King's worst novel?

[JQ The Gunslinger]

Thats a cool feature

[tl1233]

hey everybody used to post on here before it swapped but couldnt remember ma username :p
neway i personally loved insomnia just for the amount of things it connects to e.g gages shoe, the whole end conversation with ralph and the ck i loved the bit in IT its refrencing the whole hi amos im de king fish in derry
i liked dreamcatcher but it was a little slow for king and for most of its just a chase
i enjoyed thinner aswell
now for worst book id have to say regulators though iv not read cell or tommykncockers (the first i dont think ill like the later i think i will)
i dont know y i didnt like the regulators but maybe its because i liked the characters in desperation and the regulators was so different or maybe its the suburban setting
off topic but short story wise i dont think u cant beat jerusalems lot

[Disturbed Angel]

I don't think I really dislike any King novel, but the one I have re-read the least (only read it twice) is Tommyknockers, so I guess thats my least favourite.

I am re-reading Thinner, and a few days ago I re-read Rage, it was like the first time as it has been years since I read them - I love it when it seems brand new again! :clap:

[Aballah]

I love almost all of his books, but let me think...
*scampers to bookshelf*
Ah yes. Misery and Dreamcatcher. The only two I've only read one time through. Bleck.

[Ruthful]

I like Insomnia, although I'm getting kind of antsy. In five-hundred pages neither The Crimson King nor Patrick Danville have made an appearance.

[MonteGss]

I like Insomnia, although I'm getting kind of antsy. In five-hundred pages neither The Crimson King nor Patrick Danville have made an appearance.

Yup. So long, so wordy for so little bang. Bang that you have to wait and wait and wait for. I feel for you dude. :)

[Empath of the White]

I just couldn't get into Tommyknockers for some reason. The beginning just wondered around too much. Insomnia wasn't necessarily a bad novel. I probably would've enjoyed it more had I read it without knowing of the Crimson King or Danville. I would not have been reading to find the mentions of those characters. It was a pretty good story and the characters weren't bad at all. Slow going I guess is the appropriate word.

[fernandito]

I like Insomnia, although I'm getting kind of antsy. In five-hundred pages neither The Crimson King nor Patrick Danville have made an appearance.

Yup. So long, so wordy for so little bang. Bang that you have to wait and wait and wait for. I feel for you dude. :)

Well, that's certainly disheartening.

[obscurejude]

God, I still don't see what's so "slow going" about Insomnia. There's that fight with Ed at the beginning. The abortion dialog. The little bald doctors come in very soon. You guys are just lazy readers.

[John_and_Yoko]

God, I still don't see what's so "slow going" about Insomnia. There's that fight with Ed at the beginning. The abortion dialog. The little bald doctors come in very soon. You guys are just lazy readers.

I don't see it either--I was hooked almost from page one.

I don't know about lazy, but I think the trick is to read the story FOR the story, rather than for the Dark Tower references.

I mean, even though I knew those would exist, I wasn't holding my breath because what I was reading already held my interest.

[MonteGss]

:rolleyes:

[obscurejude]

It was a joke Monte.

[Girlystevedave]

I got very bored with Insomnia, and I read it way before DT. I've thought about going back and trying a re-read eventually, but I don't know.
It was one of those books I had to force myself to finish, and I don't like that.

[MonteGss]

It was a joke Monte.

That why I rolled my eyes-smiley at you. :P

[Heather19]

I got very bored with Insomnia, and I read it way before DT. I've thought about going back and trying a re-read eventually, but I don't know.
It was one of those books I had to force myself to finish, and I don't like that.

Same for me. After listening to everyone here rave about it though, it makes me wonder if I should go back and try to give it another shot. However after really strugglling thru it the first time, I really don't know if I want to have to go thru that again.

[turtlex]

Much as I hate to mention - I have to agree with those who did not enjoy Tommyknockers. I might honestly have hated it. It just didn't click with me at all, not on any level.

[Sidhedevil]

It. I loved the movie but hated the book. The kiddie gang bang really put me off.

[obscurejude]

I got very bored with Insomnia, and I read it way before DT. I've thought about going back and trying a re-read eventually, but I don't know.
It was one of those books I had to force myself to finish, and I don't like that.

Same for me. After listening to everyone here rave about it though, it makes me wonder if I should go back and try to give it another shot. However after really strugglling thru it the first time, I really don't know if I want to have to go thru that again.

Heather, I think CK said it best when he made Insomnia analogous to long sex that ends in a crazy orgasm. Give it another try. :thumbsup:

[MonteGss]

It. I loved the movie but hated the book. The kiddie gang bang really put me off.

You are not the first person who has said this.
I didn't mind it myself, for me, it was only like 10 pages of a 1100 page book...no big deal for me.

IT is my favorite non-DT book. The movie, for me, rated only a C- on school scoring. Hopefully, even though Sci-Fi is doing the remake, I hope they can make it better.

[Sidhedevil]

It. I loved the movie but hated the book. The kiddie gang bang really put me off.

You are not the first person who has said this.
I didn't mind it myself, for me, it was only like 10 pages of a 1100 page book...no big deal for me.

IT is my favorite non-DT book. The movie, for me, rated only a C- on school scoring. Hopefully, even though Sci-Fi is doing the remake, I hope they can make it better.

Well, I didn't really mean that IT was King's worst book, but it was the the King book I least enjoyed reading. Only because I found it so creepy and disturbing, IT really got to me.

[Ruthful]

Creepy and disturbing.

That's one of the appeals of Stephen King before he grew soft and flabby, e.g. Pet Sematary, my favorite horror novel he's written.

I can't say that I was put off by the pre-teen orgy, only because weird variations of sexual deviances and paraphilia are so prominent in his work. The "regular" erotic scenes are a lot worse to me, because they're so ineptly written, not that Stephen King is alone in this flaw. See Salman Rushdie.

:scared:

[The Lady of Shadows]

gerald's game
hands down, no questions, end of story.

[Jean]

Creepy and disturbing.

That's one of the appeals of Stephen King before he grew soft and flabby, e.g. Pet Sematary, my favorite horror novel he's written.

I can't say that I was put off by the pre-teen orgy, only because weird variations of sexual deviances and paraphilia are so prominent in his work. The "regular" erotic scenes are a lot worse to me, because they're so ineptly written, not that Stephen King is alone in this flaw. See Salman Rushdie.

:scared:
very well said, all of it

[Heather19]

Well, I didn't really mean that IT was King's worst book, but it was the the King book I least enjoyed reading. Only because I found it so creepy and disturbing, IT really got to me.

That's one of the reasons why it's my favorite.

[Sam]

Holy crap. I started reading this thread and I was SHOCKED to see Eyes of the Dragon anywhere near this list. I rank it among my favorite books. The story was compelling and poignant. It wrapped up a little to nicely for some people for certain, but it's supposed to be a fairy tale. Not only that, but my heart pounds every time I read the story and reach the point where Flagg is ascending the Needle. It POUNDS, and I have read the story six times at least.

Sorry for that, I was just honestly surprised to find that book on any worst novel list.

[Darkthoughts]

:cry: I agree Sam...big time!

[ClashCR77]

In my opinion, Tommyknockers is his worst novel. I mean, I liked the book but it was hard to finish it the first time I read it.

[obscurejude]

In my opinion, Tommyknockers is his worst novel. I mean, I liked the book but it was hard to finish it the first time I read it.

Many share your sentiments, including King.

