Thank you Quirk Books and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

This was the most fun I have had reading about horror, as each entry is delivered with anxiety-easing humor. You are told who wrote and directed the film, the basic idea of it (a single sentence description of the film), why you might actually want to watch it (this is usually especially humorous), why you might want to AVOID watching it (trigger warnings), an exact play-by-play of the film in an extended summary, why the film matters so much, and a list of its iconic moments. We're also treated to trivia in the form of "Say this at a party" sections (I love that so much) and a list of read-a-likes if you're not ready to take that step into watching the film but want a more controlled thrill to build yourself up to watching it (this is so important to us library workers who do reader's advisory).

It's not just an in-depth guide to the most influential and iconic horror movies, it's also a history book covering the 1960s to the 2010s regarding why certain horror is created and why it matters. Several books and documentaries that discuss horror and its impact at an academic and cultural level are referenced, adding to my never-ending to-be-read/watched list. While not every arguably influential/iconic film has an entry (for instance, The Amityville Horror is not included, because it's " too boring for this book"), they are talked about in relation to the films that are included, and repeat horror film writers/directors have their other movies mentioned.

If you do reader's advisory, this is going to be indispensable for you (I cannot emphasize that enough--you're given the whole movie, tropes, and books that are similar!). If you really want to know what your friends or the Internet are going on about when they talk about certain scenes or lines, you'll finally get in on the sensationalism or meme. Instead of reaching for Wikipedia for individual (and frankly dry) entries (sorry, Wikipedia), you'll likely reach for this instead, especially since they're all in one convenient place. As someone who experiences FOMO but knows their limits, it was helpful for me to be able to read exactly what happens and why it's influential instead of having to traumatize myself by watching it. On the flip side, some films I was unsure about watching I now want to watch because I have a better understanding of what I'm getting into.

I cannot wait to see this book expanded on in the future to include more decades, as horror continues to evolve. I'm for sure getting a copy for myself to keep handy!

I loved this book. As a big horror fan I really enjoy horror recap podcasts and this is the first book I've picked up with the same concept. The author does a great job of thoroughly recapping the films while also peppering in some really interesting and compelling facts about the horror genre and maintaining a great sense of humor. I often think that horror and humor go hand in hand and this book walks the line in a delightful way, both managing to creep me out once in a while and make me laugh throughout.

Ideal for the horror aficionado as well as anyone with an interest in pop culture or films, this readable, fun book by Hughes will be popular with patrons. Well organized and filled book recommendations as well as interesting trivia, this book is a great companion to Sadie Hartman's 100 books to read before you are murdered.

I am the friend that always declines to see horror movies but will absolutely read every single detail about them in their synopses. This book is the perfect way to learn about iconic horror movies without having to sit through them.

Each movie mentioned has been immortalized in the "horror hall of fame" because of their contributions to the genre. It was so cool to learn about the tropes they employ and how they help make these movies so vital for someone wanting to understand the horror-movie canon.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an excellent title that I think could blossom into an even better series.

Now I am aware that I am not the intended audience for this book as I adore horror (despite almost hitting the ceiling at every jump scare even when I see it coming), this is the perfect gateway into the genre. Not only does it fulfill the promise of giving you enough information without having to live through the 'horror', but it could well serve as a way to de-sensitize the reader enough to perhaps even start watching some of these films for themselves.

I understand there's a limitation of what films and eras of the genre that could be included, but there was a good range despite missing what I would have considered a few genre staples. It's one of those things that you can never please everyone with, but Horror for Weenies is such an excellent start, I look forward to a book 2 for even more scares!

A brilliant book for any horror fan not just the weenies. I love the layout of this book, how each film is separated into the what happens, why you should/shouldn’t watch, what happens (v spoiler-full), and what impact it has had since. This is then followed by reading recommendations which has help me double my TBR alongside my film watchlist.

The tongue in cheek style of writing really compliments the book and each entry is well researched and written about with love.

5/5 recommend