Stephen King Fans discussion

One of my favorites. I think the character development in this book is incredible. The way you connect with everyone in the story in some way. I feel true sadness when I read this. It is so haunting and unforgettable. Sara stands out above all the rest, besides Mike, in my memory. She is scary and beautiful and tragic all at the same time. Such an amazing story and masterfully told by King.

This definitely my favorite book of all time, and also my first Stephen King book. I first read it when I was 11, and I occasionally read it from time to time again because every time I do, it gets better.
Mike Noonan is a terrific book character :)

I avoided this book like the plague for the longest time because it seemed sappy and more like a romance novel, not what I wanted to read from King. Then I decided to read it and loved it. Had great character development and a terrific story line. Made me realize that King can write just about anything and do it well.

Looks like this TV series has an update too!

http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/8/30/...


I am loving Jason Priestley in Haven!

There was also a link there to a page that says they are going to remake The Stand for the big screen. The article claimed that they were going to make it a trilogy series. I guess we shall see.

Anyone doing a re-read before the show?

Hi, Angie!

I won't be re-reading it before the mini-series, but I have read the novel twice since its initial publication. I think the last time was in 2004 or '05.

I just found this thread! Angie, I did a re-read before the show and it was a mistake (for me). The novel's details were too clear in my head for me to be able to enjoy the show (and the things they changed).

Something I wrote in the thread connections to king's dark tower series , about connections and references to The Dark Tower lore that I think I found. Thought it was fitting for this thread: SPOILERS ABOUND...

Spoilers:
(view spoiler)[Fryeburg Fair early 1900's - Todash Travel:
Where Mike went in the flesh and met Sara Tidwell, Jared Devore and the great-grand fathers of some other residents of the TR-90. Also when he witnessed the wildfires in '33.
Usually todash travel is possible in the presence or proximity of great "psychic" energy (e.g. any of Maerlyn's Rainbow) or in an area or confluence of such energy (e.g. The Dark Tower). That's why I'm pretty inclined for the next one...

The Dark Tower - Dark Score Lake:
It is known that The Dark Tower can manifest itself differently, depending of the universe it is residing. In one place is a rose, in another is Stephen King himself, and in another it can be a lake. I'm inclined to that hypothesis because of something Mike refers to frequently and that is...

Connections - Beams:
At various times in the novel Mike is saying that there's something pulling certain events, actions or reactions to happen in a given way. Like some kind of connections or strings that are pulling or guiding things around. And close to the end, when he confronted the ghost of Max, he realized that it was there, in Dark Score Lake that all the connections (beams?) came together. The only place that can happen is in the Dark Tower itself, or something close to it.

Number 19 - Is mentioned a few times in the novel, notably " go-down-19 ".

Ka-tet connection - Town consciousness:
Most everybody in town was connected in some way. That's the reason why Bill Dean knew that Mrs. M talked to Mike that time she told him about Son Junior; and the reason how Dean would know that she also told Mike about Carla. Mike and Kyra had a similar connection (and to some extent, also with Mattie) like the one Roland had with both his Ka-tets.

What do you think?

(hide spoiler)]

Love this book give it an A- re ready it before the show and the show sucked bad gave it an Dplus barely what else did everyone think

Bought the movie for 5 bucks and was going to wait to watch it until after I read the book. But judging by the posts here, maybe thats not the best idea. Lol.

Movie blows wasn't worth a damn dime

Book is badass

I am reading is book tonight

Just finished this in a re read and have a question if it pleases ya?

##########POSSIBLE SPOILER $$$$$$$$

The Outsider mentioned near the end that Jo keeps at bay,what or even who do you think this entity may be? I have my own thoughts but would be interested to hear some other suggestions first.

Much obliged.

I just read this book for the first time a couple months ago. I had been wanting to read it for years. I was not disappointed.

Trent wrote: "Movie blows wasn't worth a damn dime"

Well, yes, it's pretty bad. But it's worth maybe 5 bucks. :)

Trent wrote: "Book is badass"

Agreed. :)

Dark Score is certainly a loaded atmosphere, B.O.B is in my top 5 of the incomparable Master King's killer tales,

Chris wrote: "Just finished this in a re read and have a question if it pleases ya?

##########POSSIBLE SPOILER $$$$$$$$

The Outsider mentioned near the end that Jo keeps at bay,what or even who do you think th..."

Could you refresh my memory of the outsider you ar talking about. I have some theories about Dark Score Lake and other stuff and would like to contribute on yours. If you want you can read them; just a few posts back. REMEMBER TO USE [without quote marks] <"spoiler"> to start a spoiler and <"/spoiler"> to end it. Be well.

Just starting Bag of Bones. So far, so good! :)

Hmmm. Finally finished Bag of Bones...very mixed emotion on this one. The town full of grinning, deceitful monsters, the vilification of the victim of a horrific crime, the meandering gloominess of the main protagonist. I keep recalling a line by Doyle's Sherlock Holmes that "the most insidious evil can be found in small hamlets."

Having recently finished "The Long Walk," I did like the clever nod to Ray Garraty, though.