[Cutter]

OK I have a new one, as I just finished this a month or so ago. Gerald's Game. I think the concept was fine, but no author can keep a reader entertained while the story happens in one room. You can only cover “she's thirsty” so many times before the reader gets bored. Also the second half of the book felt like a separate book, it did not meld well with the first part. If this book was 200 pages, it could have been entertaining.

[The Lady of Shadows]

it's amazing to me how many of his own books sai king doesn't like. he's publicly said that he doesn't like rose madder or insomnia. i've heard before that he didn't like tommyknockers (but don't know the source). does anyone know what other writings he considers his worst?

[obscurejude]

it's amazing to me how many of his own books sai king doesn't like. he's publicly said that he doesn't like rose madder or insomnia. i've heard before that he didn't like tommyknockers (but don't know the source). does anyone know what other writings he considers his worst?

He wasn't crazy about the Gunslinger, or the Stand actually. He had trouble finishing both of them. Readers beg to differ of course.

[blackrose22]

Totally agree about The Tommy knockers, I found it to a torturous piece of shit from start to finish. Couldn't wait to finish it hoping it would redeem itself as the story went on but alas it didn't. It's the only SK book I haven't read more than once.

[Aballah]

I didn't mind The Tommyknockers that much. It wasn't great, but it wasn't as bad as Dreamcatcher. I still don't know how I managed to finish that novel.

[Sam]

The Tommyknockers and Dreamcatcher are the only two King novels I was not able to finish reading. I have yet to try my hand at The Talisman. Of the books that I have finished, Gerald's Game and Rose Madder are my least favorites.

[Sam]

Creepy and disturbing.

That's one of the appeals of Stephen King before he grew soft and flabby, e.g. Pet Sematary, my favorite horror novel he's written.

I can't say that I was put off by the pre-teen orgy, only because weird variations of sexual deviances and paraphilia are so prominent in his work. The "regular" erotic scenes are a lot worse to me, because they're so ineptly written, not that Stephen King is alone in this flaw. See Salman Rushdie.

:scared:

I would not call the erotic scenes King writes inept. It is difficult to convey the "regular" act of sex properly without reaching that pornographic level that would certainly cost him readers if his publisher would even allow it in. Not that it can't be done. Many have read books that did a wonderful job of describing sex (even the intimate sex of two people deep in love, not lust) but most of them are relegated to the erotic section of the bookstore.

[Jean]

it is a beginning of an interesting discussion. Maybe those who would like to further discuss Sai King describing sex might do it here (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?t=619).

[Darkthoughts]

Hmmm, just finished Gerald's Game, although I cheated and skipped large parts of it.
I didn't dislike the story itself, it was a great idea - but it was just too long winded and I got bored.

[nordh]

I'm about 100 pages away from finishing The Tommyknockers, and I think it's a really good book so far. I hope the ending doesn't justify all this negativity towards it o.O

Gerald's game is so brutal and crude that I think it's one of SKs better books. The second part of the book just made it feel even worse (in a good way), because all of a sudden it didn't feel like fiction at all.

The Eyes of the Dragon is a really well written book for it's kind. It's however quite different from his ordinary style, so I can understand that many don't like it.

The Colorado Kid is also one of those books that people need to understand the style just to like it. It's an evil book. I have still not been able to determine if I like it or hate it. ^^

I can't really name one book that I've been put off about (apart from his short stories, which only a few appeal to me), so I can't really say that I have a "worst" novel.

[mallory]

I wasn't too fond of the Cell..i wasn't able to finish it, it seemed to go on forever with no real pivotal point to focus on. Me being slightly easily turned off from a book, I just had to set it down.Maybe I didn't give it a fair review but then again, it didn't keep my entranced by it either..One bored day i might pick up where I left off.but for now..eh..I'm good on that...I have many many books of his that I am in love with . One that I wasn't crazy about really isn't that bad now is it..

[Darkthoughts]

I didn't find Gerald's Game brutal or crude, it was just too...I dunno, intermittant?
It was nothing to do with content or storyline, it just wasn't well paced.

[fernandito]

I wasn't too fond of the Cell..i wasn't able to finish it, it seemed to go on forever with no real pivotal point to focus on....

Welcome to the club!

:dance:

[stboling]

I totally agree that Gerald's Game would be my least favorite. It's the only King book that I have never recommended to any of my non-King fan friends.

[Matt]

I am shocked at EotD being on here for sure. I was also pretty fond of Gerald's Game but I know that was a suck for most including King. :lol:

[The Lady of Shadows]

what's with all the eyes of the dragon hating? read it, then reread the dark tower in its entirety. that's my proposition. :)

still have to say gerald's game is the worst thing sai king ever wrote. of course, he's had a lot more published than i ever have so who am i to talk?

[Jean]

I wasn't too fond of the Cell..i wasn't able to finish it, it seemed to go on forever with no real pivotal point to focus on....

Welcome to the club!

:dance:
the club is growing

I will finish it when/if I get a book format copy. Maybe.

[obscurejude]

I wasn't too fond of the Cell..i wasn't able to finish it, it seemed to go on forever with no real pivotal point to focus on....

Welcome to the club!

:dance:
the club is growing

I will finish it when/if I get a book format copy. Maybe.

No it isn't.

Cell lovers are just ashamed to speak up because it is so vehemently bashed.

<-------- Loves Cell.

[The Lady of Shadows]

the club is growing

I will finish it when/if I get a book format copy. Maybe.

does "book format copy" just mean book? if so, shit jean you can have mine. i'm not going to lose any sleep over cell i thought it sucked.

(please don't beat me obscurejude, i quote you in my sig - i'm exempt from your wrath :lol: )

[Girlystevedave]

I haven't read Cell yet...so I can't give much of an opinion. I did, however, start it over a year ago, got about thirty pages in and never picked it up again. So...yeah. :orely:

[Tiffany]

The Eyes of the Dragon was my first King book so it holds a special place for me.

I haven't been a huge fan of any Bachman books with the exception of The Regulators (though in fairness, I'm not sure if y'all are only ranking SK books as written by SK...and also, I haven't read every single one of them).

Lisey's Story was kinda slow but I plowed through it.

The only SK book I've ever put down without finishing was Tommyknockers It didn't take very long for me to lose interest and this is coming from an Insomniac-lover. :|

[mallory]

I wasn't too fond of the Cell..i wasn't able to finish it, it seemed to go on forever with no real pivotal point to focus on....

Welcome to the club!

:dance:
the club is growing

I will finish it when/if I get a book format copy. Maybe.

No it isn't.

Cell lovers are just ashamed to speak up because it is so vehemently bashed.

<-------- Loves Cell.

see maybe i just have a lousy taste of books..eh...maybe..

maybe not..maybe it was just that it freaked me out alot..who knows..im a big wimp hehhe

[Matt]

One of the things we have found out over the last year is how odd it is we can all be King fans and be totally different on what we consider his "good writing" :lol:

I personally loved Cell and hated Insomnia. But I plan to give the second one another go because of all the love it has here.

[The Lady of Shadows]

One of the things we have found out over the last year is how odd it is we can all be King fans and be totally different on what we consider his "good writing" :lol:

I personally loved Cell and hated Insomnia. But I plan to give the second one another go because of all the love it has here.


now if i can just get you to change your position on gerald's game. :lol:

[Matt]

Never! :lol:

I've been through that one about 6 times and I always love it. In fact, I scarred my kids forever when they were young with that very book.

[Heather19]

I too am surprised by all the hate that Cell gets. I loved it. It starts off with a bang. Tons of action, people going crazy. Everything you'd expect in a typical King book, and it's all right there in the first chapter. I was hooked right away.

