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Halloween
Halloween: The History of America's Darkest Holiday | David J. Skal
315 posts | 6 read | 6 to read
Wonderfully well-written, outrageous, and provocative." Booklist. "Entertaining and scholarly Like a bag of Halloween candy, the book is a lot of fun." Boston Globe. "Fans of cultural history will devour each chapter like a toothsome treat." Christian Science Monitor. Acclaimed cultural critic David J. Skal explores one of America's most perplexingly popular holidays in this original mix of personal anecdotes and social analysis. Skal traces Halloween's evolution from its dark Celtic history and quaint, small-scale celebrations to its emergence as mammoth seasonal marketing event. Skal takes readers on a cross-country survey that covers remarkably divergent perspectives, from the merchants who welcome a money-making opportunity that's second only to Christmas to fundamentalists who decry Halloween a form of blasphemy and practicing witches who embrace it as a holy day. He also profiles individuals who revel in this once-a-year occasion to participate in elaborate fantasies. Their narratives, combined with the author's cultural analysis, offer a revealing look at an intriguing aspect of our national psyche.
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Bookworm54
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Pickpick

This was an interesting look into Halloween practices, urban legends, haunted houses, and classic horror movies.
I really enjoyed this one. David J Skal is great at compiling information from lots of different sources.

#Scarathlon #TeamHendrix #Screamathon #SpookOWeenReadathon

26 points

TheSpineView Fantastic 2y
39 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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ConfessionofaBookaholic
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The end of the month and end of #scarathon2020 I didn‘t finish my list but I managed to wrangle up 3,462 points over the month for #teamharkness! Definitely helped to have #littenlisten, #screamathon, and #creaturefeaturathon thanks for the fun @StayCurious !!

StayCurious Great job!!! 3y
34 likes1 comment
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candc320
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So really didn‘t read as much this week as previous weeks but did watch quite a lot of scary movies/tv, still coming in with a #scarathlon2020 total of 629 for the week. My total for the month was....6,246 for #teamslaughter!! Not too shabby! Thank you so much, @Clwojick , for all the fun and being an amazing team captain!

Clwojick 👏 Way to go!!! Thanks for playing along this past month! It was a pleasure to have you on the team! 👏 3y
candc320 Thank you @Clwojick 🤗🤗 3y
12 likes2 comments
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MidnightBookGirl
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My points have been tallied and I finish the month with 7,384 points! No matter where we end up, I have loved being part of #TeamHarkness!

A huge thank you to both @StayCurious and @Clwojick for hosting a spooktacular #Scarathlon2020!

Clwojick 👏 Way to go!!! Thanks for playing along this past month! 👏 3y
StayCurious Great job!! 3y
35 likes2 comments
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Bookworm54
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My monthly round up!

I read 10 books and started 2 others (pictured)
I also watched S1 and 2 of Kingdom, BBCs Dracula, S1 of What We Do In The Shadows, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Hocus Pocus, Corpse Bride, Haunted Mansion, and 2 eps of Truth Seekers.

I read 8hrs for #CYOReadathon, 36hrs for #Screamathon, 10hrs for #October20in4, 14hrs for #OutstandingOctober, 9hrs for #CocoTurns50, 6hrs for #ReadYourWay, and 5hrs for #CreatureFeaturethon

Bookworm54 My total point score for #TeamHarkness #Scarathlon2020 is 6857 points. Thanks for hosting @StayCurious and @Clwojick :) 3y
Andrew65 Fantastic 👏👏👏 3y
TheSpineView Great job!😍🤩😊 3y
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Bookgoil Glad you enjoyed all the readathons!!! ❤️🎃 3y
Clwojick 👏 Way to go!!! Thanks for playing along this past month! 👏 3y
StayCurious Great job!! 3y
38 likes6 comments
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Sleepswithbooks
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Keeping people safe... until he kills 🔪🔪

#TeamSlaughter #Scarathlon #MichaelMyers #Wearamaskbro #Keepyourdistance

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RinaBrahmbhattBarot
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Pickpick

Happy Halloween! How are you celebrating?

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Kshakal
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Thank you so much @Mitch !!! I absolutely love everything and can‘t wait to read the books!! 🤓🤓🤓

#hauntedhallowswap

Mitch I‘m so glad xxxx 3y
BethM That coffee looks fun! 3y
24 likes2 comments
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Kshakal
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I have waited all day for this!!! #hauntedhallowswap @Mitch

Mitch I‘m so glad it looks like it‘s arrived in one piece. You said you liked pumpkin spice - I sure hope so - there‘s a lot in there!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 3y
Kshakal @Mitch pumpkin spice is my favorite!!! 3y
27 likes2 comments
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Lauranahe
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I opened my box! So excited that #HauntedHollowSwap is finally here! Thank you so much @Patchshank !! I love it!! ❤️🥰 And thanks to @wanderinglynn for organizing this! #HHS

wanderinglynn Fun box! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
39 likes1 comment
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AmyG
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#AllHallowsSwap time! Chrissy!!!! What a day....I got the Jodi Picoult book for my #Sundaybuddyread book club. THANK YOU so much. I was praying for this. And the other books from my tbr! The book sleeve is just beautiful, the light (my booklight recently stopped working), book holder (for cookbooks especially), pens for my LitsyLove letters, the cute little note pad....just a wonderful swap. Thanks for your generous, thoughtful gifts my friend.

