Why I Love Horror

by Becky Siegel Spratford

A captivating anthology and heartfelt tribute to the horror genre featuring essays from several of the most celebrated contemporary horror writers including, Grady Hendrix, Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Josh Malerman, Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, and Rachel Harrison.

For twenty-five years, Becky Siegel Spratford has worked as a librarian in Reader Advisory, training library workers all over the world on how to engage their patrons and readers, and to use her place as a horror expert and critic to get the word out to others; to bring even more readers into the horror fold.

Why I Love Horror is a love letter to the horror genre from many of the most influential and bestselling authors in the industry.

Genres: Horror, Nonfiction, Essays, Books About Books, Audiobook, Adult, Anthologies

Audible Audio

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

Becky Spratford [MLIS] is a Librarian in Illinois specializing in serving patrons ages 13 and up. She trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the local public library. She runs the critically acclaimed RA training blog RA for All. She writes reviews for Booklist and a Horror review column for Library Journal. Becky is a 24 year locally elected Library Trustee [still serving], a former Board member for the Reaching Across Illinois Library System, and currently on the Executive Board of the Illinois Library Association. Known for her work with Horror readers, Becky is the author of three text books for library workers, most recently, The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, Third Edition [ALA Editions, 2021] and the forthcoming Why I Love Horror [Saga Press, September, 2025]. She is on the Shirley Jackson Award Advisory Board and is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, currently serving as the Association’s Secretary and Co-Chair of their Library Committee. You can follow Becky on Bluesky @raforall.bsky.social

Reviews

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I will preface this review with a statement:
**I wrote the introduction to this book and I believe in its magical powers to grow and strengthen the horror community.
***Also, Becky Spratford is a mentor to me. One of my first friends I made when I started posting my reviews of horror books online. So you can take this "review" with a grain of salt--if you think this is biased, you'd be right. As a lover of Horror, as a big fan of Becky's, and as a longtime reader of all the authors with essays in this book--I am extremely biased.

Here's a little clip from my intro:

"In their essays, you will find confessions of childhood terrors, reflections on the nature of fear, and explorations of the dark beauty that horror holds. You will also see how diverse this genre can be a mirror reflecting our collective fears and anxieties.

You will see yourself in these horror origin stories.

As you turn the pages, I invite you to meet these authors for the first time as they step out from behind their fictional stories to offer you their own story. Where they have been and how they got here. Each essay is introduced with a brief note from Becky, offering context and a nudge toward some of their works you might explore afterward. You’ll also witness Becky’s greatest gift, her ability to connect readers with read-alikes and comps.
“If you like that author’s work, consider reading this author.” It’s a special skill honed over many years of reading, reviewing, and advocating horror. It’s her wheelhouse; her craft.
She is your librarian in this library of nightmares, here to guide you through the labyrinth and remind you that the darkest paths might lead to the greatest wisdom. I’m excited about the little nuggets of truth you’ll mine from this collection and bring with you on the rest of your journey."

This book is a gift to everyone who loves this genre. It's also an invitation to readers who have been standing right at the edge of the darkness wondering if they should go all the way in...
...the answer is yes. Full on.
And after you read this book, you will feel a cold hand reach out of the misty fog. Take that hand. Embrace your fears and read horror for the rest of your life.
This book will stand the test of time as an eternal response to the question, "Why do you love horror?" We should all just keep copies of this book in our book bags and hand to curious people, "Here, read this. This is the answer."

*A big thank you to Becky for inviting me to lend my voice to this very special project and for all the authors who told their horror origin stories here--your books are lifelines for souls adrift in this wild, frightening sea.

[LTJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

​“Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature” by Becky Spratford is a fantastic collection for horror lovers who want to delve into the minds of some of the best horror authors, exploring why they are so passionate about this genre. I had a blast reading this and enjoyed the unique perspectives and upbringings that led to the horror seed that eventually became a horror tree over time for these talented authors.

