♥ Nothing Better Than Reading!! ♥ discussion

What did you think of the book?

I really like this book - probably one of my favorites by King. It took me some time but once I got used to the characters they were awesome. Also, the setting - I haven't been to a place like this before and it was intriguing to read what problems it caused.

I just bought the sequel and really look forward to reading it as well.

Abhay and I had done this book buddy reading... Its my first and the only King book :) It was a thriller and it makes me want to read more from King..

I'm only at 25% through the book. Very detailed book. What a fractured family with so many different issues. Nothing good will come of being locked up and isolated for many months in icy, cold, snowy winter weathers.

I love the movie and grew up watching it over and over and over. I really want to know the difference from book vs. movie.

Rachel, the book is significantly different, and (in my opinion) more creepy than the movie.

In fact, if you read up, you'll find that King HATED Kubrick's interpretation of his story and thought that Shelly Duvall's character was the worst female lead ever !

I simply loved this book. Was actually skeptical about reading a King novel, given my earlier experiences but am sure glad I read this one, for it made me a King fan! I loved the way the author has managed to keep us walking on a tight rope throughout the book, without giving us time to think about anything but the book and the suspense it put forth. Simply a book that I couldn't put down. Of course, I did not find it scary, given that it was made out to be the scariest book to me; but did find the entire ride enjoyable and thrilling.

Haven't really seen the movie but then I am not a great fan of watching films made from books, given that I always feel they miss out a lot!

Sri, King does know how to build an atmosphere. In fact, you should read his Dark Tower series some time. Very different from usual fantasy series.

@Sumit - I have the Dark Tower series in my TBR, thanks to you :) :) Was thinking of starting it this year but given the amount of books, already planned, I have shelved it for the next year. But I do plan to read it. :)

And I agree, with this book I am convinced that he knows how to build an atmosphere :)

You guys read his short story which was basis for Shawshank Redemption movie..?

Nir - I've read only that book of King's. And I read that after I watched the movie. I feel that's one of the rare examples where movie equalled the greatness of the book, if not surpassed :)

No Niranjan - That's also on my TBR :)

@HP - yup great movie.. Have to read the story someday :)
@Sri - I'd better add it in my TBR so I won't miss it :D

Niranjan wrote: "You guys read his short story which was basis for Shawshank Redemption movie..?"

It's actually a novella - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. :D

There's an anecdote about King that he himself narrated in an interview:

King: I walked into a supermarket, and an old lady saw me and asked, "Heyyyy, you are Stephen King, aren't you?" I said, 'Yes ma'am, guilty as charged.'

She says, "Why don't you write better stories? You write about bodies ripped apart, ghosts, and demons. Write some inspiring stuff!"

King: Sure ma'am, but do you have an example?

Lady: Yes, I just finished reading this story called The Shawshank Redemption and it was fantastic. Why can't you write something like that?

King: Well ma'am, actually I did.

Lady: Yeah, right!!

And she stomps off.

I don't know if this is a true story or an urban myth, but it does show how stereotyped King has become. :)

LOL.. Nice one Sumit. The anecdote has made me want to read the novella even more :)

Haha... :D Too good Sumit :D

Sumit wrote: "Rachel, the book is significantly different, and (in my opinion) more creepy than the movie.

In fact, if you read up, you'll find that King HATED Kubrick's interpretation of his story and thought ..."

I'm currently at 55% in the book and I agree with you so far. It is way more creepy than the movie. The character building is great and I feel so horribly bad for Danny. He is truly the one that suffers the most. Poor guy about room 217. I'm at chapter 30 (217 Revisited). Can't wait to find out what happens with Jack there. I know what happens in the movie but I heard it was way better in the book.

Also, I did read up on how King didn't like the movie at all.

I'm 75% into the book. Wow, creepy, the dog man, sheesh. Two nights ago, I had a funky dream from read a few of these creepy books. I should write my own books from my twisted dreams.

I had a great discussion with a friend tonight about the book and about 'Salem's Lot. He said, he was so scared that he swore off reading, lol. Poor guy. Horror isn't his genre.

I'm really liking the book. Should be finished tomorrow.

Awesome, I look forward to hearing your views soon. :)

I loved this book! I read it in university for a break from my required reading, and I devoured it! I had a hankering to watch the movie, but I am the type who wants to read the book before seeing the film, so I got it from my library. The book was amazing, and I was very disappointed by the movie. I thought they had left out some of the best scenes (hedge animals, anyone?)!