Hit Netflix series Stranger Things encompasses all things 80s, supernatural, coming-of-age, friendship, and horror. As the TV show ends, you may miss those creepy small-town vibes. Here are some books to scratch the itch.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
This is a dark fantasy novel that explores the arrival of a sinister carnival in a small town. The story follows two 13-year-old boys, Will and Jim, who confront the evil forces, particularly Mr Dark, the mysterious ringleader.
Sounds like Mr Whatsit, right? This team of two brings all the feels that the Hawkins friend group does as they fight to save their small town.
It by Stephen King
This classic horror novel follows a group of childhood friends, the “Losers’ Club,” who face Pennywise the clown. Pennywise is a terrifying shape-shifting creature who feeds on children’s fears and eventually, their flesh.
Set in the small town of Derry, Maine, this book is perfect for Stranger Things lovers.
Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chobsky
This psychological horror novel is about a young boy named Christopher who disappears from his home. He returns six days later with a new imaginary friend named “Bobby.” Soon after, Christopher and his mother discover a dark, supernatural force that threatens to destroy the small town.
The resolution of this book will leave you with the same feeling as the end of Stranger Things season 2 when El closes the portal. Relieved, with lingering unease.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Set in the 80s, this novel follows two teenage girls, Abby and Gretchen, whose friendship is tested when Gretchen becomes possessed! In a desperate mission to save her best friend, Abby tries to perform an exorcism. Eventually, Gretchen is saved by Abby’s fierce love for her when she confronts the demon herself.
This book is witty and has a nostalgic 80s feel. Like in Stranger Things, the power of friendship proves to be strong enough to overcome an evil force.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This book appears in season 5 of Stranger Things, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to further understand the plot. This is a classic science fiction novel about a young girl, Meg, who embarks on a cosmic adventure to rescue her father. She must travel through space and time, battle dark forces, and prove that love triumphs all.
You may also like this article about Wicked: For Good.
The Power by Naomi Alderman
This science fiction novel imagines a world where teenage girls develop the ability to generate electric power from their bodies. Woah! Like Eleven, these powerful girls grapple with their new reality and how it affects their relationships.
The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford
Set in 1977, this book also serves as vintage nostalgia. This book is set in a small town and follows a group of children who experience strange and supernatural occurrences. They explore and discover a shadowy presence, dark secrets, and inner conflict they didn’t know they had.
Like Stranger Things, the group of children confront their fleeting adolescence as a dark presence forces them to grow up and face reality to protect their town.
American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennet
This novel is a dark thriller that incorporates horror and mystery elements. The story follows Mona, who has returned to her deceased mother’s hometown in New Mexico, a suburban community that appears perfect on the outside. Mona examines the peculiar history of the town and her own family’s background. During her research, she discovers disturbing supernatural forces and an alternate reality lurking beneath the town’s flawless surface.
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Firestarter by Stephen King
The main character of this thrilling science fiction horror is a young girl, Charlie McGee, who has pyrokinetic abilities. That is, she can start fires with her mind. Much like El in Stranger Things, this character becomes a government target as they seek to control and weaponise her powers. She and her father try to escape and control her powers.
If you love the El and Hopper storyline, this is the book for you!
Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon
This book is set in a small Southern town during the early 1960s. The story is told by Cory Mackenson, a young boy who encounters mystery, adventure, and magic while looking into the murder of a local man. He uncovers dark secrets about his town and begins to lose the innocent air of childhood.
Stranger Things is a treasured television program that we are so sad to be reaching the end of. However, the nostalgic horror mystery narrative doesn’t end there! Enjoy these reads before rewatching Stranger Things… again.
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Los Angeles, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
