Guest Author - Ossiana Tepfenhart

If you're anything like me, the holidays usually means that you're going to end up staring at a bunch of presents that you don't normally want or need. ("Tube socks? But...I don't wear socks...") Now, since there's still one or two days or so left before your holiday of choice (or not), I decided to do a review on several books, magazines, and videos that are pertinent to the Urban Legends subject.

If you live in the USA, the first thing that I would suggest is the Weird US series of books. Originating as the Weird New Jersey series and expanding all over the entire country, this magazine series is exceptionally popular and gives incredible insight into the local legends in your area - and a lot of them are so close, you can visit them at night for a spooky, fun-filled trip that will be a story to tell your kids when you get older. If you really want to see the coolest parts of the Weird New Jersey section, definitely make sure to check out WNJ's articles on the Skillman Institute! It's written at about 7th grade to high school level, depending on who was the contributor, and almost always has a nostalgic twist or feel to it. Out of 10 chills, this definitely gets a 10!

Another excellent - albeit quick and very light on the subject - book is "Urban Legends : The Truth Behind All Those Deliciously Entertaining Myths That Are Absolutely, Positively, 100% Not True!" by Richard Roeper. This delightful book covers the main legends that everyone has heard at one point or another - about the strange, bizarre fraternity rituals that happen on campuses to the gross details of real snuff movies...and busts every single legend to bits! For the people who are the kind who truly wish that these legends were actually the truth, then I wouldn't suggest Roeper's book. However, for people who don't care whether the legends are true or not, but just want to see what proof there is on the subject, then this would definitely be a great book. For that, I'll give the book an 8 out of 10 chills rating. Before you go buy the book for little Timmy, be advised that "Urban Legends" has some adult content...especially in the Weddings part. Please check to see whether it's age appropriate.

There is also "The Encyclopedia of Urban Legends" by Jan Harold Brunvard. If you ever need a quick reference book which will both entertain and inform, this would be the perfect choice. It's written at a slightly more erudite level than Roeper's book, or the Weird America series, so this would definitely be geared towards highschoolers and adults who still enjoy reading up on the tall tales that they might end up hearing once more at a gathering. What is especially great about this is that the encyclopedia offers both the closest-known origins of the urban legend and sometimes a small illustration that just adds a nice touch to the entry. 10 out of 10 chills!

Hopefully I helped you out while you browse amazon.com!