Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid: The Book of Scary Urban Legends

by Jan Harold Brunvand

Book Overview

Urban legends are those strange, but seemingly credible tales that always happen to a friend of a friend. For the first time, Professor Jan Harold Brunvand, "who has achieved almost legendary status"... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393326136
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.7" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A fun read

Really good! I've actually heard some of these. I'm so gullible though I really believed them. They could really happen, right?! This book is not really for someone like me that pretty much worries about everything. It was a good escape for a minute very short. I think you'll enjoy it. Why are there ants in my face?! You'll understand when you read it!!!!

A good read.

I was able to finish this book in a week. The stories were fascinating and whenever possible the author does his best to credit his sources. I own his encyclopedia of Urban Legends as well(about 1000 pages) and after reading this book I can't wait to start reading it.

Reminds me of telling stories around a campfire

If you enjoy myth and folklore, this will be an interesting read. I liked the fact that it gave several variations of the legends, everythig from where it originated from to who its told by and how it changes from being passed around. As you read through you will know some of these legends and think back to who told them to you. If they say it happend to them or a friend of a friend you can hand them the book and sadly tell them it's been around for years!.

A great read for Halloween or anytime

I remember hearing the "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights" story while attending a Midwestern university and it was sufficiently believeable to spook me for a long time until I read that it was an urban legend. Professor Brunvand's book details various legends from those that will send chills up your spine to others that will just tickle your funny bone. A highly recommended read for all!

3 thumbs up

this book is very cool. fun to read so you won't get bored. and you find out where some of the urban legends originated too, which will make you an interesting conversationalist at any party.