Book Phobias. Really?

This slideshow from Huffington Post made me chuckle. I, for one, must say they’re completely right: I am afraid of wood, forests and trees thanks to Winnie the Pooh and fish thanks to Dr. Seuss.

(I’m kidding)

But I am curious about whether or not books can actually increase (or start) someone’s fear of something. What do you think? Can books really have that power?