Non-fiction horror books: why do we need them? The horror genre is a vast and appealing. Horror is not just terrifying creatures and bloody rooms. It encompasses emotional thrills, confronting the unknown and explores what truly scares us. If you want to get your feet wet and ease into the darker side of storytelling, this guide will help you find your own perfect place to begin or continue your journey into horror. So, as always, let’s talk about it.
Horror is not simply “one” thing. It is a genre that introduces us to the numerous different types of horror: psychological, supernatural, grief, slasher, and the list goes on. Horror plays with tension, atmosphere, and the human psyche itself to create an environment of fear. This process is so unique to the individual and I cannot stress enough that one person’s horror may not be another’s. A book that I find frightening may not cause any reaction in another reader. And that is what makes this genre the perfect area to explore, as you have so many options to expand your horizons.
This list is definitely not exhaustive, and I ask that you also do your own research before picking up a book. All of these titles are great resources if you are feeling lost or overwhelmed when staring at your local horror shelves or staring at the endless list of streaming options.
Feeding the Monster: Why Horror Has a Hold on Us by Anna Bogutskaya
In Feeding the Monster: Why Horror Has a Hold on Us, Anna Bogutskaya presents a series of essays that examine how horror responds and fuels our emotions: fear, anxiety, pain etc. This book leans a bit more into cinema and television. Published by Faber and Faver, Feeding the Monster discusses how horror has been embraced by mainstream culture more than it ever was in the past. Horror characters and atmospheres have been infused into books, tv series’, music (hello Ice Nine Kills) and other social media trends. With the enjoyment of such themes, horror fans often hear “what is wrong with you?”. And Anna addresses this notion and dispels the idea that something must be not quite right about the people who enjoy and consume horror. This book was a Bram Stoker Nominee for Long Nonfiction 2024.
Horror for Weenies: Everything You Need to Know About the Films You’re Too Scared to Watch by Emily C. Hughes
Horror for Weenies: Everything You Need to Know About the Films You’re Too Scared to Watch is another selection that leans toward horror film but also has applications to all facets of the horror genre. Emily C. Hughes gives us a rundown of the history of horror cinema, explanations of common tropes, and detailed entries on 25 important movies of the horror genre. Published by Quirk Books, Horror for Weenies will turn you into a confident horror fan. Emily provides us with a detailed plot summary, smart analysis of each film’s theme, descriptions of iconic scenes you may watch, or may look away from. This book was also a Bram Stoker Nominee for Long Nonfiction in 2024.
101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann
101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered is written by none other than Sadie Hartmann, “Mother Horror” herself. A fixture of the horror book community, and the horror community in general, Sadie brings us her Bram Stoker Award Winner for Long Nonfiction 2023 to help us make wise choices when picking up our next read. Get those TBR’s (to be read’s) ready. This is a must have book for any horror fan, new or seasoned. Published by Page Street Publishing, 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered is carefully curated with the best selection of modern horror and deep cuts. Prepare to be unsettled, disgusted and heartbroken. Recommendations range from the paranormal, cults, small town terrors and apocalyptic nightmares. You do not want to miss this one!
Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of ’70s and ’80s Horror Fiction by Grady Hendrix and Will Errickson
Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of ’70s and ’80s Horror Fiction brings us to a time that was glorious for paperback novels. Who better to help us than Grady Hendrix?? Nothing back then was too unhinged. Nothing was off-limits. Demonic possession? Haunted condominiums? Murderous babies? Man-eating moths? No plot was too ludicrous, no cover art too taboo, no evil too appalling. Grady offers us his hand as he guides us through the history and untold stories of these Paperbacks from Hell. The writers, artists, and publishers who pushed every literary line except boring. Published by Quirk Books, this book offers us a definitive guide to the most insane books and book covers ever published. I have read two of these hellish books and let me just say, the descriptions are ACCURATE. This book won a Bram Stoker for Best Long Nonfiction in 2017 for a reason!
Remember, there is no “right” way to experience horror. As I said earlier, it is an individual experience. No one can tell you what truly scares you except YOU. This is all about finding what keeps you entertained, interested, and, yes, spooked. Horror is a personal journey and one you, dear reader, can explore at your own pace. Happy scares!
Images via respective publishers
Have strong thoughts about this piece you need to share? Or maybe there’s something else on your mind you’re wanting to talk about with fellow Fandomentals? Head on over to our Community server to join in the conversation!