The Book Lover's Corner: So, When Did They Go From Scarry to "Yum?"

Once upon a time the vampire was a feature of our nightmares... undead creatures that existed by drinking the blood of humans. While not the first such novel, Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" certainly popularized the concept. Oh, there's considerable folklore from which tales of this nature were drawn, and even today some cultures believe in the existence of such creatures. How many tales, told through novels or movies, have there been that revolved around such a creature? How many movies have used this as a twist in some way or form? And how many times have we frightened ourselves while reading or watching?? Ah yes, for the days of pulling the blanket up over my eyes (yep, I did that until I was in my middle teens when I had to prove I was all grown up and not scared!), and wondering, in awe, of such a terrifically frightening specter.

I bought the video "I Am Legend" last week ... thoroughly enjoyed it too. Again, a form of vampire shown in the diseased souls he so desperately sought to find a cure for. In turn, it reminded me of so many other movies over the years that either included or hinted of the same. While I have watched so many of the movies and, later, TV shows, I hadn't really read many of the novels until recent years. While the movies could be gory, it was fairly short term. When reading the images stay with me for a long while. Somehow, reading about something has more of an effect on me than watching a movie/TV show. Hmmm, may be why I seldom watch TV, too.

I tried Anne Rice .. was uncomfortable. But then the romance genre picked up the vampire as a tormented hero type. Hmm... now that was interesting. A little easier on the fear factor, right? I've watched this particular theme grow over the past few years ... from a trickle to a downright flood of books. Some pretty good, some downright awful. Some with interesting story themes, some I wonder how the heck they even got published.

Ever done an internet search for "vampire novels?" How many days do you have to read through the listings??? Everything from oppressively serious to outrageously funny. But that's OK.. ya' know? I have to admit that I've got a couple of favorite series that I follow. I like the story lines being used -- enough of the fantasy to pull me and pretty well written. But then, I've already admitted to being drawn in by the paranormal themes. I like the edge of "what if."