Podcast Summary: The Book Review – “Two Horror Authors on the Scary Books You Should Be Reading”

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Book Review
• Host/Author: Gilbert Cruz, Editor at The New York Times Book Review
• Description: The world's top authors and critics join host Gilbert Cruz and editors at The New York Times Book Review to discuss the week's top books, reading trends, and developments in the literary world.
• Episode Title: Two Horror Authors on the Scary Books You Should Be Reading
• Release Date: October 26, 2024

Introduction

In the October episode of The Book Review, Gilbert Cruz welcomes two prominent figures in the horror literary scene: Stephen Graham Jones and Joe Hill. As Halloween approaches, both authors delve into their favorite horror reads, offering listeners a curated list of must-read books for the season. Their discussions not only highlight exemplary works in the genre but also explore the psychological and cultural significance of horror literature.

Conversation with Stephen Graham Jones

Relationship with Halloween [01:24]

Stephen Graham Jones shares his long-standing affinity for Halloween, describing it as his favorite holiday even before his deep dive into horror. He cherishes the opportunity to "be somebody else for the night," relishing the anonymity and the creative freedom that costumes provide. "You get to hide behind a mask. You don't have to worry about how to hold your face," he explains ([01:24]).

Book Recommendations

1. "Mean Spirited" by Nick Roberts [02:45]

   • Overview: A possession novel that intensifies fear through supernatural elements and the unsettling presence of dogs.
   • Impact: Stephen candidly admits, "It made me have a difficult time getting upstairs to my bed at night because how am I going to turn these lights off?" ([02:51]).
   • Appreciation: He appreciates Roberts' ability to "hit the ground running," keeping the narrative pace relentless and engaging without excessive setup ([04:24]).

2. "Mayfly Fly" by CJ Lead [05:36]

   • Overview: Follows Mayfly, a Disney princess-like character by day and a brutal figure carving her path in Los Angeles.
   • Praise: Stephen commends CJ Lead for not flinching in her storytelling, maintaining a consistent sense of terror throughout ([05:59]).

3. "The Reformatory" by Tananarive Due [06:44]

   • Overview: Set in a punishment school, it incorporates supernatural elements like ghosts (haints) while addressing historical brutality.
   • Significance: Stephen calls it "the horror novel of the decade," lauding Due's balance of historic accuracy with effective horror ([07:09]-[08:16]).

4. "Come Closer" by Sarah Grant [09:52]

   • Overview: Centers on Amanda, who experiences disturbing dreams and must confront whether she is possessed or seeking vengeance.
   • Impact: Stephen describes a particularly chilling scene that reinforces his passion for horror ([09:52]-[11:27]).

Influential Horror Reads [11:47]

Stephen reminisces about his first horror novel, "Wolfen" by Whitley Treiber, which captivated him with its portrayal of a werewolf’s perspective. His admiration for Stephen King began with "The Shining," which he has read multiple times, finding solace and a deep connection in its cyclical storytelling and life reflections ([11:47]-[16:07]).

Cyclical Nature of Horror [14:03]

He discusses the importance of cycles in narratives, likening them to societal and personal patterns that offer "training for us all." This cyclical storytelling helps readers understand and navigate their own lives, making horror a tool for personal growth and reflection ([14:40]-[16:07]).

Favorite Experimental Work [16:18]

Stephen praises Gemma Files' Experimental Film as a model for how horror novels can operate when they are "firing on every single cylinder." The novel blends supernatural elements with historical context, culminating in a "terrifyingly magical" ending ([16:18]-[17:10]).

"Head Full of Ghosts" by Paul Tremblay [17:24]

He commends Tremblay's novel for its multi-narrative structure that leaves readers questioning reality, achieving a balance between horror and psychological depth ([17:24]-[18:33]).

The Value of Horror [18:58]

When discussing why horror is valuable, Stephen explains that it "activates" our primal fears, allowing us to authentically engage with our deepest anxieties. He emphasizes that horror offers a mirror to societal fears and personal insecurities, making it a profoundly human genre ([18:58]-[20:09]).

