The human mind is crazy. Stories that can stir me psychologically and leave a lasting mark morally are my favorite. When I was about 11 years old, I peeped through two pillows at Stanley Kubrick’s masterful production of Stephen King’s It. Since then, psychological thrillers and horror stories have been molding my warped mind. Administration at Trinity High School in Washington, Pennsylvania trusts me enough to teach Dark Fiction like Edgar Allen Poe, or the aforementioned Stephen King on a daily basis.
I wrote...
The Thrillplex Theater
By
Brandon Swarrow,
Nick Weiss
What is my book about?
A group of dull, miserly teachers accept an invitation to attend a movie premiere event at the mysterious, new 5D ThrillPlex Theater. Their experience turns out to be more than just a night of bonding with their dates, it is an insufferable trap. The ThrillPlex Theater is specifically tailored to its audience. Simply put, whatever happens to the characters on the screen; occurs as well to each audience member. Theater founder, Amanda Castro refers to the experience as “Reciprocation: on both the corporeal and emotional level.”
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The Books I Picked & Why
The Scarlet Letter
By
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Why this book?
The Scarlet Letter is dripping with diction. Nathaniel Hawthorne chooses his words so carefully during certain descriptions that my language-loving self feels jealous about his precision. This classic explores sin, as well as the dark side of the soul. A vengeful old scholar is an unusual villain, but Roger Chillingworth in The Scarlet Letter is so smart and evil.
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Haunted
By
Chuck Palahniuk
Why this book?
Haunted is Chuck Palahniuk at his best. Of course, it is deranged, but it is also magnificently written. I loved every short story and/or poem that came from this "writer's retreat."Haunted is filled with strange characters and fascinating subplots that provoke deep thought about our current direction as a society.
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Sharp Objects
By
Gillian Flynn
Why this book?
While reading Sharp Objects, I wanted to remove anything sharp from my immediate surrounding area. The roots of my teeth ached. I craved whiskey. The scent of raw pig flesh pervaded my nostrils. Upon completion, I felt an overwhelming urge to take a shower.This fiction tale is a shocking, stinging, sickening kind of filth…and I loved everything about it. Gillian Flynn has left a permanent bite mark on my brain.
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We Have Always Lived in the Castle
By
Shirley Jackson,
Thomas Ott
Why this book?
This book was amazing...I think? Pure genius...I think? Upon completion, I wished to be born in the sixties, I no longer trust food unless it is prepared by me, and Shirley Jackson was either crazy or on potent drugs (but, Wow! What an awesome writer though!). This is definitely an unforgettable read, with some unexpected characters.
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Nine Stories
By
J.D. Salinger
Why this book?
I enjoyed "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" and "De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period," but the real gem here in Salinger's Nine Stories is "Teddy." "Teddy" is one of the most bizarre (yet thought-provoking) stories I have ever read. I loved reading and exploring all of the possible themes in this short compilation of tales. It seems like Salinger was truly able to portray mental struggles with his characters.