[The Lady of Shadows]

Never! :lol:

I've been through that one about 6 times and I always love it. In fact, I scarred my kids forever when they were young with that very book.

????????

[Heather19]

Never! :lol:

I've been through that one about 6 times and I always love it. In fact, I scarred my kids forever when they were young with that very book.

????????

I was wondering the same thing, but wasn't sure I wanted to know. :orely:

[Jean]

he must have meant scared

(at least I hope so)

<--- loves Gerald's Game, too

[obscurejude]

Cell fans.

:grouphug:

[John Blaze]

I wasn't too fond of the Cell..i wasn't able to finish it, it seemed to go on forever with no real pivotal point to focus on....

Welcome to the club!

:dance:
the club is growing

I will finish it when/if I get a book format copy. Maybe.

No it isn't.

Cell lovers are just ashamed to speak up because it is so vehemently bashed.

<-------- Loves Cell.
:P I'm still bashing Cell.

and Jean, if you want one and don't mind a hardcover, I'll send you mine.

[Jean]

no, no, thank you! I can't get a hardcover to Russia (have to mind baggage overweight, with all them books I always bring), and I don't have room for them at home

(not especially Cell-like ones)

[John Blaze]

no, no, thank you! I can't get a hardcover to Russia (have to mind baggage overweight, with all them books I always bring), and I don't have room for them at home

(not especially Cell-like ones)
:rofl:

wait, so this means all hardcovers are libris non grata?

[Jean]

kind of, yes. http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_sad.gif

[Ka-tet]

For me it was Eyes Of The Dragon, i hated that book, i didnt even finish it.

[Jean]

For me it was Eyes Of The Dragon, i hated that book, i didnt even finish it.
I did... eventually. It took months.

[Matt]

he must have meant scared

(at least I hope so)

<--- loves Gerald's Game, too

Nope, I meant scarred :lol:

After my divorce, I had to drive my very young kids from the East Coast back to Colorado. Just the 4 of us in a moving van towing my car. It was a three day trip and I listened to that book on tape the whole way. It was on very low and I was familiar with it so I turned it down for the for the times bad words were on, also harsh violence (but there isn't much in that book).

Anyway, they still talk about it to this day. :scared:

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif

[stboling]

Oh no! Those poor kids, bad dad!:evil:
I actually read my very first Stephen King book due to my mom scaring me with it. (not on purpose). One of my mom's friends had loaned her Firestarter. She didn't normally read King, I don't think, but she did have a wide varierty of books. The picture on the cover scared me (little girl with flames around her head, I think). But I was a very morbid child, and rather strange, so I snuck the book into my room and read it. That was the beginning of my love for all things SK. I believe I was about 12.

[Matt]

It actually put SK in their minds for sure. I can't say I have a fan but the may come around to it.

They act more traumatized than they actually are. :lol: Its a fun family joke

[stboling]

Oh I hope you know I was just teasing, I don't think you're bad dad.

[Matt]

Oh, I know Sarah. :couple:

I thought I may have written it too dramatically. :lol:

[stboling]

I'm really surprised at the dislike for Insomnia. I thought is was great!

[Matt]

That may be why I need to read it again. Possibly a weird time in my life or something.

After the love its been shown here, its worth a re look for sure.

[Jean]

I'm really surprised at the dislike for Insomnia. I thought is was great!
It is.

[jayson]

I agree about Insomnia. I loved it the first time I read it, and it was one of those that I read in a very short time because I was too into it to put it down. It's held up well for me through at least two re-reads as well. I know some don't like the "slow pace" of the beginning of the book, but I thought it was well paced to coincide with the pacing of Ralph's developing sleep problems.

[AIMB]

Cell and Rose Madder...... bleegh

TOTP good luck for coming back to the forums yay!

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Oh, I loved Eyes of the Dragon. I remember being relatively young, at a friend of my mothers and they were discussing my intense love of King's work. He went back to his mini-library and handed me Eyes Of The Dragon, telling me it was a lot different than King's "normal" stuff, and maybe a little mroe age appropriate. Loved it.

I couldn't get into Gerald's Game. To be fair, I think it was the first bit of KingI ever read, I pulled it off my uncle's bookshelf when I was supposed to be sleeping, I was probably 9 or 10. Too young to get the book, but old enough to know a little of what was going on. I've been haunted by the image of the lady with both her fists in her...well...ever since. I put it down a few pages in...I tried to read it again, but it just sort of makes my stomach upset.

Someday maybe I'll try again, but for now, I say that'd be the one.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Oh, and I liked Cell, too. Call me the weirdo.

I didn't like it at first, because it felt like a cheap twist on The Stand, but in the end, the twist was enough and his writing style and ability to really make me give sh!t about his characters pulled me in and all was right in the world again.

[Fishonabike]

damn, i loved Insomnia. Ralph Roberts? he's the effing man.

I fully concur with this statement.

The only King novel I've read that was nearly painful was Tommyknockers.

Maybe I'm easy to please, but some of the books that people here hated are ones I really enjoyed.

A wonderful thing, opinions.

[educatedlady]

Eyes of the Dragon. It seriously took me about 4 months to finish it... and I really had to push myself for that.

[theBeamisHome]

I'm surprised to see Rose Madder on the list... and EofD too.. I LOVE Rose Madder, maybe because I could sort of relate to Rosie tho. I still don't believe I ever got through Tommyknockers... and I got through Cell but when I got to the end I was SO pissed off that I just decided that I didn't like it. And now I don't remember if I actually didn't like it, but I don't even think I did while I was reading it. I didn't finish Gerald's Game either. I agree with another poster that it couldn't hold my attention being held in one room. I bought Lisey's Story and it was a lil slow, but I was still pretty frightened. I have one of those imaginations I guess. But I think its between Tommyknockers and Gerald's Game for the worst.

And does anyone think that maybe Sai King didn't like those novels listed because he was afraid of them? You know Gunslinger, Insomnia, Rose Madder, ect., they're the connected ones right? The Crimson King didn't want him to do those and he was scared. That's why he didn't like them. :orely:

[Roland number 19]

I liked EotD, but I couldn't get into Gerald's Game. What the Hell was that about?

[Ari_Racing]

ROADWORK!

Man...I hated that book...boring, predictible...the worst of all King/Bachman books.
The Girl who loved tom gordon and firestarter aren't good either

[Ricky]

Man, this is tough. I feel like if I state on, I'll get struck by lightning or something! :rofl:

If someone held a gun to my head and said that I had to choose my least favorite Stephen King novel, I'd probably say The Dead Zone. I really didn't enjoy that ne as much as I would ahve liked to.

[The Lady of Shadows]

I liked EotD, but I couldn't get into Gerald's Game. What the Hell was that about?

man, somebody else better field this question cause nobody is gonna like my answer.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

I might like it. I like a lot of things other people don't. Like British comedy, punk music and exercising.

[dori]

worst of SK's books of all time has to be from a buik 8. Yawn. I plodded through it cuz i expected it to get good but it never did and Lisey's story has got to be the second worse. Bool????? What's that all about?

[Ruthful]

I liked EotD, but I couldn't get into Gerald's Game. What the Hell was that about?

man, somebody else better field this question cause nobody is gonna like my answer.

