Posted by paulb on April 18, 2002, at 16:52:42
In reply to Re: books for escapism » paulb, posted by kiddo on April 15, 2002, at 0:45:06
I am familiar with Dean Koontz. i have read mr murder, the voice in the night, whispers and watchers. To be honest with you i find that his books are very similar in their narrative. I have heard of patricia cornwell. She writes psychological thrillers does she not?My favourate ghost story is called 'The Woman In Black'. its very creepy, so is the film and the West End Play. I also love 'Shadowlands' by Peter Straub and 'Ghost Story' by peter straub is also superb.
If you like horror i think James Herbert is on par with Stephen King. Some of Clive Barkers
is very good but tends to go over the top and I think the fantasty can become mundane. 'The Great and Secret Show' is mind-blowing and a very fine book. His 'The Thief Of Always' is magical. Barker did the films 'Hellraiser'(Director) and 'Candyman'(Original story, Producer).In the UK Minette Walters is a very popular psychological thriller writer although her books can be quite dark. i want to read 'The Silence of the Lambs' because i was intrigued by the rappor between agent Starling and Hannibal Lector when i saw the film.
I think though all these books have to be read with a strong sense of discipline; that they are a form of escapism and thats okay but the distinction between the reality in our lives and the storylines depicted in the books must be clearly drawn.
poster:paulb
thread:371
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20020206/msgs/386.html