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Elevation Review

Stephen King, Fiction, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Elevation

Published: 10, October 2018
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Fiction, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's novella Elevation has chapter header artwork by Mark Edward Geyer, who previously illustrated King's initial editions of Rose Madder and The Green Mile. The storyline and certain parts of the book are based on Tim Earnshaw's 1997 novel Helium.

On December 22, 2017, King spoke with Entertainment Weekly about this subject. During a discussion of his most recent novella, Gwendy's Button Box, King stated, "I've written another novella, Elevation, which is also a Castle Rock story and, in some ways, a sequel to Gwendy. Sometimes you sow the land, add some fertilizer, and things grow." The words of King are not precisely as he spoke here since I had to edit certain words due to copywriter issues.

This is the story of Scott Carey of Castle Rock, Maine, who is dealing with an unknown sickness that has strange effects on his body and leads him to lose weight quickly, despite the fact that he seems healthy on the outside. 

While battling this condition with his trusted doctor, he also tries to resolve a serious issue involving a lesbian couple attempting to build a restaurant in the midst of a hostile public.

According to the most recent information, a movie adaptation is in the works, but no additional details are available at this time. As always, keep an eye on this section of the post for any new developments.

I spoke with several individuals who gave this novella a low rating, and I have to question whether you read the same story I did. This story had a clear message and was a great teaching opportunity. 

The majority of people seemed to have missed it completely. What a tragedy. There is no leftist agenda here, as some have stated, and I must question what is wrong with individuals who find everything they are disappointed in as leftist plan? 

It is a narrative pointing out that we are all fundamentally the same, and we all put our trousers on one leg at a time. 

We must let others do what they want in the same way that we want them to cease bugging us about what we do. 

But we do need to stop people from stealing, killing, taking and giving bribes, bullying, and many other bad things, but not stop things like lesbians or gays being free to love each other as they want or hating people of other races, countries, and religions just because they look different or worship different gods. 

We must unify against such things and focus solely on true evil rather than on personal matters or choices such as religion, politics, or being straight or homosexual.

The town was full of judgmental and intolerant people who discriminated against anybody who violated their little community's social standards. 

They were at ease in their ignorance and hostility, paying little attention to the impact their attitudes had on others who were a bit different. Isn't this something you've heard before? Have you seen the news lately?

Scott is growing lighter (not in the Thinner manner,) but he refuses to go to a doctor or clinic because he does not want to be a public curiosity like his new neighbors are. 

He is also not afraid of his condition and is okay with it, as his neighbors are. Finally, he relied on one of his neighbors for assistance since she knew how he felt and why he selected the road he did.

Being afraid of anything different is not a justification to mock or detest it, and it is not about certain political parties or individuals; it is about our society as a whole, and we must address this issue before it is too late.

This book was great, and I read it in a single day. I'll read it once again someday. Stephen King takes you by the throat in the early pages of his books in a way that no other author can. 

Scott, the main character, makes you fall in love with him. He's a truly kind guy, as are Dr. Bob, Dee Dee, Myra, and Missy later in the book. 

The only problem with The Kings' novels is that they are impossible to put down, and you will not want to get up or be distracted while reading this story. His novels are always fantastic, and this one was no exception.

This was a fantastic story. Characters who are well-developed and with whom you want to spend time. Nothing more can be asked of a book. 

I love it when the author narrates the Audiobook, especially if it's Stephen King. If I enjoy the book or the author, I always buy the paperback, hardback, kindle, or any electronic form, as well as the audio version. 

This has been my habit since the days of cassettes and subsequently CDs. Before I go any further, I should clarify that I am not related to Stephen King or have any connection to the sales of his novels, but as a reader and author (As an author, I utilize pseudonyms for my privacy and independence,) I feel compelled to state the following. 

I do have to address those who are outraged that they were charged $11.97 for a novella-type narrative rather than one of Stephen King's typical tomes. 

To begin with, king's brand new books often sell for $14.99 or more at the time of release. Second, to everyone who purchased the book and then complained when they received it and saw it only had 160 pages, you have no reason to be dissatisfied. 

