A question horror lovers are all too familiar with is “why?” Why this genre that sheds so much blood? Why this genre that preys on our vulnerabilities? Why this genre that most people turn away from in favor of something more pleasant?
As readers, we all have our answers to these questions. We know why we find comfort in horrific situations, in mindboggling creations, and in unthinkable circumstances. But how does this question work for the folks who create these things? Becky Spratford confronts this very idea with her curated collection of essays from some of the most prominent voices in horror today with Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature. Eighteen essays from widely celebrated horror authors demonstrate their immense love of the genre where homes have been made in the horrendous.
Why I Love Horror is a heavy hitting collection of essays that shines a light on every facet imaginable of approaching the genre. Authors like Brian Keene and John Langan recount their early encounters with monsters, the macabre, and real life horrors that have shaped their careers. Tananarive Due and Alma Katsu tie their love of the genre to their upbringing and other career experiences. And Grady Hendrix and Clay McLeod Chapman give us lots to ponder about our own fascination with the subject in their own reflections. There are numerous more contributions from powerhouse voices such as Victor LaValle and Stephen Graham Jones, but these are best to discover yourself.
On the whole, this collection shines for its vulnerability. While the authors contributing here are masters of fiction, writing from a place of personal experience feels like a different exercise all together, pulling back the curtain on the deeply unique matters that make these people who they are. Yes, we know Paul Tremblay and Hailey Piper the horror authors, but this collection allows us to know them also as people.
To be very specific, two essays spoke emotional volumes to my own experiences, seeing reflections of my own self in their words. Cynthia Pelayo and Rachel Harrison‘s essays delve into the very personal life experiences that have fueled their craft into our hands. There’s a great deal of authentic love and earnest truth within these passages, unpacking the harsh truths of a warped world, of love, and of hurt. The sincerity in which these women impart their relationship with horror is felt tenfold, providing some of my favorite pieces of nonfiction read in recent years.
Why I Love Horror edited by Becky Spratford is a jewel for horror fiction fans of every variety. With such a diverse, well-rounded set of voices that explore the intricacies of authorship through the horror genre, there is an essay for every kind of reader in this collection. Maybe you already know why you love horror when you pick this book up, or maybe you’re looking to find out the mystery within yourself. Regardless, Why I Love Horror gives you more to ponder, more to appreciate, and more to love about horror.
Why I Love Horror edited by Becky Spratford hits shelves on September 23rd from Saga Press!