Before I dive into my review, here are the trigger warnings I found while reading…

- Abuse (physical and mental)
- School shootings
- Kidnapping
- Cancer
- Racism
- Bullying
- Miscarriages
- COVID-19

​If any of these triggers you, please do not read this book. Moving along, this collection of essays felt like a love letter to horror. Many of the authors even shared personal stories and recounted what drew them to horror, several times relating to the real-life horrors that exist in the world​, which I totally connected with.

I’d never spoil anything for anyone, but I enjoyed every essay, especially by many of my favorite horror authors. This featured Brian Keene, Tananarive Due, Josh Malerman, Paul Tremblay, Grady Hendrix, Clay McLeod Chapman, Stephen Graham Jones, and more. I not only discovered new authors, but I also enjoyed how Spratford recommended their best and most popular book before their essay. I added a few new books to my TBR thanks to this, as that was a nice touch.

Speaking of Spratford, I had never heard of her until I read this book, and I learned a great deal about her impact in the wonderful genre of horror I love so much. All the work she’s done to help bridge the gap between librarians and horror readers is phenomenal. I remember growing up as a young adult in the 2000s, and whenever I would visit my local library and ask about horror, the librarians would either make a face or not know enough to recommend anything beyond whatever Stephen King had written.

​Now? They will suggest a wide range of recommendations, from horror classics to the year's must-read horror books. It’s night and day different. The fact that she is helping to educate and encourage librarians ​t​o embrace the horror genre is a testament to her awesomeness. Much respect to her for everything she’s done and will continue to do in horror, as it continues to be such a beloved and popular reading genre.

This collection of 18 essays truly made me love horror even more. One essay even had some hand-drawn illustrations to help tell its story, which was pretty immersive. Once I finished reading, I took a moment to reflect on why I love horror.

I’ve been reading horror for over 30 years now, and it’s simpl​e in the grand scheme of things. Horror is my happy place. Whenever I was going through crap in life, horror was always there for me. I could read a horror book, watch a horror movie, or listen to a horror podcast, and I’d be transported to my happy place when facing issues with school, work, friendships, breakups, and any obstacles life threw my way.

Finally, the overall horror community is such a fun, friendly, and inclusive one. It doesn’t matter if you love 80s slashers, read splatterpunk, or are addicted to The Losers’ Club Podcast; you are always welcome. I can’t tell you how many amazing people I’ve met in the horror community with whom I instantly bonded over our shared love of horror. It’s special. It’s just like all the horror books, movies, soundtracks, and podcasts we enjoy. It’s all extraordinary and feels right for all of us horror lovers.

I give “Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature” by Becky Spratford a perfect 5/5 and would consider it a must-read for horror readers everywhere. These essays will give you a unique insight into the minds of some of the biggest and best horror authors ever. It’ll not only make you appreciate horror even more, but more than likely give you a few new books and authors to get into after you read their thoughts. It’s books like these that made me cherish all things horror even more, because for the majority of my life, it has always been a part of me.

It will forever be a part of me.

[Justin Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a lot of self-reflection, I realize my social awkwardness is connected to my love for horror. Once—and this is 100% true—my mother asked me what I'd done over the weekend. I told her I went to see a scary movie. She burst into tears as if I'd just confessed to mass murder or, worse, devil worship.

Now, my mother could be a bit of an actress, and there's a chance the waterworks were staged to influence my behavior. But here I was, a 30+ year old man, having to justify seeing a scary movie. I hadn't even said which one. For all she knew I'd gone to see an Addams Family cartoon. It probably was, now that I think about it. Yet my vague, mundane weekend activity sent her on a tirade. Why?? Since when did a genre of storytelling become so stigmatized that mothers felt the need to throw fits at their adult children?

One explanation is that my mother was mentally ill. Very possible. Another is that she had lived through the 1970s "Satanic Panic" and still associated spooky cinema with the Manson murders and Mike Warnke's bestselling memoir The Satan Seller, in which he fraudulently claimed to be part of a 1,500-member Satanists group who regularly held human sacrifices. Until he found Jesus, at least, and converted to Christianity. All these claims were false, of course, but they wouldn't be officially debunked until two decades later. By then the damage had been done. Evangelicals were convinced Satanists walked among them, readying their pyres for human barbeques.