It was and is plainly stated in the Product Details section that it is just 160 pages long. It is not the author's fault that you did not read all of the content. 

Giving the book less ratings because you did not perform your own research before purchasing it is neither fair to the author nor to others who seek an honest assessment of the book.


Final Thoughts

I am a really open-minded person who does not belong to any group or party and solely believes in live and let live, so please do not try to exploit my open words to connect me with any group and simply enjoy the books as I do without worrying about politics or any other man-made masses-controlling tactics.

One of the novel's themes is inclusivity, so if your political philosophy or religion needs you to fear or reject the "others," this is probably not for you, so skip the diatribe about "Left-Wing King."

Aside from that, it is most likely a valid critique that the phenomena or medical ailment he depicts plaguing the protagonist cannot and will never occur. 

True, but this is Stephen King, who does it better than most, as evidenced by 50 best-sellers that have sold over 350 million copies. So suspend your skepticism and sit in for a fast, funny, and (in more ways than one) inspiring narrative. You can't get much better than that!

This novella was fantastic. It's not a horror King Story by any means, but it does have a hint of the otherworldly. Similar to a Twilight Zone episode in which a man finds himself in an unexpected circumstance and makes the most of it. 

It's about belonging, camaraderie, and accepting one's fate. The characters were natural and relatable as usual, with some deserving of all the hatred we can pour on them, but I feel that with some love and knowledge, we can still change such individuals in real life. Fans of strange, Twilight Zone-style stories should check this out.


Synopsis

“From legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting story about “an ordinary man in an extraordinary condition rising above hatred” (The Washington Post) and bringing the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine together—a “joyful, uplifting” (Entertainment Weekly) tale about finding common ground despite deep-rooted differences, “the sign of a master elevating his own legendary game yet again” (USA TODAY).

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face—including his own—he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

“Written in masterly Stephen King’s signature translucent…this uncharacteristically glimmering fairy tale calls unabashedly for us to rise above our differences” (Booklist, starred review). Elevation is an antidote to our divisive culture, an “elegant whisper of a story” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), “perfect for any fan of small towns, magic, and the joys and challenges of doing the right thing” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Castle Rock, Character Development, Great Story, Highly Recommend, King Book, Lesbian Couple, Quick Read, Scott Carey, Short Story, Small Town, Steven King, Weight Loss


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Sleeping Beauties Review

Stephen King, Owen King, American, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Historical, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Post Apocalyptic, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Sleeping Beauties

Published: 26, September 2017
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Historical, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Post Apocalyptic, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Sleeping Beauties is a novel written by Stephen King and his son Owen King, who, according to Stephen King, gave him the concept for the book. The novel was first revealed in June 2016 and is set in a women's jail in West Virginia during a bizarre magical event that leads all of the world's women to fall asleep. On September 1, 2017, Entertainment Weekly released an excerpt in their special The Ultimate Guide to Stephen King edition.

An AMC series based on the book might be on the way, but it's been almost three years since the previous update, and I haven't heard anything about it. As always, I'll post any new information as soon as I get it.

This is a fantastic modernized fairy tale. I was scared they'd go down the women's good, men's evil road, and there was a little amount of that - I mean, raising the question "Is it possible that a woman has ever launched a war? I don't think so." (Or anything along those lines.) 

Could I please present you to Margaret Thatcher? What about Golda Meir? What about Queen Elizabeth I? What about Queen Victoria? And so on and so on. But they didn't do it all that much. They were reasonable.

Stephen and Owen, a father and son literary duo, have effectively crafted a continuous narrative voice in the 700+ page novel that runs straight ahead at a terrific speed. 

I've always admired Stephen King for moving out the inevitable King-style climactic and cinema-graphic confrontations between good and evil for much too long. 

These noisy, brutal, and often confused passages, for example, in "Bag of Bones" and "The Stand," to name two, may occupy 10 minutes of screen time, but pages and pages and pages of text that I read and reread are still better than any movie. 

Well, I'm pleased to report that the climax "showdown" sequences in "Sleeping Beauties" are considerably clearer but still noisy, gruesome, and well-paced.