Chrissyreadit You are welcome! I‘m glad you like all of it! I was nervous you would get the Piccolt in another swap. 3y
AmyG Nope. YOU did it. 👊🏻 @Chrissyrea (edited) 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Chrissyreadit I almost sent it, but had a feeling she would get it in a swap!! Great gifts 🎁🎊 3y
74 likes4 comments
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sprainedbrain
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Look at what a great #HauntedHollowSwap box the fabulous @BookwormAHN put together for me!

I‘m so excited about the books, but I absolutely love everything in here, but omg this book beau is THE BEST! 😍

Thank you so much, Ashley! And thank you, Lynn, for hosting a great swap.

Happy Halloween! 🎃

wanderinglynn Awesome box! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
AmyG Baby Teeth is soooo creepy! 3y
BookwormAHN I'm so glad you like it 🎃 3y
83 likes3 comments
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AmyG
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@sprainedbrain Jenni- Wow! Thank you so so much!!! I love the books-I am doing a buddy read with my daughter for Pull of the Stars and Ordinary Grace turns out to be my neighborhood book club book-Ha!!! The socks, candy, coffee, bath bombs...🙌🏻. But- those masks...LOVE those so much. What a wonderful swap. Thank you 😘

@wanderinglynn #HauntedHollowSwap

wanderinglynn Those socks are awesome! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
AmyG @wanderinglynn They are! Thanks you so much for organizing this great swap. Happy Halloween. 🎃 3y
Bookgoil So cool and fun masks too! ❤️ love those socks! 3y
sprainedbrain I‘m so glad you like it! Not gonna lie, I really loved those masks, too! 🖤 🎃 3y
AmyG @sprainedbrain I have a slight mask obsession. These are amazing. ❤️ 3y
91 likes5 comments
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FantasyChick
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@wanderinglynn Look what showed up at my door this morning 😁😁😁

So excited to get opening things when I get home tonight!

#AllHallowsReadSwap
@MaleficentBookDragon

wanderinglynn Yay! So happy it finally arrived! 🧡 3y
41 likes1 comment
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REPollock
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1. No. We didn‘t have them last year (1st Halloween in a new home) so I really don‘t expect them this year.

2. Kind of? It‘s a picture of Riley, who is a black cat. 😂

@TheSpineView #two4tuesday

TheSpineView 🖤🐈 Thanks for playing! 3y
13 likes1 comment
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AmyG
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1. No clue as it‘s my first Halloween in this house. My guess is NO.
2. Ha....all my screensavers are pictures of my grandson.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

I tag anyone who wants to play

TheSpineView Grand kids are the best! Thanks for playing! 3y
50 likes1 comment
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Lauranahe
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I forgot to post when I got my package! It came a couple weeks ago, and has been taunting me on my dresser ever since. So excited to open!! @wanderinglynn @Patchshank #HHS #hauntedhollowswap

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
21 likes1 comment
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Andrew65
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paper.reveries Omg Betty is so cute in this! 3y
59 likes1 comment
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Sleepswithbooks
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Favorite Horror Movie of all time.... The original Halloween... “The Shape”... Michael Myers...

#Scarathlon #TeamSlaughter @Clwojick

Clwojick I need to find these classics online somewhere. We don't have a dvd or vhs player. Just the computer and netflix. I wonder if they're 😏 on Youtube? 3y
51 likes1 comment
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Rachel.Rencher
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1. In 2nd grade, my mom bought me a kangaroo suit. I loved it, but I didn't wear anything under it so I FROZE the entire night. Jumping around like a kanga helped. 🦘

2. I don't remember the title, but I loved a book about trick or treaters.

Thanks for the tag, @Buechersuechtling ! I nominate @MrBook @Andrew65 and @DebinHawaii

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

Andrew65 Thanks for the tag 😊👍 3y
TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 🤩🧡🎃 3y
DebinHawaii Thank you for the tag! I love that you were a kangaroo! 🦘🤣 3y
MrBook You tagged me ☺️🤗!!! Great answers. I shall play! 3y
53 likes4 comments
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AmyG
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1. This was a long time ago but the only costume I remember was when I dressed as a bum and rubbed coal on my face. I got a lot of candy that year. Ha...the good old days.
2. I only remember being a teen and just loving horror. My favorite still is Stephen King.

