7 Reasons Why Dracula is Absolutely Worth Reading
We’re officially into October! And our novel is none other than Dracula—the classic tale that defined a monster and gave birth to an entire genre of horror surrounding it.
The vampire.
I’d like to offer you seven reasons why Dracula is absolutely worth reading this October.
It’s a classic -
In the sense that it’s one of the greatest horror and monster novels ever written, and is the canonical source that every other vampire story is drawn from and compared to. If you want to where our vampire folklore came from, look no further than this book.
To become more well read -
Becoming well read is a combination between achieving a depth of expertise in a few particular genres, while also developing a certain breadth to your reading as well. If monster and horror literature isn’t an area of specialty for you, then this is a chance to broaden the horizons of your typical reading. And thereby to become more well-read.
To enjoy horror films more -
Even outside the realm of literature, Dracula’s influence is unbounded. It even spawned one of the first horror films ever created—Nosferatu. In reading Dracula, you give yourself the ability to understand in depth the origins of horror films altogether.
It’s October! -
If you were ever going to read Dracula in the first place, what better time of the year? It’s always fun to get into the spirit of October. Reading Dracula this month is one fantastic way to do so.
For some solid reflection upon important themes of life -
The novel’s not just entertaining; it’s also deep. It will cause you to reflect on important themes, such as courage, fear, pity, allies and enemies, and what real love requires. Investing a few hours into contemplating these themes will make anyone’s life better. Such is the benefit you can expect from Dracula in your own life.
It challenges unexamined assumptions in our worldviews -
The novel calls into question the objectivity that modern people often assume. Now, truth be told, we’re down stream from postmodernity’s influence, which means we understand the world differently than Stoker’s characters do. But Van Helsing’s insistence on an “open mind,” and even his hesitancy to discuss his suspicions early on, sheds light on what 19th-Century Europe was like, culturally speaking. His character reveals that anytime a person assumes they’re being objective, they’re just being blind to their own presuppositions. That’s a slightly denser conversation, but it’s a benefit the book brings no less.
It will prepare you for a worst case scenario -
Should vampires be real, and should you ever find yourself haunted by one, then allow this tome to be your manual for how to defeat, avoid, defy, and ultimately destroy that foul beast, whose aim would be nothing less than to satisfy itself not only by stealing your very life and blood from your veins, but by stealing even your death.
So, come on! Treat yourself to one of the best Octobers you’ve ever had, and sink deep into the dark depths of Bram Stoker’s imagination upon these pages.
The Sidecar - A Classic Brandy Cocktail
Now, my first assumption in delving into this classic monster novel was that, of course, the best drink pairing would be red wine.
Because it’s about a vampire, right? And vampires drink blood.
So, one way to get into the spirit of the book would be to drink something that resembles blood—like red wine... Or even a Bloody Mary, right?
NOPE.
Once I actually got into the book, the appeal of this pairing faded immediately. It’s just too much.
So, instead, my suggestion would be brandy—for a couple reasons.
When they’re panicked in the novel, freaking out and trying to keep it together because they’re being hunted by an actual vampire, they drink brandy to calm themselves down.
So, selecting brandy as your choice gives you the opportunity to share the same drink as the characters. That’s always a nice touch.
Plus, you’ll likely need to restore your nerves in the same manner. So, to that end, brandy will help you, just like it helps them.
You can enjoy it straight if you like, or go for a classic brandy cocktail—like The Sidecar. It’s calming and tasty.
If that’s the experience you’re looking for, pick up your copy, grab a bottle of brandy, light a fire (either real or just the one on Netflix), settle in, and let those pages begin to turn.
Recipe for a Sidecar
2 oz. Brandy (I used VS Cognac)
1 oz. Orange Liqueur (I used Cointreau)
3/4 oz. of Lemon Juice
Optional Garnish - Lemon Twist
Steps
Add Ice to your Cocktail Shaker
Pour in Brandy, Orange Liqueur, and Lemon Juice
Shake
Pour Through Strainer into Chilled Cocktail Glass
Add a Lemon Twist, for garnish
Enjoy!
A truly classic cocktail!