I never liked to read an author who is the child of a famous author for obvious reasons: chances are, the book was never written by the child author, and the famous author actually wrote it for the kid to help him or her grow, but after reading Anne Rice and her son Christopher Rice's books, I changed my mind, and the same applies here. 

And now I feel that these works were written by the children rather than the parents, with the exception of the later parts of Dune, which were released after the death of the mythological Frank Herbert, and I believe they were never written by him, as no scripts were discovered late after his death. 

For me, the first three books were the best, but later they became different, and then after his death, it was entirely someone else writing those books, namely "Kevin J. Anderson and maybe Brian Herbert, but I doubt it," but I still read all the books in the series, and I always read the later parts with the clear mind that they were not written by Frank Herbert, so I don't get mad at the story or quality because, compared to the Dune, any quality will feel like a kid wrote the books. 

Don't get me wrong, Kevin J. Anderson is a fantastic author, but I'm simply comparing the first novel to any other work in the same universe.

Let's get back to the book I'm meant to be reviewing... I admit that I was apprehensive when I learned that my favorite author, Stephen King, had collaborated on a novel with his son, Owen King. 

I was curious if their writing styles would be comparable, and if they would complement one another. 

I wasn't expecting such a gripping novel, part fantasy, half science fiction, all suspense. There are several characters, like in many of the elder King's writings. 

At the beginning of the book, the writers graciously give a list of them, along with a one-line summary of their role in the plot. 

Once again, King demonstrates his ability to conceive and bring to life a wide range of characters. Some generate more pity, while others arouse more disdain, yet they all fit together.

An excellent treatment of the topic of the sexes' interaction. From men's insensitivity to women to full-fledged misogynists, the novel delves into a conceivable scenario of a single-gender society. 

Women's perspectives are strongly represented, particularly in the conclusions reached. As an open-minded individual, I believe I can connect to a variety of masculine views toward females, as well as female ones. 

I remember thinking at first that the book couldn't have been written by a man, then changing my mind to honor this candid and accurate portrayal of reality. 

A useful insight can be beneficial to both men and women. I know King is a fantastic writer who doesn't need his son's help to write all of this flawlessly, but I still like to envision them sitting together and weaving this magnificent masterpiece as a father and son team. 

I've read a number of Owen King's works, and I believe he can write with his father and add the stuff in this book, but it's clear that he still needs a lot of time to break out of the shadow of his father, the divine literary giant Stephen King.


Final Thoughts

Stephen and Owen King have created an excellent story that delves into the minds of men and women with incredible authenticity and insight. 

The universe they build is really fantastical, yet plausible since it encompasses all of the distinct characteristics of both sexes and presents them for the reader's perception.

The events that led to the female convicts' arrival in their different locations in this story reflect very vividly actual conditions in the lives of so many women. 

There are several instances where "righteous" does not imply the right to liberty.

This tale made me think deeply and showed me how narrow the line is for males to walk while dealing with so many of life's events, and how men and women behave differently. 

This is a narrative that will make you think about morals, society, and the roles of both sexes in society. 

It will not provide you with solutions, but it will certainly get you thinking. There are plenty of story twists and flights into plausible fantasy, with just enough truth to please the most discerning readers.

This book is not a quick read, but it is rewarding and hopeful, and it is wonderful if you want to discover hope since we all need it.

This novel has some extremely moving passages. I don't want to provide any spoilers, so go ahead and buy it and find out for yourself!


Synopsis

“In this spectacular New York Times bestselling father/son collaboration that “barrels along like a freight train” (Publishers Weekly), Stephen King and Owen King tell the highest of high-stakes stories: what might happen if women disappeared from the world of men?

In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep: they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If they are awakened, if the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent. And while they sleep they go to another place, a better place, where harmony prevails and conflict is rare. One woman, the mysterious “Eve Black,” is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease. Is Eve a medical anomaly to be studied? Or is she a demon who must be slain?