#TwoForTuesday @TheSpineView

TheSpineView I remember the candy!🧡🎃🍫 3y
LeahBergen Happy Birthday! ❤️📚❤️📚 3y
AmyG @LeahBergen Thank you so much! 😘 3y
57 likes3 comments
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Charityann
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Also watched Hubie‘s Halloween tonight! Cute movie. 🎃 6pts. #teamslaughter #scarathlon @Clwojick

Clwojick 🌟WooHOO! Go #TeamSlaughter!! 👏 🎉 3y
31 likes1 comment
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Jerdencon
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Not the best but way better than last week!
@Clwojick @StayCurious #teamslaughter #scarathon

Clwojick Just double checking, Is this your total for week 2, or your full total from Oct 1-17th? I don't have your total for week 1. 3y
Jerdencon @Clwojick last week was a measly 72 pts.... I thought I posted it but maybe I just thought I did 😅 3y
Clwojick Thanks! I'll update my tracker - and every point counts! You're doing great. 😋 3y
33 likes3 comments
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Kati15
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Pickpick

Watched Halloween H20 last night there is going to be a Halloween Marathon today and I am so going to watch the whole marathon today. I just love this movie franchise and I can‘t wait to see the last two Halloween that will come out in 2021 & 2022. I have already seen the last movie they made of Halloween at the movies when it first came out and it was really amazing and fantastic. #Scarathlon2020 #TeamHarkness @StayCurious

6 points

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sdbruening
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It‘s heeeeeeeeere!!!! 😈👻☠️🎃😻🧙🏻‍♀️🧛‍♀️🧟‍♀️

@wanderinglynn #HauntedHollowSwap @Schnoebs

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
Schnoebs I hope you enjoy it!!! 3y
7 likes2 comments
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AmyG
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@sprainedbrain Jenni...it‘s here! Thank you so much. I am super excited for Halloween. 😘🎃🕷🧛🏻‍♂️🖤

#HauntedHallowSwap @wanderinglynn

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
sprainedbrain I'm so behind on Litsy... I'm glad it arrived!! ❤ 3y
AmyG @sprainedbrain All good. 🙌🏻 3y
53 likes3 comments
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Lauranahe
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Sent my package today! Can‘t wait for opening day; I already got my package, and it‘s sitting on my shelf taunting me! #HauntedHollowSwap @wanderinglynn

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
22 likes1 comment
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kay.the.bibliophile
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Gaining an extra 6 points for #TeamSlaughter this evening by watching the new Adam Sandler movie on Netflix, Hubie Halloween 🎃 #Scarathlon2020 @Clwojick #Halloween #WatchingMovie #Netflix

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ConfessionofaBookaholic
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First week of #scarathon2020 and after adding in another 5 audio hours yesterday, wrapping up a conjuring of light and Masquerade of the Red Death, and adding Red Riding Hold to my watched list I currently have 591 points for #teamharkness @StayCurious

StayCurious Looks like some great reads during week 1! Amazing job! 3y
31 likes1 comment
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FantasyChick
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Yay! Look what showed up first thing this morning @Kdgordon88 😊😊😊

Can not wait until opening day 🎃

1pt

#Scarathlon2020 #teamslaughter #hauntedhollowswap @wanderinglynn @Clwojick

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
38 likes1 comment
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Bookworm54
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My #HHS #HauntedHollowSwap has arrived!

I can‘t find a handle on the box so I am making an educated guess of @CaroPi ?

Can‘t wait to see what is inside!
But I am now worried I have skimped on my match a little 😬

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
CaroPi Yes is me!!! That was fast!!! In the post office they told me it will take 2 weeks to arrive + some days in quarantine so I didn't wanted to give you hope so soon!!! I send it last Friday at 19 hrs. Who will believe that the post office is working better in covid times? 3y
Bookworm54 @CaroPi it was super quick! Thanks 😊 3y
28 likes3 comments
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HonoraryGilmoreGirl
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What is everyone doing for Halloween during the covid-19 pandemic? I need ideas!

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HonoraryGilmoreGirl
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Does anyone know of any Halloween movies appropriate for tweens that are not too scary but just scary enough? I am in desperate need of suggestions.

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bookish_wookish
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This came and i forgot to post it! 🤦🏼‍♀️
@LibrarianRyan

Now the waiting!