If it'd only been my mother who reacted like this, I'd disregard the event as just one of her many peculiarities. But it wasn't just her. I've had friends cross their fingers at me when I say I enjoy horror novels, as if to ward off an approaching vampire. Why?? When did this start? How is it still around?

The authors in this essay anthology have thoughts on why people have such visceral distaste for horror, but mostly it is a refreshing examination of why horror is important on a personal level and more broadly as literature. It includes a who's-who of today's horror guardians and offers excellent glimpses into their dexterity as writers. Some approaches are direct, while others are more creative. Grady Hendrix's answer is nothing short of a masterpiece.

I should probably see a licensed therapist to unpack all my family-induced trauma, but until then, this book literally lifted decades of stress off my shoulders. Horror literature is literature, and it's fucking important. The world is a dark place. Fiction allows us to explore these what-if scenarios in a safe space, learn from them, and improve.

When Covid started, I immediately thought of three books. Stephen King's The Stand, which taught me about the signs of a worst-case scenario. Peter Benchley's Jaws, where the mayor's refusal to close the beaches rang all-too-familiar among shut down back-and-forths. But also Ezekiel Boone's The Hatching, where the Chinese government prematurely nukes their own people in response to an apocalyptic spider outbreak. The rest of the world must decide if they will follow suit or choose a different path.

All of these images played in my mind in 2020 and none of them made the situation worse, they just gave me a more educated response to danger. Covid was an extreme example, but everyday life is full of horror moments where it benefits to have lived through fictional trauma to better respond to real trauma.

For the people who've never read horror, I understand why their ignorance has prevented them from appreciating the genre's virtues. For those who have tried a few and still don't get it, I think it's a reading comprehension problem. Why I Love Horror is a step in the right direction for highlighting the genre's benefits and will help readers spot thematic elements they wouldn't recognize on their own. Even if the collection only manages to preach to the choir, those of us in the choir need reassurance too. I know it was a balm for my soul, as I'm sure it will be for any other horror fan.

[Adrienne L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becky Siegel Spratford states in her introduction that the collection of essays in Why I Love Horror evolved from a guest blog feature she curated asking the question of some of today's top names in the genre "Why horror?" I know that is a question that fans have been able to relate to at one point or other in their lives, as horror is probably the one category of literature and film that's most likely to elicit such a reaction from people who don't partake.

I'm also sure that 99.9% of people who pick this book up are already going to be horror enthusiasts, so the stated purpose of explaining the authors’ love of horror by answering the question “why” is, of course, rather preaching to the choir. However, I think fans will appreciate reading the thoughts of their favorite authors, getting to learn a little more about them as individuals and artists, and finding common ground in their experiences and how they relate to horror. And as admirers of an oft-maligned genre, it's always fun to gush about our beloved niche with others who recognize its value.

There's not a lot that's going to shock or surprise: horror helps process trauma, it can help kids and teens from marginalized groups find a place to fit in, it can also help us navigate an often scary real-world, particularly as children, and offers an escape from those same horrors of reality to us as adults. But even those well-trod interpretations were interesting to read, and the approaches to the subject taken by the authors was often unique. I particularly loved Grady Hendrix's essay, which read like a short horror story on its own. Other standout essays for me were the ones by Cynthia Pelayo, Rachel Harrison and Stephen Graham Jones. There were only two essays I didn’t care for.

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for a digital advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature will be published on September 23, 2025.

[Jan Agaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well-organized collection of essays, and every single one was written incredibly!
There were so many quotes that resonated with me and a number of new ways to look at horror as a genre, a remedy, an outlet, and a place to belong.

Even though all the authors answered the same question, why they love horror, each essay felt unique, which made the reading experience that much more enjoyable.

This is also the first time I gave anything by SGJ (the last essay) 5 stars, so I've gained hope for his work whenever I decide to try again.

