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Paperbacks from Hell

The Twisted History of ’70s and ’80s Horror Fiction

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Paperbacks from Hell

By: Grady Hendrix, Will Errickson - contributor
Narrated by: Timothy Andrés Pabon
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About this listen

Take a tour through the horror paperback novels of two iconic decades...if you dare. Hear shocking plot summaries that invoke devil worship, satanic children, and haunted real estate! Horror author and vintage paperback book collector Grady Hendrix offers killer commentary and witty insight on these trashy thrillers that tried so hard to be the next Exorcist or Rosemary's Baby. Complete with story summaries and artist and author profiles, this unforgettable volume dishes on familiar authors like V. C. Andrews and R. L. Stine, plus many more who've faded into obscurity. Also included are recommendations for which of these forgotten treasures are well worth your listening time and which should stay buried.

©2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Comedy & Humour Literary History & Criticism Witty Fiction Scary Horror Fiction
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What listeners say about Paperbacks from Hell

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Interesting

I enjoyed this review of 70's and 80's horror books and have added to my reading list a lot of the books mentioned. If you are a serious horror fan, or even love schlocky bad horror you will get something out of this. Only bum note ...learn how to pronounce triffids!

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Surface level

The book covers a plethora of topics and novels, but as a result any analysis is purely cursory. I'd still say it's worth listening to, as the author has a wonderful, accessible style, and you may find one or two reading suggestions within it's pages.

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A Nostalgic Return To My Youth

Reading this fascinating book,reminded me of my teen years.When I would browse through the second hand book shops and market stalls,in search of a new horror to read.Drawn more to the amazing art work on the cover,then to the blurb on the back.I now look back on those 40 years nostalgically.Yes the modern day has many advantages for readers/listeners,but theres nothing like having one of those "Forbidden Classics"in your hands.
"Paperbacks From Hell"works well as an introduction to these books and as a starting point to learn more.Unfortunatley,many of these books have not made it to your Kindle or Audible (apart from the more successful ones),but they are still out there in their paperback covers,waiting to terrify and disgust the adventurous reader again !

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it's a visual book in audiobook.

probably would have gotten more if I could see this book, instead of have vague knowledge of the orginal covers of some of the books. It's still an interesting history of horror.

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Entertaining and informative

Very entertaining and informative look at the lurid history of 70s and 80s horror fiction! Genuinely laugh out loud on occasion! The narration was henerally really good, slightly marred by some odd pronunciation choices..

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A must for every horror fan

Absolutely amazing! Fun, educational and interesting peek at both the horror and culture of 70's and 80's America.

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nostalgia for a world I never knew

Genuinely hilarious in parts whilst also evoking the trajectory of a world that no longer exists where people read books. ridiculous ones. by the millions. Hendrix's makes the irrefutable case that in the same way as you know that hair metal was unforgivable but simultaneously infinitely better today's culture books about Hobgoblins have no modern rival. I wept at the end. (also well read)

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Really informative, really fun

This is the book I’ve been waiting for. As an avid horror fan who doesn’t live in the U.S., I find great horror hard to find, especially in English. This book has provided a wealth of much-needed recommendations.

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