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Showing posts with label Classic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Classic. Show all posts

Different Seasons Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Coming Of Age, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf, Witches, Wizard

Different Seasons

Published: 27, August 1982
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Coming Of Age, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf, Witches, Wizard

Check the summary of this book here:
Different Seasons Summary


The Review

Different Seasons is a compilation of four Stephen King short stories that are more dramatic in tone than the horror fiction for which he is well known. The four novellas are linked by finer points related to each of the four seasons. The collection is significant for the fact that virtually all of its novellas have been adapted into Hollywood films, one of which, The Shawshank Redemption, was nominated for Best Picture at the 1994 Academy Awards.

There is also a small afterword written by King on January 4, 1982, at the conclusion of the book. He explains why he hadn't previously submitted the novellas (Essentially, all four were written at different times.) for publication in it. 

Early in his career, his agents and editors voiced worry that he would be labeled as a horror writer. His horror works, on the other hand, proved to be highly popular, putting him in high demand as an author. 

Novellas that did not deal largely with the supernatural, on the other hand, were extremely difficult to publish since there was no mass market for straight fiction stories in the 25,000 to 35,000 word range.


This book's short tales are as follows:

01 - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption
Subtitle: Hope Springs Eternal

This was an exciting and well-written story. The novella and the film are practically similar, with the novella having more details, as is almost typically the case with book versions. 

I loved both the film and the book, which is uncommon for me to appreciate both the film and the book. The book was turned into a film, The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins as Andy and Morgan Freeman as Red, as well as a stage play of the same name. 

A gritty, dramatic jail story that had me riveted from beginning to finish. I really enjoy this type of storytelling because it seems like you're sitting with someone and listening to a story that keeps you captivated by the narrator's voice.

The film adaptation is widely regarded as one of the most reputable films of all time, having been nominated for seven Academy Awards at the 67th Academy Awards in 1995, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Freeman. In an interview, Morgan Freeman remarked that this novella is his favorite book.


02 - Apt Pupil
Subtitle: Summer of Corruption

Apt Pupil is divided into 30 chapters, many of which are represented by months. The novel takes place across four years in a fictional Southern California neighborhood named "Santo Donato," with most of the action taking place in the first year and the latter months. It's the only novella in Different Seasons that's told in the third person.

A connection to "Strawberry Spring," a short tale published in the King collection Night Shift, is mentioned, which isn't anything major but is nevertheless an Easter egg for the faithful fans.

Another similarity is the hotel room number 217, which is the same as the famed Overlook Hotel room in The Shining. 

Furthermore, in The Shining, Jack Torrance is working on a play with a character named Denker, which is the same name as Dussander's alter ego. 

As a result, some fans believe Apt Pupil is Torrance's play. In the afterword to Different Seasons, King recounts writing Apt Pupil right after The Shining, which might explain why it has such a direct link.

The tale differed from the film in that it was darker and had more violence, which was typical. I thought it was almost perfect, but not quite on the level of Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, but it was still a fantastic book.

This is more in line with what we've come to expect from King. By no means a horror story, but rather a thriller; a psychological thriller. I couldn't exactly recall the narrative at first, but as I began to read, it all came flooding back to me. Because these are sick people, it might be difficult to read at times, but it is an extremely well-written read!


03 - The Body
Subtitle: Fall from Innocence

This is a coming-of-age narrative about four twelve-year-old boys who were searching for the body of a missing boy. It lacks the conclusion of the previous stories, it's a very well coming-of-age narrative with a lot of well-written language depicting childhood friendships, all situated in the heart of rural America.

This is the narrative that inspired the film Stand By Me. I enjoyed the film and the story. The plot clearly provides a lot more depth, and it departs significantly from the book in some areas.

The plot is, of course, fantastic, but it is quite lengthy and retrospective rather than action-packed. We are privy to the narrator's thoughts, and this is a work of literary coming of age. 

I'm pleased I read it again since it made me feel nostalgic and sorrowful. This tale includes links to the Stephen King world, with Sheriff Bannerman named multiple times, however, given it takes place in the 1950s, he is just a Constable at this point, and Shawshank Prison is now part of the canon, being mentioned twice.


04 - The Breathing Method
Subtitle: A Winter's Tale

This is a horrific story that comes closest to what we would anticipate from King in this collection. There is a lengthy prelude outlining a man's life and how his employer invites him to a club. 

Finally, the club has certain mystical properties that are never explored. The focus is on an engaging narrative recounted by a character in the story, which concludes with a great spooky twist. 

I'm not surprised there isn't a film for this one. The content just does not appear to be fit for adaptation into a film. But film adaptation may occur soon, however, there has been no further news regarding the project since 2019.