[Gyalten Lekden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone, horror fan or not, reader or not, can find bits of themselves in these essays. If you love horror, like me, or if you don’t understand at all why anyone would read it, or if you find yourself somewhere between those poles, this essay collection is for you. Personally, I found myself scattered across multiple essays, and it was really wonderful to see those parts of myself shared with some of the leading voices in contemporary horror fiction.

The authors are all really exciting voices, and to have them share these parts of themselves feels both intimate and refreshing. The essays themselves range in style from straightforward and precise to exaggerated and playful, showing off not just the range of answers to the question but different authors’ styles, as well. It isn’t necessarily the case that anything in this collection is going to be blow the mind of any horror fan who has spent any amount of time trying to answer this question for themselves, but to see the different answers and variations on themes just reminds the reader how immersive and inclusive the horror community is.

The curation is really well done, allowing the collection to have its own kind of arc. In addition, Becky Siegel Spratford’s introduction to each author was magnificent, not only introducing the author but somehow capturing the essence of the way they approach their craft and then giving a book recommendation as well as a comp recommendation for each author. It wasn’t necessary but it really elevated this collection, making it something special.

This collection is a lot of fun and a very quick read. It opens up the world of horror and is a chance for readers to get inside the artist’s heads a little, which for me makes their work even more powerful. While there is, obviously, some repetition in their answers each essay brings something new to the table, both in style and substance. None of the essays linger too long, and they flow together into a compelling and enjoyable whole. This is definitely a worthwhile collection, offering insight and opportunity for self-reflection, for any and all readers, regardless of your relationship with genre.

(Rounded from 4.5)

I want to thank the editor and contributors, the publisher Saga Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published September 23, 2025.

4 stars

Essays from some of horrors biggest names (and an introduction by Sadie Hartmann, one of my friends here on GR), including Paul Tremblay, Tananarive Due, Victor LaValle and Grady Hendrix among many others explaining their affinity for this genre.

For me the clear standout was the essay by the amazing Gavin Iglesias, an author I wasn’t familiar with until reading this book, but who I’ll definitely be looking for. His grandmother’s spirit bathroom! The Decapitated Chicken! “When they said horror couldn’t eat at literature’s table, we horror folks built a table from the bones of our enemies and welcomed everyone who wanted to join.” Spratford recommends his book HOUSE OF BONE AND RAIN so I’m adding it to my list.

That was another thing I loved. Spratford recommends a book for each author and suggests a “if you like this author, try this one.” So great.

Lots of great essays here. Recommended for fans.

[Matt Milu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read from so many of these Authors over the years and it was so fun to get their perspectives and find out some of their personal thoughts as well! This was an easy 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

[Kimberly.FL~☆♡Love of Books♡☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love horror like I do, this was an interesting book to read about the author's thoughts and why they love or got into writing horror. Loved this!

[⊹ Amy ⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an overall interesting collection of essays from various horror authors on why they love horror. It includes a fairly diverse range of authors, all of whom have their own unique perspectives on the genre. 3 ⭑.ᐟ

Some were more interesting and memorable than the others. My favorites were from Josh Malerman, Grady Hendrix and Stephen Graham Jones who each put their own personality and creative twist to the essay format. Most of the essays though were just okay. I appreciate learning more about these great authors, but a lot of them sadly just blend in with one another.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly fantastic collection of essays from some of todays best horror authors! For fans of the genre, or those who just want to understand the appeal and impact of horror - this is well worth the read. As someone who came late to my love of the genre, it has often surprised me with how much depth and insight can be found in the pages of a horror novel. Authors discuss their early attraction to the genre, how it helps them process their own fear and trauma, and the importance of horror, this too often misunderstood genre. Each author is introduced by the editor- a librarian who specializes in recommending horror. Her introductions are thoughtful and interesting, with suggestions of where to start with authors new to the reader. It's a gold-mine of book recommendations and I see this being a text drawn from academically in the future. I loved it! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Matt M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Spratford is one of the leading champions of horror and she has compiled an incredibly array of modern horror talent to answer the question of “Why?”. So many of horror’s brightest voices answer that question via essay form in this book.

