Strangers
Published: 1986
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: American, Conspiracy, Depression, Fiction, First Contact, Horror, Literary, Mental Health, Psychological, Science Fiction, Superhero, Suspense, Teen, Thriller, Young Adult
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Strangers is a novel written by Dean Koontz that was nominated for a World Fantasy Award for Best Novel (1987). Best Novel nominee for the British Fantasy Award (1987). In 2018, it was revealed that a Strangers adaptation is in the works at Fox for a one-hour drama written by Criminal Minds creator Jeff Davis. Fox and Sony Pictures Television are collaborating on the project. But I'm not sure if it's been made or not; please let me know if it's already on the air.
I read this book for the first time in high school and had no idea who Dean Koontz was, but it had such an impression on me that anytime I thought of this author, this was the first book I remembered and the one of his many that I would label my favorite. It was well-written enough that it stuck with me and took me a long time to read a second time, but I always kept a copy on hand in case I needed to. It's because I'm a voracious reader and try not to sell any of my books unless they're really crap or I'm not interested in them.
I'm still impressed by the amazement, wonder, and hopefulness this book inspires in me, and after reading Koontz's newly added afterword, I understand why: this was his first passion project, and it shows. Dean Koontz is a major favorite of mine, and I've been reading his books for a long time. I was already aware of his concepts after learning that the films Demon Seed and Fun House were partially based on his writings.
I liked how he effectively combined a wide range of character styles. Eventually, he leaves us with the eternal quandary of religious belief against atheism – and here I disagree with a few friend readers. Is there a God who is bigger than we can imagine? Or... does the Universe sort of run itself and there is no such thing as a Creator?
One of my new discoveries in this book was his tributes to fellow writers Tim Powers, James Blalock, and Stephen King. Knowing he is friends with and used to be writing partner with Powers and Blalock makes these tributes to them especially endearing, plus they are all favorites of mine, and I hope that because he mentioned them, more people discovered these other, equally talented writers as well. I will always have a copy of this book in my collection and read it with great pleasure.
I know that some of Koontz's works are not enjoyed by all readers for various reasons, but in my view, it is all about the hype, and even if his books are fantastic, people expect greatness all the time, which is impossible.
But this novel had me completely engrossed. As is often the case, Koontz begins with amazing speed, great ideas, and likable, well-rounded characters, only to lose momentum and imagination near the end, and it is essentially the same thing that readers are confused about because it is great, but to readers, it feels bad or not good enough because it was this great author who was supposed to give thousand-star story every time. This is without a doubt one of his greatest books. But it is only my view.
The plot was fast-paced and a great page-turner. The characters' backstories were wonderfully fleshed out and made you care about what happened to them. I truly liked this book till the finish.
Colonel Falkirk played the stereotypical nasty guy. He was the book's Snidely Whiplash, all wooden and two-dimensional. He was so ludicrous and out of control that I couldn't imagine anyone would have listened to him or followed him in any manner.
I had the impression that Koontz wrote a lengthy novel and then his editor told him, "It's too long, tie it up." Because the finish seemed a little abrupt for me, but it is something I usually always think of with amazing stories.
For non-readers, the book is rather extensive and begins by explaining the recent back-story of each individual in the book who begins suffering panic episodes, as well as what those terrors are and how they try to deal with them.
The first half of the novel is extremely riveting, with the reader hanging on every "page" to see how the protagonists deal with their life-destroying terrors.
The second part of the novel focuses on the events that surround each character as they are all unconsciously brought together where this trip began, and what occurs as they gradually piece together the circumstances of that incident.
The book is excellent, and it is one of Dean Koontz's finer works.
Final Thoughts
I only had the paperback and hardcover versions of this book, but I now have the kindle and audible versions as well, as I do with all of my favorite novels and writers' works.
A terrific early fiction from Dean Koontz that has nothing to do with mass murderers or tracking homicides... I get much too much of it by watching television.
This is a really well-written and edited narrative about many strangers who are eventually bonded by the sharing of a life-changing incident... You should read it if you haven't already. If you've already read it, enjoy the pleasure of reliving a terrific narrative.
This was a great case of reading for me. The tension was so intense that I couldn't put the book down. I was wondering how he was going to tie all those ties and people together at the end, but he did.
This is science fiction, which I enjoy when it's excellent. I liked this one because of the happy conclusion. Koontz has a remarkable flair for characterization and writes better than many award winners, but that will never be acknowledged in the realm of high literature!!
His manner is effortless. And, unlike many of my reading friends, I did not find the book to be overly long. Yes, the author went on and on in certain places, but it was still nice.
It is so brilliantly written, and the characters are so realistic, that I feel as if they are old friends with whom I like spending time now and then!
I know Mr. Koontz doesn't write sequels unless they are planned from the start, but I would be first in line to buy a Strangers sequel! I'd like to know what happens to Dom and Ginger, Jack, Jorga and Marcie, Brendan and Parker, and so on. What are George and Rita's reactions?
If the government cooperates in the release of information, or if they continue to try to maintain the secret, (and what is their justification for their treatment of US citizens!) Oh, there's so much I'd like to know!
Synopsis
““The plot twists ingeniously...an engaging, often chilling book.”—The New York Times Book Review
A writer in California. A doctor in Boston. A motel owner and his employee in Nevada. A priest in Chicago. A robber in New York. A little girl in Las Vegas. They’re a handful of people from across the country, living through eerie variations of the same nightmare.
A dark memory is calling out to them. And soon they will be drawn together, deep in the heart of a sprawling desert, where the terrifying truth awaits...”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Character Development, Edge Of Your Seat, Ever Read, Hard To Put, Highly Recommend, Koontz Books, Main Characters, Page Turner, Tranquility Motel
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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