This month’s choices:

Fiction

The Silence of the Lambs
By Thomas Harris

Traditionally, I’ll choose a horror book for the month of Halloween—although some people question whether this classic fits into that genre. It’s often labeled a crime thriller.

Regardless, it’s a frightening exploration of two depraved human minds, one belonging to a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, and the other an imprisoned psychotic murderer who helps in tracking down Bill.

Yes, the movie is terrific, and deserved all the Oscars it took home. It took two actors who were already stars (Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins) and launched both of them into the stratosphere.

But if you like to dive a bit deeper into your characters, you almost always want the book. That’s the case here.

Sure, Hannibal Lecter is certainly a creepy villain who draws a lot of attention. But there’s no doubt this book is really all about FBI agent Clarice Starling. It’s her story, and Lecter—although fascinating—is merely a tool she uses to achieve her goal.

The writing is excellent. Harris crafted a true page-turner that leads us down a dark, suspenseful path on its way to an exciting climax. Read it with the lights on, if you must.

Find your copy here.

Nonfiction

If the fiction choice is about as dark as it gets, my nonfiction pick for October goes about as far the other direction as you can go.

Mel Brooks is (as I write this) 99 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he just announced that he’ll be working on a sequel to his “Star Wars” spoof, “Spaceballs.”

He’s responsible for some of Hollywood’s most iconic comedies, most notably “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein”—which, believe it or not, came out in the same calendar year. That’s quite a year.

But his career started long before those films catapulted him to the top, including several years writing for TV.

This book starts a little slow, and I confess it takes a while to get to the meat. But we learn where the director’s zaniness originated and how it shaped so much of his life.

Here’s my strong recommendation if you decide to dive into this book: Listen to the audiobook version.

Mel Brooks narrates it himself, adding a layer of charm that probably doesn’t—or can’t—translate in print. If you love his movies, you’ll enjoy the stories behind them, especially his wonderful relationship with legendary performers like Gene Wilder and the love of his life, Anne Bancroft.

Find your copy here.

Last Month’s Picks

In Harm’s Way
By Doug Stanton

The incredible true story of the men who battled sharks and the elements during World War 2.

The Agony and the Ecstasy
By Irving Stone

Historical fiction about the tortured life of the artist Michelangelo, including his battle with a pope.

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Happy reading!