Can you recommend the best American horror stories for a beginner?

For a beginner, 'The Monkey's Paw' is a great choice. It's a short story that shows how a simple wish - granting device can lead to horror. The family's desperation and the unexpected and dark outcomes are quite effective in creating a sense of dread.

For a beginner, 'Frankenstein' is a great choice. It's not only a horror story but also a philosophical exploration of creation and responsibility. The idea of a man - made monster and his struggle in a world that rejects him is both sad and terrifying. Also, 'Carmilla' can be a good pick. It has a female vampire, which is a bit different from the more common male vampires in horror stories, and it has a very gothic and spooky feel to it.

For a beginner, 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a great choice. It's a tender and coming - of - age story about two boys, Aristotle and Dante, and their relationship. It's not overly complex and is very accessible in terms of its language and themes.

Sure. 'Pigeons from Hell' is a good start. It's not overly complex and it really gives you a taste of Howard's ability to create a spooky atmosphere. The story is easy to follow and the horror elements are quite engaging.

For a beginner, 'The Shining' by Stephen King is a great choice. It's a well - known horror novel with a simple yet effective premise of a family in a haunted hotel. The characters are relatable and the build - up of horror is gradual. Another good one is 'Pet Sematary'. It's easy to get into and the concept of the cursed burial ground is both scary and fascinating.

I would also recommend 'SOMA'. It has a thought - provoking story. Although it has some complex themes, the basic premise of exploring an underwater research facility and the strange things happening there is easy to grasp. The game also has a great sense of atmosphere and horror that can draw in new players to the horror genre.

For a beginner, 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu is also worth reading. It was one of the early vampire stories. It tells the story of a young woman who befriends Carmilla, who turns out to be a vampire. The story has an air of mystery and gothic horror that is not too extreme for someone new to horror short stories.

I'd recommend 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It seems like a normal small - town story at first. The townspeople gather for an annual lottery. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this lottery is not what it seems, and the 'winner' is actually going to be stoned to death by the rest of the villagers. It's a great introduction to the idea that not everything is as it appears in horror stories.

Sure. 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson is a classic that still holds up today. It's a great starting point as it builds tension and unease in a very psychological way. You don't have to deal with extreme gore or violence, but it still gives you that creeping sense of horror.

Sure. 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is a good one. It seems like an ordinary small - town story at first, but then it takes a very dark turn. It shows how blindly following traditions can be extremely harmful. It's not too overly gory or complex, so it's great for a beginner.