I saw it as a companion piece to Dolores Claiborne. One of his best psychological novels, IMO, which I think gets short shrift. I see it as a testament to self-reliance and the resiliency of someone's will.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

worst of SK's books of all time has to be from a buik 8. Yawn. I plodded through it cuz i expected it to get good but it never did and Lisey's story has got to be the second worse. Bool????? What's that all about?
Oh, I liked Lisey's story a lot. I didn't find it scary, really, but I really enjoyed it. I that the Bool thing was really cool and I really felt for Lisey and her long road to moving on from her husband's death.

[Jean]

I saw it as a companion piece to Dolores Claiborne. One of his best psychological novels, IMO, which I think gets short shrift. I see it as a testament to self-reliance and the resiliency of someone's will.
very well stated (as usual http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_wink-1.gif)

[John Blaze]

Oh, and I liked Cell, too. Call me the weirdo.

I didn't like it at first, because it felt like a cheap twist on The Stand, but in the end, the twist was enough and his writing style and ability to really make me give sh!t about his characters pulled me in and all was right in the world again.
weirdo.

[ManOfWesternesse]

Hmmm. We all differ quite a lot on this question.

For me the worst would probably be Tom Gordon.... or maybe Tommyknockers... probably Tom Gordon.

[lophophoras]

Lisey's Story was a tough one for me. I did have to force myself to finish it.

[Jean]

Lisey's Story was a tough one for me. I did have to force myself to finish it.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bears_friends.gif

[Matt]

I have an oppritunity to listen to Lisey's Story (its suddenly in the library on CD)--I'm really looking forward to doing the second time.

[MonteGss]

I enjoyed Lisey's Story. Not his best work but I wouldn't put it on my Worst list. Another that I would probably put on it would be Christine. It's another I've only read once. I caught the ending of the movie yesterday (i know that's not the same but it triggered memories of the book) and was astounded by its lameness. :) I remember the book being similar.

[Daghain]

Yeah, after I reread Christine, I was less than impressed. It was okay, but he's definitely done better.

[Darkthoughts]

Aw, I liked it - but it was my first King book so I'm sentimental about it :)

[MonteGss]

Aw, I liked it - but it was my first King book so I'm sentimental about it :)

I read that one after I had read IT, The Stand, Carrie, Salem's Lot and The Shining.....really hard to compare Christine after reading those. :)

[razz]

king novels i couldn't finish
Christine
Misery
Rose Madder
Lisey's Story

[ZGDK]

The Regulators. It was tense and well written but it just felt like an afterthought to Desperation.

The Talisman was great. Black House was good, but the focus didn't really feel like it was on Jack.

Also Insomnia was slow for the first 100-150 pages, but it was just so well written and I loved the characters. The other 500-600+ pages more than make up for the slow start.

[MonteGss]

Also Insomnia was slow for the first 100-150 pages, but it was just so well written and I loved the characters. The other 500-600+ pages more than make up for the slow start.

Personally, I'd switch that up a bit. It was slow for the first 500-600 pages and the last 100-150 pages were good. :) Not worth the time it took to read it.

[John_and_Yoko]

Also Insomnia was slow for the first 100-150 pages, but it was just so well written and I loved the characters. The other 500-600+ pages more than make up for the slow start.

Personally, I'd switch that up a bit. It was slow for the first 500-600 pages and the last 100-150 pages were good. :) Not worth the time it took to read it.

Speak for yourselves, I saw no slowness anywhere. :P

[fernandito]

Damnit, now I want to read Insomnia to see what all the fuss is about, but I really don't want to start any other book until I finish the Harry Potter series and am caught up with A Song of Ice and Fire!

:panic:

[MonteGss]

You should read it feve! But definitely finish HP first! :)

[ZGDK]

With Insomnia the beginning is slow, but not boring. It's all characters development and getting us acquanted with Ralph and his friends. Once he starts seeing the auras and the Bald Doctors it gets interesting. A very thought provoking book too.

[obscurejude]

Did you finish IT feev?

[fernandito]

Did you finish IT feev?

No, not yet. I'm trying to advance evenly between IT, Chamber of Secrets, A Clash of Kings, and the copious amounts of graphic novels that I have.

[obscurejude]

Well, it certainly looks like your reading slump is over. Good for you man. :cool:

[MonteGss]

But...so far you wouldn't consider IT to be on your King Worst List...would you, feve? :o

[The Lady of Shadows]

I saw it as a companion piece to Dolores Claiborne. One of his best psychological novels, IMO, which I think gets short shrift. I see it as a testament to self-reliance and the resiliency of someone's will.

wait, which was one of his best psychological novels? DC or GG? :confusedturtle:



Oh, and I liked Cell, too. Call me the weirdo.
weirdo.

finally, someone agrees with me about her. :lol:

oh, and Ves'Ka Gan? you are *so* very wrong about cell (and so many, many other things) but it's okay you're still my ka-sister. :couple:


I have an oppritunity to listen to Lisey's Story (its suddenly in the library on CD)--I'm really looking forward to doing the second time.

let me know what you think of that would you matt? i thought about it but i'm not sure i can take her voice for that long. it is mare winningham right?


king novels i couldn't finish
Christine
Misery
Rose Madder
Lisey's Story

:shoot: rose madder, razz? :shoot: want to give that there book one more read then rethink your think there pally? :)

[fernandito]

But...so far you wouldn't consider IT to be on your King Worst List...would you, feve? :o

No...however I really don't like how King unnecessarily drags out some parts to the point where it becomes tedious. He has to describe the scent in the air, and then the trees in the characters immediate surroundings, and then the ants that inhabit that tree, and the colony which the ants report to....getting the picture? It's like - okay dude, we get it.

But anyway, I'm only 260 pages in - I have a ways to go yet.

[obscurejude]

But...so far you wouldn't consider IT to be on your King Worst List...would you, feve? :o

No...however I really don't like how King unnecessarily drags out some parts to the point where it becomes tedious. He has to describe the scent in the air, and then the trees in the characters immediate surroundings, and then the ants that inhabit that tree, and the colony which the ants report to....getting the picture? It's like - okay dude, we get it.

But anyway, I'm only 260 pages in - I have a ways to go yet.

In the Stand, he describes all of the relatives of the king and queen ant as well as the prospects for the prince and princess ants. In the unabridged version, he also points out which shows the queen ant likes to Tivo on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

[Unfound One]

:lol:

[MonteGss]

:lol:

[razz]

I saw it as a companion piece to Dolores Claiborne. One of his best psychological novels, IMO, which I think gets short shrift. I see it as a testament to self-reliance and the resiliency of someone's will.

wait, which was one of his best psychological novels? DC or GG? :confusedturtle:



Oh, and I liked Cell, too. Call me the weirdo.
weirdo.

finally, someone agrees with me about her. :lol:

oh, and Ves'Ka Gan? you are *so* very wrong about cell (and so many, many other things) but it's okay you're still my ka-sister. :couple:


I have an oppritunity to listen to Lisey's Story (its suddenly in the library on CD)--I'm really looking forward to doing the second time.

let me know what you think of that would you matt? i thought about it but i'm not sure i can take her voice for that long. it is mare winningham right?


king novels i couldn't finish
Christine
Misery
Rose Madder
Lisey's Story

:shoot: rose madder, razz? :shoot: want to give that there book one more read then rethink your think there pally? :)

i can try, but no promise. it may be like dreamcatcher, and i'll be able to get into it this time.:panic:

[Shamey]

Gerald's Game was eh for me.

[Daghain]

I generally HATE the overuse of "descriptive" narration.

Thus, I HATE Thoreau. SORRY!

That said, IT is T E D I O U S, IMHO. I'll be rereading in a month or so, so we'll see if my opinion improves. :)

[The Lady of Shadows]

I generally HATE the overuse of "descriptive" narration.

