All Hallow's Read

A new tradition for Halloween evolved this week via an idea Neil Gaiman proposed called ‘All Hallow’s Read‘.

It’s a simple concept: give a friend/colleague/family member a scary book to read for Halloween.

It’s not only to promote book-giving and reading, but also to remind us that the tradition of telling scary stories on his holiday run deep. You could make it as easy as giving a friend your favourite scary book, or perhaps you could read out frightful tales on Halloween to family members.

It’s a fine idea. In a few years I hope this tradition cements so deeply in our culture that we will believe it was always an integral part of Halloween.