Book Summary:
The odds are more than good that you've grown up hearing different urban legends. Perhaps you didn't even realize your favorite story was based on one! Understanding how these urban legends are born and adapted helps us understand storytelling and humanity.
This is a collection of American urban legends, the most famous being The Vanishing Hitchhiker.
My Review:
Ever since I was little, I've been fascinated by folklore, fairy tales, and urban legends. But it wasn't until recently (ish) that I realized I could pick up full collections of urban legends and their variations. I must thank Ghost Roads (by Seanan McGuire) for that. I must also thank it for my current obsession with the Vanishing Hitch-Hiker.
Naturally, I dove into this collection. I just couldn't resist. This book lists the most common/famous urban legends of America (love it) and explains their origins, historical context, variations, and how they've changed over the years.
Best of all? There are citations. Okay, I know. That sounds SUPER nerdy. But that means this is a freaking fantastic resource for writers. I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to pick up the next one (now, excuse me while I run to the library).
Highlights:
Urban Legends/Folklore
References
Storytelling
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Reading updates
- Started reading
- 11 September, 2023: Finished reading
- 11 September, 2023: Reviewed