Thus, I HATE Thoreau. SORRY!

That said, IT is T E D I O U S, IMHO. I'll be rereading in a month or so, so we'll see if my opinion improves. :)


wait, king wrote thoreau? :lol:

as for the ants, just wait until they start destroying the town. then you'll be glad for all that description. you'll see. :)

[Daghain]

:lol:

IT seriously bored the crap out of me. I don't think it can improve much with a reread. :lol:

[obscurejude]

:lol:

IT seriously bored the crap out of me. I don't think it can improve much with a reread. :lol:

This is my take on the Stand, but IT worked for me. I read it when I was 13 or so, and then again last year at 25. I still enjoyed and probably appreciated more in certain aspects.

[Brice]

Aw, I liked it - but it was my first King book so I'm sentimental about it :)

I'm sentimental about it too. It wasn't my first King book, but I read it early on and still love it. :couple:

[fernandito]

IT seriously bored the crap out of me. I don't think it can improve much with a reread. :lol:

If the rest of the book is like this, it's going to take me a looooong time to get through it. I hope it doesn't become tedious to the point where I feel that I can't finish it.

[obscurejude]

IT seriously bored the crap out of me. I don't think it can improve much with a reread. :lol:

If the rest of the book is like this, it's going to take me a looooong time to get through it. I hope it doesn't become tedious to the point where I feel that I can't finish it.

Those ants get more interesting and cosmologically significant.

[fernandito]

Do they start watching DirecTv isntead of Tivo? :cyclops:

Like I mentioned above - I still have a ways to go yet, but we'll see...

[obscurejude]

The prince ant does, because he's trying to get in bed with one of the neighboring colonial princesses. He's basically trying to impress her, but I don't want to give anything else away. The rest of the ants in the colony are content with Tivo and have recorded every episode of Seinfield in syndication, the irony being that the book becomes a book about nothing which contains ants that watch a show about nothing.

[Brice]

I love both It and The Stand, but I'll concede sometimes King misplaces his copy of Strunk and White's.

[Daghain]

The prince ant does, because he's trying to get in bed with one of the neighboring colonial princesses. He's basically trying to impress her, but I don't want to give anything else away. The rest of the ants in the colony are content with Tivo and have recorded every episode of Seinfield in syndication, the irony being that the book becomes a book about nothing which contains ants that watch a show about nothing.



:thumbsup:

That was brilliant!

[The Lady of Shadows]

The prince ant does, because he's trying to get in bed with one of the neighboring colonial princesses. He's basically trying to impress her, but I don't want to give anything else away. The rest of the ants in the colony are content with Tivo and have recorded every episode of Seinfield in syndication, the irony being that the book becomes a book about nothing which contains ants that watch a show about nothing.



:thumbsup:

That was brilliant!

the man can wax philosophical. i doff my hat to you ryan. :cowboy:

[fernandito]

I love both It and The Stand, but I'll concede sometimes King misplaces his copy of Strunk and White's.

and then some.

[Daghain]

I don't think he misplaces it so much as sets it on fire and jumps up and down on it. :lol:

[Brice]

I don't think he misplaces it so much as sets it on fire and jumps up and down on it. :lol:

then pisses on the fire and scatters the pages to the four winds. :lol:

[fernandito]

Then hires a sorcerer to place a spell so that those pages can never be put together again.

[Brice]

Then of course he describes said destruction with lots of adjectives and in meticulous detail. :lol:

[obscurejude]

:lol: This thread has been great the past couple of days.

And thanks Daghain and Turtlesong. :)

[John Blaze]

The prince ant does, because he's trying to get in bed with one of the neighboring colonial princesses. He's basically trying to impress her, but I don't want to give anything else away. The rest of the ants in the colony are content with Tivo and have recorded every episode of Seinfield in syndication, the irony being that the book becomes a book about nothing which contains ants that watch a show about nothing.

:lol:

every guy understands the prince, I take it.

I used to do anything for a lay, when I was younger and single.

[ZGDK]

Christine was one I didn't like. It was really well written and tense, but it's about high schoolers and I get enough high school each day.

[Archangel(tjk)]

I have to put my vote in for Tommy Knockers. It was just so drawn out. IT and the Stand are longer in pages but Ive never taken as long to finish a book as I did TommyKnockers
Cell was also ok, but not anywhere near my favorite. The zombie thing has just been so done over and over and over again that even with an SK twist its just old hat in my book

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Upon reading this--I guess I should clarify my point. Someone had said "Cell is the Stand's annoying little brother" in a different thread,and I agree. But I like King's style enough that I liked it.

So far the only bookj of his I have actually wholeheartedly disliked was Gerald's Game.

[ZGDK]

For some reason I loved Insomnia and The Tommyknockers. They may be slow but I love learning about the characters and all the buildup. I didn't enjoy The Regulators because it just drops you into the story and it's like: here, this is it, just start now. No buildup, no growing sense of excitment.

[Jean]

For some reason I loved Insomnia and The Tommyknockers. They may be slow but I love learning about the characters and all the buildup. I didn't enjoy The Regulators because it just drops you into the story and it's like: here, this is it, just start now. No buildup, no growing sense of excitment.
very much like what I feel about the three of them, too

[ZGDK]

I think the thing that's great about Stephen King is that he's such a versatile writer. He writes stories like Tommyknockers/Insomnia for those who like those types of books and stories like Regulators/Cell for that crowd. There's something for everyone. But one thing is true none are completley straightforward horror. They are all original and uniqe. Also if you're not a horror fan his books can be viewed as sci-fi/fantasy. In that sense I don't think Stephen has a worst book.

[The Lady of Shadows]

oh sure he does. it's called gerald's game. :lol:






no, really. it is.

[MonteGss]

I liked Gerald's Game because it was more of a "scare the shit out of yourself"/personal demons I have to deal with sort of book. As for as excitement factor, I admit it was really bad but I did enjoy the book.

It's better than Insomnia. :P :P :lol:

[Darkthoughts]

:o Oh no you di'int!!

[MonteGss]

:lol:

[obscurejude]

Isn't funny how the same arguments just get re hashed over and over and over in this thread?

[MonteGss]

Yes, it is funny. Let's be honest though...King really doesn't have too many bad novels. :D

[Darkthoughts]

Let's be honest though...eventually I will wear Monte down and he will admit that Insomnia is da bomb!! :lol:

[obscurejude]

Case in point. :huglove:

[MonteGss]

Let's be honest though...eventually I will wear Monte down and he will admit that Insomnia is da bomb!! :lol:

I can see that happening. :)
Sadly...I see no hope for Thinner, Tommyknockers and Christine though. :(

[obscurejude]

Oh yeah, Monte has an iron heart.

[Darkthoughts]

Sadly...I see no hope for Thinner, Tommyknockers and Christine though. :(

Not read Thinner yet. What was it about Tommyknockers you didn't like?
And Christine :cry: You're doing it on purpose aren't you! Just because I said I'd goto the mall with Ryan...:lol:

[MonteGss]

Those three books are the few King books I've only read one time, which means that wasn't too captivated by the story enough to bring me back.
I remember Tommyknockers just draggin on and on and I don't remember particularly liking King's view/interpretation of aliens.
Christine wasn't horrible but it was pretty boring, imo. I just wanted to be done with it and move on to his next book.

I say that there is hope for Insomnia because that one I kept trying to get through...it took me 4 tries to finish. Something about it made me want to finish it. I was just really disappointed once I did get through it.