Abandoned, left to their increasingly primal urges, the men divide into warring factions, some wanted to kill Eve, some to save her. Others exploit the chaos to wreak their own vengeance on new enemies. All turn to violence in a suddenly all-male world. Set in a small Appalachian town whose primary employer is a woman’s prison, Sleeping Beauties is a wildly provocative, gloriously dramatic father-son collaboration that feels particularly urgent and relevant today.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Character Development, Evie Black, Fall Asleep, Father And Son, Joe Hill, King Novel, Looking Forward, Many Characters, Page Turner, Son Owen


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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Revival Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Revival

Published: 11, November 2014
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Revival is a novel by Stephen King. In an interview with Rolling Stone, King indicated that Revival was inspired by Arthur Machen's The Great God Pan and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and that, like several of King's other works, he had the concept for this novel since boyhood. Yes, while reading this novel, you will notice a tribute to another classic of the horror genre, H. P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror.

To be honest, I've always been a fan of Lovecraft. This novel evokes images from Lovecraft and Arthur Machen's Great God Pan, a short story worth reading in its own right. 

King had already experimented with these themes, but instead of brief stories and clues of what is beyond the veil, this takes us by the hand and then pushes us through the veil to witness with horror what truly lies beyond. 

The best aspect is that it absolutely delivered for me. Often, horror stories have a conclusion that isn't as excellent as the shocks that came before it, but I found that each part led us to a wonderful and horrifying crescendo that had me tingling long after I completed the story. 

The unease of it all lingered with me, which is a sign of a good novel. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it, but it's now one of my favorite King books.

The human characters bloom, which is typical of King's work and one of the reasons I enjoy it. 

Like Jamie develops from a nice young child to a hardened young adolescent, and then to a weary man who can't seem to get off the path he's on, despite knowing there's nothing good at the end. 

Charlie Jacobs begins as an idealistic young pastor but gradually turns his skills to his own heinous objectives. 

Jamie is fully aware that Jacobs will not approve of what he sees - no one will - but he is unable to stop Jacobs, even when he is old and withered. 

When Jacobs assists, it appears to be a miracle, but those individuals suffer far more than they will ever comprehend. 

There is no victor, no virtue that triumphs against evil. There is just a desire to look beneath the cover and the consequences of doing so. 

I think the ending was suitable for the narrative, but make no mistake: this is not a feel-good novel.

I believe I understand why many people loathe Stephen King and leave nasty comments and reviews about him. 

These individuals are divided into two groups: those who link Stephen King's name with horror stories and loathe it when the narrative is not terrifying, and others who despise him for political reasons, have never read his works, or simply dislike him. 

I belong to the third category, which differs from the first two. My group is made up of folks that admire Stephen King as a writer in general, not only as a horror writer. 

We appreciate reading his work, which goes from fast to slow, lengthy to short, strange, paranormal, monsters, human psychology demons, and whatever he writes is good for us. He is an all-around writer, and we appreciate whatever he writes.

King has a unique storytelling style. And there are tales inside tales. As a result, it doesn't upset me if Billy Summers isn't what I expected. 

Or consider The Dark Tower's finale. The storyline must be resolved, but by the conclusion of 11/22/63, it was merely furniture in one room of a home that had been a great story. 

The very inventive and vivid depiction of something awful that doesn't exist anywhere beyond the author's head is great, but it's not near as cool as the narrative itself.

I had a similar reaction to Revival. This was a fantastic story. The household. The little town. The new pastor. The adolescent crush the Rock 'n' roll and the Cars. The disaster and its aftermath. The way stories drive into the future, yet I don't feel like I've skipped a beat. 

The way minor characters become individuals I care about and identify with almost immediately.

If you're only reading for the reveal at the end, I can see how you'd be unhappy with the buildup and resolution, especially if it doesn't match the depth and significance of what you built in your head. 

Or it lacks the terror or tension of a previous King work. I am certain that, like Stephen King, I am already in the habit of rambling and not knowing when to stop, but I am proud of it.

Starting on the first page and working my way through. A single name is mentioned twice. This title should give you a sense of what to expect from this essay. Howard Phillips Lovecraft if you are clueless about Lovecraft's writings, you are tripping blindly through this, dare I say, a gem of cosmic terror.

King's work has always had a strong resemblance to Lovecraft's realm. From "It" through "The Dark Tower" and other works such as "The Stand," 

King's world may be regarded as an extension of the Lovecraftian Mythos. King has always expressed his respect and inspiration for Lovecraft's work. 