My friend let me borrow this book because he said he didn't get into it. I'm wondering if anyone else thought it wasn't very intriguing.

Julie wrote: "My friend let me borrow this book because he said he didn't get into it. I'm wondering if anyone else thought it wasn't very intriguing."

You will find mostly praise about the book here. Plus if you are a Dark Tower buff/fan you'll like some of the connections with it.

Kirstin wrote: "Just starting Bag of Bones. So far, so good! :)"

I'd love to hear what you think, Kristin. I really liked Bag of Bones the first time I read it... now doing the audiobook with my wife on our latest travels. We're only a few hours in but so far so good. She likes it a lot... and she's always surprised when she likes a king book. But the real story hasn't even started yet. I do like the tie ins to castle rock and derry and dark score lake etc.

I seldom comment on a book thread before finishing a book, being a fast and a binge reader, I am more concerned about quickly finishing a novel but this time I will make an exception. I am about one-third of the way into Bag of Bones and it is still setting things up and dragging in places which makes me ask the question does anyone else think King is too self-indulgent a writer to know when to stop.

There are brilliant flashes of insight into the protagonist's mind, observations that very few authors make but in spite of all that the plot itself is seldom gripping being continuously let down by pacing issues.

Aditya wrote: "I seldom comment on a book thread before finishing a book, being a fast and a binge reader, I am more concerned about quickly finishing a novel but this time I will make an exception. I am about on..."

So, my wife dropped out of bag of bones about half way through (I think it was the oversexed dream sequence that did it.) I'm still with it but I do tend to agree with you, Aditya, there is an awful lot of asides and details about the writing life, etc, that tend to slow the book down. I just started up again after a few weeks with Richard Laymon. (More about that soon), but, at this point, I'm anxious to get into the story of Maddie and her kid and find out what happened... even though I already know.

Nick wrote: "So, my wife dropped out of bag of bones about half way through (I think it was the oversexed dream sequence that did it.) I'm still with it but I do tend to agree with you, Aditya,... "

Coming back to a book after a few weeks might be a nice strategy but I read one book at a time and if a fiction book is simply not entertaining or interesting enough to reel me in after I had spent at least a couple of hours on it, I guess the book is to be blamed.

Thanks for your reply, just wanted to know what others thought, I will undoubtedly still complete the book but it just reminded me why I cut down on reading King late last year. The writing itself keeps on promising a lot only for the plot to disappoint with a lot of long winded scenes that re-iterates the same point (like the dream sequences in Bag of Bones) and the book to end on a limping note with a mediocre ending.

Aditya wrote: "Nick wrote: "So, my wife dropped out of bag of bones about half way through (I think it was the oversexed dream sequence that did it.) I'm still with it but I do tend to agree with you, Aditya,... ..."

It's funny, but wonderful (!), the different tastes here; maybe it's because I've always wanted to be an author, and because I do a little writing and editing as part of my job, but that was one part of BOB I really enjoyed, the detail he gets into about the writer's life. I didn't find it boring at all, and it's what has made me want to read his nonfiction book "On Writing." For me, he has a way of making things sound so interesting. Either way, I'm glad you're sticking with it and hope you enjoy the rest of it.

Teresa wrote: "Aditya wrote: "Nick wrote: "So, my wife dropped out of bag of bones about half way through (I think it was the oversexed dream sequence that did it.) I'm still with it but I do tend to agree with y..."

The truth is, if you want to be a writer (or are a writers spouse) BOB has a lot to recommend it. I think my wife came away with a better understand of why I spent so many years alone in my office typing away like a madman... why (and this really drives her nuts) on vacations I start working on a book and don't want to go out and explore the glories of the place we've paid so much to visit. King does a great job of explaining the joy, allure, fascination, and addictive qualities of writing that our partners find so maddening. He also dramatizes the rewards of being a successful writer with cold hard facts that, hopefully, made my wife say to herself so maybe it's worth it after all. That being said, as fascinating as it was and a real life lesson for my family, Theresa, I did feel at the time that he did go on and on about it... maybe a little too much. And that did slow the story down.

Teresa wrote: It's funny, but wonderful (!), the different tastes here; maybe it's because I've always wanted to be an author, and because I do a little writing and editing as part of my job, but that was one part of BOB I really enjoyed, the detail he gets into about the writer's life..."

I didn't mind those tidbits as long as they did not come at the expense of the plot which seemed to be the case here. I think a book which I loved and gave us great insight about how the mind of the writer works; mainly his relationship with his fans and can he control what he creates; was Misery. It was intrinsic to the plot in that book while here it just seems like unwanted meandering, just my two cents and thanks for your reply.

I've admitted this other places but I never find his meandering boring or unnecessary. Even when, logically, I know it is, I just feel it's extra words by him I get to read.

Like Nick, I love when he gives us what I feel are glimpses into his author self. It's who and what he is, so he must write about it well. Look how great he writes from the perspective of a young girl and he is neither young nor female!

