Outbursts of Horror - by authors Manuel Melendez & El David

Anyone that really knows me, knows that I LOVE the horror genre.  Not so much the straight up slasher flicks (even though I occasionally delve into these as well), but the type of horror stories and movies that needle their way into the soft base of your brain and force their way malevolently into your dreams.  You know what I'm talking about.  There are some movies that disturbed me so much that I will probably never watch them again (ahem, The Exorcist), and novels or stories (ahem again, Event Horizon).

Now, I know what you're thinking... how can this guy call himself a horror aficionado while he admits to shying away from some horror?  Especially what many consider classic horror at that!  Hey, all I can say is that we all have our foibles...

I still adore the horror genre however, as can be evidenced by the majority of what I have on my bookshelves, my movie collection, and even what I write myself.  Horror is a genre that can only properly affect the reader if it is well-written enough, subtle enough, and - dare I say? - vicious and/or evil enough to suspend the reader's belief in the mundane and ordinary, and plunge them headlong and screaming into a place that defies logic, sanity or rescue.  I found this in an unusual book entitled, "Outbursts of Horror" by Manuel Melendez and El David.  This book is different from other contemporary horror novels by being a compilation of not just prose, but poetry as well.  I found myself captivated by the authors' ability to capture the part of my imagination that hungers for darkness, while feeding my almost visceral need for excellent writing.  Outbursts of Horror is, of course, also a treat for fans of Latino literature.  Manuel Melendez and El David have lavished nuggets of their Puerto Rican heritage throughout the book, making it that much more personal and passionate.  I thoroughly enjoyed Outbursts of Horror, and I can honestly say that it holds a place of honor on my bookshelf.