The traditional horror story. This is unmistakably King's tribute to some of those great authors as I already mentioned earlier. 

If you are unfamiliar with Lovecraft and the cosmic horror genre, you may be shocked by the book's later parts. However, as soon as you read the words and your mind processes what you have read, the questions presented will undoubtedly shiver you to the bone.

I love it when a book or a movie makes me shiver, and this novel had a few moments that had my hair standing on end because of one explanation this book presents about ourselves and our thinking. 

I'll never forget the authors that gave me the shivers, and the top two are Stephen King and the late great Anne Rice. 

Another author who gave me goosebumps was Dean Koontz in the book From the Corner of His Eye; it's a huge book but well worth the read; just note the chills when a young kid accomplishes something weird and fantastic and you'll understand what I mean.

To summarize, this book is outstanding. Every page was fantastic. It is a legitimate and proper heir to Lovecraft's cosmic horror genre, and it does it more honor than any shoddy fan fiction of Lovecraft's work that came before it. 

Yes, everything about Cthulhu published by someone other than Lovecraft is nothing more than glorified fanfiction.


Final Thoughts

The book was fascinating, and several of the passages reminded me of events in my own life. 

Stephen King has created another incredible novel that will send chills down your spine while also making you question a lot of things in real life. 

A fantastic story and a fantastic read. It was exciting. I recommend that you read Revival if you haven't already. The novel is ultimately a coming-of-age story, and it is stunning.

You won't be able to put this book down since the plot will stay in your memory, leaving you wanting to know what happens next.

Do you think Stephen King has lost his touch when it comes to horror novels? Read this to find out how incorrect you are.


Synopsis

“Stephen King presents “a fresh adrenaline rush of terror” (People) in this electrifying #1 New York Times bestseller!

The new minister came to Harlow, Maine, when Jamie Morton was a boy doing battle with his toy army men on the front lawn. The young Reverend Charles Jacobs and his beautiful wife brought new life to the local church and captivated their congregation. But with Jamie, he shares a secret obsession—a draw so powerful, it would have profound consequences five decades after the shattering tragedy that turned the preacher against God, and long after his final, scathing sermon. Now Jamie, a nomadic rock guitarist hooked on heroin, meets Charles Jacobs again. And when their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, Jamie discovers that the word revival has many meanings….”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Character Development, Charles Jacobs, Dark Tower, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Jamie Morton, King Novel, Long Time, Page Turner, Salems Lot, Secret Electricity, Well Written


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Under the Dome Review

Stephen King, Action, American, Classic, Contemporary, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Under the Dome

Published: 10, November 2009
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Action, American, Classic, Contemporary, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Under the Dome is Stephen King's 58th published book, and it is a science fiction thriller. The novel is set in a small Maine town, and it tells an intricate, multi-character, alternating perspective story about how the town's residents cope with the tragedy of being cut off from the outside world by an impenetrable, invisible glass dome-like barrier that appears to fall out of the sky, transforming the community into a domed city.

Shortly after the book's release, it was revealed that Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Television would be creating a cable miniseries based on it. 

Spielberg and King have been named executive producers. The novel was adapted by Brian K. Vaughan. 

The first episode was written by Vaughan and directed by Niels Arden Oplev. It debuted on CBS on June 24, 2013, and was an instant hit; the launch in June 2013 shattered the record for the most-watched summer drama premiere on any television network since 1992, with the "Pilot" episode garnering over 13 million views. The show aired for three seasons before ending on September 10, 2015.

I'm pleased I saw the TV show before reading the book. The first two seasons were enjoyable; the third might have been skipped. 

Nonetheless, while the TV series did depict the claustrophobic atmosphere of the Dome, the characters on the overall were far more appealing and even "Big Jim" Rennie wasn't nearly as nasty, though he was far from a hero. 

Yes, this was a fantastic program based on a great novel, and both the book and the show were excellent as separate entities, but as always, the book is unrivaled.

I've already shared the link to the first season of the show, which is located after the header Useful Search Related Words & Keywords. 