#Allhallowsreadswap

LibrarianRyan Yeahhhhh 3y
40 likes1 comment
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Charityann
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#cyoreadathon - added 10 more hours from yesterday and today = 100pts.
#october8in2 - 10 hours = 100 pts.
#screamathon - 10 hours = 100 pts.
Total - 300 pts. #teamslaughter #scarathlon @Clwojick

Clwojick 🎃👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎃🎃🎃🎃🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 3y
44 likes1 comment
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TheDrunkenLibrarian
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Package received! It‘s going to be so hard not to open this!
#HauntedHollowSwap. 🎃👻💀

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
LeslieO Yay! Waiting is the hardest part. 3y
9 likes2 comments
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Sleepswithbooks
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One of the worst ones but I‘m committed to #TeamSlaughter!! Movie Marathon continues with “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers.” Paul Rudd‘s acting in this movie just may curse me.

@Clwojick

Clwojick Woohoooooo 3y
Clwojick 6 pt 3y
35 likes2 comments
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Sleepswithbooks
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Halloween Movie Marathon continues with “Halloween: The Revenge of Michael Myers.” #Girlthataintyourman #Michaelhaveyoucomehome #whyyouwalksoslowMichael

#TeamSlaughter @Clwojick

Clwojick 6 pt
3y
38 likes1 comment
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Sleepswithbooks
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Dr Loooooomisssss!!! How I love thee!!! It‘s “Halloween Movie Marathon Day!” Starting off with “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.”

#TeamSlaughter 🔪

@Clwojick

Clwojick ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 3y
Clwojick 6 pt 3y
39 likes2 comments
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Tiffiney
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My favorite October movie 👻🎃

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sdbruening
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Haunted Hollow Swap heading out soon!

@wanderinglynn
#HauntedHollowSwap

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
9 likes1 comment
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Kati15
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Pickpick

Watching Halloween Resurrection I love almost all of Halloween films except for the 3rd Halloween film. #Scarathlon2020 #TeamHarkness @StayCurious

6 points

bthegood @Kati15 if you love the series newest Halloween is good. 3y
34 likes1 comment
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Bookworm54
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wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
Annie1215 Exciting! 3y
27 likes2 comments
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Kati15
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Pickpick

The last horror movie of tonight for me an oldie but it is absolutely an amazing movie that I love watching every year during the spooky season. #scarathlon2020 #TeamHarkness @StayCurious

6 points

FantasyChick Haha I just turned it on too! 3y
Kati15 @FantasyChick lol that is awesome! 😄 3y
TheBookStacker It‘s my favorite for spooky time, that and Nightmare Before Christmas. 3y
30 likes3 comments
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Andrew65
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I watched the Halloween episode from the Big Bang Tneory, Season 12 Episode 6. Always good for a good laugh. Howard as Sheldon was hilarious. 5 points.

#TeamSlaughter #Scarathon2020

JenReadsAlot Yes!! 3y
Scochrane26 I don‘t think I‘ve seen that one. Maybe I missed part of season 12. 3y
kezzlou85 Love this one. Might have to watch it myself. 3y
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TheSpineView I love The Big Bang Theory. I watch the reruns but am sad no new episodes. I like Younf Sheldon also bit new season doesn't start until November. 😣 3y
Clwojick Man, I need to catch up with this show! I haven‘t seen it in years, but I used to love it. It needs to be on Netflix 🤣 3y
Sungirl79 I love The Big Bang Theory!! I always still watch the reruns over and over. They never get old for me. 😊 3y
xxjenadanxx I can pretty much quote every episode of Big Bang. Howard as Sheldon is so good 😂😂😂 3y
Andrew65 @JenReadsAlot @Scochrane26 @kezzlou85 @TheSpineView @Clwojick @Sungirl79 @xxjenadanxx Like all of you love this series and just can watch them over and over again! 3y
68 likes8 comments
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bookish_wookish
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Its here!! @BookwormAHN

#basicwitchswap

Now the waiting begins!!!

BookwormAHN I'm glad it made it 🎃 3y
29 likes1 comment
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ChelseaM6010
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It‘s October 1st!!! 🎃 I am so excited for all the fun fall things, reads and movies!

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Sleepswithbooks
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TEAM SLAUGHTER!!! Start Spooking!!!!💀👻

#teamslaughter

Clwojick Yeah baby! I‘m so ready for this!!! 👻😆🖤🔪☠️😱 3y
Clwojick 1 pt 3y
51 likes2 comments
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TheDaysGoBy
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@LeslieO I dropped your #HHS package in the mail today. They said it should be there Saturday

@wanderinglynn

wanderinglynn Yay! 🎃🖤🧡☠️ 3y
LeslieO I‘ll be on the lookout! So excited! 3y
LeslieO It came today! The USPS is on the ball. Can‘t wait for opening day! 3y
TheDaysGoBy @LeslieO Yay! Glad you got it! 🙂 3y
23 likes4 comments
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AmyG
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