Some Things Supernatural

I am not typically into paranormal fiction, yet somehow I just read 4 supernatural novels!  They were all enjoyable books. While reading, I began to wonder why is the supernatural so popular, both with readers and authors?
I consider myself an amateur reader. So without doing any research into the the appeal of this genre or theme, let's explore the magic in these four. I invite other readers to give me your take.

Book #1-

The Brief Wondrous life of Oscar Wao

by Junot Díaz.

The story takes place in the 1980s. Oscar is an overweight, nerdy young man from the Dominican Republic growing up in New Jersey.  The idea of Fuku' (curse) begins with his grandfather's demise at the direction of El Jefe, continues with his mother's disastrous childhood and relationships and finally comes to bear on Oscar. These magical elements are mostly interpretive as Oscar seeks to make sense of his bad luck  and find love. I believe that Diaz included these mystical parts into the novel because as a story about a family who emigrates from the Dominican Republic to the United States the cultural beliefs are part of the story. What I loved about the novel was learning about DR history and culture from a very authentic sounding narrator. The superstitions included added to that idea of cultural transmission between generations.

Book #2

Sisterland :a novel

by Curtis Sittenfeld

This story is about twin sisters who are also psychic.  They can predict the future. Although this leads to some of the plot suspense in the novel, I think the author used their ESP as a  metaphor for the closeness the women experienced. I believe the story is really about what it is like being a twin. The sister's relationships with each other and others in the context of their twin-ness is wonderfully explored. Like Ying and Yang, twins commonly develop their personalities in contrast to each other. When the roles are reversed, interesting things happen. I think hearing that the novel contains some supernatural themes might draw those in who might not otherwise not choose this book.

Book #3

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

The main character is a teenage boy who seeks to make meaning out his grandfather's life and death. He finds an entire magical world that changes him from ordinary to extraordinary with it's unique challenges. The children in the story all have weird and somewhat magical talents. The story also includes time travel so definitely would appeal to those who like speculative fiction.  The supernatural powers of the characters are a device to explore the hidden talents in all of us and is saying that it is okay to be different. The best part of this book however has got to be the illustrations. About every 10 pages, the author includes a old real life photo that goes with the story.

Book #4

Second glance: a novel

Jodi Picoult.
Unlike other books I have read by this author, there is no ethical dilemma nor courtroom battle. The story involves a man whose fiance dies in a car crash and ends up wanting to die.  The story completely focuses on ghosts, dreams and daily supernatural occurrences . In this book Picoult is shouting "LOVE IS A MIRACLE!"  Despite the overkill on the main theme, the book delivers some history on our nation's eugenics movement of the 20s and 30s which fits nicely into the plot. There is some suspense and plenty of romance as well. 

So to sum up, looking at these four books, love, relationships and our own hidden talents are magical. Do you agree?