I was on the fence about picking up The Listener because of the mixed reviews and i also thought the last two books were pretty bland. I'll read it but I'm getting it from the library.
I just finished Matthew Bartlett's "Gateways to Abominations"... It's a quick read, disturbing little nightmarish vignettes that loosely hang together and stay with you after reading - reminded me of David Lynch imagery. Liked it a lot.
Started The Immaculate Void by Brian Hodge.
Started Goblin by Josh Malerman the other day. Only 2 stories in, but so far it's really good.
Also halfway through The Stand. I should wait until I finish to post my thoughts, but did anyone else find it a little slow going? I wonder if it's just that it's been so hyped up. It seems to be considered his best book, but right now I probably wouldn't even have it in my top 5. I started it once before and got about 500 pages in before I stopped. I'm not too much further than last time, but I don't really have a strong draw to read it. This happened before and I put it down and never picked it up again until now.
Looking for Mister Slaughter S/L #78
Definitely keep going! I felt the same about the slow moving plot, and to be honest, my expectations for the book were way different. I was thinking something along the lines of The Road, or Mad Max. While not my favorite, I still hold the book in high regard, and would easily recommend it. Hopefully at some point the book will find it's groove for you!
On a side note, I just finished Black House tonight. At first, I thought it was just alright, and actually liked The Talisman more. Now? I think it's pretty damn hard to chose, like apples to oranges. I really hope that rumored third book happens
I finished The Passage a few days ago and am now about a quarter of the way into The Twelve.
I am really really digging this book.Spoiler:
Glad to hear I'm not alone on The Stand. Funny thing is it started out really good, but now seems to be dragging a bit. Wonder if I should have read the original cut version instead? And don't worry I plan to finish it this time. It's our book for bookclub this month and next month. I'm just hoping I can finish it in time because I think it's taken me about 2 months to get halfway though Normally long books don't take me that long if I'm fully invested in them. Finished It, The Terror, and 11/22/63 all within a week.
I'm really enjoying it so far. It's a collection of 6 novellas all taking place in this town called Goblin. I've seen it referred to as his version of Derry or Castlerock, which I can see. I'm three stories in, three more to go, but so far they've all been solid. My favorite so far is Kamp, what a great story. I've only read Bird Box by him as well, but I would put this up there near that one. I really like his writing style. Hoping to get to Unbury Carol soon, as I've heard great things about that one.
I don't consider it slow, but it is the kind of book where you feel like you live side by side with the characters for a long time, and for some readers, that's pretty much the same thing. I can't remember a part of the book where something or other wasn't unfolding, though, so for me, it's all pretty exciting.
It was just before dawn
- one miserable morning in black 'forty four...
If you're the type of person that thinks The Stand is slow or drags, you're probably better off reading the original, shorter version.
On the other hand, if you're not digging it that much, and may only end up reading it once, but you're a FOMO type of person, you may still want to read the uncut version so that you never have to wonder what you missed.
It was just before dawn
- one miserable morning in black 'forty four...
I prefer the original but it was interesting to read the uncut version as well. I first read The Stand upon publication in 1978 so the hype factor wasn't there to set expectations. I enjoyed the story but wasn't thinking magmun opus. Same with IT. Both are good books but neither resonate with me today. There are a handful of SK books that still do and those are the ones that I like to revisit from time to time.
I can’t imagine how the original could be better. One of the best parts was the Trashcan Man and The Kid storyline. For me at least.
Looking for Mister Slaughter S/L #78
I remember feeling the same when I read it and thinking, "When is this gonna get to the 'amazing' level that people keep talking about?" I don't think it ever did in terms of shocks or suspense or fast pacing (which is what I had imagined prior to reading), but the characters were incredibly real and captivating, which made up for it. It's definitely a book to read for the characters.
And I saw that CD was doing a limited of his new one, but the plot synopsis does nothing for me. I hear from a lot of people who have read other things by him that Bird Box was his peak and everything else wasn't so great. Opinions? I've only read Bird Box (and enjoyed it).
A NEW GAME BEGINS
Thanks for the feedback on The Stand everyone. Seems like I was expecting something different from it. I'll post back in a month when I finish it.
A follow up to this:
I'm still reading my giant white Moby Dick, and last night, the mother sat down next to me and pulled the stroller in front of both of us. No Oreos this time, but at least two containers of cookies were employed, as well as one drink (and why is train time meal time?). So, I thought: do I stash the book? Maybe I'm worried about nothing - but by the time the cookie flies, it will be too late to take action. Well, my general tendency toward inertia held, I did nothing, and nothing happened. But still...my luck. If I see the kid again, I think I'll have to take the universe's hint and tuck the book away. Stay tuned...
It was just before dawn
- one miserable morning in black 'forty four...