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Showing posts with label 85/100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 85/100. Show all posts

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)

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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)

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From a Buick 8 Review

Stephen King, American, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Occult, Rural, Science Fiction, Small Town, Suspense, Thriller

From a Buick 8

Published: 24, September 2002
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Occult, Rural, Science Fiction, Small Town, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's From a Buick 8 is a horror thriller. It is King's second novel to incorporate a supernatural vehicle, the first being Christine, which, like this story, is set in Western Pennsylvania. The title is a reference to Bob Dylan's song "From a Buick 6."

From a Buick 8 is a story about our obsession with fatal things, about our demand for answers when there are none, about horror and courage in the face of the unfathomable.

An adoption was expected, but there has been no word on it, and as always, I'll post the information here as soon as I find out anything or when the adoption becomes available.

An excellent Stephen King novel that employs science fiction and fantasy with equal skill as the horror that we frequently find in King's writing. 

My only wonder about this book is why it hasn't been turned into a film yet. An enjoyable story that works in an interesting manner.

Making analogies is a tempting pleasure when evaluating a work by an author like Stephen King. From a Buick 8 has been compared to The Green Mile in several expert assessments. 

Maybe, both works focus on a convoluted enigma akin to a legendary thread, as well as the characters who try to unravel it. That's when the resemblance takes a sharp left into a completely uncharted King realm.

Similar characters have appeared in other books by King, including one about a historic automobile that came off a Twilight Zone production line. 

The piece that comes closest is perhaps King's classic short tale "The Mist," in which he exhibits a proclivity for strange universes and realms that are uncomfortably near to our own.

In painting the story of From a Buick 8, King uses the perspective of various points of views. 

He spins a tight web of a story that pulls the reader by the neck into one of King's most gruesome and thrilling roller coaster journeys. 

From a Buick 8 is as engrossing and hypnotizing as great literature can be. As a whispering mental tug brings the reader unwillingly in front of Shed B to take his or her own peep, one can almost hear Sandy Dearborn recounting Troop D's astounding story.

The arrival of a new Stephen King novel reminds me of discovering the value of a library card and all the possibilities it may open up. 

From a Buick 8 is a gift from a seasoned writer who appears to have his own infinite worlds through which he unselfishly takes readers, much like an old-fashioned theater usher leading a willing ticket holder through the deep darkness of the theater to his or her seat with a flashlight.

This narrative confronts a small group of regular, imperfect, but fundamentally decent small-town residents against a cold, mindless, mechanical, and nearly random evil. 

King's language is wonderfully poised here between his darkest worries that all our love and courage would not be enough to overcome the illogical darkness at the center of the cosmos and the ceaselessly clanking chains of fate.

Stephen King goes beyond what he's done in many previous works here while keeping the main dimension of his portrayal of that other world, let's say an alien planet, as threatening, as intending to attack us, as wanting to destroy or invade us in some manner. 

Despite this, he discovers a formula that is both effective and symbolic. An antique automobile, a Buick 8, serves as the portal to another realm.

This is a recurrent motif in his writings, where vehicles are characterized as haunted, deadly, and as a portal to evil, to the uncontrollable evil of the psyche or of the world beyond the door of normalcy. 

Of course, we think of Christine, but we also consider how frequently vehicles have been the source of evil. It's also true that in many other stories, automobiles are used to flee from evil. 

In American society, the vehicle is ambiguous, maybe because it is both a new form of a horse and a weapon in the hands of people who use it as an aggressive instrument to damage or kill others.

But what is interesting in the book is not so much the magic of that evil car as it is the reactions of various State Troopers in the face of that danger, and here again, we find a very precise description of these attitudes, of these thought processes, even if there is a sensation of destiny that no one can break free, and that this destiny has roots in another world, in another level of reality, deeper perhaps, or just further than that. 

And this other-worldly-ness is incorporated in the book's language by always going beyond ordinary words and seeking powerful expressions, extremely inventive phrases that combine the color of common familiar language with the intensity of poetry. This is a significant accomplishment.


Final Thoughts

You have to credit it to King for writing works that, even at their most incompetent, display his grasp of characterization and the fear we discover in commonplace settings and locations across his prolific, heralded/bashed career. 

It's not so much the horror aspect of From a Buick 8 that makes it so compelling to read. It's all about the characters - the troopers who have maintained a dreadful secret for over three decades, and whose lives are played out in many of the troopers' reminiscences. 

All for the sake of Ned Wilcox, whose father died in a horrible accident barely a year before our narrative begins. 

The characters are all-engrossing, realistic, and communicate in a language that has earned both acclaim and criticism from scathing reviewers. 

