This column, featuring information about some witchy reads for Halloween appeared in the Oct. 12, 2025, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE). It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).
Witchy reads for the spooky season: Here are some the Omaha Public Library recommends
Omaha Public Library wants to help readers find new books — or at least books new to them. Our employees recommend reading based on different genres, themes or styles.
In honor of spooky season, staff have suggested their favorite witchy fiction and nonfiction.
Find these books and more at your local branch or omahalibrary.org.
Recommendations
"Akata Witch" by Nnedi Okorafor: This witchy young adult book takes place in Nigeria, and the central character must discover the identity of a dangerous entity while still learning about her own powers. The setting and characters are well-written and interesting. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. — Doug Keel, clerk at the W. Clarke Swanson Branch
"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller: This classic drama tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials, in which a group of girls accused many members of the community of witchcraft. This led to mass hysteria, suspicion and wrongful executions. Although it was written as an allegory for the Red Scare in the 1950s, its lessons still resonate strongly with contemporary society. — Sarah Lewald, assistant branch manager at the W. Clarke Swanson Branch
“Dark and Deepest Red” by Anna-Marie McLemore: McLemore has written a lyrical story that combines Hans Christian Anderson’s The Red Shoes fairy tale with the 1518 dancing plague that took place in Strasbourg, France. Lala and Alifair live in the 16th century while Emil and Rosella live in the 21st century. The story alternates between the two sets of characters and focuses on the experiences that tie them together across 500 years. — Theresa Jehlik, strategy and business intelligence manager
“Drawing Down the Moon” by Margot Adler: This is a great collection of accounts from a lauded NPR journalist who interviewed many different practitioners about what witchcraft means to them. The book provides a general, comprehensive intro from a layman’s perspective. — Peyton Wells, library specialist at the Benson Branch
“The Green Witch” by Arin Murphy-Hiscock: For folks who feel most spiritual when they can have their hands in the earth, I recommend this text to have a great directory of what to do with plants, herbs and most things Earth. — Wells
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem
“I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem” by Maryse Condé: This is the retelling of the Salem Witch trials from the point of view of the enslaved Tituba, originally from Barbados. The French writer takes liberties with the events of the story and gives our main character the opportunity to exact some revenge of her own. — Keel
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab: This historical fantasy is based on the premise “be careful what you wish for — you might get it.” Desperate at being forced to marry an older man, Adeline LaRue makes a deal with a handsome stranger to have her freedom in 1714 France. What she didn’t realize is that such freedom would make her invisible to the world and force her to rely solely on her wits to survive for the next 300 years. The ending is a stunner. — Jehlik
“Kitchen Table Tarot” by Melissa Cynova: This book is a wonderful resource to explain the fundamentals of tarot. It’s ideal for beginners who need a grounded, example-filled explanation of the cards. — Wells
"The Kitchen Witch" by Skye Alexander: If you’re a chef, baker or just enjoy dabbling in the kitchen to make delicious and aromatic consumable goodies and would like to explore spirituality in a hands-on tangible way, this is the book for you. — Wells
“Lunar Abundance” by Ezzie Spencer: Dr. Spencer develops a digestible system for observing the lunar phases, associating them with doing vs. being energy (rather than traditional masculine vs. feminine language), tying the concepts of manifestation and intention work to the natural rhythm of our moon. — Wells
“Medea” by Eilish Quin: Quin’s debut novel tells the story of Medea, the daughter of a sea nymph and the granddaughter of a Titan. Drawn to magic and plants, Medea finds herself responsible for her younger brother after her mother returns to the sea. Seeking to escape her father, Medea concocts an outrageous plan to escape with Jason and the Argonauts. Although the escape was successful, her methods lead her down darker and darker paths. Quin’s portrait of the most maligned woman in Greek mythology is both lyrical and painful as Medea lives with one disastrous decision after another. — Jehlik
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year
“The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year” by Judy Ann Nock: This text covers common pagan/Wiccan holidays, providing suggested rituals, correspondences and guided meditations for each of the eight natural solar holidays, or sabbats, of the year. I used each sabbat’s meditation for years! — Wells
“The Sapling Cage” by Margaret Killjoy: This queer, coming-of-age fantasy book is about a young trans girl, Lorel, who swaps places with her childhood friend in order to join a coven of witches. This is not a cozy story: the itinerant life of a witch is a difficult one, with young witches (“whelps”) being trained to defend themselves with weapons before magic, from enemies both political and magical. The grim setting is offset by Lorel’s unwavering courage and enthusiasm to become a full fledged witch, as well as the friendships that grow between her and the other whelps. This book was exactly what I was looking for from witchy fiction — I can’t wait for a sequel! — Anna Ernatt, associate library specialist at the Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
“The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst: A cozy fantasy featuring a librarian (with secret/forbidden magic) on the run with her friend, a sentient spider plant. Homecoming, self-discovery, placemaking and friendship all play a role in the story set adjacent to a revolution and the changed future it promises. — Courtni Kopietz, marketing manager
“The Spiral Dance” by Starhawk: This is one of my favorite books of all time and a historical classic. It’s full of general, comprehensive info, and great for folks to learn the philosophies and framework of witchcraft that’s oriented toward action and social justice. — Wells
“The Triumph of the Moon” by Ronald Hutton: This read is an academically sound yet approachable history of the modern revival and invention of practiced witchcraft. Born of an imagined pagan past, these contemporary cultic rites evolved in the relatively recent past from specific local and historical circumstances. — Colby Jenkins, senior clerk at the Downtown Branch
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