressed against the glass…. My brother and I rushed towards the window, but the man was gone. When we returned to my father his head had dropped and his pulse had ceased to beat.”

From The Sign of Four, “The Story of the Bald-Headed Man”

Moving on…

#3. Frankenstein: A Book that Truly Shocked You

Without question, this would probably have to be The Giver by Lois Lowry. This book dramatically changed the way I looked at everything, and it was very unexpected. It taught me so much: the sanctity of human life, the value in emotion, personality, and singularity.

#4. The Devil: A Dark, Evil Character

That is quite simple: Bellatrix Lestrange from the Harry Potter series. Malevolent, cruel, and malicious in every aspect, Bellatrix is a proud servant of the Dark Lord, and perhaps even more passionate than her master. Her witch’s cackle, crude manner, and heavy eyelids spell physiognomy at its finest: this woman will die fighting for evil. AND, how can one forget “honest” Iago from Shakespeare’s Othello. I never hated anyone’s guts more than Iago’s. He still makes me boiling mad inside, even though everyone’s dead, and so is he. My poor Desdemona!

#5. Grim Reaper: A Character that Should Never Have Died

Probably either Thorin Oakenshield from The Hobbit or Inspector Javert from Les Miserables. Both of these characters were cruel to the protagonist, and throughout the course of each story, you actually come to hate these characters. Yet, when the book comes to an end, they both realize how wrong they are. Thorin is killed in battle, but wishes Bilbo well and begs forgiveness. Inspector Javert realizes the goodness in Valjean’s heart, and seeing his own despicable nature, he commits suicide, which was equally as sad as Thorin’s death.

#6. Zombie: A Book that Made You “Hungry” for More

Haha, I loved the description for this one. I absolutely despise zombie films (someone boycott Pride and Prejudice and Zombies PLEASE). In fact, Pride and Prejudice is probably this book. I read it when I was fifteen, and as soon as I finished it, I desperately wanted more Austen. From there, it snowballed into the Austenian I am today. I’ve read (or listened) to nearly all of her novels.

#7. Gargoyle: A Character that You Would Protect at All Cost

Hmm. Most likely the young Prince from Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper or Pip from Dickens’s classic novel Great Expectations. Both of them were misunderstood little lads with no one to help them on their journey. I felt so sorry for them, but the way they held themselves was exemplary, and I can’t help but feel proud of them.

#8. Vampire: A Book that Sucked the Life out of You

Oh dear. I think this glorious award goes to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s charming little novel The Scarlet Letter. As marvelous as it was (in a literary way), it was emotionally draining. I never actually finished it, because it became quite depressing. I was awed by Hawthorne’s genius, but it made for a rather grueling read.

#9. Ghost: A Book that Still Haunts You

Ooh. This is tricky. I can’t say it still haunts me because I’ve read it before, but Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo is a book that I’m reading right now, and I cannot get it out of my mind. My poor Dantes! I am listening to the audio narration, and every time I go out, I listen to it. It literally is on my mind so often, and I think it’ll definitely be a book that continues to “haunt” me even after I’m finished with it.

#10. Demon: A Book that Really Scared You

Again, probably the Sherlock Holmes mystery The Sign of Four. That was definitely creepy for me. But it was perfect to read at night! I guess I liked getting spooked. If I have to choose a different one, then probably Jane Eyre, because…well…isn’t it obvious? A mad, cackling (borderline demon-possessed) woman in the attic setting bedrooms on fire and haunting the inhabitants of an old, countryside mansion…what could be scarier?

#11. Skeleton: A Character You Have a Bone to Pick with

Easy: Prince Hal from Shakespeare’s King Henry IV. I was angry at his complete irresponsibility, lack of respect, and reckless lifestyle. I was so very grateful when King Henry finally knocked some sense into him (literally in The Hollow Crown – whoop whoop Jeremy Irons XD ). Alas, he finally stole my heart at the end of part one when he killed Hotspur. And, for good measure, definitely Ron Weasley in The Goblet of Fire and The Deathly Hallows…at least for a while, his attitude was horrible.

#12. Mummy: A Book You Would Preserve through Time

Definitely Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities! That’s a book everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. I loved it…cried all the tears! 😦 I loved Jessica’s answer to this question – she chose the Hobbit, but then she went on to say: “I would say The Holy Bible, but I am pretty sure after surviving thousands of years already, that it is going to continue to be preserved with or without me.” Amen!

#13. Creepy Doll: A Cover Too Scary to Look at

Hmmm…I don’t own very many creepy-looking books, but probably the cover of the Oxford World’s Classics Dracula by Bram Stoker.

It’s not mega creepy, but it’s the best I’ve got. I’m almost done with Harry Potter, so I got Dracula to read…eek.

 

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THE MONSTER MASH: Tag Your Friends!

I have to tag at least one person, so I’m going to nominate the below people to do this…I know you all are quite busy, but if you can, I would love to see you participate:

• Shiv at Shiv Lives in Books 🙂 (@shivlivesinbooks)
• Steven Colborne at Perfect Chaos
• Joy Clarkson
• Beth at The Adventures of an Elven Princess
• YOU! If you are reading this post, then you are nominated to do this tag!

If you decide to participate in this tag, please provide a link to your blog in the comments below, so we can all check it out. I’d love to read it and explore some of your blogs!

Anyway, what did you think about this fun little tag? Feel free to share this post, be sure to drop a like, and, if you haven’t already, subscribe! Talk to you all soon. Keep reading!

In His Joy,

Emily Grace 🙂