[mia/susannah]

I have not read tommyknockers. I have the movie though. The movie is alright. But not great. Christine I like very much. Book and movie

[The Lady of Shadows]

the first time i read the tommyknockers i was struggling to get through it. i remember thinking "really? he's writing about this? wtf?" but i reread it this year and really liked it.

i especially liked gard. and the poem he wrote for bobbi sticks in my mind even now. and regardless of what everyone else thinks, that was jack sawyer he meet on the pier. so there. :P

[JQ The Gunslinger]

In 2 weeks i had read 65 pages of Geralds Game, I returned it to the library sayin, "This book sucks" lol only book of my life I have ever gave up. I also didnt like The Stand, but once I read all SK books, I will deff. reread. But thats not for a very long long long time!

[Heather19]

I guess I'm one of the few that liked Gerald's Game. Not my all-time favorite of his, but far from being his worst. It's all about someone fighting the demons within their own head, and I really enjoyed that. And I know I've said this many times before, but it has the scariest moment ever in a King story.

[Girlystevedave]

I said before that I would like to re-read Insomnia since I've read the DT, to see if I appreciate it more. It's not that I hated it, but it is the one SK book I remember "forcing" myself to finish.
I read later on that SK said it was one of his few stories that actually had a plot and he somewhat knew how it would end when he began it. Maybe that had something to do with my boredom..(shrugs)

[bangoskank1]

The Tommknockers...omg it was soooooooo hard to get thru The Tommyknockers....I re read every one of his books....I just lied...I will never re read The Tommyknockers....

[obscurejude]

I said before that I would like to re-read Insomnia since I've read the DT, to see if I appreciate it more. It's not that I hated it, but it is the one SK book I remember "forcing" myself to finish.
I read later on that SK said it was one of his few stories that actually had a plot and he somewhat knew how it would end when he began it. Maybe that had something to do with my boredom..(shrugs)

I think the plot thing is one of the reasons that it worked for me. Sometimes his foreshadowing is not so subtle and think that may happen because he writes the ending and then has to go back and add phrases like: "I wish I would have gotten a better view, it was the last time I saw her alive." I dunno. :doh:

[Jean]

I guess I'm one of the few that liked Gerald's Game.
I absolutely love it. Certainly not my top five, maybe not even ten, but definitely one of those loved.

[John Blaze]

I hated the first half, but afterwards it got better.

Insmonia now, Whoohee! love love love. :wub:

[Ruthful]

I guess I'm one of the few that liked Gerald's Game. Not my all-time favorite of his, but far from being his worst. It's all about someone fighting the demons within their own head, and I really enjoyed that. And I know I've said this many times before, but it has the scariest moment ever in a King story.

I love Gerald's Game. It's one of my favorite psychological novels, and I think it marks the point where King started to look inward instead of creating external forces of horror for his protagonists to fight against. I think at this point in his career that's devolved into a dreary, repetitive narcissism and self-infatuation, but Gerald's Game is brilliant.

[ZGDK]

I guess I'm one of the few that liked Gerald's Game. Not my all-time favorite of his, but far from being his worst. It's all about someone fighting the demons within their own head, and I really enjoyed that. And I know I've said this many times before, but it has the scariest moment ever in a King story.

I love Gerald's Game. It's one of my favorite psychological novels, and I think it marks the point where King started to look inward instead of creating external forces of horror for his protagonists to fight against. I think at this point in his career that's devolved into a dreary, repetitive narcissism and self-infatuation, but Gerald's Game is brilliant.

What do you mean? I think King was at his peak in the post Waste Lands era.

[Ruthful]

I'm not referring to the climax and conclusion of The Dark Tower . I meant all of the major works that succeeded the final, eponymous volume. He's written some great short stories since TDT VII, but in terms of completing a compelling novel it has been a bit of a dry hole.

[ZGDK]

I have to agree. I read Duma Key and it felt disjointed. The supernatural elements felt botched. If the novel had taken a more Insomnia-like direction with the supernatural it would have been MUCH, MUCH better.

[nordh]

I love Gerald's Game. It's one of my favorite psychological novels, and I think it marks the point where King started to look inward instead of creating external forces of horror for his protagonists to fight against. I think at this point in his career that's devolved into a dreary, repetitive narcissism and self-infatuation, but Gerald's Game is brilliant.

I loved Gerald's Game as well. I think it's the most horrific book he's written, at least of those I've read and it's not many that I haven't read nowadays. I really disliked the second part of the book myself, but the fact that it's there means this first part is even more scary IMO.The fact that it's not all brain monsters, but an actual real person in that room, and the twisted dementia that was scientifically explained made it so much worse than a make believe monster.

I'm one of those guys that when I see things like the baby cutting through the heel of the old man in Pet Sematary (I've only seen the movie), I actually feel the pain and start twisting my feet at it. So when I read about pulling those cuffs off and dragging the skins with it I had a really hard time holding up the book. It was so gruesome.

It's definitely not a book I'm gonna try and get my girlfriend to read, she'll never do anything kinky with me again ^^

[obscurejude]

:lol:

[Bumbler]

I have not read all of the Collections of shorts to completion. But as far as novels go, there are a few that I haven't read in years... I will just put down the few that I was unable to read. I have tried on a number of occasions, but never could get into Dolores Claiborne, or The Regulators. Even tho Regs has strong connections... couldn't do it. And for some reason, I don't think I have ever gotten around to reading Cycle of the Werewolf. Should I pick it up? Oh, And I have yet to read anything post DTVII. After all the years of reading and re-reading the books for any mention of the tower... well, I have kinda taken a break from SK other than to dip into old favs.

[MonteGss]

I don't think I have ever gotten around to reading Cycle of the Werewolf. Should I pick it up?

Yes. It's a very quick read and I like the artwork for that particular little story. :)

[Darkthoughts]

Yep, what Monte said :thumbsup:
I'm not a fan of Wrightson's DT artwork, but the illustrations in CotW are stunning.

[Matt]

Another Gerald's Game lover here. I thought it was great and the idea that part of it was the immediate experience and part of it was what happened to her was very real to me.

[Bumbler]

Good deal guys. I will pick it up and let y'all know what I think

[Ruthful]

I don't think I have ever gotten around to reading Cycle of the Werewolf. Should I pick it up?

Definitely.

Bernie Wrightson usually sucks, but that's a great book. They actually have it as part of the suggested reading for YA down at my local branch of the BPL. I smiled when I saw that.

[goncho]

I haven´t read everything SK´s written, but my least favortie so far has to be Tommyknockers...I just couldn´t get trough it, I left the book and started again like 3 times, until I finished it just because I don´t like leaving books in the middle...

[KaLikeAWheel]

For me I think my least favorites were Dolores Claiborne and Rose Madder I just never really felt like I bonded with any of the characters. I never realized so many people disliked Tommyknockers. I have to agree, not his best work, but I think it's okay...just okay.:|

Donna

[Jean]

I recently re-read Tommyknockers, and quite unexpectedly for myself found it great.

[KaLikeAWheel]

I remember liking Tommyknockers better the second time I read it, too. It's been a while, mabe I need to read it again. Maybe it's one of those stories that grows on you. Of course I'll have to go to the library to get a copy. One of my kids tore out the LAST page on my paperback copy. :arg:

Donna

[Poisonbat]

I really didn't care for Tommyknockers and have never finished it. Black House I forced myself to read due to DT connections, but struggled with. The story was good, but the way that parts (most parts) were written made it a hard read for me. I guess I was expecting more of The Talisman feel to the book, and it just wasn't there for me. I probably will get thrown out of this forum for saying this, but I was REALLY disappointed with the way The Dark Tower ended. After such a fantastic journey through book after book of fabulous writing to have it end in such a way, well, I was disappointed. Maybe I missed the point, but this ending has stopped me from ever rereading the DT series. Please don't throw flaming daggers at me ok?:(

[Rider_of_Discordia]

I struggled slightly with Rose Madder and have never gone back to re-read it.

