Thrill of the Read

by Campbell Sharpe

We all like a little excitement in our lives. That’s why we made roller coasters and books. There is a thrill in the descent in altitude or a character’s descent into madness. While excitement can make our day, it often comes with a fair portion of risk. The rollercoaster can break down, for example. I love excitement, but I hate risks, meaning I greatly enjoy books.

Books are safe. If they get too scary, you can set them down. If they are seriously terrifying, you do not have to pick them up again — though the unknown may haunt you. I like books because they are contained and manageable. They may hint at monsters in the shadows with their gothic themes and dark language, but in the end, I know the chances of Frankenstein’s monster being locked in my basement are low. You see, books provide excitement, but they also promote logic. In every mystery, there is a fallible villain. Dangers, in the beginning, are never as scary as they seem. Plausible explanations unwrap the cloak of terror that makes the book so entertaining.

Still, we read these dark books. Vacations are ruined by corpses. Work is derailed by missing persons. Characters and safe spaces are jeopardized by unknown threats. These kinds of  themes are scary, but they are also exciting. There is a line between characters and readers like the bar across your lap on a rollercoaster. No matter how dire the literary situation, the dangers in the book cannot reach you. Readers receive the excitement of a titillating plot without assuming the risk.

This sort of contained drama is perfect for a cautious-yet-curious person like me. I am happy to relegate the murders and monsters to the pages of my books. Characters can work through the dangers and excitement. I am content to watch from my cozy corner.

What do you think?