Horror Aficionados discussion

So me and my partner were sat reading and ending up getting into a little discussion and she made the statement that 'the reason I don't really read horror is that there isn't any philosophy involved' she studied philosophy at university and I was really determined to give her some examples (without using google and researching) and tbh I was stumped couldn't really think of any horror which had some really deep philosphical ideas and meanings involved or maybe even used Philosophy in the actual story the only one I could think of was maybe Frankenstein?


Obviously I love reading horror and think if my partner got the right book she may start too, so wondered if any of you guys/girls had a reccomendations on books which use both horror and philosophy together, and I can suggest some books that may turn her into a die hard horror fan like me!

Thomas Ligotti says hi.

Stacker wrote: "My suggestion would be to find a new partner if you have to convince her to read horror. ;) No but seriously, this is a tough one because almost every horror story would have some philosophical ele..."

Stacker this was a great response!!! I wouldn't have a clue what to say. This was very nicely put :)

Horrorshow wrote: "Thomas Ligotti says hi."

I concur

Legion by William Peter Blatty. It's the "sequel" to The Exorcist, but can be read as a standalone. The point of the book is its philosophy, so it fits the bill perfectly. And it's a terrific book.

The Investigation by Stanislaw Lem. It's a mix of horror and mystery, but it's by Lem, so the philosophical element is considerable.

And if your idea of horror is sufficiently broad, The Trial by Franz Kafka would be another one.

Neuropath by R. Scott Bakker would do nicely. It's horror built on a thriller plot.

Barker's work tends to have a lot of deep, mythical elements. And I'll second (or third) Ligotti. Even some of King's work has some more involved themes present (It, The Stand, etc.).

thanks for the suggestions guys, will definitely have to look up this Ligottti must admit never heard of him is there any books you would suggest to start her with, also pet semetary is a fantastic shout, cannot believe I didn't think of that one before and its probably one of my favourite King book, my girlfriend is a big existentialist I know that is very detailed and precise and will narrow the field but if there is possibly anything that might link horror and that xD i think she would love that but of course i know that is a long shot! will write down all your suggestions and let her look through them :)

thanks again guys keep em comin if yo think of anything!

This month's group read in the Paced Reading Horror and Thrillers group, Every Dead Thing, by John Connolly, centers around a serial killer motivated by nihilism.

Thomas wrote: "will definitely have to look up this Ligottti must admit never heard of him is there any books you would suggest to start her with"

Teatro Grottesco



https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...

Thomas wrote: "thanks for the suggestions guys, will definitely have to look up this Ligottti must admit never heard of him is there any books you would suggest to start her with, also pet semetary is a fantastic..."

I read and enjoyed Songs of a Dead Dreamer

It's harder to name a horror book that doesn't somehow have philosophy at it's core. I think your partner is just trying to get a rise out of you. But if you need suggestions stick with the classics, try Bram Stoker's Dracula.

I second Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti. Nihilism. It wasn't my cup of tea, but it fits the bill.

Patrick wrote: ""

you know what I think you might be right I think she did enjoy me having to come on here and ask you guys and when I have her your recommendations she kinda had a cheeky smile on her gace I have ordered her some Ligotti books off amazon so its looking promising at least either way she will be having to read to some horror xD

You're welcome.

Hmm..interesting post. I take it all these recommendations are Horror books with elements of philosophy but are any of them Horror with a deep detail to the philosophical? Like there's just as much philosophy in them as there is horror? If you think about it it's kind of like two polar opposites coming together and working together quite nicely.

Justin wrote: "If you think about it it's kind of like two polar opposites coming together and working together quite nicely."

Philosophy and horror are "polar opposites"?

obviously the books that people have recommended are all horror with either hints of philosophy or maybe can be interpreted into philosophy but I really am struggling to find a book like you say Justin which has just as much philosophy as horror rather than just little bits hinted at here and there, I mean i know I am narrowing the field but I was more intrigued and I always like a challenge which is why I cam here for you guys and gals advice!

Maybe she would be more interested in post- apocalyptic horror like I Am Legend and Other Stories by Richard Matheson. Or I read an excellent book called The Man Who Watched The World End by Chris Dietzel. Or let her read The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum, although you might not have a girlfriend for long!

Well, I didn't think of that as a violation since I really do think it's an example of philosophy and horror (As I intended) but I don't want to step on any toes.

I would also second I Am Legend.

This book has made a number of horror lists, and is considered a literary classic:


The Metamorphosis

And here's one that is considered science fiction, but which has been included in a number of best horror lists, due to its premise:


Dawn

thanks a lot jonathan I haven't really read any of Straub myself, I am now trying to suggest us doing a sort of buddy read where we both read the same book, and we can both take each other's ideas from the same book, hoping that might get her more interested knowing that I am reading the same book also!

She is also currently reading Ligotti, she ordered a book from Amazon and seem to be enjoying it, she has her little notebook making notes whenever she read something remotely philosophical xD can't blame her for trying :)

I think horror actually has a lot of psychological philosophy. It focuses on what makes us tick, what creeps us out, and make you think and wonder why we're so afraid of certain things. I honestly love horror that focuses on psychological factors like psychopaths and their way of thinking, but I guess you could argue that it could possibly cross over and be a thriller instead of horror. However, I really think that she's not giving horror enough credit. Horror taps straight into our psyches into our deepest subconsciousness and plays with our fears. Yes, psychology is very much part of human existence and horror has lots of it.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is listed as horror. Maybe, you should suggest that to her, although it maybe to much for her. I liked it though, it has a lot to do with madness, mental illness, and the human condition as a whole. I would also recommend the short story I have no mouth, and I must scream by Harlan Ellison.

A couple of Nicole Cushing's books come to mind. I Am the New God and even more so, Children of No One.

Alden Bell's The Reapers are the Angels is very philosophical. The sequel Exit Kingdom isn't quite as good, but they both ask a lot of big-picture questions.