Reviews are essentially opinions, or reasons why you like or dislike something. Unless the review is based upon an objective measurement, then the review is subjective.
Book reviews, for the most part, are subjective. So, really, the reason why you like or dislike something isn’t wrong. Your reason is your reason and the events of your life and how you see the world can impact your view on your likes and dislikes which is unique to you.
I stumbled upon this horror book review and I liked it. I liked the reasoning behind the decision as to why he placed each book in his top ten category. I think you’ll like it too, if you like horror, and I’ll link the video down below. Now, on to the list.
In tenth spot, RING by Koji Suzuki, the book the movie series was based upon. Now, I have to admit, I have never read this book and I intend to rectify that immediately. I have no comment on this choice as of now, but that will change.
In ninth, JAWS by Peter Benchley. Once again, this list is subjective. I did not like this book. At all. To me, it read like a weird love story with a vicious shark as a backdrop. I was hugely disappointed with this book. That could be because I saw JAWS before I read the book and the movie, well, the movie is a masterpiece.
In eighth, I AM LEGEND by Richard Matheson. I love, love this book. If you like horror, or really, any book exceptionally well-written, then READ THIS BOOK! Ridiculously influential, and just a powerful, emotional read. Get on it!
In seventh, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, by Shirley Jackson. Mike cites the writing style as a big reason he enjoyed this book. I agree. Well written, great story, but top-ten on my horror list? I would have to say no. But a great book nonetheless.
In sixth, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, by Anne Rice. Holy cow, this is a great book. This book inspired a whole new world of vampire fiction, some good, some not so good. I don’t really feel sorry for immortal beings whining about how they can’t be loved or that they are monsters, and why oh why can’t people just understand them! This is before that trend of sparkling, crying, murderers. Anne Rice paints a haunting, dark, and vicious tale of vampires. I was enthralled by this book. Hell, I still am.
In fifth, THE COLOUR OUT OF SPACE, by H.P Lovecraft. I have read many H.P Lovecraft stories. But not this one. Mike says it’s a great read so I feel compelled to read it.
In fourth, PET SEMETARY by Stephen King. Man, a great book. This is the dark Stephen King. The no-happy-endings Stephen King. It reminded me of the stark, cruel darkness of THE RUNNING MAN. I loved that short tale, too.
In third, SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, by Ray Bradbury. Ok, I know he’s Canadian and so am I, but that has nothing to do with what I think about his work; he was a huge talent. Monumental, in fact. His work, his narrative is smooth, like that first sip of your favourite IPA. Love it.
In second, DRACULA, by Bram Stoker. Of course. That’s all I have to say. Of course.
In first, IT, by Stephen King. And if any book by Stephen King should be in your top ten, it is definitely this one. My personal favourite is THE SHINING. That one and IT are truly the only two books that ever raised the hair on my arms. Mike comments on this in his video, about how after a certain age, books don’t really scare you, which I thought was very accurate. These two books, in my opinion, are the exceptions.
These are great books to have on a list (except for JAWS IMO). They are all well-written and influential in their own way, and if they aren’t right now, they will be classics. I would be interested in contemporary horror that Mike likes. We seem to have similar tastes. Does he like Adam Cesare? Jack Ketchum? Or maybe not so contemporary, but a fun writer, such as Richard Laymon? He probably has answered this in one of his videos. I’ll be sure to check more out.
Here’s the video. It’s worth your time.
John Hunt is the bestselling author of Doll House, The Tracker, and Off The Grid. His newest novel, Murder Run, is now also available on Amazon. Link is below.
John Hunt Fiction 