Monsters on the Couch

""From its deeper dives into classic horror archetypes to its spotlights on niche neurological disorders, this book will likely appeal to a variety of readers."" -- Library Journal ""[Monsters on the Couch] is a great book, as entertaining as it is informative."" -- Booklist ""In this highly engaging book exploring psychological aspects of werewolves, vampires, zombies, and other horror beings in contemporary culture, Sharpless examines the relevance of some serious clinical experiences with professional sensitivity. Yet the lightness of tone in places is also welcome and carefully calibrated. The reader will finish the book with new insights on the meaning of familiar horror themes and simply enjoy it as an intelligent good read."" --Owen Davies, editor of The Oxford History of Witchcraft and Magic and author of Art of Grimoire ""A fascinating and compelling journey into the world of film monsters and the psychological disorders that lurk within them. With its blend of wit, film analysis and clinical insights, Monsters on the Couch will change how you view these terrifying creatures."" --Antonio Zadra, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Montreal and coauthor of When Brains Dream: Understanding the Science and Mystery of Our Dreaming Minds ""Sharpless holds our hand in the dark as he illuminates countless true-life inspirations for classic pieces of horror fiction, making even the films we've seen hundreds of time new again."" --Rodney Ascher, director of Room 237, The Nightmare, and A Glitch in the Matrix ""The unique, fascinating and darkly humorous Monsters on the Couch deftly analyses the psychological disorders that have inspired or been featured in many of the best horror films ever made. It's a must-read for any genre enthusiast wanting to know why these movies chill us to the bone."" --Glenn Kay, author of Zombie Movies ""Brian Sharpless's love of horror movies shines through every page of this book. His knowledge and expertise as an experienced clinical psychologist offers the reader unique insights into the genuine psychological disorders behind Hollywood monsters. Although the topics covered are often pretty macabre, Sharpless's mischievous sense of humor ensures that readers will be entertained--as well as educated--by every chapter. I cannot recommend this book highly enough."" --Dr. Chris French, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London