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The Monster Librarian Presents:
Reviews of Horror Non-Fiction
Below are reviews of non-fiction that have a horror theme or horror elements to them.
Writers Workshop of Horror edited by Michael Knost*New Review
Woodland Press, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9824939-1-5
Available: New
Imagine a college writing class where each day a new, experienced writer
shuffles in, lectures the class on a new aspect of storytelling and writing,
then walks away without another word, leaving the budding writers to digest and
utilize the information as they like. Or perhaps two writers walk in, one
interviewing the other, leaving students privy to what seems like intimate,
insider knowledge. This is Writers Workshop of Horror, a comprehensive
collection of essays on the writing process, each with a different style and
voice, all merely
suggesting to the reader how things might be done. It is a quiet relaying of
information and experience, with no distractions, no argumentative interruptions
and no demand to follow exactly in the teacher's footsteps.
Writers Workshop of Horror has a lot to offer to new and even
experienced authors, without the drama or distraction of a traditional writing
class or workshop. Each author's voice comes through with strength and clarity.
Priceless information and experience, not just for horror writers, but for
writers in general, sits on these pages. More helpful than most how-to writing
books out there (as long as you can tolerate sometimes gruesome examples of
storytelling concepts), this book is an essential resource for all libraries
wishing to support writers, whether hobbyists or pros. Highly recommended.
Review by Michele Lee
Shadows
Over Florida by David Goudsward and Scott Goudsward
Bear Manor Media, 2010
ISBN: 9781593934705
Available: New
David Goudsward and Scott Goudsward have once again delivered a fantastic resource for fans and researchers of the fantastic and macabre. As in their previously released Shadows Over New England, Shadows Over Florida takes a similar approach, providing a fun-filled tour of the Sunshine State from a horror perspective, particularly for fans of the horror movie genre. The Goudswards have collected a plethora of arcane knowledge, and are especially adept at shining a light on the independent filmmaking that went on in the State. Shadows over Florida is a “must-have” title for libraries and for anyone who is a fan of horror or who is planning a Florida vacation and eager to visit areas not found in the local tourist attraction guides.
For private or public collections.
Review by Bob Freeman
Horror
Isn't a 4-Letter Word: Essays on Writing and Appreciating the Genre by Matthew
Warner*New Review
Guide Dog Books, 2008
ISBN: 9781933293707
Available: Pre-Order (September,2008)
Horror Isn't A 4-Letter Word is a collection of nonfiction essays by Matthew Warner, primarily culled from his Horrorworld.org column, “Author’s Notes.” Warner is an engaging writer, unapologetic about his love affair with the horror genre, as in “I’ll Have One Large Blood Shake and a Side Order of Stereotypes, Please.” Warner also includes some fun fan-geeky stuff like the serviceable“10 Fun Things I’ve Done As a Horror Geek.” His self-deprecating style adds humor to some writerly, and very human moments, both of which can be found in the hilarious “Audition.” Warner has also written several intelligent articles critically analyzing writing in the horror genre. “Message vs. Medium: The Agenda of Left Behind” is a completely fascinating look at the Christian horror of Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. Warner also includes several articles on the craft of writing and public relations. His essay on public speaking, “Conquering America’s Greatest Fear,” will be invaluable to writers presenting in all kinds of venues, including schools and libraries. Several other essays also provide information on the craft of writing.
The book’s main flaw is its fragmented feel, as the “fan” columns, anecdotes, critical essays, and articles on writing are randomly ordered instead of grouped in a way that would allow readers to find the kind of article they are looking for. Additionally, readers may find themselves getting bogged down in Warner’s nearly 30 page ramble, “My Summer With A Book Doctor.” Overall, though, Horror Isn't A 4-Letter Word offers up an entertaining nonfiction potpourri with a writer’s personal and critical perspectives on writing and the horror genre. There are few published books that provide this kind of content and approach in the horror genre, so this book is a welcome addition. Horror Isn't a 4-Letter Word has the potential to reach a wide audience, from lovers of horror fiction to first time readers seeking an inside look at the genre, from students of popular culture to curious teachers and librarians. Highly recommended for large public libraries.
Contains: language, references to the supernatural, references to child molestation, references to infanticide, drinking, drugs, guns, references to pornography
Review by Francesca the Librarian
Shadows
Over New England by David Goudsward and Scott T. Goudsward
BearManor Media,2008
ISBN: 1593931395
Available: New
David and Scott Goudsward have delivered a fantastic resource for fans and researchers of the fantastic and macabre. Shadows Over New England is an exciting and thrilling map through the frightening landscape of the real and imagined. It’s all here… the Salem Witch Trials, Lizzie Borden, Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and on and on through the dark heart of America’s genesis. You will spend hours of blissful enjoyment flipping through this book as it takes you through all six states that make up New England… their histories… their legends… and the fiction that captured the underlying horror of this seemingly idyllic region. A must-have title for libraries and for anyone who is a fan of horror or who is looking for some unusual stops for their next trip to New England. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Review by Bob Freeman
Three Rivers Press, October 2007
ISBN: 9780307352781
Available: New
Paul Bibeau starts Sundays with Vlad with a description of his honeymoon- a trip to the original home of Vlad the Impaler in Romania. Frankly, I’m surprised his wife didn’t divorce him. It’s clear that Bibeau is a fan- personally invested in exploring the many facets of Dracula in literature, history, politics, and popular culture. Each chapter examines a different take on the Dracula theme. Bibeau’s writing is lively and conversational, and readers will be drawn in by his enthusiasm. Although Bibeau just touches the surface with some of the subcultures he describes, most people will be surprised to know they even exist. The author doesn’t shy away from the darker side of his topic, either. Sundays with Vlad is a fascinating, addictive book. Readers should be prepared to be entertained, educated, and, in some places, deeply disturbed. Highly recommended for general nonfiction collections in public libraries.
Note: Sundays with Vlad is a non-fiction title.
Contains: descriptions of arson, violence and murder, suggestions of impalement, blood drinking, and vampirism.
Review by Francesca the Librarian
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