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Books matching: existential dread

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck
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    A man named Soren Johansson finds himself in a personalized version of Hell after dying, based on Borges' Library of Babel. Sentenced to spend eternity in this hell, he must search for the one book that contains the story of his life among countless volumes. The novella explores the concept of eternity, human adaptation, religion, and tolerance, as Soren and his companions navigate through challenges like intimate relationships, organized study, cults, violence, compassion, loneliness, pain, sorrow, hopelessness, and love.

    The book is a philosophical examination of infinity and eternity, delving into the human capacity to adapt and the implications of eternity. It presents a thought-provoking exploration of a personalized Hell, where individuals must confront the challenges of finding their life story in a library containing all possible books ever written.

    UPON LEAVING THE DEMON, I was disoriented and could only tell I was in an immense, spacious building. Strangely, to my surprise and despite my terror, confusion, and fear, I felt better than I had for...

  2. #2

    The Conspiracy Against the Human Race by Thomas Ligotti
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    'The Conspiracy Against the Human Race' by Thomas Ligotti delves into the horror that consciousness brings about, presenting a pessimistic view on life, mankind, and the universe. Ligotti explores the idea that human existence is a curse, with consciousness being a detriment rather than a benefit. Through references to various philosophers, mystics, and neuroscientists, Ligotti argues that life is inherently meaningless and existence is a painful cul de sac. serves as a philosophical exploration of the horror that comes from being aware of our mortality and the futility of seeking meaning in an indifferent universe.

    To avoid all possibility of false appearances, I should disclose up front to being a writer of supernatural horror stories. Strictly speaking, then, The Conspiracy against the Human Race represents mo...

  3. #3

    I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
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    'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' by Iain Reid follows a young woman on a road trip with her boyfriend to meet his parents, contemplating ending their relationship. As the journey progresses, unsettling events unfold, including mysterious phone calls from her own number and a sense of foreboding. The narrative builds tension through eerie moments and a creeping feeling that something terrible is on the horizon, reminiscent of classic horror elements.

    Reid's writing style in this psychological thriller is described as atmospheric, disturbing, and mind-bending. The story keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves a plot that blurs the lines between reality and perception, leading to an ending that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.

    The road is mostly empty. It’s quiet around here. Vacant. More so than anticipated. So much to see but not many people, not many buildings or houses. Sky. Trees. Fields. Fences. The road and its grave...

  4. #4

    Vita Nostra - Vita Nostra by Marina Dyachenko, Sergey Dyachenko
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    'Vita Nostra' by Marina Dyachenko is a unique and surreal tale that follows the journey of Sasha Samokhina, a young girl who is coerced into attending a mysterious and unsettling school where she undergoes a transformation unlike anything seen before. The narrative is described as strange, engaging, and thought-provoking, blending elements of magical realism and metaphysical exploration. The plot defies traditional storytelling, focusing on the protagonist's growth and transformation in a school that challenges the boundaries of reality and human existence.

    The writing style of 'Vita Nostra' is often praised for its beauty, complexity, and philosophical depth. Readers are drawn into a world where the boundaries between magic and science blur, and where characters undergo profound changes that challenge their understanding of themselves and the world around them. The book is noted for its slow pace that paradoxically keeps readers engaged, leading them through a narrative that is both compelling and enigmatic.

    The prices—oh, the prices were simply ludicrous! In the end, Mom rented a tiny room in a five-story building twenty minutes from the shore, with windows facing west. The other room in the one-bedroom ...

  5. #5

    Songs of a Dead Dreamer by Thomas Ligotti
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    'Songs of a Dead Dreamer' by Thomas Ligotti is a collection of horror stories that delve into the eerie and unsettling aspects of the genre. The book showcases Ligotti's unique writing style, which is described as poetic and atmospheric, creating a sense of dread and unease throughout the stories. The plots often revolve around bizarre and surreal scenarios, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.


  6. 'Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe' by Jeff VanderMeer, Thomas Ligotti is a collection of haunting short stories that delve into themes of cosmic nihilism, existential dread, and surreal horror. Ligotti's writing style is often compared to a blend of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe, with dense, poetic prose that immerses readers in unsettling and otherworldly atmospheres. The stories explore dark and macabre subjects, often leaving readers with a sense of unease and lingering imagery that stays with them long after finishing the book.


  7. #7

    Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti
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    Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of pure pessimistic nihilism, loneliness, isolation, and the annihilation of existence. Ligotti's writing style is described as dense, precise, and full of ambiguity, creating a sense of existence as a nightmare. The stories in this collection distort perceptions of everyday life, leaving behind a sense of creeping dread and surreal melancholy.

    We were living in a rented house, neither the first nor the last of a long succession of such places that the family inhabited throughout my childhood years. It was shortly after we had moved into thi...

  8. #8

    Grimscribe: His Lives and Works by Thomas Ligotti
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    "Grimscribe: His Lives and Works" by Thomas Ligotti is a collection of macabre and eerie short stories that delve into the depths of horror and existential dread. The writing style is described as intelligent, lovely, and engaging, with intricate narratives that explore dark philosophical views and challenge traditional horror fiction. The stories in the collection touch on themes such as the mysteries of forgotten dreams, the horrors lurking beneath the surface of reality, and the existential angst of human existence.

    My INTEREST IN THE TOWN OF Mirocaw was first aroused when I heard that an annual festival was held there which promised to include, to some extent, the participation of clowns among its other elements...

  9. #9

    The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker
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    "The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker delves into the concept that all human behavior is driven by the fear of death. Becker explores how individuals and societies construct elaborate mechanisms to shield themselves from the reality of mortality, leading to a range of psychological and existential tensions. Drawing from psychology, existentialism, and anthropology, Becker presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the human condition, emphasizing the eternal struggle between the animalistic nature of man and the quest for immortality through heroic actions. Despite the heavy psychological jargon and academic writing style, Becker's work challenges readers to confront their fear of death and the illusions they create to cope with this fundamental existential dilemma.

    In times such as ours there is a great pressure to come up with concepts that help men understand their dilemma; there is an urge toward vital ideas, toward a simplification of needless intellectual c...

  10. Irvin D. Yalom's book 'Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death' delves into the exploration of mortality and the fear of death. Through a combination of personal experiences, patient stories, literature, and philosophy, Yalom offers solutions to help readers alleviate their death anxiety. The book is described as a blend of psychology, philosophy, and practical advice, encouraging readers to confront their mortality and live a more fulfilling life. Yalom's writing style is praised for being engaging, conversational, and thought-provoking, making the heavy topic of death approachable and enlightening.

    Self-awareness is a supreme gift, a treasure as precious as life. This is what makes us human. But it comes with a costly price: the wound of mortality. Our existence is forever shadowed by the knowle...

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