I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the setting, the reading (King-audiobook) he does great accents and knows the story and how it should be read. The audio had little snips of the music referred to in the story (old Blues) and some "mood music" that wouldn't be in the regular book form. While usually I find that annoying, this time it kinda worked. The audio experience was well done all around, but the book itself was this side of so-so.

Kandice wrote: "I've admitted this other places but I never find his meandering boring or unnecessary. Even when, logically, I know it is, I just feel it's extra words by him I get to read.

Like Nick, I love wh..."

Very well said; my sentiments exactly.

Aditya wrote: "Teresa wrote: It's funny, but wonderful (!), the different tastes here; maybe it's because I've always wanted to be an author, and because I do a little writing and editing as part of my job, but t..."

Yes, I can understand how you would feel that way at times :)

I get so mad at myself when I read a book and love it and then years pass and I cannot remember the story. But, thanks to this website, I got the idea to listen to the books on audio to refresh my memory. Stephen Kings books here I come!

Miriam wrote: "I get so mad at myself when I read a book and love it and then years pass and I cannot remember the story. But, thanks to this website, I got the idea to listen to the books on audio to refresh my..."

If you're thinking of trying Bag of Bones, Miriam, I highly recommend it. I loved King's reading of On Writing but had my doubts about his handling one of his novels. He does a great job on BoB not just as the main character who is after all an author too, but in all the supporting roles, even the little girl. And his take on those old time Yankee accents is great. I know I said he does go on a little but as the story progresses he does less of that and the courtroom drama (and the ghost story) are world class. Other great king audios - 11/22/63, Joyland, Christine, Under the Dome, Dr. Sleep, many short stories, notably Stationary Bike, and especially (if you're into it) On Writing.

My plan is to read every audio King book I can get from the library. Thanks for the info.

inappropriate

Eka wrote: "I want to share a testimony of my life to every one. i am married to my husband Daniel , i love him so much and we have been married for 6 years now with two kids.
When he went for a vacation to..."

Can a moderator kindly delete this? Ambush marketing for magicians on a book thread is just plain stupid.

Miriam wrote: "inappropriate"

Miriam, if you mean On Writing is inappropriate for you, you may be wrong. The first half and the last few chapters of the book are autobiographical and well worth a listen. When King does get into his rules on writing, and there are many of them ("pronouns are slippery little bastards" I think he says) his points are illustrated by insightful comments about his books. But you can skip that section. The first part is well worth the price of admission.

No, what was inappropriate was that post about magic but I see it is gone now. I loved On Writing. I read it a long time ago.

It was a very strange post. I thought I had stumbled on the wrong thread when I read it.

At first I thought it had something to do with the book because it has been so long since I've read it I don't remember the story. But as I read further I realized this didn't belong here.

Aditya wrote: "I seldom comment on a book thread before finishing a book, being a fast and a binge reader, I am more concerned about quickly finishing a novel but this time I will make an exception. I am about on..."

Just finished this book and am glad I stayed with it. I often wonder why I stick with books that I didn't like even after its first 100 pages, more often than not a book that is disappointing to begin note ends on a sluggish note reminding me it did not justify my time and investment in it. This is one of the rare cases where once the story finds it voice, it leads to an amazing read and my habit felt like a great one to have one rather than one that always feels like a chore.

One of the more mature and moving King reads, a better editor and I would call it one of my favorites. A King book where the plot measures up to the writing rather than feeling like the perennially neglected sibling.

Aditya wrote: "Aditya wrote: "I seldom comment on a book thread before finishing a book, being a fast and a binge reader, I am more concerned about quickly finishing a novel but this time I will make an exception..."

It was one of my favorites the first time I read it. That and Wizard and Glass... I'm starting to wonder what that says about me.

Nick wrote: "It was one of my favorites the first time I read it. That and Wizard and Glass... I'm starting to wonder what that says about me. "

Any reader who accepts the fact that King's prose is beautiful enough to stand on its own merit for how insightful and fluent it is without becoming demanding on the reader's part to keep up with it will consider this one of his favorites.

I wish I could takes his excess prose as a worthwhile price to pay for how authentic and believable he makes stories that basically deal with a genre that the literary types scoff at - horror; I would enjoy his books much more. If all his stories had such a reverberating ending instead of his usual cop out of an ending (like Needful Things, The Shining, etc) I would probably not mind it either.

Aditya wrote: "Nick wrote: "It was one of my favorites the first time I read it. That and Wizard and Glass... I'm starting to wonder what that says about me. "

Any reader who accepts the fact that King's prose i..."

You're right. Also, thanks for overlooking my point about the similarity between BoB and W & G.

Stacie wrote: "This will be a second attempt for me... I just wasn't in a good headspace the first time I tried. Too impatient I guess ;) This time I'll be trying the audio version."

I just listened to the audio book and really enjoyed it. It is a little slow but I want to reread it already because it was really good and unlike a lot of other Stephen King books. It reminded me more Duma Key than older books.

I'm reading this right now, so I'm going to avoid reading the discussion until I finish. I had trouble reading and finishing a few of the lesser known King novels recently, so I'm pleased that this one has not tempted me to drop it.