Are You Afraid of the Dark Books?

Author Edith Carli

Posted Dec 17, 2022

Reads 41

Library with lights

The answer to the question of whether or not I am afraid of dark books can actually be quite complicated. On one hand, I do find them a bit unsettling which may lead to me feeling a little uneasy while reading them. This is especially true if they have themes of horror and the supernatural within their narrative. On the other hand, these types of stories are often some of my favorite reads!

One particular book series that comes to mind when discussing "dark books" is Stephen King's The Dark Tower Saga. Despite its bleak tone throughout most (if not all) parts, this story demonstrates how despite all odds there is always hope contained within even our direst circumstances. For this reason, there was something compelling about it for me as a reader as I explored along with Roland on his journey for the Tower; conquering obstacles and overcoming every darkness he encountered along his way not just physically but also in terms of personal growth and development as he grappled with his existential fears in an ever-changing world around him ultimately culminating in self-discovery at journey’s end.

In conclusion then, I would argue that no longer am I afraid of dark books but rather inspired by their potential to engage readers both emotionally and intellectually while teaching insightful lessons about life at the same time; enduring whatever darkness they may contain so long as you trust your own inner strength enough get through it!

Have you ever read a 'dark' book?

If you're asking if I've ever read a book with dark and disturbing themes, then the answer is yes! In fact, I recently finished reading a novel called The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara.

The House of Impossible Beauties takes place in 1980s New York City and follows the lives of members of the "House of Xtravaganza", an Hispanic drag ballroom community. Delving into their relationship struggles, substance abuse woes and resulting fears, this story paints a vivid account of their experiences as they navigate what can be at times their harrowing reality.

This may not be everyone's cup-of-tea in terms of genre but it's definitely one worth exploring. The vividness with which Cassara creates these characters' lives along with his styling make for an engaging exploration into dark themes such as loss and insecurity that will likely leave readers reflecting on how difficult life circumstances can shape us for better or worse.

Are you frightened by horror stories?

When it comes to horror stories, the answer to this question varies from person to person. It all depends on how much of a thrill you’re looking for, and if your tolerance for fear is high or low. As someone who enjoys a good fright every so often, I would say no--I'm not frightened by horror stories.

That being said, I certainly can appreciate the true terror they contain. Just hearing titles such as "The Shining" or “The Exorcist” can instantly transport some people into an intense state of fear; I think that's one part of their mystique and part of why we keep reading them. Horror stories tap into our deep-seated fears that lurk within us all - whether it be our aversion for ghosts or zombies - and asks us what we would do in similar situations.

Contrary to popular belief, however, reading horror stories does not necessarily increase anxiety or phobias in individuals – but rather allows us to explore those primal instincts in a safe way from them comfort of our own homes or wherever else we may be able to find peace and quiet! Horror stories can also teach important moral lessons about vigilance against evil forces as well as offer insight into our own subconscious emotions like sadness and guilt among others that we may not even be aware of yet—all this makes it an interesting genre that many people find addicting. People with higher danger thresholds will even likely seek out more extreme scares —such as haunted houses during Halloween festivities—or when watching a movie at home with family members so they have someone else there just in case they get too scared!

Ultimately everyone has different preferences when it comes to experiencing fear through horror stories—so no matter which camp you fall into—it will always remain up to individual preference!

Do you find yourself drawn to darker literature?

"Yes, I do find myself drawn to darker literature. For me, it's all about being able to explore the depths of the human mind and psyche in a way that often lighter books can't. Darker literature forces readers to confront difficult issues and emotions, making them face truths they may not have otherwise considered. To me, it's like a creative exercise that allows us to transcend our own comfort zones.

I'm often amazed at what darker literature can accomplish in exploring fear, despair and other aspects of the human condition—whether it be through supernatural or psychological horror or thrillers with morally ambiguous protagonists. It captures a level of intensity that isn't necessarily present in other forms of writing and makes for an interesting experience as a reader. In this sense, I'm naturally attracted to dark stories because they challenge me in ways other genres don't."

Are supernatural tales of interest to you?

Supernatural tales have always held a special place in my heart. From the time I was a young girl, I was enraptured by the stories of elves, fairies, witches, and other creatures of the unknown. In fact, it was these tales that inspired my love for books and learning at an early age, as it only made sense to learn all about these mysterious creatures of old.

Today as an adult with a deeper appreciation for fantasy fiction I still get excited when something supernatural related crosses my path. Whether it's reading up on Danish folklore or indulging in classic literature like Jane Eyre and Poesy's works - these astounding works help transport me away to another world full of imagination and mystery. Not to mention they teach us some solid life lessons too - such as never underestimate what you don't know.

So yes- supernatural tales will always remain close to my heart until the day I die! To me they're more than just entertaining stories - they are priceless sources of knowledge that bring light to our understanding of human nature and its purpose on this earth.

Do you prefer books with a suspenseful plot?

I absolutely love books with a suspenseful plot! There's something so exciting and intriguing about the intense storyline, the slow-burning hints of potential danger, and the suspenseful anticipation of what might happen next that keeps me engaged from beginning to end. With a suspenseful plot, there's an unpredictable nature to how it will unfold that keeps readers guessing until the very end - making for some serious page-turning intensity!

For me, one of the greatest rewards in reading a book with this type of narrative is uncovering all those hidden clues planted throughout by authors. It takes readers on an engaging journey with unforgettable characters, unexpected twists and turns along the way, as well as mesmerizing descriptions that transport us right into another world each time. It makes reading highly addicting because you just have to know what happens next!

Sometimes it can be even more pleasant when surprising revelations are revealed near or at its climax - which is often my favorite part of any good suspense novel. Whether it's lurking around hidden agendas or past secrets finally coming out into open with some major tension built up surrounding them; these moments just really help put things into perspective for me after being exposed to all kinds of exciting events leading up to them!

At its core, these types of stories capture our imagination like few other genres do. So yes - I definitely prefer books with a suspenseful plot as they offer so much in terms of entertainment value that I simply cannot resist.

Are psychological thrillers something you enjoy?

Psychological thrillers are a unique type of movie or book that I personally really enjoy. This genre is not for the faint of heart and deals with a lot of themes that can be extremely intense — think surprise twists, mind-altering plots, and moments where you’re trying to make sense out of seemingly random events.

I love the way psychological thrillers pluck my most basic fears up into the air, leaving me hooked as if by some kind of invisible line to unravel their story within an array of complex characters. There’s something so satisfying about being kept on edge until finally experiencing a cathartic release when “it all comes together” near the end. It feels triumphant and euphoric like I just finished beating a puzzle game: something about escaping the mental challenge combined with a surprising resolution is hard to explain but clearly something my brain loves!

For me, there's no greater way to test my wits than joining in on an adventure through psychological thriller territory — because whether it's watching or reading one, these stories are sure not to leave you bored!

Edith Carli

Edith Carli

Writer at CGAA

View Edith's Profile

Edith Carli is a passionate and knowledgeable article author with over 10 years of experience. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley and her work has been featured in reputable publications such as The Huffington Post and Slate. Her focus areas include education, technology, food culture, travel, and lifestyle with an emphasis on how to get the most out of modern life.

View Edith's Profile