In any case, if you appreciate Stephen King's writings as much as I have, this one will not disappoint. It's sluggish at times, but never dull. 

Shirley Pasternak's character is one of the greatest female characters he has written since Dolores Claiborne. She is full of compassion and humor, and she is the type of lady that any man would enjoy coming home to. 

Although King goes a little beyond with Brian Lippy (read the book to find out what I mean,) but it does aid in the full realization of the fantastic character, Eddie, whose fate is unavoidable. 

Many people claim that he has lost his touch, yet King hasn't lost his ability to create frightening, terrifying scenarios. 

Just pay attention to his great manner; even his own experience of being struck by a car is intertwined into the narrative, and it's as terrifying as the Buick 8.


Synopsis

“The #1 New York Times bestseller from Stephen King—a novel about the fascination deadly things have for us and about our insistence on answers when there are none…

Since 1979, the state police of Troop D in rural Pennsylvania have kept a secret in the shed out behind the barracks. Ennis Rafferty and Curtis Wilcox had answered a strange call just down the road and came back with an abandoned 1953 Buick Roadmaster. Curt Wilcox knew old cars, and this one was…just wrong. As it turned out, the Buick 8 was worse than dangerous—and the members of Troop D decided that it would be better if the public never found out about it. Now, more than twenty years later, Curt’s son Ned starts hanging around the barracks and is allowed into the Troop D family. And one day he discovers the family secret—a mystery that begins to stir once more, not only in the minds and hearts of these veteran troopers, but out in the shed as well, for there’s more power under the hood than anyone can handle….”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Curtis Wilcox, Dark Tower, Gas Station, Hearts In Atlantis, Looks Like, Ned Wilcox, Pennsylvania State, Sandy Dearborn, Short Story, State Police, 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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Gerald's Game Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Literature, Media Tie-In, Political, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Gerald's Game

Published: May 1992
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literary, Literature, Media Tie-In, Political, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's novel Gerald's Game is a suspense mystery. The plot follows a lady whose husband dies of a heart attack while she is shackled to a bed, and she begins to allow the voices within her brain to take control after realizing she is stuck with little possibility of rescue. 

The novel is dedicated to Stephen King's wife Tabitha and her five sisters. The book was originally supposed to be a companion piece to Stephen King's novel Dolores Claiborne, with the linking subject of two women in crisis stuck in the path of an eclipse, however by the time the novels were published, this component had been substantially diminished.

I was reluctant to start books with a synopsis like this one because I assumed I already knew the tale and it would have no pleasure or value for me, but after reading it, I discovered I was mistaken, and it basically demonstrates the author's strength and authority when they openly tell you what the story is about. 

Readers may assume from the synopsis that Jessie is shackled to the bed and finally escapes, thus the same thing is happening in this case. As a result, even if I tell you this, it doesn't imply I'm giving anything away to the readers.

She is alone and trapped in what appears to be an impossible situation at times and has you shouting at the pages as to why she does some of the things she does. I liked her inner monologues. She has twenty-eight hours on her own with no support.

I liked the information that happened in the present. While tied to the bed, she reflects on her history. Some of those memories were monotonous and dragged the tale down, even if the book isn't that long, but keep in mind that the memories have a purpose and help her escape. 

The passages that immediately follow her escape from handcuffs are mind-boggling. Brandon's story was one of my favorite portions of the book. This is when she starts Brandon's story. It clarified a lot of what was previously unknown.

Overall, I thought the book flowed at a sluggish pace. When I was enjoying the content, it progressed quickly, but then there would be a segment that made me want Jessie to return to the present or get out of her brain. 

So there was a high-paced bit, then a dragging section, and then it got up again to what I thought was more engaging information. 

But as a whole, the novel was great, and even the so-called uninteresting portions served a purpose and contributed to the overall ambiance.

Now, let's talk about the audio version. The narrator was fantastic, and she did an excellent job of portraying Jessie and the other characters. 

There was never any doubt about who of the characters was speaking. Lindsay Crouse is an actress who has been in a number of television series, and she performed well in Gerald's Game. 

The only thing I didn't like was certain music or noises that played in the background or while something was occurring; I know it can be fantastic in many circumstances if done well, but I didn't like it in this case since the voice acting was already excellent and I didn't think it needed the sound effects. If you purchase the Lindsay Crouse version, it's still a wonderful audio version.

There's a twisted element of horror and suspense intermingled here that will make you put everything else aside and continue until you reach the final page while curled in the corner of a brightly lit room. 

