Tag: reading

Literature

12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley

by Jennifer Vasquez18 Comments on 12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley
Portrait of Mary Shelley by Richard Rothwell
Portrait of Mary Shelley by Richard Rothwell

In 1818, Mary Shelley published her first major work, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. More than 200 years later, the novel is still popular among gothic horror fans. Not only has it sparked numerous movie adaptations, but the monster of the narrative has been the inspiration behind Halloween costumes, haunts and a Frankenstein-themed bar in the UK. The author also continues to be a prominent literary figure today, inspiring countless contemporary horror writers. There’s even an annual holiday commemorating her birthday and notorious book, Frankenstein Day on August 30th. To pay homage to the author, here are 12 interesting facts about Mary Shelley that may surprise you.

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Literature, occult

Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books

book-light

With the current Coronavirus pandemic, life seems to have become its own horror story. A novel illness is running rampant across the globe, streets have become eerily quiet, citizens have been ordered to self-isolate and panic has turned as contagious as COVID-19. But not all is as dire as it seems.

Since we’ve suddenly had to adjust to a new way of existing, I think everyone needs a break from reality and nothing provides that more readily than a good book! I’ve created a list of Top 10 Dark Reads with varying levels of darkness. Some embody gallows humor, while others are just plain morbid. They are presented in no particular order, but I do believe I saved the most sinister for last. Continue reading “Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books” →

Literature

Poe Pop Culture: A Birthday Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on Poe Pop Culture: A Birthday Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe

edgar-allan-poe

On January 19th, 1809, one of the most influential figures in Gothic literature was born—Edgar Allan Poe. The American writer is renowned for his terror-filled works, where death plays a major theme. His poetry and short stories have been categorized under the horror fiction umbrella, and they have also been associated with dark Romanticism, a subgenre of Romanticism that fixated on the grotesque and morbid. It should also be mentioned that he had a major impact on the development of the modern detective story.

More than two centuries later from the date of his birth, his words continue to stir the macabre spirit within us. I still have the research paper I wrote as an undergrad about The Black Cat. Since countless biographies have been published on the poet, I will not retell the details of his life. Instead, to commemorate this occasion, I thought I’d compile a brief, but amusing list of Edgar Allan Poe’s presence in pop culture. Happy Birthday Eddy! Continue reading “Poe Pop Culture: A Birthday Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe” →

Literature

Author of Honor Series: Part III

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Author of Honor Series: Part III

 

Noose

We are entering week three of the Author of Honor Series! I had a very difficult time choosing who I would feature and being an indecisive Libra does not help. I had narrowed my selection to two candidates, both with interesting backgrounds, but from different time periods. You might be wondering why I can’t just write about one this week and save the other for last. Well, that’s because I already have the final novelist picked, so I had to play the elimination game with this round. After much contemplation, I’ve decided to highlight a contemporary writer with a gruesome family history. Thus the reason for the preceding image. Read on to discover of whom I speak. Continue reading “Author of Honor Series: Part III” →

Literature

Author of Honor Series: Part II

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Author of Honor Series: Part II

 

Photo by Paul Numrich

The next Author of Honor sadly passed away 14 years ago on the date I am typing this — November 9. I had already planned to sit down and begin writing about this novelist before discovering that today marked this occasion. Strange coincidence? He died at the age of 50, before witnessing the significant imprint he would leave on the literary world. A somber note to start on, I admit, so let’s turn the mood around. This author penned an awesome crime fiction trilogy with a central female character that is fearless and, quite frankly, kicks ass! Have you guessed who it is? Continue reading “Author of Honor Series: Part II” →