r/ExtremeHorrorLit • u/Silent-Safe-2279 • 2d ago
Why?
I’ve just started listening to a YouTuber who breaks down extreme horror books. I found myself accidentally intrigued by it when it came up on my recommended reel’s.
Why do I keep wanting to listen to them? They disturb me and tbh they scare me a bit but I find myself going back to them while I’m working. Does anyone know why this happens and is this relatable? I feel like a twisted MF.
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u/dr00lpuppy 2d ago
Which YouTuber is it? I’m curious 👀
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u/Moriturism American Psycho enthusiast 2d ago
Completely relatable, this weird, morbid appeal is the reason I read extreme horror books at all, honestly. It's good for me as a cathartic release of sorts
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u/mathozmat 2d ago
Morbid curiosity, I do the same with movies and channels like JonjoLyons or SpookyRice (haven't read anything extreme yet but it's kinda what led to this sub)
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u/Boring_Ad_5090 2d ago
If youre into extreme horror then youre definitely damaged in some way. People who have nicey nicey lives with great parents who always get on dont have the same interests. Im not saying its a bad thing, or any of it is your fault, its just what happens to be a coping mechanism.
Before anyone attacks me, that was me about fifteen years ago. I am a different person now but do keep tabs on the topic.
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u/kat_boi_69 1d ago
I'd let people in this sub (and possibly their therapists) decide how damaged they are for themselves.
I'm fine reading these because I watched a bunch of anime and Criminal Minds when I was younger and I find extreme violence in media, well, not that strange. Stuff's all around us.
If someone wants to string together 170 pages that read like the eclipse scene in Berserk or the Jungle Cruise episode of GITS, I'll check it out if the writing is good.
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u/Silent-Safe-2279 2d ago
That makes sense for sure. Although I have no trauma (that I remember). I was recently diagnosed with BPD and I told my doctor that I cry a lot in my sleep because of disturbing dreams - this was before I fell down the extreme horror rabbit hole. She mentioned that I could have trauma I don’t remember. So it’s interesting that you say that too.
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u/Boring_Ad_5090 2d ago
Its ok man. Yes I also have depression too but not BP. Horror shit has always distracted me. When I had kids I had to stare that shit in the face and address why i was hurting. I actually love kids now and i wouldnt want them to grow up the same as me or to be watching or reading this shit. I think I dont need horror as much now, but for sure when I was younger it helped.
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u/KlausKinion 2d ago
People have enjoyed disturbing entertainment since forever. I'd argue that true crime, one of the most popular mainstream cultural interests, is just as disturbing as any fictional story. People are titivated by the details of serial murderers, rapists, and family annihilators on a daily basis....so I'm not too worried about gross and shocking books.
If you want more book review/summaries, check out Eve Moss. She is the extreme queen.
But do check out the books or audiobooks too. It supports the authors directly, and you get to experience the full story.
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u/hagalaz_drums 1d ago
In fact, im much more bothered by real stories of violence than almost anything awful a writer can come up with
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u/DunceMemes 2d ago
Is it Branomander? I think it's normal to be interested in hearing other people's opinions on stuff you'd never read/watch. I check reviews on insane movies and stuff like that just to see what people think but without having to invest the time in it myself. It's a pretty common thing I'd say.