For two days, I couldn't stop flipping over the pages of this book. Almost all of Stephen King works absolutely engross the reader and keep them up at all hours of the night, simply wanting to read one more page. 

I'd suggest this book to everyone who likes 11/22/63 and The Dark Half, even if they are unrelated.

In 2017, Mike Flanagan directed a film based on the novel. I was unable to locate an official link to this film; but, as soon as I locate one, I will post it here.


Final Thoughts

I'd like to say something to the readers who actually read all of my reviews: you may have noticed that almost all of the books I review are above average, and I rarely give points below 70, at least until the day of writing this review (22, March 2022,) except for Giles Goat-Boy, which is a very technical case, so I don't consider it below 70 from my point of view, just read the review for that book and you'll see what I mean. 

The reason for such high marks is very simple: whenever I bought books, I was guided by shopkeepers who knew me since I was a kid and they kind of knew if the book is good or not, so they just recommended good books to me, plus I have read so many books that I could write for hundreds of years before getting to the books that were bad or below average, yes, I have read books that I almost stopped reading and they can actually be thrown into the garbage but I'm not including those books because I don't want to waste anyone's time, so I believe this resolves the issue because I know I wouldn't be ready to read those books, so why review them here when no one is going to read them? 

Okay, now everyone understands why I'm not giving out low points because none of the books I'm reviewing are lousy reads.

Another fantastic novel by a skilled writer!! Suspense, terror, thrills, and, as always, unexpected twists. 

Many times I found myself talking out loud to the book and thinking about what I said about it before I started reading it, that it couldn't be this good because I already know what was going on with the girl. 

After all, she's tied to a bed and trapped in a room, but I'm glad I was wrong, and this book is much more than that. 

I am confident that many female readers will benefit from it, and it may even alter a few lives. 

The reading was excellent and simple to understand; however, I would have liked a slightly different finish. It still comes highly recommended.


Synopsis

“Now a Netflix movie directed by Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Hush) and starring Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood.

Master storyteller Stephen King presents this classic, terrifying #1 New York Times bestseller. When a game of seduction between a husband and wife ends in death, the nightmare has only begun…

“And now the voice which spoke belonged to no one but herself. Oh my God, it said. Oh my God, I am all alone out here. I am all alone.”

Once again, Jessie Burlingame has been talked into submitting to her husband Gerald’s kinky sex games—something that she’s frankly had enough of, and they never held much charm for her to begin with. So much for a “romantic getaway” at their secluded summer home. After Jessie is handcuffed to the bedposts—and Gerald crosses a line with his wife—the day ends with deadly consequences. Now Jessie is utterly trapped in an isolated lakeside house that has become her prison—and comes face-to-face with her deepest, darkest fears and memories. Her only company is that of the various voices filling her mind…as well as the shadows of nightfall that may conceal an imagined or very real threat right there with her…”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Chained To The Bed, Glass Of Water, Handcuffed To The Bed, Heart Attack, Jessie Burlingame, Main Character, Short Story, Space Cowboy, Voices In Her Head


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Roadwork Review

Stephen King, American, Crime, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Rural, Small Town, Teen, Thriller, Young Adult

Roadwork

Published: March 1981
Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Rural, Small Town, Teen, Thriller, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's thriller novel Roadwork was published as a paperback original under the pen name Richard Bachman. It was included in the hardback omnibus The Bachman Books in 1985.

This was written when Stephen King felt he'd be able to get away with writing stories under the pseudonym Richard Bachman for the time being. Now that we know it's Stephen King, it's amazing to note how different the writing is when he's not being Stephen King.

The original Bachman books all deal with guys breaking up and fighting back against the system, while the details differ from one book to the next. This one is about a man who loses his house, his wife, and his job, as well as the subsequent downward spiral. 

It's a decent read for followers of the author; however, horror lovers may be disappointed. Those who aren't lovers of the author may like the book's unique style and subject matter.

In 1972–1974, the narrative takes place in an undisclosed Midwestern city. A father, bereaved by the loss of his son and the collapse of his marriage, is pushed to mental instability when he hears that both his house and employment will be destroyed to make way for an interstate highway extension.

In August 2019, a cinematic version of the novel was announced, with Pablo Trapero as director, Andy Muschietti the director of It and It Chapter Two, and Barbara Muschietti as producer.

With this narrative about a guy fighting his own personal demons, the author strayed from his customary genre.

The novel represents a significant shift for the author. It's possible that it's one of his lesser-known pieces. There are better Stephen King books out there. But don't overlook this opportunity. It's got Bachman written all over it, which isn't a terrible thing.

