As the nights get colder and the shadows stretch a little longer, nothing feels better than curling up with a chilling story. At Big Reuse, every book in our Reuse Center (thrift store) is given a second life, and our horror section is no exception. We make sure these spooky tales are well cared for until they find their next reader. When you take one home, you’re not just getting goosebumps; you’re helping keep stories alive and treasures out of the landfill. It’s reusing books with a twist: you save the planet, and you get a good scare.
Big Reuse is New York City’s home for secondhand finds with purpose. From furniture and home goods to every imaginable type of book, our mission is to reduce waste and keep resources within the community. Our horror section may send shivers down your spine, but the impact you make by shopping secondhand is all about building a greener future.
Did you know? If you buy books online from bookshop.org and select Big Reuse as your bookstore, they'll donate 30% of your purchase to Big Reuse! You can also find our affiliate bookshop.org link here.
Featured Horror Picks for October
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of our favorite secondhand finds waiting for their next reader:
The Stand by Stephen King
An epic tale of plague, survival, and the eternal clash between good and evil. With its sprawling cast and apocalyptic tension, this novel remains one of King’s most terrifying and enduring works.
World War Z by Max Brooks
Told as an oral history of the zombie apocalypse, this book makes the undead feel hauntingly real. Its global scope and chilling realism will leave you questioning just how prepared humanity really is.
Haunted Rails by Matthew L. Swayne
A fascinating collection of ghost stories tied to trains and railroad lore. From phantom conductors to haunted stations, these tales blend folklore and fright in the perfect way for October.
Pandora by Anne Rice
A gothic vampire tale from one of the genre’s most beloved voices. Rice weaves atmosphere, history, and dread into a story that lingers long after the last page.
The Orange Eats Creeps by Grace Krilanovich
A cult classic often described as “vampire punks on drugs,” this novel is raw, disturbing, and unforgettable. Strange, experimental, and dripping with menace, it’s horror that pushes boundaries.
Also On Our Shelves: Dark, Eerie, and Mystery Reads
Elevation by Stephen King
A short, supernatural tale about a man experiencing a strange phenomenon in a small Maine town. It’s thoughtful and eerie, a quieter story that still captures the mystery of the unknown.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
One of the most famous whodunnits of all time, set aboard a snowbound luxury train. Its claustrophobic setting and web of secrets make it a perfect companion for a dark autumn night.
The next time you’re searching for a spooky read, stop by Big Reuse. You’ll leave with more than a book. You’ll carry home a story with history, a greener tomorrow, and maybe even a few nightmares.
Want to get involved beyond the shelves?
You can volunteer with us and be part of the movement HERE or DONATE to support our environmental programs HERE!
Blog Post written by NYSERDA Fellow Tatiana Guerra