The diversity of the essays collected here is impressive. Every author brings their personal flair and, in many cases, much of their personal story to discuss how they came to love horror and why they chose writing the macabre as both a career and their life. Many discuss the importance of horror for confronting our fears as individuals and a society and how horror reflects that back on us and allows us to cope with those fears, real and imaginary.

Spratford introduces each author before their respective essays and includes a recommendation on a book to start with by each author and another similar author to check out. I was familiar with most, but not all, of the authors presented here so it was nice to have my TBR grow a bit from reading this.

It’s impossible for me to choose any favorites since every essay is so good. But I’ll list all of the contributors (if this doesn’t get you to want to pick this book up, I don’t know what will) - Brian Keene, Hailey Piper, John Langan, Alma Katsu, Gabino Iglesias, Tananarive Due, Jennifer McMahon, Josh Malerman, Paul Tremblay, Grady Hendrix, Cynthia Pelayo, Clay McLeod Chapman, Nuzo Onoh, Rachel Harrison, Victor LaValle, Mary SanGiovanni, David Demchuk, and Stephen Graham Jones. Sadie Hartmann (@mother.horror) wrote the intro!

Why I Love Horror is an essential book for the diehard horror fan or the horror curious. Definitely pick it up when it comes out on 9/23/25.

Thank you to Saga Press for the ARC!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love horror in any form, you should probably read this.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel so seen in ways that I wasn't expecting (or prepared for). So glad this exists. Really incredible collection of essays from some amazing authors.

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, THIS is what horror is about! Finding community, getting permission to scream, identifying with the monster because the monster is NOT bad, merely misunderstood. Everyone had such good viewpoints about horror that on my own I would have never been able to identify but to see them explained by some of my favorite authors it was a total aha moment for me. For those new to and those familiar with horror, this is the book for you.

Also I’m not just saying this because I am certified Grady Hendrix trash but his essay genuinely haunts me. I think about it all the time. If you want to know why you feel so electrified after reading a horror novel or watching a scary movie, the answers you seek lie within the pages of this book. Read on, reader, if you dare!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author(s) for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karli · Rating 5 out of 5]

For most of my life, I was a scaredy cat. I remember dressing up as Snow White at 8 and crying down the street as my dad forced me to go Trick or Treating or when I was a teen, my BFF and I vowed to each other after watching IT for the first time to never say Pennywise's name on the off chance it might make him appear. I've always been an anxious person, and being scared felt like the extreme verison of it. It wasn't until after my oldest child was born when, just like Tremblay, that I really got into horror. It was a way to soothe my anxieties in a safe, predictable way. If these characters could survive demons, ghosts or even swamp monsters, then I could survive motherhood!

Horror, in my opinion, is such a misunderstood genre. I think a lot of people still associate it with that of 80's horror movies, lots of gore, sex, and dumb characters, but that couldn't be further from the case, especially now a days. Horror is a genre that works so well with exploring the pitfalls of society, including racism, classism, misogyny, homophoia, and many more. I've read a lot of genres, but none have made me laugh, cry, and gasp in shock they way that horror has.

This book is a collection of essays from some of the best modern horror writers (I would have loved if Nat Cassidy had been involved, but alas, we can't have it all). Becky introduces each essay with a write-up about the author, a brief summary of what their essays speak of, and she also includes a similar author to check out if you like their work.

Each essay is a personal reflection from each horror author on what they love about the genre and why they chose to write it. Its very hard to pick a favorite as I was enthralled with all of them. Each have such different reasons for why they love horror that I feel keeps the book interesting. It's a collection that really encapsulates how there are so many reasons why horror becomes the preferred genre for so many people.

I think this books is great for a wide array of individuals, from those who are avid horror readers to those who are maybe perplexed by the genre and interested in why anyone would spend their time reading horrifying things.
There has never been a better time to step your toe into horror, and there is something for everyone, from cozy horror for the newbies to the more extreme horror books.

