These are chillingly beautiful essays that truly capture the heart of horror and why the genre will never die. This is a collection of horror authors that will now give you a bigger to read list then you already had. Finally, a collection about horror that does not reduce the genre to psychos or ill-informed fanatics that love and appreciate the genre. This project starting in a library is very telling how essential the library is in promoting literature. People stray from horror because they do not understand it and this collection will show you why it matters.
If you are reading this your already have some interest in horror – so keep reading! I cannot pick a favorite in this collection but Alma Katsu’s essay really resonated with me. She really nails the difference between the appreciation for conjured monsters and disconnecting us temporarily from the true monsters of society that plague our environments. I had to read this over twice too truly soak in what she was discussing!
Frankenstein? If you ever get the chance to know me or stick around my blog for a bit – you will understand my enormous love and appreciation for Frankenstein’s creature. Shelly’s novel and the film have really paved the way for horror as a genre in literature and film. This central monstrous idea is mentioned by several authors throughout the collection and that recognition is well deserved.
This is really a collection about how the stories we conjure within the spectrum of the horror genre and curate ourselves are truly a joy that keeps on terrifying us. This is a unique genre that really gives the liberty of creativity a medium to discuss assorted topics from racial injustice to queer theory. If you love non-fiction you MUST pick up this collection. I felt at home reading this. Where was my love for horror? It began with watching Halloween when I was 6 or 7 and it began when I read Pet Semeteary.
The roots of horror and our love for it are well expressed and curated here. I almost want a part two! Thank you Net Galley and Saga Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to add a hardcover copy to my shelves when this hits the market. ALSO – Thank you Becky Siegel Spratford for compiling this eerie collection of essays to sink my teeth into!