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Insomnia Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Supernatural, Thriller

Insomnia

Published: 15, September 1994
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Supernatural, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's novel Insomnia is a horror/fantasy. It follows retired widower Ralph Roberts, whose increased sleeplessness allows him to sense auras and other hidden phenomena, prompting him to get involved in a fight between the powers of the Purpose and the Random. The narrative, like It and Dreamcatcher, is set in the imaginary town of Derry, Maine. It contains references to other Stephen King novels, most notably his novel series The Dark Tower.

One thing I want to clarify right away is why I only offered a 90 percent recommendation, despite if it is worth a hundred percent. The length of this book is the cause, and not many casual readers will pick it up for that reason alone.

Before the Tablet and Smartphone eras, I used to take my books around with me, and many people were terrified of seeing me reading works like Battlefield Earth, Gone with the Wind, It, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Stand, War and Peace, and many more.

Some even inquired whether I was studying for an exam. I was initially perplexed, but I soon realized that the people who asked me such questions, as well as those who were simply afraid of these books, were not book lovers or casual readers.

Although this book does not have over a thousand pages like the others I mentioned, it is still over 900 pages on paperback, which is a lot for non-readers or casual readers.

It's difficult to think that in this day and age, someone hasn't read at least one book by Stephen King, but I'm just talking about book aficionados, not the whole world's population. 

His work is so prolific that even those who aren't fans of horror literature will be able to find something to like. 

I heard somewhere that Stephen King has written at least one favorite novel for every reader, and that we, the readers, must seek that novel if we have never read any of his works. 

I believe that is accurate because I have many favorites written by him. And I'm not the type of reader who easily likes or favorites something.

In this story, the main antagonist mentions a prominent evil that becomes the force in another of Stephen King's popular novels, The Dark Tower series, and it is here that all of the puzzle pieces are first coming together for the hero in that series to begin his journey.

I admire how the author's writings always seem to connect with people on some level. I appreciate the allusions to former characters in his earlier works, having read all of them before this one. For example, he cited Ben Hanscom as the architect who designed a famous structure in the region, and if you don't know, he was one of the seven scared teenagers in the wildly successful novel It.

One of the things that keeps me coming back to Stephen King, even if he does get a little carried away with details, is the way he always takes ordinary people, or even people who are even below average, and gives them extraordinary abilities and makes them do extraordinary things, such as people who are weak or underprivileged and are ignored by others. 

These are the protagonists and heroines of many of his stories, which I find refreshing since I enjoy reading about ordinary people triumphing or gaining the upper hand. 

I don't want to read about people who have a lot of money and power doing what they do best, which is messing with other people. Instead, I'd want to see the oppressed bully the bullies, and the corrupt.

The book is huge and can feel like it's dragging in the middle, and if you stopped reading or took a long break, you may have to go back several pages to figure out what's going on, so I strongly advise you to keep reading it, even if it's only a few pages per day, so you can stay in touch with all of the book's memories, plot points and the characters until you finish it.

Another aspect of this novel that appealed to me was the use of Greek legendary characters in a more modern setting. It was a great touch of quirkiness, and it prompted me to look up additional information about the Fates, the Muses, and so on.

Insomnia seems like another carefully produced chapter of author's monumental work The Dark Tower series. While not directly related to The Dark Tower, this narrative features characters that readers will recognize, as well as events that are tangentially related to the seven-book series. This novel also acts as a good unexpected sequel to It!

Character development is on pace with previous Stephen King works, although it is a little sluggish in places that are vital to the overall tale. If you like the author, and especially if you like The Dark Tower, you should read this.


Final Thoughts

In many respects, this novel is about the universe of The Dark Tower, which was a wonderful touch since I enjoy seeing the author blend and link the universes he creates.

Normally, I never mention the audio versions, despite the fact that I virtually always include a link for audiobooks, but this book's audio version was incredible, and I must recommend it as well. 