Thank you to Saga Press for the arc

[Nina The Wandering Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a treat getting to listen to this audiobook while actually shelving at the library. This truly felt like a love letter to the horror genre from all the literary weavers of macabre. Perfection, no notes!

Well....just one note: Grady Hendrix, I have questions, sir!

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

☠️ Why I Love Horror — Edited by Becky Siegel Spratford ☠️

Wha a fantastic start to the new year! @sagapressbooks had kindly sent this to me late last year and I just now got around to it. It was the perfect book to start out 2026 with!

This book features essays of Horror’s biggest writers, diving into why they love horror. This book really spoke to me as a horror lover. It was able to put words to some of my thoughts and reasonings of my love for the genre. And the introduction by @mother.horror was absolutely beautiful 🥰

This book makes you think about why YOU love horror.

For me, my journey with horror began one evening when I was young. My dad was playing Resident Evil One— you know the one with the cheesy graphics/dialogue. While looking back on it now, the graphics were bad. I mean it was the PS1. But as a kid, the scene it the snake absolutely terrified me. I had nightmares. The scene invoked such a sense of hopelessness, trapped in a mansion with zombies and twisted creatures.

Funnily enough, the resident evil franchise is now my favorite horror game series. The fourth instillation will forever hold a special place in my heart with over 30 cleared games on the Wii—yes I’m a nerd.

For a lack of space I’ll sum up my thoughts—be sure to check out my Bindery this upcoming week for a deeper dive of my horror journey. But the fear the first game sparked in me also sparked adrenaline, curiosity, and a desire for more. It ignited a flame that started small and grew over the years.

Reading horror allows me to see my darkest fears played out and faced. It gets my blood racing.

Why do YOU love horror?

#hororrbooks #horrorbookstagrammer #whyilovehorror #sagapress

[Katie (DoomKittieKhan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a reflection than a review, but I want to get personal with this because I feel it is what the book is ultimately calling us to do.

I can pinpoint exactly when I became a horror fan for life. It was 2014 and my dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV cancer out of the blue. This was the era when I first read Nathan Ballingrud, Julia Elliott, Claire Beams, Karen Russell, Stephen Graham Jones, Michael McDowell, Stephen King, Ira Levin, Tananarive Due...At that time, horror stories were the only thing that seemed to cut through the static. For the next 11 months, I read horror to keep me up though long drives, hospital tests, chemo appointments, when I couldn’t sleep, and then through days of hospice care.

And after reading this book, I feel safe saying that my experience is not unique. Horror connects us in a way unmatched by other genres.

Why do I love horror? Because it keeps me grounded and surrounded by some of the coolest and kindest people I’ve ever met. Horror is a safe space where we can explore and work through the real-life horrors and come out stronger. It is charis and catharsis. And maybe I’m oversharing, but I think you all will get it. There is something deeply healing for me that this book came out on the same day of my dad’s passing exactly 10 years ago. I’ve meditated on these essays. Sharing both tears and laughter with the authors.

Many thanks to the included authors who are never afraid to shine lights in the dark, especially when that beam reflects their own journeys with the genre.I especially loved reading "The Giant Footprint of Horror" by Hailey Piper, "What You Can Learn from Horror: Don't Run from Darkness; It's Trying to Teach You a Lesson" by Alma Katsu, "My Long Road to Horror" by Tananarive Due, and "Of Men and Monsters" by David Demchuk. This essay collection is one for the ages and Spratford should be incredibly proud of the work done to bring this edited volume together.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸/5 drops of blood and big hugs. Highly recommend.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never really thought about why I love horror. I've just always loved Jaws and Halloween and Koontz and King.

But I found a piece of myself in each of these essays. Keene and his escape from real-life nightmares with comics and books. Tremblay and his Jaws nightmares. Harrison and her struggle to be as small (and pretty) as possible. I am thankful for their sharing and vulnerability.

