Fall of the House of Usher

A parent might reach for this book when their mature teen is ready to tackle a literary classic but still craves the thrill of psychological horror. "The Fall of the House of Usher" is a quintessential Gothic tale about a narrator who visits his childhood friend, Roderick Usher, in a decaying mansion consumed by a mysterious family malady. This short story delves deep into themes of intense fear, debilitating anxiety, and the suffocating weight of grief and isolation. Best suited for older teens (14-18) due to its complex, archaic language and deeply unsettling psychological themes, this book is an excellent choice for building vocabulary and critical thinking. It offers a powerful, atmospheric experience that will linger long after the final page, sparking conversations about symbolism and the nature of fear.