I enjoyed this book, which meant I had to acquire the audio version as well since that's what I do when I enjoy a book. 

Eli Wallach's narration surprised me completely; it was incredible! It was a unique and much more enjoyable experience than reading the book. 

Nothing could ever beat The Dark Tower audio novels read by Frank Muller and George Guidall, but I think this rendition comes very near.

Abused wives, birth, death, feminism, homosexuality, insanity, promises, purpose completeness, stages of existence, unpredictability, various theological viewpoints, and so on are all covered by Insomnia.

The story takes some time to get into, and the chapters may appear weird for most of the first half of the book while the author introduces the sleeping problem. 

But if you continue with it, the plot improves, blending mystical and medical elements so brilliantly that the reader wonders whether it's even conceivable. 

The love relationship is appealing, there is action, and the villains are captivating. Also, being a fan of The Dark Tower series, I appreciated how he included a small twist into the story, demonstrating his mastery of plot development and construction. 

Overall, Ralph Roberts is one of his other great heroes, and the supporting cast is also fascinating.


Synopsis

“A #1 national bestseller—“A yarn so packed with suspense, romance, literary reference, fascinating miscellaneous knowledge, and heart that only Stephen King could have written it. Marvelous—that is, full of marvels” (Booklist).

Since his wife died, Ralph Roberts has been having trouble sleeping. Each night he wakes up a bit earlier, until he’s barely sleeping at all. During his late night walks, he observes some strange things going on in Derry, Maine. He sees colored ribbons streaming from people’s heads, two strange little men wandering around town after dark, and more. He begins to suspect that these visions are something more than hallucinations brought on by lack of sleep.

There’s a definite mean streak running through this small New England city; underneath its ordinary surface awesome and terrifying forces are at work. The dying has been going on in Derry for a long, long time. Now Ralph is part of it…and lack of sleep is the least of his worries.

Returning to the same Maine town where It took place, a town that has haunted Stephen King for decades, Insomnia blends King’s trademark bone-chilling realism with supernatural terror to create yet another masterpiece of suspense.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bald Doctors, Character Development, Crimson King, Derry Maine, Eli Wallach, Kings Best, Little Bald, Main Characters, Ralph And Lois, Ralph Roberts, Tower Series


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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Misery Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Media Tie-In, Psychological, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Misery

Published: 8, June 1987
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Media Tie-In, Psychological, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's novel Misery is a psychological horror thriller. The title of the novel has two meanings: it is the name of the major heroine in Paul's book series, and Stephen King described such an emotional condition when writing the novel. The plot of the story revolves around the relationship of its two major characters, romance author Paul Sheldon and his insane admirer Annie Wilkes. When Paul is gravely injured in a vehicle accident, Annie transports him to her house, where he receives care and pain medicine. Paul understands he is a prisoner and is obliged to cater to his captor's desires.

Misery received the first Bram Stoker Award for Novel in 1987 and was nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1988. 

The story parallels Stephen King's own life as well as the study of celebrity and fan relationships. 

The novel, which debuted at number four on the New York Times bestseller list in 1987, was turned into a film directed by Rob Reiner in 1990 and a theatrical play starring Laurie Metcalf and Bruce Willis in 2015.

In his memoirs, Stephen King described the origin of Misery, claiming that the vision of Annie Wilkes came to him in a dream. 

The novel was supposed to be published under the alias Richard Bachman, but Stephen King's identity was uncovered before the book was published.

I've noticed Stephen King has a habit of creating a lot of his fictionalized works based on personal experience, and Misery appears to follow the trend. 

On TV, I was watching a biography about his life and career as an author. It was said that frenzied followers of his had a habit of bursting into his house, even while his wife Tabitha was alone. 

This prompted him to construct a fence around his Maine property so that admirers would not overstep their bounds. This, I believe, is where he got the concept for this novel.

If you've watched the film starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, you'll be familiar with some of the horrors that Paul Sheldon suffers while being kept hostage at a remote site in Colorado following an almost deadly automobile accident. 

