Classic Horror Lovers discussion

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Merry Christmas. I am not a holiday tale book lover, but this is short and sounds creepy. Plus it is free.

an interesting hook

Short story, rather than a book, and Sci-Fi, not horror in any way, shape or form. However, a good story which I enjoyed reading.

I'd argue that science fiction and horror can be overlapping categories (although science fiction and supernatural fiction would usually be quite distinct). If we define "horror" in terms of its intended effect on the reader, rather than its formal subject matter, a lot of science fictional literature is definitely in a horrific vein, and intended to be. (For instance, H. P. Lovecraft's works would be good examples.)

Werner wrote: "I'd argue that science fiction and horror can be overlapping categories (although science fiction and supernatural fiction would usually be quite distinct). If we define "horror" in terms of its in..."

I agree, Werner, but the story in question, Upon A Midnight Clear isn't horror, it's sf.

About this time of year, I like to have on hand:

Thanks for the clarification, Michael!

I do what I can to bring order to a chaotic universe, Werner ;-)

You know the story that is arguably the best know modern or semi-modern Christmas story, A Christmas Carol is at it's base a horror story (I call Dickens' story a modern one as Christmas refers to an event 2000 years ago).

Stand back and think of the visits by his dead partner and then the spirits (especially of course the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come).

I heard a radio commercial yesterday for a play of A Christmas Carol, saying "It just wouldn't be Christmas without it" and "come give your spirits a lift this holiday season". Ummm are we talking about the same story here? LOL yes such an uplifting story!

Well, the end is uplifting. :)

There's an irony to that story no one talks about. Scrooge repents and becomes the best man in London and it's said of him "That he knew how to keep Christmas well if anyone possessed the knowledge." But think about it. Scrooge can do all these wonderful things, help the Cratchits, feed the poor and so on...because for most of his life he was a skin flint, miserly old whatever. I call it the Scrooge syndrome. People who've given away their excess all their lives can't do all the neat, wonderful stuff Scrooge can...because of all the years making money and squirreling it away or loaning it out at exorbitant interest. LOL

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Well, the end is uplifting. :)

There's an irony to that story no one talks about. Scrooge repents and becomes the best man in London and it's said of him "That he knew how to keep Christmas well ..."

I never thought about it like that - you are so right!!!

I just finished Marley- The Other Christmas Carol by Don Kirch. If you like A Christmas Carol, you'll probably enjoy this one. I did.

Oh, I have to try it Danielle, I like D Allen-Kirch I have his on my TBR about an Egyptian mummy on board Titanic. Thanks for the recommendation

He's a good writer. I've also read Manchester House and The Silent Pulpit by him, both good.

I have Manchester House on my TBR but I haven't got The Silent Pulpit - must get it!!! Thanks Danielle

Enjoy, Karen!