In Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid, folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand collects more than ninety terrifying urban legends, organized by themes such as 'Chills Up Your Spine' and 'Accidents'. These stories, which often begin with 'A friend of a friend told me...' (FOAF), are modern folk tales that spread through word of mouth, media, or the internet. Brunvand analyzes the structure and cultural significance of these legends, examining their evolution and psychological appeal. The book offers a fascinating look at how fear and morality are intertwined in contemporary folklore.