I think Stephen Graham Jones and Jade Daniels said it best. "Horror's not a symptom, it's a love affair." And these essays highlight the truth of that statement.

[Dr CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book on horror that I didn’t know I needed. I had many emotional moments and moments of “wow, me too!”
It was truly a wonderful, reflective reading experience and even introduced me to a few new horror authors that I can’t wait to explore.

A huge thank you to all of the writers who shared in the making of “Why I Love Horror.” I read a digital copy, but will be buying a physical copy for my home library as well. 🙌

[Chris DiLeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning collection from today’s literary horror stars. Each essay is a wonderful, personal look into that author’s journey to and love of horror. Some essays are so good they should be taught in tandem with the author’s fiction. Among these essays, you will find reassurance of your love for horror or perhaps your invitation into the macabre. Horror is for everyone, and and all are welcome.

[Elyrria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite non-fiction books of 2025! Becky Spratford, an internationally renowned librarian, has put together a wonderful anthology of horror author biographies. Each person explains why they love horror, how they got into the horror genre, and anything else that has driven their journey as an author or horror fan. I loved every moment!

Throughout the book, you will get to explore the minds of some of horror's most famous authors, plus a few names you might not recognize! Paul Tremblay, Rachel Harrison, Grady Hendrix, Stephen Graham Jones, Mother Horror (Sadie Hartmann), and Cynthia Pelayo all make appearances alongside many other horror icons that readers will love. I enjoyed learning from Nuzo Onoh, whom I had never heard of before, and she writes amazing African horror as a Nigerian-British author. As a seasoned horror reader, it is always a delight to encounter new authors and sample their work! I'm so glad this book uplifted names that haven't made it to mainstream book channels, yet, because they have so many valuable things to say and share, too.

I particularly enjoyed the themes of belonging, the love for the macabre, and each iconic writer's passion for their genre in the book. As you read, you will also discover new books and movies that are recommended throughout, and get that sweet, nostalgic feeling that comes with reminiscing about old-school horror films.

Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/Saga Press for sending me an e-ARC! If you love horror and want to experience the inner worlds of your favorite writers, this book will obviously satisfy your cravings, but it is also a great read for people who are new to horror and want to come to understand why the genre is so well-loved. I can't wait to buy a hard copy and add this necessary tome to my permanent shelf!

[Sorina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to this book got me thinking of my own experience with horror. I guess it started with the creepy stories I read when I was a child, like the ones written by Brothers Grimm, H. C. Andersen or Romanian ones, like the one with the mother goat, who finds her children murdered by the wolf, their heads displayed in the window. Or maybe the one with the evil mother-in-law, beaten to death by her daughters-in-law? I remember having terrible nightmares after.

Growing up in a village was perfect for ghost stories, monsters, creepy forests you dared not enter or old cemeteries, where I had a chance of seeing one day a creepy black dog that appeared out of nowhere and vanished the same way. And, of course, there were the creepy, nightmare inducing, tales about devils coming out of the stove and tormenting some poor woman.

I had a library full of at least 2000 books and the freedom to read anything I wanted. At the same time, my dad bought a VHS and being the 90s and early 2000s, of course I could watch everything I wanted like, you know, The Omen, The Exorcist, vampires and werewolves movies, The Shining or Misery.

I guess I never thought about how horror influenced me over the years. And I will never get why it is so poorly viewed by some people. It's a genre that lets you explore your deepest fears, your trauma and your darkest thoughts, helping you see that you are not alone and that there's always light after a night full of terrors.

