Fear in a Handful of Dust: Horror as a Way of Life

by Gary A. Braunbeck

Fear in a Handful of Dust both is and isn't a book of film and fiction writing commentaries; yes, you'll find several reviews and (hopefully intelligent) analyses in here, but a format like that can quickly grow wearisome and repetitive . . . so I've decided to take it a couple of steps . . . well, let's say sideways: one's reaction to horror movies and literature is a highly subjective and personal thing, emphasis on the latter term. Consider this to be a thinly-disguised autobiography by means of reflections about movies, books, and writing. It's not enough for someone to simply say, 'I liked it,' or 'I really hated it'; those are not opinions in and of themselves, they are prefaces to opinions. To qualify as actual opinions, they must be followed by reasons why, and in order for you to understand the reasons why, you have to understand something about the person giving the opinion." -- Gary A. Braunbeck

Genres: Nonfiction, Horror

260 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Gary A. Braunbeck is a prolific author who writes mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mainstream literature. He is the author of 19 books; his fiction has been translated into Japanese, French, Italian, Russian and German. Nearly 200 of his short stories have appeared in various publications.

His fiction has received several awards, including the Bram Stoker Award in 2003 for "Duty" and in 2005 for "We Now Pause for Station Identification"; his book Destinations Unknown won a Stoker in 2006. His novella "Kiss of the Mudman" received the International Horror Guild Award in 2005."

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction examination of horror story-telling, as the title implies, and also serves as a deeply personal autobiography of some of the pivotal events in the life of the author. It's a wonderful book despite some copy-editing problems, and I can only wish that it were longer. It's well organized and as captivating as his fiction. I can't always agree with all of his opinions, but he argues them well and passionately.

[Ned · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of amazing. Braunbeck provides a deeply personal insight into his own life and how it is reflected in his writings. The title says it all. Read and know...