By the time this book came out, Stephen King had established himself as a master of genre fiction up to this point in his career, including the Bachman volumes, which, although not horror (in my mind,) are nevertheless diverse genres. 

With four novellas included in this book, King returns to straight fiction, offering some of his best work to date and demonstrating that he can write pure fiction and even literature.


Final Thoughts

First and foremost, you should not be comparing three of these novellas to Stephen King's more conventional tales. I think King is a wonderful writer, but there's a considerable difference between his horror stories and even his fantasy and this work, which I believe belongs more squarely in the area of literary fiction. 

Some of the tale and location features remind me of Richard Russo, who has a number of stories where the setting or town is nearly part of the action, and the coming of age sections remind me of many Tobias Wolff short stories.

I believe that all four novels in this collection deserve full points and recommendations, but one additional opinion is that the first Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption is deserving of that ranking, and makes the complete collection worthwhile to purchase. 

Overall, this is a brilliantly written book with a variety of topic matter and storytelling methods... Three of these pieces have been adapted into films, some of which have been nominated for Academy Awards, and the writing is both sharp and memorable.


Synopsis

“Includes the stories “The Body” and “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”—set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine

A “hypnotic” (The New York Times Book Review) collection of four novellas—including the inspirations behind the films Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption—from Stephen King, bound together by the changing of seasons, each taking on the theme of a journey with strikingly different tones and characters.

This gripping collection begins with “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption,” in which an unjustly imprisoned convict seeks a strange and startling revenge—the basis for the Best Picture Academy Award-nominee The Shawshank Redemption.

Next is “Apt Pupil,” the inspiration for the film of the same name about top high school student Todd Bowden and his obsession with the dark and deadly past of an older man in town.

In “The Body,” four rambunctious young boys plunge through the façade of a small town and come face-to-face with life, death, and intimations of their own mortality. This novella became the movie Stand By Me.

Finally, a disgraced woman is determined to triumph over death in “The Breathing Method.”

“The wondrous readability of his work, as well as the instant sense of communication with his characters, are what make Stephen King the consummate storyteller that he is,” hailed the Houston Chronicle about Different Seasons.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bob Gunton, Brad Renfro, Bruce Davison, Bryan Singer, Corey Feldman, Dead Body, Even Though, Frank Darabont, Hayworth And The Shawshank, Ian Mckellen, Morgan Freeman, Nazi War, Rita Hayworth, River Phoenix, Rob Reiner, Tim Robbins, War Criminal, Wil Wheaton


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Stand by Me (1986) (R)

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The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (R)

Secret Window (1994) (PG-13)

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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)

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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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Gwendy's Magic Feather Review

Richard Chizmar, Stephen King, American, Classic, Coming Of Age, Fiction, Horror, Magic, Supernatural, Thriller

Gwendy's Magic Feather

Published: 19, November 2019
Author: Richard Chizmar (Foreword by Stephen King)
Genre: American, Classic, Coming Of Age, Fiction, Horror, Magic, Supernatural, Thriller
Book 2 of 3: Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Gwendy's Magic Feather is a medium-sized novel by Richard Chizmar, and it is the sequel to the preceding novel Gwendy's Button Box. With a foreword by Stephen King, this is the first novel set at Castle Rock written by another author! Ben Baldwin created the hardcover's full-color cover artwork, while Keith Minnion created the inside artwork.

Once again, a book that is not as huge as a bookworm like me and many others like me will feel is too small, but for a casual reader, it is sort of typical. However, even with such a small size, it is still a wonderful read, which makes it feel even smaller.

This was a fantastic addition to Gwendy's narrative. When you finish an excellent novel, you're left wondering, "What happened next?" 

Without giving anything away, I hope you'll like Gwendy's continuing story and her experiences, problems, and successes. 

Chismar elevated the plot to new heights. For the first book, Stephen King chose a fantastic writer to partner with, and Richard grabbed the wheel for this one. An excellent book and a fantastic pick. It gently draws you in, and once you're hooked, you can't get enough of it.

One thing that all readers must realize is that this novel was not written by Stephen King, and they should not expect it to be. It's good but not as good as Stephen King's.

Many people complained about the politics in this (not written by Stephen King) and other books written by Stephen King, and I am continually stressing that he is only creating fiction, and we should read the works as such. 

Politics may appear to be about a real-life president, but in my opinion, it is not true, and it is just like any fiction when a mentally ill politician can win an election and be a major problem for the world, and we must grow up as humans and rise above these wars and racism, which are essentially a simple tactic to rule over mindless masses. If you haven't seen the film Idiocracy, you should watch it to see what I'm talking about.

I don't like to compare authors, and while Richard Chizmar is an excellent and talented writer, no one can compete with Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, and the likes of these and many other legends from the past and present, but we must-read books by these new authors so they can write more and become as great as the legendary figures.