We currently live in a time where everyone wants what they want right now and isn't willing to wait for it. The author could have made this a short novella, according to several reader friends, but he stretched it out. This novel progresses in such a way that the protagonist gradually loses his sanity, or does he?

I feel the tale was written in the most effective way possible. It piqued my interest right away, and I couldn't put it down as it progressed to a climactic conclusion. This is an excellent book to read.

When you read this book as a Stephen King novel, it may bore and disappoint you; well, rather, it may bore and disappoint you as a Richard Bachman novel—and believe me, if you're a Stephen King fan, you'll know the difference between King and Bachman. 

In terms of flavor, it's the difference between chocolate and chili sauce, and that's a great example because most people like chocolate, but chili sauce... well, let's just say it's a requested taste. 

Unlike King, Bachman is a harsh, disagreeable author who has no affection for his readers. That's OK since it's a performance. 

The Long Walk was about a group of youngsters who were slain by a big brother society that shot them if they stopped walking or went below a particular speed. What amuses you about that?

Similarly, what's fun about a man named Burt who lost his job, his wife, his house, and eventually his sanity and will to live in Roadwork? 

The voyage of his unraveling is essentially the roadwork. The plot isn't really complicated. But don't anticipate ghostly activity around every turn, for clarity's sake, since Bachman is not the same guy as King (they are physically, but not in their literature.) 

In some ways, Bachman is similar to Eli Roth (director of Cabin Fever and Hostel Parts I and II,) in that it's all about the character's and audience's dissatisfaction.

Richard Bachman's novel is a well-known work. It has no supernatural, occult, or ghost elements. Only a man on the verge of losing his mind.

Although it is neither a large book nor a long novel, the idea is as massive as it gets. Even if you compare it to The Long Walk, the slowness of this work will leave you unsatisfied. 

However, keep in mind that The Long Walk's premise implies that there will be more action. If there was a lot of activity on Roadwork, it would be there merely for the purpose of being there. And King, or should I say Bachman? is generally adept at sensing when to speed up the tempo.

Another thing that can help you understand it is that if you read this novel while thinking about AMC's Breaking Bad, I think you'll appreciate it a lot. 

The idea is very identical to that of Breaking Bad. I would have rated this novel a 3/5 if I had given it a score after the first hundred pages. 

However, by the midway mark, I had a better understanding of the style and tone, which is what makes this book so appealing. If you're a patient reader or a Breaking Bad enthusiast, I strongly suggest it.


Final Thoughts

This is a fantastic novel. All Stephen King aficionados should read it. The characters are well-defined, and the narrative is well-constructed. 

It was difficult to put the book down. The author has a unique way of developing suspense as the novel progresses, and I adore it!

Author paints Dawes' mind in vivid hues that grow increasingly muddied as his desire becomes more concentrated, yet absurdly unattainable.

The fact that Dawes is driving himself down a dead-end road with the help of numerous others makes the mind games laughable. However, the novel maintains a good pace and is a welcome diversion from Stephen King's usual territory.

I believe there is a limit to how far one may be pushed before cracking. Barton Dawes, a guy who achieved that stage in 1974, is one of them.

Remember, Stephen King never meant for anyone to realize it was him who authored Roadwork; as a result, it's the farthest thing from a King novel. An author has unlimited freedom to write whatever they choose, with no limitations.

Yes, it is not a perfect novel, which is why I gave it a lower rating, but the reason I am giving this novel a hundred percent recommendation is because of the last pages and the moral of the narrative, as well as what this novel is attempting to teach the mindless masses to realize what is going on behind everything we simply blindly follow.


Synopsis

“Only Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, can imagine the horror of a good and angry man who fights back against bureaucracy when it threatens to destroy his vitality, home, and memories. “Under any name King mesmerizes the reader” (Chicago Sun-Times).

Barton Dawes is standing in the way of progress when his unremarkable but comfortable existence suddenly takes a turn for the worst. A new highway extension is being built right over the laundry plant where he works—and right over his home. The house he has lived in for twenty years and where he created loving memories with his family. Dawes isn’t the sort of man who will take an insult of this magnitude lying down. His steadfast determination to fight the inevitable course of progress drives his wife and friends away while he tries to face down the uncaring bureaucracy that has destroyed his life. But before the city paves over that part of Dawes’s life, he’s got one more party to throw—and it’ll be a blast.

What happens when one good (and angry) man fights back…and then some? This #1 national bestseller includes an introduction by Stephen King on “The Importance of Being Bachman.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bachman Books, Bart Dawes, Barton George, Eminent Domain, George Dawes, Good Read, King Book, King Writing, Long Walk, Main Character, Well Written


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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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