By : Toni Macdonald- Manchester Books Examiner
www.examiner.com/x-13008-Manchester-Books-Examiner~y2009m6d5-Why-are-supernatural-novels-experiencing-a-surge-in-popularity-Part-I
Supernatural novels are currently experiencing an increase in popularity. This subject matter has been popular as long as people have been capable of intellectual thought. However, supernatural novels have been selling a lot more than usual. There are multiple reasons for this phenomenon, including one major, possibly the biggest, reason for this popularity surge.
Supernatural novels offer a form of escapism.
The supernatural is a form of fantasy. Fantasy novels allow readers to engage in a fantasy. They allow them to escape the realm of the everyday, and immerse themselves in something completely different.
These types of novels become more popular during times of stress and hardship. The current state of our economy is an example of one of these times. Readers look to entertainment as a means of escape. When they’re being entertained, they want to be able to either forget about their problems or look upon their problems as entertainment. Supernatural novels offer the former.
There is a reason that people choose supernatural novels as a means of escape. There is a reason that they choose to read that particular subject matter, and a reason why it offers such an excellent distraction.
The subject matter has a draw to it.
Supernatural literally means: “more than natural.” People tend to be drawn to anything that is outside of the norm. The supernatural draws attention because it is outside the realm of everyday experience.
The supernatural is also a little scary. It is very creepy to think that creatures, such as the kind that are in supernatural novels, could be living among us. Since many people like to be scared from time to time, these kinds of novels are always popular. However, at times when the “real world” is not looking so appealing, the supernatural novel has a special appeal to it. When the world is looking scary, people are especially drawn to scary novels. The subject matter is appealing because it is worse than what is happening outside the realm of the novel. When a person looks up from a particularly scary or creepy novel, such as a supernatural novel, the outside world, no matter how bad it is, is comforting.
Aside from offering a means of escape and having a draw to them, supernatural novels have another factor which makes them very popular. They have a further factor which ties into the first two factors to increase sales.
Supernatural novels have universal appeal.
People across the world are drawn to the supernatural for reasons previously mentioned in part II. This particular subject matter does not simply hold a cultural appeal, it holds a human appeal.
The human race has been interested in anything abnormal for as long as the human race itself has existed. Every culture and society holds, or has held, their own legends concerning the supernatural. Supernatural novels are not only appealing to the American culture, but to every culture. Even people who come from other cultures can understand and appreciate an interest in the supernatural.
This explains why this subject matter holds such wide appeal. Everyone, regardless of race, culture, religion, native language, etc., can appreciate a good story about the supernatural.
PERSONAL NOTE : I have also noticed this attraction and appeal happening very strongly in true paranormal books and stories over the past year or so .
Best wishes,
Donald Ryles PhD MORE strange, Paranormal & Mind Power related ->->
