There is just something about old books. The smell of an old and used book, the occasional writings in it, even the sporadic coffee stain tell a story entirely separate from the novel itself. I checked out this book from my local library and in the back was the original check-out card with stamps from 1968 and the signatures of those who read it before.

I grew up on the horror classics, much to my mother’s dismay. My dad has always been a fan of scary movies, and I was the child that shared that interest, eager to devour all the movies that made my mother and brother leave the room. That’s to say that I know the story of Rosemary’s Baby. Even knowing the story and everything that was to happen, the book fills you with a sense of unease from the very beginning.

You know a book is spooky when you are compelled to read it with the lights on even though NOTHING has happened yet. And when you look outside and determine that it is too dark outside to continue reading. I was filled with that feeling from the very beginning.

Not to mention that it is a great social commentary on women’s rights and how, especially during the book’s time period, the system does not believe women. There are so many opportunities for Rosemary to escape the predicament, but at every turn she is discredited in favor of the men around her.

If you are a fan of suspenseful spookiness, definitely check this out.