There are variances between the book content and the show as there usually are, and you may watch both in whatever sequence you like, but don't assess one based on the performance of the other.

In the Author's Note, King confesses that the story has a wide cast of characters. He appeared to be attempting to balance the good and bad personalities. 

Perhaps I am unduly optimistic, but I believe that most people are generally decent, and in a town the size of Chester's Mill, with a thousand or so residents, it would be difficult to find a police force of a couple of dozen individuals ready to reject their conscience and obey Rennie's commands. And I don't believe Rennie could have duped that many people into believing him.

I became unhappy from reading about harsh, unpleasant individuals, or those who were drug addicts, alcoholics, or had other significant issues. 

For example, Junior's brain tumor caused him to act on impulses that must have previously been present but which he managed to suppress until the tumor began to eat away at his brain.

Speaking of which, while the book lacked the explicit brutality of the TV show, there were enough depictions of some really heinous behavior. Typical King, although a little restricted.

I was relieved that King explained the genesis of the Dome in the novel, something that the TV series never truly addressed. 

However, it reminded me of countless Twilight Zone episodes. There are so many novels published these days that it's difficult to come up with really fresh concepts. 

The Dome as something done to people, as opposed to something done for people, which I've read about in other science fiction stories, is fresh. 

And, unlike the series, the book does not provide quick solutions to Dome-related difficulties. 

And the reason I'm continuously referencing the show is that I believe it's a nice companion to this massive book, even if it's massive as well, with three seasons.

Because Stephen King is a horror writer, it appears that most people classify this as horror/supernatural fiction. 

There are a few occasions where phenomena may be classified as supernatural, such as a dog hearing and interpreting the voice of a deceased person. 

However, given the history of the Dome and the extensive explanation of the repercussions of the explosion on the Dome, I would classify this as speculative fiction, if not science fiction.

The narrative is delivered in the third person past tense from several perspectives. I've watched the television program, so I wasn't shocked to find that the book generally ties up all the loose ends, and I think the finale is good.

The book is dark, and some of the characters are so terrible and dark that it's tough to enjoy reading because I felt so much hatred for them, but I give respect to the author for getting me angry at the characters he created, which is one of the things I admire about Stephen King.

I must warn the readers once more. If you've watched the TV show and want to learn more about the dome, don't spend your time reading this book. 

In terms of the genesis of the Dome, the book and show are diametrically opposed. There is only one similarity, but it doesn't help explain anything. 

So, if you can tolerate reading about pure wicked individuals, simply read the novel on its own and enjoy it.

Don't be concerned by the book's enormous size. With over 1,100 pages, it may appear daunting. 

However, King's writing style is fluid, and the novel reads swiftly. This is a page-turner. If you enjoy Stephen King's writing, you'll enjoy this one.

I absolutely feel like this book did more than simply tell a narrative; it surfaced some of the same ideas that individuals who care about nothing more than themselves have while gaining the majority's support without even a blip of remorse. That alone is a statement to our society, if not to human nature.


Final Thoughts

This is a massive work with over 1000 pages and a plethora of characters, yet I have the impression that not many of them have genuine storylines because these are only a handful of the characters whose stories King tells. 

The novel is a metaphor for how fast evil may rear its ugly head. Under the Dome teaches us that, even if we frequently feel like ants under the heel of government and extraterrestrial powers, we can band together for good. 

Love for others and concern for our neighbors is an essential lesson in Chester Mill and around the world.

The book was enjoyable to read but be prepared for a long sit in your chair or bed once you start on page one. 

This is an essential book, and it is one of Stephen King's best novels. Strongly recommended!


Synopsis

“Don’t miss the “harrowing” (The Washington Post) #1 New York Times bestselling thriller from master storyteller Stephen King that inspired the hit television series, following the apocalyptic scenario of a town cut off from the rest of the world.

On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester’s Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener’s hand is severed as “the dome” comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when—or if—it will go away.