However, the novel and which is true more often than not provides far more than the film. In the film, Annie Wilkes conducts a procedure on Paul known as "hobbling." She takes a small piece of wood, a sledgehammer, and... Well, if you know what happens, don't say anything, and I won't ruin the surprise either. However, those who have seen the film will tell you that it is far worse than what is depicted on screen if you can imagine that. 

Stephen King is unrivaled when it comes to characterization and steadily building tension. As cruel as Annie Wilkes is, the author has a strange ability to make the reader sympathize with Paul's tormentor, albeit only slightly. Annie appears to be a real person, not just a cardboard cutout thrown on the page for our entertainment, so I suppose that's true. 

While reading the book, I could picture Kathy Bates' face and hear her voice, which added to my enjoyment. Kathy Bates also won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in 1990. 

One of the things I like about Stephen King's writings is how complex and interconnected his fictional universe of inhabitants is, and you never know what reference will be thrown in at random that will make you smile, and in many cases laugh out loud, and in this book, I smiled at something that was said about an old hotel called the Overlook, which, if you are a Stephen King fan and have read all of his books, you will recognize as the Overlook from The Shining.

The author is at his finest in this work. Here's a horror and torture story that may be occurring right next door. Instead of clowns, vampires, and superheroes wreaking havoc on a tiny town, a crazed lady wreaks havoc on a man's body and psyche. 

It's violent, disturbing, and unsettling since there are no supernatural components that allow the reader to console oneself by repeating, "It's just a ghost story! Or it is supernatural! 

Annie Wilkes may be following your every move, waiting for you to slide on a sheet of ice in your driveway so she can scoop you up and nurse you back to health. 

I don't dislike Stephen King's more creature-feature novels; I enjoy them. But, in the end, humans disturb me more than ghosts and goblins, and Annie Wilkes is one monster of a person.

In terms of film vs. novel debates, I try to avoid them and embrace both pieces for what they are. In this situation, if you've watched the film a dozen times and believe there won't be any shocks in the novel, you'd be wrong. 

There are just enough variances to make the novel feel as fresh as seeing the film for the first time. You also get the added benefit of Katy Bates' insane face gazing up at you from the pages below.

To summarize my straightforward response to this discussion, I believe that novels are nearly always superior to film adaptations.

This film was not as faithful to the text as one may assume. There are a lot of things taken out of the film that were in the book, and the crazy woman is a lot meaner and a pure sadist in the novel, but it was still a fantastic film. 

Pick up this gem and give it a go if you want my recommendation. And I am confident that after reading this book, you will never drive under the influence of alcohol in a blizzard.


Final Thoughts

This is a Stephen King classic in every sense of the word. Hopefully, you haven't seen the movie, so Kathy Bates isn't playing in your head as you read this book...it unfolds in Stephen King's typical style, with his fully realized narrative structure that drives the reader to an awakening that shifts your point of view on, well, everything that you've known up to this point, before jumping straight to the climax that only he could create. 

If you haven't read it yet and haven't seen the movie, it's far preferable to start with the book and then see the movie, as it will truly blow your mind.

I was going to give 95 points because of some stuff written by Paul Sheldon in the book (in the book) on Annie Wilkes' "request" and how ridiculous it felt, but then I realized the genius of Stephen King behind those lines because those aren't lines from Stephen King or Paul Sheldon, they're actually a request from a crazed fan with a crazed mind, so I changed the points to 100%, and the same goes for recommendations.


Synopsis

“The #1 New York Times bestseller about a famous novelist held hostage in a remote location by his “number one fan.” One of “Stephen King’s best…genuinely scary” (USA TODAY).

Bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon thinks he’s finally free of Misery Chastain. In a controversial career move, he’s just killed off the popular protagonist of his beloved romance series in favor of expanding his creative horizons. But such a change doesn’t come without consequences. After a near-fatal car accident in rural Colorado leaves his body broken, Paul finds himself at the mercy of the terrifying rescuer who’s nursing him back to health—his self-proclaimed number one fan, Annie Wilkes. Annie is very upset over what Paul did to Misery and demands that he find a way to bring her back by writing a new novel—his best yet, and one that’s all for her. After all, Paul has all the time in the world to do so as a prisoner in her isolated house...and Annie has some very persuasive and violent methods to get exactly what she wants...

“King at his best…a winner!” —The New York Times
“Unadulteratedly terrifying…frightening.” —Publishers Weekly
“Classic King…full of twists and turns and mounting suspense.” —The Boston Globe”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Andrew Scheinman, Annie Wilkes, Car Accident, Edge Of Your Seat, Ever Read, Fast Cars, Frances Sternhagen, Highly Recommend, James Caan, Jeffrey Stott, Kathy Bates, King At His Best, King Book, Misery Chastain, Number One Fan, Paul Sheldon, Richard Farnsworth, Rob Reiner, Steve Nicolaides


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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Carrie Review

Stephen King, Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Occult, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller

Carrie

Published: 5, April 1974
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Classic, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Occult, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's Carrie is a gothic horror novel. It was his first novel to be published, with an initial print run of 30,000 copies. Set mostly in the then-future year of 1979, it centers around the title character Carrie White, a high school student who has no friends and is harassed and comes from an abusive religious family, who utilizes her newly acquired telekinetic skills to seek revenge on those who abuse her. In the process, she creates one of the town's biggest local disasters in its history.

Much of the novel is told through newspaper clippings, magazine articles, letters, and book excerpts about how Carrie ruined the imaginary town of Chamberlain, Maine, while getting revenge on her abusive classmates and her own mother, Margaret.

I'm freely discussing the tale because I don't think I'm ruining it by telling readers what the novel is about because the major beauty of this book is what and how stuff happens on the pages, which I'm not revealing.

Stephen King has stated that the piece is "raw and with a startling capacity to hurt and horrify."

Because of its brutality, swearing, underage sex, and poor perspective of religion, Carrie was one of the most often banned books in US schools in the 1990s.

I'm only including the link to the 1976 film version of Carrie since it's considered a landmark in the horror genre and one of the greatest cinematic adaptations of a Stephen King novel.

However, you may still view the others by following the same link and then scrolling down the page that loads. However, I strongly advise you to watch this version first before proceeding to any other version.

I've seen other adaptations and think this one is the closest to the book, and others aren't quite as good. Check out the link towards the bottom of the page for all additional important links to Stephen King's works and other film adaptations.

This may sound like an after-school special drama, but there is a mystery x element at work. Carrie has the capacity to manipulate items with her mind thanks to her telekinetic abilities.

She also appears to have some psychic abilities. As the story proceeds, her abilities get stronger and stronger. She also does a lot of practice to discover what she is capable of. 

Meanwhile, Carrie's school's bully leader, Christine Hargensen, is planning a terrible prom night prank for her.

A must-read for everyone who has ever been selected last in gym class, given a wedgie, been the object of a cruel and terrifying group joke, or just been tortured. 

It's awful every time Carrie's situation improves for a few hours just to have the rug pulled out from under her once more. 

You want her to have a chance, and it made my blood boil again and again because I wished I could assist her if she were a real person, as I had done with many other tormented children. 

Yes, I admit openly that in my school and college days, and even after that, I was the bully of bullies. I never hurt or bullied anyone, but if I found or saw a bully doing the bully thing, or found out that someone was being bullied, I was there to bully the bully, which is why I was respected and loved by everyone and feared by the bullies. 

My main goal was always to show the troubled kids that bullies are just cowards who take advantage of the system. In many locations, I was effective in inspiring bullied youngsters to be strong and fight back until the bullies stopped. 

I realize this is a book review, but the theme is bullies and what they do to damage an innocent mind, which is why there are so many school shootings these days. 

