Modern Good Reads discussion

Odd question for horror readers, right? But I have to admit that most books in the horror genre don't really scare me. How about you?

Do you prefer horror novels that just tell a good story or do you need that rush of genuine terror to satisfy you? How disturbing do you like your horror?

There are some truly sickening novels out there that will leave scars on those who enter unprepared.

I admit that I'm a bit of a softy when it comes to horror. I love psychological twists and depraved characters, but too much gross out turns me off. There are books and movies that have stuck with me for years because of a truly disturbing image or idea, but I'm not sure I'd say that I enjoyed them, since I'd probably never watch or read them again. Other novels are just fantastic, however, and the "horrifying" elements don't bother me at all.

It made me wonder how others approach horror novels. Are you attracted by books that promise to terrify you like the world's sickest roller-coaster or do you like your horror a bit more mellow?

I like to be creeped out rather than merely disgusted. Give me madness and darkness and hints of ghosts and shadows and I will eat it up and ask for seconds.

I can handle plenty of gore in a book; my only hard limit is excessive and repetitive sexualized victimization. I'm also not great with cannibalism. I can handle reading about both in small amounts, but the author has to handle it well.

I have a good scare tolerance for books--I tend to avoid anything about possession and look for monsters, though. I suppose I fit in an awkward crevice between your answers, because I love being disturbed and frightened, but it has to be challenging rather than merely "AWWWWGHHHH! WHERE DID MY PILLOW GO?! MOMMYYYYYYY!" sort of horror.

Michelle wrote: "I like to be creeped out rather than merely disgusted. Give me madness and darkness and hints of ghosts and shadows and I will eat it up and ask for seconds.

I can handle plenty of gore in a book..."

That's a great answer, Michelle! I get what you mean entirely.

My brain is highly suggestible. The last scary book I tried to read was Interview With a Vampire. I had horrible nightmares and had to retire the book. Since then I've avoided anything that might disrupt my sleep.