Books matching: childhood fears
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- #1
The Uncanny by Sigmund Freud is a thought-provoking and stimulating essay that delves into the realms of fear, anxiety, and repressed impulses. Freud explores the concept of the uncanny as something eerily familiar yet unsettling, drawing on psychoanalytic viewpoints and literary references to discuss themes of dread and the grotesque. The writing style is described as approachable and interesting, almost reading like fiction with its casual inclusion of various subjects and topics.
Freud's The Uncanny is considered essential for anyone serious about the Gothic literary quest, providing fantastic insights into the horror and uncanny genre of books. The core of the work focuses on analyzing Leonardo Da Vinci from a psychological perspective, while also touching upon themes of narcissism and the fear of castration. The book is praised for being a treasure trove of delights, offering readers a deeper understanding of the uncanny and its implications on human psychology.
- #2
'The Shadow Year' by Jeffrey Ford is a well-written novel that follows the reminiscences of the main character as he reflects on his boyhood's Shadow Year, filled with family troubles and dark incidents tinged with horror, the paranormal, and supernatural elements. The story reads like contemporary fantasy with a touch of magic realism, as the protagonist, along with his older brother and younger sister, navigates through a neighborhood plagued by a killer, a ghost, and other mysterious occurrences. The narrative unfolds slowly, blending humor with creepy moments, creating a sense of tension and fear that is heightened by the children's unique perspective of the world around them.
Ford's depiction of Long Island in the early 1960s serves as a backdrop for the unfolding mystery, showcasing a community built on new beginnings but shadowed by hidden dangers and secrets. The novel captures the essence of childhood adventures and fears, portraying the protagonists' bond as they face the challenges of their dysfunctional family and a town plagued by unsettling events. Through the eyes of the children, the readers are taken on a journey that evokes nostalgia, mystery, and a sense of coming-of-age amidst a backdrop of supernatural occurrences and everyday struggles.
It began in the last days of August, when the leaves of the elm in the front yard had curled into crisp brown tubes and fallen away to litter the lawn. I sat at the curb that afternoon, waiting for Mi... - #3Itby:
Many readers found "It" by Stephen King to be a terrifying and captivating horror novel that delves into the depths of childhood fears and the impact of those fears on adulthood. The story follows a group of friends who must face a malevolent clown named Pennywise that preys on children in their town of Derry. As the friends grow up and move on with their lives, they are forced to confront their past traumas when Pennywise resurfaces, leading to a chilling and suspenseful showdown.
Stephen King's writing style in "It" is praised for its ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere, drawing readers into the eerie and sinister world of Derry. The novel weaves together elements of horror, friendship, and coming-of-age themes, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.
The reason Adrian was wearing the hat, his sobbing boyfriend would later tell the police, was because he had won it at the Pitch Til U Win stall on the Bassey Park fairgrounds just six days before his... - #4
'The Black Phone' by Joe Hill is a collection of short horror stories that captivate readers with its engaging and thrilling narratives. The book explores various themes like fear, tension, and the supernatural, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Hill's writing style is described as clear, simple, and compelling, drawing readers into the eerie worlds he creates with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters.
- #5
'The Collector of Hearts' by Joyce Carol Oates is a collection of dark and disturbing short stories that delve into the realms of horror and the macabre. The stories explore themes such as abusive relationships within families, haunting dreams, eerie obsessions, and unsettling encounters with the grotesque. Oates' writing style is described as breathtakingly written, dark, and disturbed, with a relentless precision that cuts into the tender vulnerabilities of the readers' hearts.
- #6
'The Sacrifice Box' by Martin Stewart is a YA horror novel set in an island in the British Isles during the 1980s. The story follows a group of friends who make a sacrifice to a mysterious stone box hidden in the woods, only to face terrifying consequences years later when the rules of the box are broken. The book combines elements of horror, nostalgia, and coming-of-age themes, as the characters must confront their childhood fears and rekindle their friendships to save themselves from the evil unleashed by the box.
The plot of the book revolves around strange happenings, demonic creatures, and a sense of impending doom, all set against the backdrop of a small isolated town. The writing style is described as fast-paced, scary, and humorous, with a blend of 80s nostalgia that appeals to fans of similar works like 'Stranger Things' and Stephen King's novels.
- #7
'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and enchanting tale that explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy. The protagonist revisits his childhood home and is transported back to a time filled with mystical occurrences, terrifying secrets, and the enduring power of friendship. Gaiman weaves a narrative that seamlessly blends magical realism with elements of childhood nostalgia, creating a haunting and whimsical story that captivates readers from start to finish.
Through vivid prose and evocative storytelling, Gaiman delves into themes of innocence, fear, friendship, and the complexities of memory. navigates through the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he confronts the mysteries of his past and the hidden truths that shape his present reality. With a touch of melancholy and a hint of wonder, 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' takes readers on a mesmerizing exploration of the human experience, where the boundaries between imagination and truth blur in a world filled with magic and mystery.
There was a table laid with jellies and trifles, with a party hat beside each place and a birthday cake with seven candles on it in the centre of the table. The cake had a book drawn on it, in icing. ... - #8
'Swami and Friends' by R.K. Narayan follows the adventures of Swami, a ten-year-old schoolboy living in a small South Indian village. The story captures the emotional highs and lows of Swami's life, his friendships, and the impact of the Nationalist movement of the 1930s. Through a series of mischievous antics, school dramas, and encounters with adults, Swami navigates his way through childhood, ultimately finding himself caught up in the unrest of India at the time. The narrative not only entertains with Swami's adventures but also paints a vivid picture of the child's world and the adult community he will one day belong to in the town of Malgudi.
It was Monday morning. Swaminathan was reluctant to open his eyes. He considered Monday specially unpleasant in the calendar. After the delicious freedom of Saturday and Sunday, it was difficult to ge... - #9
'Summer of Night' by Dan Simmons is a horror story set in the fictional town of Elm Haven, IL in 1960. It follows a group of young boys as they embark on summer adventures, unaware of an ancient force trying to resurrect itself in their town. As mysterious deaths occur, the boys must band together to fight off this malevolent entity and prevent it from wreaking havoc on their community. intricately weaves elements of horror, coming of age, and supernatural genres, providing a nostalgic yet chilling tale of friendship, courage, and the battle against evil.
Girls played with dolls in the shadows of her classrooms and corridors and later died in childbirth. Boys ran shouting through her hallways, sat in punishment through the growing darkness of winter af... - #10
'The Figure in the Shadows' is the second book in the Lewis Barnavelt series by John Bellairs. The plot revolves around Lewis finding an old coin with mysterious powers, which leads to encounters with spirits and malevolent forces. The story is a mix of mystery, magic, and supernatural elements, with a focus on friendship, bravery, and overcoming fears. The writing style is described as suspenseful, eerie, and slightly creepy, suitable for a younger audience but still engaging for adults.
"Where?" snapped Jonathan. "Where? Exactly where you'd expect it to be. At the bottom of a vase full of Indian head pennies." He knelt down and stuck the key in the lock. Lewis, Rose Rita, and Mrs. Zi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lewis Barnavelt )