The Tommyknockers I loved first time out, and have reread it a couple of times with glee since.

The Talisman and Black House. I have a theory about those two, Talisman feels more King than Straub, and Black House feels more Straub than King. To enjoy Black House, read a few Peter Straub books first. His prose is more tangled than King (who always seems to favour clear and direct storytelling) ... and more rambling. Straub loves his locations, he can breathe life into a place by giving you cinematic flybys (you hardly get this long shot pan ins with King). Scrat through Black House and there are more Straubisms in there.

[Jean]

The Tommyknockers I loved first time out, and have reread it a couple of times with glee since.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gif



The Talisman and Black House. I have a theory about those two, Talisman feels more King than Straub, and Black House feels more Straub than King. To enjoy Black House, read a few Peter Straub books first. His prose is more tangled than King (who always seems to favour clear and direct storytelling) ... and more rambling. Straub loves his locations, he can breathe life into a place by giving you cinematic flybys (you hardly get this long shot pan ins with King). Scrat through Black House and there are more Straubisms in there.
hmmmmm
I read two Straub books - or I should say one and a half, because I never finished the second (Mystery); also, I struggled very hard to finish Julia which seemed to me boring and somehow pointless. Black House, on the other hand, is one of my very favorite books ever, I love every word of it, and from the point of view of writing I find it outstandingly good, eclipsing anything else King has written (writing, not story - King almost always has superb stories); maybe it's just was that happy moment when two authors get into resonance and produce something truly miraculous.

[ManOfWesternesse]

I struggled slightly with Rose Madder and have never gone back to re-read it....

I did not like Rose Madder back when it was published, and never re-read it for years.
Then I re-read it just last year - & thought it actually pretty good.

[Brice]

I really didn't care for Tommyknockers and have never finished it. Black House I forced myself to read due to DT connections, but struggled with. The story was good, but the way that parts (most parts) were written made it a hard read for me. I guess I was expecting more of The Talisman feel to the book, and it just wasn't there for me. I probably will get thrown out of this forum for saying this, but I was REALLY disappointed with the way The Dark Tower ended. After such a fantastic journey through book after book of fabulous writing to have it end in such a way, well, I was disappointed. Maybe I missed the point, but this ending has stopped me from ever rereading the DT series. Please don't throw flaming daggers at me ok?:(


Noone's gonna' throw anything at you for that, I don't think. :unsure: Lots of people had issues with the ending. Many feel better about it on subsequent rereads, so maybe you should reconsider your decision with regards to that.

[Poisonbat]

Noone's gonna' throw anything at you for that, I don't think. :unsure: Lots of people had issues with the ending. Many feel better about it on subsequent rereads, so maybe you should reconsider your decision with regards to that.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I thought that I was the only one who had issues with this. Maybe I will do a reread of the series. I really enjoy this forum, lots of stuff to do. I am glad I stumbled in here. :thumbsup:

[Rider_of_Discordia]

Jean wrote
hmmmmm
I read two Straub books - or I should say one and a half, because I never finished the second (Mystery); also, I struggled very hard to finish Julia which seemed to me boring and somehow pointless. Black House, on the other hand, is one of my very favorite books ever, I love every word of it, and from the point of view of writing I find it outstandingly good, eclipsing anything else King has written (writing, not story - King almost always has superb stories); maybe it's just was that happy moment when two authors get into resonance and produce something truly miraculous.

Yes, I agree. Funny how working together can sometimes up the game of both authors. Certainly worked with Frank Herbert and Bill Ransom in THE JESUS INCIDENT ... have you ever read PARTNERS IN WONDER by Harlan Ellison? Its a collection of short fiction collaborations between Harlan and fantastic selection of writers. As well as some first rate short stories there is also some interesting stuff on how he worked with the different writers.

Peter Straub: took me sometime to get into his books. I bought a couple of them one year on Holiday (Ghost Story and Shadowland) back in the 80's. I couldn't get very far through either at the time ... shelved them for a few years and then returned later and enjoyed both greatly. Could just be a case of finding the right time/mood to approach his writing.

[JQ The Gunslinger]

The Stand.

[Rider_of_Discordia]

Both versions of the Stand?

What don't you like about it?

[The Lady of Shadows]

The Stand.

:panic:

[gsvec]

The Stand.

:panic:

:panic: :panic: :panic: :panic:

[obscurejude]

The Stand.

Awesome. :thumbsup: :clap::nana::nana::nana::cowboy::)

[The Lady of Shadows]

shutup ryan. :lol:

[obscurejude]

:D

[JQ The Gunslinger]

Idk its really boring in places. And its called The Stand right, and there isnt even a "Stand" People debated on weather Stu and all of them goin to confront Randall was the Stand. But if people have to debate on weather or not this was or wasnt a "Stand" it deffinetly shud not have that title.

[obscurejude]

Idk its really boring in places. And its called The Stand right, and there isnt even a "Stand" People debated on weather Stu and all of them goin to confront Randall was the Stand. But if people have to debate on weather or not this was or wasnt a "Stand" it deffinetly shud not have that title.

Couldn't agree more, but we're definitely the minority. :lol: :couple:

[JQ The Gunslinger]

Hahah its all good

[stone, rose, unfound door]

The Stand.

I'm glad to see the minority that doesn't like the Stand is growing :dance:
Still, I have to choose Bag of Bones as my least favourite.

[stone, rose, unfound door]

The Tommyknockers I loved first time out, and have reread it a couple of times with glee since.
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The Talisman and Black House. I have a theory about those two, Talisman feels more King than Straub, and Black House feels more Straub than King. To enjoy Black House, read a few Peter Straub books first. His prose is more tangled than King (who always seems to favour clear and direct storytelling) ... and more rambling. Straub loves his locations, he can breathe life into a place by giving you cinematic flybys (you hardly get this long shot pan ins with King). Scrat through Black House and there are more Straubisms in there.
hmmmmm
I read two Straub books - or I should say one and a half, because I never finished the second (Mystery); also, I struggled very hard to finish Julia which seemed to me boring and somehow pointless. Black House, on the other hand, is one of my very favorite books ever, I love every word of it, and from the point of view of writing I find it outstandingly good, eclipsing anything else King has written (writing, not story - King almost always has superb stories); maybe it's just was that happy moment when two authors get into resonance and produce something truly miraculous.

I find it astonishing that you found Julia pointless. I actually loved the fact that even when you finish the book, you're still not sure whether everything that's been told has really happened or if Julia's so mad she imagined it all. You can guess I really liked it although I'm not into horror stuff usually (Stephen King just has a way to get you hooked on a story, whatever the plot! well, almost every story...)

