What’s the Scariest Book You’ve Ever Read?
The Other by Thomas Tryon Is not only a frightening tale but it broke my heart in two
I don’t like the horror genre. Many moons ago, I declined to go to the drive-in with my family to see The Exorcist. Years later, I thought it would be safe to watch the edited version on television — boy was I wrong. I’m still traumatized by the sight of sweet-faced Regan MacNeil turning into a foul blister-ridden demon child spewing green clam chowder and horrible (bleeped) curse words at a priest. Ugh! God Bless Linda Blair.
But as a teen, I enjoyed books and films that were somewhat weird or slightly chilling. David Lynch’s Eraser Head for example — I found it a fascinating movie that danced on the edge of odd but never fell over into horror territory. My parents were shocked that I’d “watch such nonsense” but I knew that movie was a work of art.
Finding the Balance
My mom read everything: Harlequin, Agatha Christie’s mysteries, psychological thrillers, and horror. One evening I plucked The Other by Thomas Tryon from her bookshelf and started reading. When I looked up, three hours had whizzed by and I reluctantly went to bed. I finished that compelling read the next day.
