A book about my favorite holiday? You didn’t have to ask me twice, as this is so Me or works for the You cbr18bingo, Bingo Category.
The cover of Halloween: Capturing the Spirit of New York City for Fifty Years, 1974–2024 by Larry Racioppo was what caught my attention: black and white graffiti and a masked Superman. This was the opposite of what I was used to; or so it felt. I knew that since I love Halloween I should at least browse it. 
Now I’m not into the spooky or the tricks parts of Halloween and sure, the treats are super cool (really really cool), but honestly why wouldn’t adults like it? It’s the one time of the year, even without a child, you can be silly and have fun. I have played homage to Minnie Mouse, Lady Heather (very G rated) from CSI, a Goth/Punk everyone thought was the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo and only a few knew who Joan Jett and Dee Snider were when I said she’d sweated on it and that he autographed it (sadly, only borrowed glory from my cousin who was the 1980s band-gal…. she has stories), a Jackie Frost character that had my hair dresser dancing around the chair spraying silver hairspray, a voodoo doll that had amazing red crazy-doll hair, Velma in all her orange glory, hair and makeup that took over two hours with hair spray so solid I slept on it and it didn’t flatten.
So, yes, I had to at least peek. And I did more than peek. I read the whole darn thing. We follow Racioppo from the 1970s to recently as he photographed the children, parties, adults and even a doggie or two that came out on Halloween. The times changed with vampires Superman and other superheroes staying, but Power Rangers, Vampira, the Bionic Woman, Native persons and those G-D plastic-can’t-see-out-of-them-stabbing-and-scratching plastic masks going. But the same feeling was always there. Kids being kids. Women in sexy costumes, men in drag and bondage (not same time) and vampires, muggers, pumpkins and angels of all ages and sizes. Makeup and shaving cream and chalk socks (you can read how to make one) and the people and places you meet all come back to life. A few of the subjects probably have trick or treaters of their own now, but they will always be those kids in the mostly black and white images the photographer took.
There are a few “dated” images and faux blood/violence as costumes. Plus some drug/drinking as part of costumes, a few adult costumes as well but it is artistic and well done. There are a few areas of commentary by Racioppo, read his biography, the extras (I skipped the forward, but might go back) and it is just fun.
Halloween is the only holiday worth celebrating as there is no need for family gatherings, gifts or having to go fix big meals. And this art book, that would look good on anyones coffee table, is the must have for the season. I read via an online reader copy, but I will be finding a copy to use as a prop on my desk this year as it is due right around the corner in August 2026.
I am writing this line so I can add more images as seriously there’s no way I could just pick a few!
The years unfold as you go along. People picked all the popular and the fun and I will wrap this up with this last line and last photo!