[unstable.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an excellent collection. Every essay was so well done. It’s like a love letter to horror and its fans alike. Becky did something really special with this. And Stephen talking about ketchup will never not be iconic lol. Thank you immensely to Karintha at Saga Press Books for sending me an ARC. This is a must read for any horror fan and you can pick it up when it publishes September 23, 2025!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not actually sure where I heard about Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature by Becky Siegel Spratford. It's possible that I just saw it in one of my local book stores and decided to give it a try. Having said that there is no store identifier on it, so who knows... With that bit of rambling out of the way, it seemed an appropriate book to read since Hallowe'en month is just about upon us... Mwuuhaa! (That was my fear inducing chortle for you)

Why I Love Horror was edited by Becky Spratford, the Librarian & a professional book recommender in the field of Reader's Advisory, especially in the horror genre. She decided to approach a variety of horror writers and asked them if they would each write an essay on why they love and write horror. She ended up with a number of essays and chose 18. Of that list I'd specifically heard of or read about 5. Now having read this excellent book, I've been ordering a few more to try, including 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by the lady who wrote the introduction, Sadie Hartmann, aka Mother Horror. I've also ordered books by Hailey Piper, Rachel Harrison, Tannarive Due and Brian Keene.

So about the book. Each chapter / essay is introduced by Becky Spratford, telling us about the particular author, a bit about their writing and what they will particularly talk about. She also recommends a book of that author to start with and also recommends another author who might be similar to the particular one. it's a nice intro to each author and their essay.

The essays do run the gamut but Becky does try to organize them in certain themes; childhood love of horror, life traumas and just thoughtful ideas about what horror encapsulates. The middle portion of the book, those three authors, Grady Hendrix, Cynthia Pelayo & Clay McLeod Chapman talk about their childhood's, their abuse, traumas and how horror helped them cope with this trauma. These 3 in particular are quite harrowing essays and should be read carefully.....

But the whole book is engrossing. It was interesting to be introduced to such an accomplished group of authors and to once again pique my interest in the genre. All speak wonderfully and draw you in to their ideas. They each have a unique voice, unique writing styles (Paul Tremblay includes wonderful drawings by his daughter. I've been more interested in the genre of late and look forward to exploring it some more... Look out October!!! I'm about to start Red X by David Demchuk, coincidently one of the authors who provided an essay. I've had the book for about 4 years and it's time to check it out! (4.0 stars)

[Hannah | Reading Under Covers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was just a girl, standing in front of a genre, asking it to love her."

I often hear from other readers "I get scared too easily to read horror," or even see them turn their nose up at the mention of the genre, and I've never fully been able to articulate why I've found some of my favorite books to be within the horror genre when I'm a scaredy cat myself, BUT this collection of essays helped me get a better understanding of myself and others who seek out this genre.

From real-life horrors inflicted by society and those close to us, to the movie monsters that haunted our dreams as children (mine were the dinos from Jurassic Park and I'm not ashamed to admit it 🙋‍♀️), and the existential horrors that are upon us every second we exist on this earth - horror fiction is a place we can go and face those horrors while being completely safe.

It's hard to pick a favorite from this collection since I saw a piece of myself in each of them, but I can guarantee, horror lover or not, this anthology is worth the read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the early copy for review - out September 23!

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I tell people IRL that one of my favorite genres is horror, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught the judgment in their eyes. So, like Tananarive Due, I’ve stopped telling people altogether to avoid the situation. Reading this essay collection, though, was so validating. The essays examine how horror is often dismissed as lacking literary merit and how many now-famous authors actively attempted to avoid writing horror due to the shame, guilt, or judgment associated with it. These authors examine why they ultimately chose horror (or why horror chose them), what they hope to contribute to the genre and, most importantly, their deep appreciation and love for it.

For me, the horror genre is inherently a commentary on society, a reflection of our humanity, and an empathetic reading experience. That is why *I* love horror. <3

A new favorite :)

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading “The Shining” under my desk while I didn’t pay attention to whatever my teacher was talking about.

“The Amityvile Horror” was best read under the covers with a flashlight.

My father took my half finished library book back because he didn’t like the language in “Christine.” Picture me going directly back to the library to get the book.

I was hooked on that feeling of tension, the beating of my speeding heart ♥️ like the best of Edgar Allan Poe.

These essays will give you a lot of ideas of other horror titles to read. A nostalgic look at the horror genre.

[Christina]

very interesting and just so good. highly recommend