Conversation with Joe Hill

Relationship with Scary Books [24:01]

Joe Hill opens by discussing his lifelong relationship with horror, heavily influenced by his father, Stephen King. He reflects on how significant works like King’s It shaped his own writing, illustrating the deep-rooted connection between their literary styles ([24:01]-[25:00]).

Book Recommendations

1. "Lost Man's Lane" by Scott Carson [35:34]

   • Overview: A supernatural thriller set in the late 1990s, blending elements reminiscent of Stranger Things with historical events like Columbine.
   • Praise: Hill highlights the book’s "light and witty" writing and satisfying twists that feel earned, not merely shock devices ([35:34]-[39:10]).

2. "Fever House" and "The Devil by Name" by Keith Rossen [43:14]

   • "Fever House": Features a severed hand with supernatural powers wreaking havoc in Portland, Oregon.
   • "The Devil by Name": Continues the chaos unleashed by supernatural remnants.
   • Energy and Style: Hill describes these novels as "ingenious" and "pulsive," likening them to the "pulp fiction of horror novels" with a kaleidoscopic cast and relentless action ([43:14]-[47:07]).

3. "House with a Clock on Its Walls" by John Bellairs [50:29]

   • Overview: A dark fantasy about an orphaned boy discovering his uncle is a sorcerer, filled with magical artifacts and necromancy.
   • Endorsement: Hill praises it as a "masterpiece of dark fantasy," recommending editions illustrated by Edward Gorey for their atmospheric depth ([50:29]-[53:36]).

Effective Horror Elements [25:57]-[29:30]

Joe emphasizes that effective horror hinges on creating empathetic characters rather than relying on gore or sadism. He contrasts modern horror films with classic slasher tropes, advocating for depth and sympathy to engage readers meaningfully. Hill shares his writing process, where unexpected twists often emerge naturally from character development, enhancing the story’s impact ([25:57]-[29:30]).

Twists and Narrative Surprises [39:36]-[41:12]

Hill discusses the craftsmanship behind compelling twists, illustrating with examples from Anthony Horowitz and his own work. He explains that genuine twists often surprise even the author, arising organically from character choices rather than pre-planned outlines ([39:36]-[41:12]).

Gateway Horror for Young Readers [50:29]-[52:56]

Addressing younger audiences, Joe recommends The House with a Clock on Its Walls by John Bellairs as an ideal entry point for children. He underscores the importance of parental discretion while highlighting the book's balance of dark fantasy and appropriate horror elements for imaginative young minds ([50:29]-[52:56]).

Conclusion

Gilbert Cruz wraps up the episode by thanking Stephen Graham Jones and Joe Hill for their insightful recommendations and thoughtful discussions. He emphasizes the curated list of horror novels as perfect companions for the Halloween season, encouraging listeners to explore these thrilling and thought-provoking reads. The episode underscores horror's unique ability to mirror societal fears and personal anxieties, offering both entertainment and profound psychological engagement.

Final Remarks [53:36]-[54:07]

Gilbert expresses his hope that listeners find the recommended books as impactful and enjoyable as he did. He closes by emphasizing the enduring appeal of October and the season's perfect alignment with the themes of horror literature ([53:36]-[54:07]).

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Graham Jones on his love for masks and anonymity: "You get to hide behind a mask. You don't have to worry about how to hold your face..." ([01:24]).
• Stephen on the impact of "Mean Spirited": "It made me have a difficult time getting upstairs to my bed at night..." ([02:51]).
• Joe Hill on effective horror being about empathy: "Effective horror is about giving you some characters to fall in love with..." ([25:57]).
• Joe Hill comparing horror movie reactions to cartoon responses: "...it's the same scene... you respond fundamentally to the same scene" ([27:10]).

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the authors' perspectives on horror literature, their favorite books, and the underlying themes that make horror a compelling genre.