Horror bookstore The Twisted Spine offers tricks and treats for all ages
NEW YORK -- Whether you're a horror fanatic, on the lookout for Williamsburg's coziest study spot or in a bind for some last-minute Halloween inspiration, The Twisted Spine might just be the place for you.
As New York City's first horror and dark literature bookstore, The Twisted Spine carries thousands of titles on any given day in addition to various trinkets and ephemera centered around the genre. They also operate as a cafe and bar, serving coffee, beer and wine alongside themed pastries and small bites.
"You know, we have really wonderful bookstores in the city: we have a mystery-focused bookstore, we have a romance-focused bookstore," Co-Founder Jason Mellow says. "But I couldn't think of any place that had a dedicated horror section beyond one or two shelves, so I thought it was a great idea."
Co-Founders Lauren Komer and Jason Mellow may not have been lifelong fans of the genre, but both have found their way into horror-themed media.
"Fear and telling scary stories is one of the oldest traditions of being human," Komer says. "If you think back to when our ancestors were sitting around campfires, what were they doing? They were telling scary stories."
For Komer, who is also a neuroscientist studying Alzheimer's Disease, horror also provides a respite to the anxieties of one's real life.
"I do Alzheimer's research. I think that's a pretty unifying fear for everyone, losing your sense of self," Komer says. "During my time in the lab, I had a lot of really long hours, and I really fell in love with horror."
Komer and Mellow aren't the only two to find their way into horror books and movies: the genre has seen a rapid resurgence in recent years, piquing the interest of both horror newcomers and long-term fanatics.
"It became clear very quickly that there was a demand for it in the city," Mellow recounts.
"People come in and say, 'You know, I don't read much, but I'd like to pick up a book again... and I'd like to start with horror,'" Mellow reflects. "It's something that, in a way, maybe it's a little more accessible. I think it's something that people are excited to dive into."
Komer and Mellow also see their physical storefront as an opportunity to uplift underrepresented voices and share their stories with an ever-growing audience of horror fans: the store has a permanent, rotating showcase of titles penned by underrepresented voices in literature. Selections have included horror-thriller 'Jackal' by Erin E. Adams and indigenous dark fiction anthology 'Never Whistle at Night'.
"We want it to be a place where people from all walks of life can come in and find a story that resonates with them," Komer says.
Within The Twisted Spine, Komer and Mellow have found a vast community of horror-lovers, cafe-goers, casual visitors and beyond.
"With any small business that's independently-owned, it only survives because the community is there to support it," Mellow says. "So every day, I'm grateful and happy that people are excited to come to the store."
"Seeing the regulars, knowing that there's people rooting for you, it's the people that make it worth it," Komer says. "They could be anywhere. It's New York City! There's so many amazing, incredible things you could do here, and they choose to spend their time with us. It makes me really grateful for the community."
Click here to learn more about The Twisted Spine, including their book clubs and upcoming events.
