There’s no doubt that cinema offers a unique aesthetic value that literature fails to deliver:
It’s one thing to see terror unfold before your eyes, but seeing the madness play itself out in the pages of a mesmerizing novel is a drastically different animal. Literature exercises our imagination far beyond the requirements of visual content. We must visualize a book in our minds; develop our personal impresons of specific characters, develop our own interpretations of specific scenarios and conflicts. When it comes to reading, we’re forced to rely on the boundaries of our imaginations, rather than responding to visual stimulants.
In some cases, film is clearly the superior form of entertainment. In most instances, literature is the far more moving medium.
For those in search of something deeper than cliché onscreen characters, and predictable cinematic methods, I’ve compiled a list of novels that are mandatory reading.
I don’t care whether you’re big on picking up the old paperback (or kindle for that matter) or not, I present a list of books that must not be ignored. These are engrosng pieces of work that are not just terrifying, but examples of near perfection. If you’ve got the time and the patience, do not miss these monumental literary accomplishments!
ted (or, perhaps you could say cursed) with strange, supernatural abilities. Put them all in what amounts to preternatural halfway house, and you’re in for an exploration of the bizarre, heart-warming, and downright vile.
I took a step out on a limb with this book, and it’s proven to be one of my better risks in recent memory. Lebbons sews his tale tightly, and there’s enough mystery within the novels pages to keep readers curious. Curioty leads to full on pursuit, which is what you should do: pursue this book!
Robert McCammon: Boys Life
I don’t want to give too much away about this story, so I’ll drop the gist: Readers are drawn into one boys world, where local mythos play the fiddle of children’s dreams, and dark secrets permeate in a small, unsuspecting town.
The beauty of this book is the personable quality of the characters, the intenty behind palpable conflicts, and the genuine love that grows in the heart for Cory Mackenson, one of the finest characters ever brought to life on page. This one’s a tear jerker with plenty of mystery and chills. To not read this book should be a finable offense.
Ray Bradbury: The Fog Horn
There should be little debate: this is the greatest short story ever written. You can chastise me for that statement, but I stand behind it, unwavering. The brief short centers on an isolated lighthouse, and the prehistoric creature who answers the call of the foghorn.
Though the story has seen a film adaptation, it’s nothing when compared to the wonder that the story beholds. It’s attractive, complex, soulful, and dare I say, dream-like. The precion with which Bradbury delivers his words is awe inspiring, and the tale itself is certain to tap a nerve with any reader open to beautifully outlandish concepts. This is a story made to fall in love with. Whether Ray wrote it with such intenons or not, that’s exactly what this treasure manages: love at first reading.
It’s one thing to see terror unfold before your eyes, but seeing the madness play itself out in the pages of a mesmerizing novel is a drastically different animal. Literature exercises our imagination far beyond the requirements of visual content. We must visualize a book in our minds; develop our personal impresons of specific characters, develop our own interpretations of specific scenarios and conflicts. When it comes to reading, we’re forced to rely on the boundaries of our imaginations, rather than responding to visual stimulants.
In some cases, film is clearly the superior form of entertainment. In most instances, literature is the far more moving medium.
For those in search of something deeper than cliché onscreen characters, and predictable cinematic methods, I’ve compiled a list of novels that are mandatory reading.
I don’t care whether you’re big on picking up the old paperback (or kindle for that matter) or not, I present a list of books that must not be ignored. These are engrosng pieces of work that are not just terrifying, but examples of near perfection. If you’ve got the time and the patience, do not miss these monumental literary accomplishments!
ted (or, perhaps you could say cursed) with strange, supernatural abilities. Put them all in what amounts to preternatural halfway house, and you’re in for an exploration of the bizarre, heart-warming, and downright vile.
I took a step out on a limb with this book, and it’s proven to be one of my better risks in recent memory. Lebbons sews his tale tightly, and there’s enough mystery within the novels pages to keep readers curious. Curioty leads to full on pursuit, which is what you should do: pursue this book!
Robert McCammon: Boys Life
I don’t want to give too much away about this story, so I’ll drop the gist: Readers are drawn into one boys world, where local mythos play the fiddle of children’s dreams, and dark secrets permeate in a small, unsuspecting town.
The beauty of this book is the personable quality of the characters, the intenty behind palpable conflicts, and the genuine love that grows in the heart for Cory Mackenson, one of the finest characters ever brought to life on page. This one’s a tear jerker with plenty of mystery and chills. To not read this book should be a finable offense.
Ray Bradbury: The Fog Horn
There should be little debate: this is the greatest short story ever written. You can chastise me for that statement, but I stand behind it, unwavering. The brief short centers on an isolated lighthouse, and the prehistoric creature who answers the call of the foghorn.
Though the story has seen a film adaptation, it’s nothing when compared to the wonder that the story beholds. It’s attractive, complex, soulful, and dare I say, dream-like. The precion with which Bradbury delivers his words is awe inspiring, and the tale itself is certain to tap a nerve with any reader open to beautifully outlandish concepts. This is a story made to fall in love with. Whether Ray wrote it with such intenons or not, that’s exactly what this treasure manages: love at first reading.
Matt_Molgaard
Monday 8/08/2011 at 03:28 PM | 80255
What about F. Paul Wilson's The Keep? I'm sorry I'm just obsessed with that book it's so good.
ObscureCinema101
Monday 8/08/2011 at 04:16 PM | 80258
The Thief Of Always is one of my favorite Clive Barker books, I read the entire thing in one tting. Got it on audio book as well now.
HorrorDaily
Monday 8/08/2011 at 05:08 PM | 80259
Great article Matt, I'm ashamed to say I've read neither of these. They're now on my hit list!
Some horror reads I strongly recommend are:
"Burial" by Graham Masterton "Magic" by William Goldman
Some horror reads I strongly recommend are:
"Burial" by Graham Masterton "Magic" by William Goldman
joshk1986
Tuesday 8/09/2011 at 11:42 AM | 80306
Great article Matt, I'm ashamed to say I've read neither of these. They're now on my hit list!
Some horror reads I strongly recommend are:
"Burial" by Graham Masterton "Magic" by William Goldman
::searches ebay:: :)
Some horror reads I strongly recommend are:
"Burial" by Graham Masterton "Magic" by William Goldman
::searches ebay:: :)
Matt_Molgaard
Tuesday 8/09/2011 at 12:46 PM | 80307
Would love to see more book boards here.
Horror isn't confined to film, after all.
dew
Wednesday 8/10/2011 at 08:01 PM | 80389
I can't believe I left off only one of my all time favourite novels!
"Lunar Park" by Bret Easton Ellis
"Lunar Park" by Bret Easton Ellis
joshk1986
Tuesday 8/16/2011 at 11:33 AM | 80755