Dale Barbara, Iraq vet and now a short-order cook, finds himself teamed with a few intrepid citizens—town newspaper owner Julia Shumway, a physician’s assistant at the hospital, a select-woman, and three brave kids. Against them stands Big Jim Rennie, a politician who will stop at nothing—even murder—to hold the reins of power, and his son, who is keeping a horrible secret in a dark pantry. But their main adversary is the Dome itself. Because time isn’t just short. It’s running out.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Big Jim, Character Development, Chester Mill, Human Nature, Jim Rennie, King At His Best, Lord Of The Flies, Many Characters, Mike Vogel, Much Better, Natalie Martinez, Page Turner, Rachelle Lefevre, Small Town


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Under The Dome - Season 1 (2013) (13+)

Dreamcatcher (2003) (R)

Cell (2016) (R)

Bag of Bones Season 1 (2012) (13+)

Dolores Claiborne (1995) (R)

It (1990) (R)

It (2017) (R)

It Chapter Two (2019) (R)

Needful Things (1993) (R)

Desperation (2006) (16+)

Silver Bullet (1985) (R)

The Tommyknockers (1993) (M)

Christine (1983) (R)

The Dead Zone (1983) (R)

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

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Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
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Lisey's Story Review

Stephen King, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Media Tie-In, Occult, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Lisey's Story

Published: 24, October 2006
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Media Tie-In, Occult, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's novel Lisey's Story blends aspects of psychological horror with romance. In 2007, it was nominated for a World Fantasy Award, and in 2006, it won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel. An early sample from the work, "Lisey and the Madman," was published in McSweeney's Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories (2004) and was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Long Fiction in 2004. King has declared that this is his favorite of all of his works.

The book cover I used here is from a paperback edition, and it may differ between the hard copy and soft copy, so please double-check what you're ordering.

The inspiration for Lisey's Story arose from an occurrence in 2003 when King was hospitalized with double pneumonia; while he was there, his wife Tabitha decided to remodel his studio. 

When King returned home from the hospital and found his books and things in boxes, he saw a glimpse of what his studio would look like after his death, which is depicted in this narrative.

According to Stephen King, he adores this story and wanted it to be a TV show so that it might be watched and adopted in its entirety. 

I never saw the program, but there is an eight-part miniseries with the same name on Apple TV+ that you may search for and watch because I don't want to risk offering any links for that brand here. However, I will include links as soon as the program is accessible on other platforms such as Amazon.

I'd had this book for a long time, but I don't usually read books with people's names, so I was waiting for the proper mood to start it, moreover, this book was just too long for the name and I didn't had the mindset to start it, so I just waited and waited. 

Not necessarily in terms of page count; to name a few of my favorites, "The Stand," the whole Dark Tower Series, and "It" were all significantly longer in terms of page count. I am a fan of large books, and after reading this, I would never abandon novels with titles that include a person's name, such as I liked Carrie, Dolores Claiborne, and many others.

For me, the beginning of this book was a little sluggish. I was also curious about the style and what King was up to with this novel because it didn't feel like his writing. 

The plot then picked up and I mean truly picked up. How can one get entry into a different reality? How can one get to the land immediately next door that is both beautiful and deadly when the sun sets? 

It's a world full of hilarious horrors and an unimaginable lengthy creature, but it's a realm Lisey visit in order to free herself from the actual monsters who reside in our world.

This is a terrifying story on so many levels. It has suspense elements that keep you twitching and reading, but it's actually a love drama and a narrative about the horror and ever-changing face of bereavement. 

Lisey's narrative exemplifies the darkness that lurks just under the surface, luring individuals over the brink into insanity.

Many of my friends and fellow readers make fun of the author, for Lisey's, quirks in language, and the local dialect. 

These guys, in my opinion, completely missed the point. I don't enjoy this type of writing unless it serves a purpose, and I adored the Mainer dialect and the idioms Lisey employed in this novel. 

Also, I believe some of the language exchanged by Lisey and Scott demonstrates not just their comfort level with one other, but also a priceless intimacy that comes with time and connection. 

One of Stephen King's talents, in my opinion, is his ability to connect his characters with their surroundings and communities. 

I like how he hears language and incorporates it into the tale. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Stephen King is underappreciated. 

He is being rejected arbitrarily despite the fact that he is not only one of the finest storytellers we have but also an artist with language who can create masterpieces with words instead of colors.