Great narrative and it's nice to see Gwendy all grown up. She's a fantastic character, and she's been given all of her charm in this narrative. It was also wonderful to return to Castle Rock through Gwendy's eyes. 

Richard did an excellent job with the narrative, and I'm sure fans won't be able to wait to see what the next narrative has in store for these characters.

This relates to the narrative of Gwendy's life, her current situation, and the paths her life has led her. I won't tell much more, but it demonstrates an interesting route and enough to keep readers interested in the plot. 

I liked that the title of the book doesn't actually reveal anything to the reader; frequently, if you just look at the cover, you can assess the book, despite the adage that you shouldn't. 

We get to see her benefactor again, and it reminds me of the Breakers from the Tower series, Hearts of Atlantis, and a little bit of Carrie, Firestarter, and the new Institute. However, this does not imply that this book is identical to the novels I just listed.

Gwendy's Button Box is my current favorite of the two books. The storyline in Gwendy's Magic Feather didn't feel as tight to me. 

There are various parts that are superfluous. I enjoy the detailed narrative, but it tends to dominate the real tale in some areas, especially near the beginning and finish. It needed to move in these spots, but it didn't. 

I also believe that the moments between Farris and the enigmatic killer were not as strong as I would have wanted. More depth and emphasis would have made this a clear favorite.

A wonderful story that not only transports us to Castle Rock, Stephen King's favorite place but also introduces us to a new and talented tour guide, Richard Chizmar. 

We finally get to see an elderly Gwendy and her notorious Button Box. A readily accessible story with a family emphasis and drama, as well as visits to old familiar acquaintances in a place we've been to many times before. 

Chizmar grabs your hand and guides you to a comfortable worn chair in a warm chamber, where he weaves his yarn full of details and sensations we can all connect to.

The family tragedies and hardships are so vividly shown that you find yourself agreeing with family issues in your own life on a frequent basis. 

Gwendy's Magic Feather, which is easily readable in a single sitting, is a fantastic addition for this newest intriguing character in the Castle Rock universe and just leaves you anxiously anticipating the next installment.


Final Thoughts

This is the second installment in the Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy. The first was co-written by Richard Chizmar and Stephen King and was based on one of King's unfinished works. 

I can't even imagine being permitted to read, let alone complete, a throwaway narrative. But, as far as I know, Chizmar is the first individual outside of King's own self to create a narrative set on Castle Rock entirely on his own. This is a fantastic story, but a quick read.

Overall, I would suggest this book and series. Presently every time someone asks me for a Stephen King novel recommendation that will pique their attention, I offer Gwendy's Button Box. 

Now I'd like to share a second story with you. This narrative isn't too terrifying, resentful of politics, or unduly lengthy or short; it's just perfect, like Goldilocks. 

If you want to read a wonderful novel that isn't too long, isn't entirely based on the supernatural, and has a strong female protagonist, this is the book for you. There is also a third book, which you can learn more about and read a review of by clicking Gwendys Final Task.


Synopsis

“A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

In this thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling novella by Stephen King and award-winning author Richard Chizmar, an adult Gwendy is summoned back to Castle Rock after the mysterious reappearance of the button box.

Something evil has swept into the small Maine town of Castle Rock on the heels of the latest winter storm. Sheriff Norris Ridgewick and his team are desperately searching for two missing girls, but time is running out.

In Washington, DC, thirty-seven-year-old Gwendy Peterson couldn’t be more different from the self-conscious teenaged girl who once spent a summer running up Castle Rock’s Suicide Stairs. That same summer, she had been entrusted—or some might say cursed—with the extraordinary button box by Richard Farris, the mysterious stranger in the black suit. The seductive and powerful box offered Gwendy small gifts in exchange for its care and feeding until Farris eventually returned, promising the young girl she’d never see the box again.

One day, though, the button box suddenly reappears but this time, without Richard Farris to explain why, or what she’s supposed to do with it. Between this and the troubling disappearances back in Castle Rock, Gwendy decides to return home. She just might be able to help rescue the missing girls and stop a dangerous madman before he does something ghastly.

With breathtaking and lyrical prose, Gwendy’s Magic Feather explores whether our lives are controlled by fate or the choices we make and what price we sometimes have to pay. Prepare to return again to Stephen King’s Castle Rock, the sleepy little town built on a bedrock of deep, dark secrets, just as it’s about to awaken from its quiet slumber once more.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Back To Castle, Gwendys Button, Gwendys Magic, Highly Recommend, Looking Forward, Magic Feather, Third Book, Well Written


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.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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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

Free With Free Audible Trial

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

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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)

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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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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.
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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