Recs if you like Pew...

A selection of contemporary Southern Gothic titles exploring the decay, despair, and trauma of the reconstructed American South. Come for the palpably atmospheric settings and descriptions, stay for the literary commentary on the legacy of the South's oft-romanticized past.

As a note: I did not include the most well known writers in the genre, e.g. Truman Capote, Harper Lee, William Faulkner, etc. as the list is more focused on the resurgence of Southern Gothic in contemporary literature.

Books recommended by musician Lucy Dacus, a solo artist and member of the band boygenius. Pulled from her goodreads list.

where sins of the elders run deep, bodies are hidden in the bayou & haints hiding around corners- recommendations welcomed

I love novellas and short stories, I feel like it really gives authors a place to flex their talents on just how much they can reveal of a character or world in minimal page space. These are some I feel really pack a punch. They are weird, unique, and can be read in a day.

For when you need a quick horror fix

Books where we never find out the narrators'/ protagonists’ names. Feel free to comment any additions!

southern gothic; religious horror; intergenerational trauma; dysfunctional families; obsessive love; cannibalism; rot and decay in a small town

"As it ever was, so it will be again."

aka you know there's gotta be a river, there's gotta be some obscure and complicated folklore, there's gotta be some sort of myth/historical reference or retelling.

This is my niche

Pretty self-explanatory

masterlist of recommendations from booktuber allison paiges, THE cozy booktuber 💐 (list in progress; will be slowly adding as i rewatch their videos)

I’m not the book club curator, I just love horror and am happy to be here