The Library Vault

Witch. It’s such a simple word, just five little letters, yet strong enough to conjure intense feelings in those who wield it. As librarians, we know there is power to be found in words. We treat them with respect, knowing that words have been used throughout the ages to heal and to harm. With Halloween and Samhain upon us, the word “witch” is on the tip of many tongues. What does it mean to you?

Merriam-Webster, trusted reference source since 1831, defines “witch” as…

• a person (especially a woman) who is credited with having usually malignant supernatural powers
• a woman who is believed to practice usually black magic often with the aid of a devil or familiar
•  a mean or ugly old woman
• a charming or alluring girl or woman
• or less commonly Witch a practitioner of witchcraft especially in adherence with a neo-pagan tradition or religion 

It’s curious that the witch is seen as both an ugly old woman and an alluring girl. This seems strange, no? Young or old, beautiful or haggard, one thing is clear… the witch remains a powerful source of intrigue for many. Every year, an abundance of witchy titles land on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Not surprisingly, Russell Library’s bookcases are chock-full of these captivating tales!

Do you enjoy a witchy cozy fantasy experience? If so, you might consider curling up with The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields or The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski. If magical realism is more your speed, check out Alice Hoffman‘s (author of Practical Magic) newest title, The Invisible Hour. If you loved Joanne Harris‘s classic Chocolat, you won’t want to miss her latest novel, Vianne, a fascinating prequel to Chocolat.

You can also browse our shelves for historical fiction titles like Hester by Laurie Lico-Albanese or The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche. With Halloween right around the corner, maybe you’re hankering for a little scare? In that case, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix or The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia might provide the thrill you seek.

And if all else fails, you can always grab a witchy romance to carry you through the long, dark autumn nights. Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood or An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward offer a lighthearted escape from the everyday grind. The perfect read is a special kind of magic, indeed.

This is simply a taste of the bewitching titles Russell Library has to offer. Take a peek below for a more comprehensive list of enchanting reads. Happy Halloween!