It's also a narrative about surviving and overcoming adversity. It's a narrative about how books, imagination, and language may save your life.

In the end, it's a love drama about how familial relationships offer us strength, purpose, and support. 

Lisey had her sisters, her wacky family, and their down-home lifestyle. Lisey was in Scott's existence. Stephen King demonstrated how the simplest of presents, whether handcrafted or store-bought, may have a profound charm that "anchors" us to our homes.

I realized something crazy: when you realize Lisey is the Stephen King's wife and her husband Scott is the king, you begin to love and care for her even more. 

This is one of my favorite books! I'm not sure if I should call the speed steady or rapid; I'd say it's steady at the correct pace. 

The tale jumps back and forth between the present, various points in Lisey and her late history, husband and his childhood memories. 

I backed up a bit here and there to make sure I remembered where I was, but that was more likely due to my curiosity to see what was next, rather than a criticism of the writing. 

I was soon taken in and nearly disliked having to put it down owing to sleep or hunger. It's the classic narrative where you want to know what occurred but can't bear the notion of finally completing it!

The characters were fantastic! They were intriguing, complicated, and relatable. Lisey wasn't the poor me, my spouse died kind, yet my heart felt for her. 

Her sister's bond with her was realistic. Her husband's childhood was terrifying, but aside from the supernatural elements, it was also realistic, and regrettably, all too accurate.

Stephen King crafts stories in a truly engrossing manner, and I've occasionally thought that the stories are so spectacular that it's hard to conclude them in a way that does the remainder of the story credit or is ultimately gratifying.


Final Thoughts

I like Mare Winningham's strong voice and the way she read the book for the audio version, and I highly recommend it to anyone who prefers to listen to audiobooks rather than read them.

In an essence, Lisey's Story captivated and held my curiosity, and unless you have a low tolerance for violence, you can skip those parts. 

Of course, it's worth reading for the innovative and fresh ideas and good writing liberally sprinkled throughout, as well as the very insightful looks at marriage, the death of a spouse, and sisterly relations, among other things.

This book has stuck with me long after I finished reading it. There is so much to think about, and one of them is love and the extremes some people would go to for it. 

This is said to be Stephen King's favorite novel. I believe it is my favorite as well, and I definitely suggest this book!


Synopsis

“*Now an Apple TV+ limited series starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen*

The “haunting…tender, intimate book that makes an epic interior journey” (The New York Times), Lisey’s Story is a literary masterpiece—an extraordinarily moving and haunting portrait of a marriage and its aftermath.

Lisey lost her husband Scott two years ago, after a twenty-five year marriage of profound and sometimes frightening intimacy. Scott was an award-winning, bestselling novelist and a very complicated man. Early in their relationship, before they married, Lisey knew there was a place Scott went—a place that both terrified and healed him, could eat him alive or give him the ideas he needed in order to live. Now it’s Lisey’s turn to face Scott’s demons, to go to that terrifying place known as Boo’ya Moon. What begins as a widow’s effort to sort through the papers of her celebrated husband becomes a nearly fatal journey into the darkness he inhabited.

“Intricate...exhilarating” (The New Yorker), perhaps Stephen King’s most personal and powerful novel ever, Lisey’s Story is about the wellsprings of creativity, the temptations of madness, and the secret language of love. It is a beautiful, “rich portrait of a marriage, and the complicated affection that outlives death” (The Washington Post).”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Gunky, Bag Of Bones, Booya Moon, Clive Owen, Dark Tower, Highly Recommend, Julianne Moore, King Novel, Lisey And Scott, Liseys Story, Mare Winningham, Rose Madder, Scott Landon, Sister Amanda, Tower Series


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Dreamcatcher (2003) (R)

Cell (2016) (R)

Bag of Bones Season 1 (2012) (13+)

Dolores Claiborne (1995) (R)

It (1990) (R)

It (2017) (R)

It Chapter Two (2019) (R)

Needful Things (1993) (R)

Desperation (2006) (16+)

Silver Bullet (1985) (R)

The Tommyknockers (1993) (M)

Christine (1983) (R)

The Dead Zone (1983) (R)

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

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Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
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