Books That Will Give You a Chill: A Collection of 28 Unsettling Reads
In a recent discussion on the popular subreddit r/AskReddit, users shared their experiences with some of the most disturbing books they've ever read. From chilling narratives to graphic depictions of real-life horrors, these books have left a lasting impact on readers.
One of the top mentions was "Zombie" by Joyce Carol Oates, a novel that offers a fictionalised account of the crimes committed by serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The book explores themes of violence, cannibalism, and psychological disturbance, making it a chilling read. Another unsettling read is "We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver, a novel that revolves around a family dealing with the aftermath of a school shooting committed by their son. The exploration of a parent's guilt and the buildup to a mass shooting, along with its realistic portrayal, can be deeply unsettling.
While marketed for children, R.L. Stine's "Welcome to Dead House" features graphic scenes of death and occult themes, which were considered too intense for young readers. The blend of horror and children's literature has made it a controversial choice.
Books detailing true crimes and historical atrocities, such as "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote, "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis, and "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, are also among the most disturbing reads. These books often involve detailed descriptions of violence and trauma, which can be deeply unsettling for readers.
Other books that made the list include "Night" by Elie Wiesel, a book about horrors witnessed during WWII; "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, a novel about a former slave haunted by her past; and "A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer, a true story about child abuse.
Horror and suspense novels like "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo, "I Have No Mouth & I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison", "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski, and "IT" by Stephen King have also been cited as disturbing reads.
Some books, like "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini and "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, have been known to make readers cry due to their emotional impact. Meanwhile, books such as "Shake Hands with the Devil" by Romeé Dallaire, a brutal account of the Rwandan genocide, and "We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow You Will All Be Killed With Your Families" by Philip Gourevitch, a book about the Rwandan genocide, offer a stark reminder of the horrors of war and genocide.
Finally, "I'll be Gone in the Dark" by Michelle McNamara, a book about the Golden State Killer, and "Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica", a novel about a post-apocalyptic world where humans are eaten, continue to disturb readers with their dark themes and graphic content.
These books, while disturbing, offer a glimpse into the human condition and the depths of darkness that exist in our world. They serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the fight against injustice.
Evergreen discussions on pop-culture platforms often include the topic of most disturbing books, such as "I'll be Gone in the Dark" by Michelle McNamara with its dark themes and graphic content. Another book that continues to leave an unsettling impact is Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, a novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are eaten.
