Why do we read scary books and sit in dark rooms watching horror movies? Are we just morons? Let's assume in general we're a smart species. If that's the case, what draws us to haunted houses and movies about ax murders? Why are writers like Stephen King and R. L. Stein so popular? I think to understand that, we need to take a lesson from psychology.
It’s the weekend and only 8 days left until Halloween. Can’t think of anything to do this weekend? Why not go to a haunted house? Sure, it’s strange to go somewhere with the goal of intentionally being scared out of your mind. And, yet, we do it and we love it. In fact, our cultural obsession goes well beyond the ghostly and ghoulish temporary creations erected for Halloween.
It’s the age old question every child asks their parents – Mommy, Daddy, where do zombies come from? Well, I, for one, have never really loved zombies. (I mean no one loves zombies, right? They’re gross.) But, people love to watch zombies terrorize and destroy the world. I haven’t been “bitten” by the zombie book/TV show/movie craze. I can't recall reading any zombie books. I can't handle watching The Walking Dead. (I tried to watch one episode with my husband. I got about five minutes and one formerly cute blond child turned zombie in before I said “Nope. I’m out of here.”)
Now there are only 10 days until Halloween! So, how about 10 of the most terrifying books that became 10 of the most terrifying movies! Let's start in the murky waters of the ocean, where we see a large pair of Jaws...
K.L. Kranes 