Last night we gathered in a historic Harlem brownstone for a haunted literary dinner on fear. Everyone shared a book that has haunted them in some way then we explored resonant themes together. Guests shared a wide arrange of texts: classic horror books like Dracula, dystopian novels like Severance and Brave New World and newer works of literary fiction like Perfume and Mexican Gothic.

What emerged from our book choices and discussion was fascinating. We’re not actually afraid of what goes bump in the night. Rather its isolation, captivity, powerlessness and dystopian realities come to life that terrify us.

But speaking our fears aloud disarms them of their power. And as one litclubber put it, gathering in intentional community like ours helps us overcome that danger.

Thank you to everyone for making the night so meaningful.

And thank you to our partners for bringing this evening to life so magically.

• Lit club chef Gabriella Stern with Fresh Direct prepared a stunning dinner aptly titled “Feast of the Shadows.”

• Amante 1503 kept our spirits high with cocktails a rich as the convo.

• and Scout & Cellar paired perfectly with our books and kept the conversation flowing. (You can sip along with us using code LITCLUBNYC)

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create these kinds of experiences and I love nothing more than building lit club with you.

Happy Halloween!