This is a good writeup. It is a really bizarre book.
You also have an interesting list going there — I’m really curious to see your take on Firestarter, which is probably my favorite of his novels.
I also think The Long Walk is an interesting choice, and a good one. Though if I had to pick one of the original Bachman books I might choose Rage just because I think there’s some raw teenage darkness there. But The Long Walk haunted me more, so you’re probably making the right choice.
(But if you dutifully finish your list of novels and want some pure pleasure, try his short story collections. I think King is one of the greatest American short story writers, full stop. Yes, his cathedrals are famous. But somehow it’s his motels and gas stations that will really knock you out.
Ever since I started this,people keep recommending things I should read that they can't belive aren't on the list! This is the third or fourth recommendation of his shorter works so they're on my more secret list.
I may end up reading dozens of his books of I keep liking them. Reading him has been a pleasant surprise, really. I had very low expectations, which has probably helped my view of him.
The first time I read this (and I've read it 3 times), when I got to the part where he describes "It", I had to read it twice (perhaps 3 times....I can' remember), just to wrap my head around what he was actually saying. So very mind-boggling and totally out there, in a really good way. This has always been one of my favourite King novels.
What you describe is why I didn't read It. I didn't want the memory. I enjoy many King books but this one wasn't for me. Congratulations on the new baby so wonderful for you and your family!
This is my favourite novel ever and it’s simply because, to me, amongst all the horror, it is at its heart about friendship and caring for others. The last paragraph is just incredible and gets me every time
Yeah, I think this is what makes King a lot more interesting than I expected: he remains fully focused and committed to relationships and characters. All the horror and conceptual stuff is meaningless without us first caring about the people involved.
I also really recommend watching the original 80's TV miniseries of IT, and then watching the new movies if you haven't already.
The new movies really capture what I think is a critical element of this series-- the book is not about Pennywise. He's just a tool to get at the real horror, express the challenges of coming of age, and to unite a group of rejects-- across time.
The old miniseries is just ridiculous, so poorly cast, and loads of dumb fun.
You're younger than me, so the weirdness of casting the dude from Three's Company and the dude from Night Court will probably be lost on you. Nonetheless, it's worth watching. Plus, I mean, Tim Curry.
Ha, it didn't bother me, honestly. I don't know that I can justify it or that I'd be interested in trying, but I find it kind of fitting for how strange this novel is.
Yes. THAT scene. When I read is as a teen, I don’t remember my reaction being as visceral as it is today. Could he had expressed bev losing her innocence another way? Absolutely. But is lined up with all of the undertones of her abusive father’s ways he destroyed her, and the polar opposite of the devotion the rest of the loser club had for her. So…not out of the realm of possibility.
This is a good writeup. It is a really bizarre book.
You also have an interesting list going there — I’m really curious to see your take on Firestarter, which is probably my favorite of his novels.
I also think The Long Walk is an interesting choice, and a good one. Though if I had to pick one of the original Bachman books I might choose Rage just because I think there’s some raw teenage darkness there. But The Long Walk haunted me more, so you’re probably making the right choice.
(But if you dutifully finish your list of novels and want some pure pleasure, try his short story collections. I think King is one of the greatest American short story writers, full stop. Yes, his cathedrals are famous. But somehow it’s his motels and gas stations that will really knock you out.
Ever since I started this,people keep recommending things I should read that they can't belive aren't on the list! This is the third or fourth recommendation of his shorter works so they're on my more secret list.
I may end up reading dozens of his books of I keep liking them. Reading him has been a pleasant surprise, really. I had very low expectations, which has probably helped my view of him.
Add mine as a fifth recommendation to read the short stories.
Also, his book "On Writing" is unmatched-- though not exactly on the theme you're talking about here. :)
It's interesting how popular that book is, even among people who don't like Kimg's writing.
I'm going to assume that was an ironic misspelling of "King" given the topic of this comment thread.
All my misspellings and typos are probably on purpose
The first time I read this (and I've read it 3 times), when I got to the part where he describes "It", I had to read it twice (perhaps 3 times....I can' remember), just to wrap my head around what he was actually saying. So very mind-boggling and totally out there, in a really good way. This has always been one of my favourite King novels.
Definitely! It's a very peculiar and ungainly novel. The ambition of it, by itself, really sets it apart from what most authors have even attempted.
That's for sure!! I have always loved the strangeness of King!
For me, this is the first of his novels that really demonstrated that. But I findbit a fascinating element
What you describe is why I didn't read It. I didn't want the memory. I enjoy many King books but this one wasn't for me. Congratulations on the new baby so wonderful for you and your family!
Thanks, Linda!
Can't blame you for not wanting some of this in your head! So far, I think it's the darkest King book I've read.
This is my favourite novel ever and it’s simply because, to me, amongst all the horror, it is at its heart about friendship and caring for others. The last paragraph is just incredible and gets me every time
Really enjoyed your write up 👍🏼
Thanks!
Yeah, I think this is what makes King a lot more interesting than I expected: he remains fully focused and committed to relationships and characters. All the horror and conceptual stuff is meaningless without us first caring about the people involved.
I also really recommend watching the original 80's TV miniseries of IT, and then watching the new movies if you haven't already.
The new movies really capture what I think is a critical element of this series-- the book is not about Pennywise. He's just a tool to get at the real horror, express the challenges of coming of age, and to unite a group of rejects-- across time.
The old miniseries is just ridiculous, so poorly cast, and loads of dumb fun.
I've actually never seen any It adaptations, but I've thought about following up this series with all the many adaptations of King's novels.
Watch the old one first.
You're younger than me, so the weirdness of casting the dude from Three's Company and the dude from Night Court will probably be lost on you. Nonetheless, it's worth watching. Plus, I mean, Tim Curry.
Can't go wrong with Tim Curry!
I love how you list the 95,000,000,000-page Dark Tower series as if it's just one more little Stephen King book you'll just cruise on through.
I fear no (7 book series) man!
Spoken like someone who's never read Wolves of the Calla.
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter.
Thanks!
This was such a great book that was almost completely and utterly ruined by THAT scene.
Ha, it didn't bother me, honestly. I don't know that I can justify it or that I'd be interested in trying, but I find it kind of fitting for how strange this novel is.
Yes. THAT scene. When I read is as a teen, I don’t remember my reaction being as visceral as it is today. Could he had expressed bev losing her innocence another way? Absolutely. But is lined up with all of the undertones of her abusive father’s ways he destroyed her, and the polar opposite of the devotion the rest of the loser club had for her. So…not out of the realm of possibility.