I wish I could assist all of the bullied individuals, and I urge everyone reading these words to be strong and stand up for one another, otherwise, the bullies will never stop. 

Just consider the worst-case scenario if you stand up for yourself and others. You will be expelled from school, sent to detention, or given a note for your parents; think about what happens when you complain about a bully: is he punished? No, nothing happens, so what's the big deal if you fight back? Consider the constant beatings, harassments, and embarrassments...what difference does it make if you get a few more punches? Simply be brave.

I think everyone understands what I'm saying, so let's get back to the review...

I try not to discuss religion because it is a personal matter that must be kept private for everyone. But there is something related to this subject in this novel, and it is a big part of what happens to Carrie. 

Carrie possessed the beaten-down; just get it over with the attitude of many people born into religious fundamentalist families. For someone with a fragile and innocent mind, it can be a very toxic environment. 

It is never religion that causes harm to people; rather, it is people who abuse religion and its teachings in order to harm others. Carrie's family was unquestionably fundamentalist as well as toxic. Despite the fact that she was left with only her mother.

Carrie may have been a completely normal child if her mother hadn't been terrible, causing her to be strange and picked on by other children. 

Carrie's abnormality, young girls' unbelievable brutality, and a boy's cruel and horrible behaviors are just a few of the factors that combine to turn everyone into a monstrosity. 

It's not quite horror for me; it's more Young Adult, thriller, and true retribution, but I thoroughly loved it.

Stephen King does an excellent job, especially for a first novel. He perfectly captures the plight of the bullied teen and the casual cruelty of youth. As a reader, I was struck by how well both male and female perspectives depicted bullying and meanness.

Final Thoughts

The book is a strong narrative of bullying in schools. Children may be vicious, as the reader will discover throughout the novel. 

Even today, as authorities strive to put a halt to cyberbullying, the message rings true. This is an absolute must-read for people of all age groups. 

Even though I feel it is not acceptable for children due to specific content that is only fit for adults, but it is vital to teach our children not to bully others and to confront and expose the bully if they are bullied.

The narrative as a whole is fantastic. Something the author excels at is combining the supernatural with human wickedness, and this story is heavy on the latter. 

While reading, you sense Carrie's agony and attempt to imagine what she is going through. Stephen King's trademark ability to write a wonderful narrative is all over this one, with settings, people, situations, and a finale that neatly ties everything together for a genuinely unforgettable read.

It's a true page-turner that's impossible to put down once you've started. The random extracts from newspapers, court hearings, and remarks about what happened to Carrie and her classmates make it feel so genuine as you read. 

Carrie is certainly one of Stephen King's best novels, and I'd suggest it to everyone who enjoys a good horror thriller.


Synopsis

“Stephen King's legendary debut, the bestselling smash hit that put him on the map as one of America's favorite writers

"Gory and horrifying. . . . You can't put it down." —Chicago Tribune

Unpopular at school and subjected to her mother's religious fanaticism at home, Carrie White does not have it easy. But while she may be picked on by her classmates, she has a gift she's kept secret since she was a little girl: she can move things with her mind. Doors lock. Candles fall. Her ability has been both a power and a problem. And when she finds herself the recipient of a sudden act of kindness, Carrie feels like she's finally been given a chance to be normal. She hopes that the nightmare of her classmates' vicious taunts is over . . . but an unexpected and cruel prank turns her gift into a weapon of horror so destructive that the town may never recover.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Amy Irving, Angela Bettis, Brian Depalm, Chloe Grace Moretz, David Carson, Even Though, Gabriella Wilde, High School, John Travolta, Julianne Moore, Kim Peirce, Kimberly Peirce, Margaret White, Nancy Allen, Patricia Clarkson, Pig Blood, Piper Laurie, Prom Night, Rene Sofer, Salems Lot, Sissy Spacek, Sue Snell, Tommy Ross, William Katt


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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