Doctor Sleep was a fun read. It wasn't sublime or life-changing but it was an intriguing spectacle all the same. King himself notes the obvious contrast between the original novel and its sequel, largely because the author he was then and the author he is now are two different breeds but with one same purpose: telling a scary story. And it is scary. It's entertaining too. The middle sags a bit but the final pages satisfy. In some bizarre way there seems to be an element of universal truth in this novel. I think it's connected to the whole idea of stolen innocence in childhood, a reoccurring aspect that seems to pop up a lot in the literature I read and study. After co-directing Peter Pan, I novel/play that I have a soft spot for, I am probably more sensitive to this aspect. King is exceptionally adept at writing about childhood and its complex social construction. I enjoy reading Abra's connections with Dan. There's not much else to say. It's a fun read and I'd recommend it to all King fans. My biggest regret is not reading a signed copy of the novel. My mom got that one as we left the New England church on a warm September evening. I remember opening my novel as I walked outside to find my blank white page on the inside cover. My heart sank five notches. My mother opened hers. The sharp signature smiled up at us and we began hopping on the steps like a pair of Annie Wilkes wannabes. I guess I'm a big "Ga Ga" for King after all but don't tell anyone, you dirty bird.
This book has a special place in my library, simply because my mother and I built a memory in the acquisition of our prospective copies. Our trip to Boston and Harvard to see the author himself speak about his latest masterpiece was, in many ways, the greatest literary experience of my life. Atwood was hilarious and entertaining but the magic of Harvard and the atmosphere of the grand church that complemented my Stephen King experience was untouchable in contrast. He was great. I don't idolize him like a deity among the mortal readers that fawn over his work though. I've never been one to go "Ga Ga" over any celebrity or person of fame. However, I will admit his very presence was awe-inspiring because I felt like the person I'd been reading all of these years was real. He spoke exactly as he wrote. It was reaffirming in so many ways.
Doctor Sleep was a fun read. It wasn't sublime or life-changing but it was an intriguing spectacle all the same. King himself notes the obvious contrast between the original novel and its sequel, largely because the author he was then and the author he is now are two different breeds but with one same purpose: telling a scary story. And it is scary. It's entertaining too. The middle sags a bit but the final pages satisfy. In some bizarre way there seems to be an element of universal truth in this novel. I think it's connected to the whole idea of stolen innocence in childhood, a reoccurring aspect that seems to pop up a lot in the literature I read and study. After co-directing Peter Pan, I novel/play that I have a soft spot for, I am probably more sensitive to this aspect. King is exceptionally adept at writing about childhood and its complex social construction. I enjoy reading Abra's connections with Dan. There's not much else to say. It's a fun read and I'd recommend it to all King fans. My biggest regret is not reading a signed copy of the novel. My mom got that one as we left the New England church on a warm September evening. I remember opening my novel as I walked outside to find my blank white page on the inside cover. My heart sank five notches. My mother opened hers. The sharp signature smiled up at us and we began hopping on the steps like a pair of Annie Wilkes wannabes. I guess I'm a big "Ga Ga" for King after all but don't tell anyone, you dirty bird.
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The Book BlogEnter the Book Blog! The BB is used as an ongoing blogging forum where I can post my thoughts on books as I'm reading them. This section will also include book reviews of finished novels. Archives
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