[Fathers Face]

I don't know if I am the only one but every book that i have read ( start to finish) I like. Usually if by the first fifty to a hundred pages I don't connect with the story or am just reading to get to the next page I put the book down.
If I had to pick a book by SK that i was the least enthralled with it would have to be Thinner, I still enjoyed the story it told though. Maybe another one would be Pet Semetary, although i never read the book only saw the movie but judgeing by the movie i dont think I would enjoy the book.
For the few post I scimmed over regarding The Stand I would say that the "Stand" was the choice people took over what side to stand with, Mother Abagail or Flagg's. ( great book by the way )

[Jean]

I find it astonishing that you found Julia pointless. I actually loved the fact that even when you finish the book, you're still not sure whether everything that's been told has really happened or if Julia's so mad she imagined it all. You can guess I really liked it although I'm not into horror stuff usually (Stephen King just has a way to get you hooked on a story, whatever the plot! well, almost every story...)
I found it pointless because I didn't find anything of any interest there. It goes on an on, page after page, without bringing any development either to the plot, that all consists of (rather nicely written - I do not deny it) quotations from someone else's ghost stories, or, more important, the characters that were not much to begin with. It has - well - atmosphere, but I personally can't put up with 300 pages of mere atmosphere. The only episode worth mentioning is the one that is evoked by King in Dance Macabre, but if someone expected the whole book would be like that, he would be bitterly disappointed.

[MonteGss]

I disliked Rose Madder when it came out and haven't revisited it. I wonder if my opinion would change about it like MoW's did.

[The Lady of Shadows]

I disliked Rose Madder when it came out and haven't revisited it. I wonder if my opinion would change about it like MoW's did.


hey, if i can reread the tommyknockers (and find i like it) you can reread rose madder (and find you like it). give it a whirl. what have you got to lose? :rose:

[Girlystevedave]

Duma Key is overdue to be put on my list of worst novels. I want those couple weeks of my life back.

[MonteGss]

Wow, really? Most reviews from people here have been good on DK. I still haven't read it though.


turtle, I am actually kinda afraid to reread Rose Madder and Tommyknockers. :lol:
I know I will get to it eventually....but probably not for many months (or years). :)

[jayson]

Duma Key is overdue to be put on my list of worst novels. I want those couple weeks of my life back.

I liked it all until the end. The ending was anti-climatic to say the least.

[William50]

Duma Key is overdue to be put on my list of worst novels. I want those couple weeks of my life back.

I liked it all until the end. The ending was anti-climatic to say the least.

Are you talking about Duma Key? Don't tell me the end, I have not yet finished it.

[jayson]

Duma Key is overdue to be put on my list of worst novels. I want those couple weeks of my life back.

I liked it all until the end. The ending was anti-climatic to say the least.

Are you talking about Duma Key? Don't tell me the end, I have not yet finished it.

Yes and no, I wouldn't do that. This is a non-spoiler thread so I won't say more about the end than I already have.

[William50]

I am about half way through and I am enjoying it alot. But I am reading it slow because I am also reading the Green Mile at the same time.

[Girlystevedave]

Duma Key is overdue to be put on my list of worst novels. I want those couple weeks of my life back.

I liked it all until the end. The ending was anti-climatic to say the least.


Exactly! I was really excited at the beginning.

[fernandito]

It bored me all the way through.

[Shamey]

I disliked Rose Madder when it came out and haven't revisited it. I wonder if my opinion would change about it like MoW's did.


hey, if i can reread the tommyknockers (and find i like it) you can reread rose madder (and find you like it). give it a whirl. what have you got to lose? :rose:

There's a copier towards the back of my office in a corner and it totally has this green glowing light that goes back and forth as I make copies. Makes me think of Tommyknockers and weirds me out everyday.

[William50]

The Tommyknockers was the first King book I read (I think). Soooo many memories.

[The Lady of Shadows]

alex - you're safe with the long walk hating i think. the jack sawyer bashing on the other hand is apt to get you in trouble my friend. better get to the explaining over there! :lol:

monte - at least reread rose madder. please?

amanda - i want the two days i spent reading duma key back. between us that makes nine - which is an evil fucking number. see, i knew that book was bad.

shamey - late last night, and the night before, copier, copier knocking on my door. . . . :lol:


i still say gerald's game is his worst novel ever. RIGHT HERE AND NOW!

[Jean]

alex - you're safe with the long walk hating i think.

hm hm

hmmm hmmmmmmm

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr


the jack sawyer bashing on the other hand is apt to get you in trouble my friend.
no, that's all right

[The Lady of Shadows]

alex - you're safe with the long walk hating i think.

hm hm

hmmm hmmmmmmm

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr


the jack sawyer bashing on the other hand is apt to get you in trouble my friend.
no, that's all right

okay, i was willing to cut her a break on the long walk. but. . . i yield to the wisdom of the bear. :)

but i will not tolerate any jack sawyer hating. it must stop RIGHT HERE AND NOW! :lol:

[Ruthful]

I enjoyed it for the first hundred pages or so, but not enough to take it out again and finish it after the person holding the novel returned it to the library.

I'm looking forward to the new collection he's set to release later this year, which is the first time since the end of The Dark Tower that I've eagerly awaited a new work by Stephen King.

[KaLikeAWheel]

I disliked Rose Madder when it came out and haven't revisited it. I wonder if my opinion would change about it like MoW's did.

I revisited it and liked it marginally better than I did on first read. It's still one of my least favorites, though. There's something about the main character that just rubs me the wrong way...not sure what it is, but she annoys me. <_<

Donna

[Daghain]

I'm about to start a reread of Dreamcatcher. I hated it the first time around, so I'm hoping it improves with a reread.

[The Lady of Shadows]

alex - visit this thread and read up on our views and please contribute your own thoughts. contrary views make for excellent discussion!

The Long Walk *Spoilers* (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?t=3779)

[obscurejude]

First one I read too.
Didn't like it.

And even knowing that the angry mob will be after me again I'm still going to say that the worst SK book I've ever read is The Long Walk.

When the mob shows up just direct them over to the castle, I'll be the one hiding behind the couch.

I was disappointed with the ending myself. Don't worry about the mob. I'd like to hear your thoughts in the Long Walk thread.

[Heather19]

First one I read too.
Didn't like it.

And even knowing that the angry mob will be after me again I'm still going to say that the worst SK book I've ever read is The Long Walk.

When the mob shows up just direct them over to the castle, I'll be the one hiding behind the couch.

I was disappointed with the ending myself. Don't worry about the mob. I'd like to hear your thoughts in the Long Walk thread.

You didn't like the ending of The Long Walk?
You both should head over to the other thread because now I'm really curious to hear what you guys thought about it.

[Jean]

yes, please!

[stone, rose, unfound door]

I don't know if I am the only one but every book that i have read ( start to finish) I like. Usually if by the first fifty to a hundred pages I don't connect with the story or am just reading to get to the next page I put the book down.
If I had to pick a book by SK that i was the least enthralled with it would have to be Thinner, I still enjoyed the story it told though. Maybe another one would be Pet Semetary, although i never read the book only saw the movie but judgeing by the movie i dont think I would enjoy the book.
For the few post I scimmed over regarding The Stand I would say that the "Stand" was the choice people took over what side to stand with, Mother Abagail or Flagg's. ( great book by the way )

Please give Pet Sematary a try. Not just because I really liked it (which should provide good advice anyway :P) but because the film was really bad and I was like "Ok, so they've decided to make a gore movie... What the hell?" and then I left the room. (for once, I watched the bad adaptation from beginning to end even though I hated it)

[MonteGss]

I agree, please read Pet Semetary. It is a damned fine book...not great, but good. The movie does NOT do it justice at all.

I would agree with Fathers Face's opinion on Thinner though...I didn't dislike, the story was enjoyable but it wasn't a very gripping read.

[theBeamisHome]

Thinner scared the bejeezus out of me... well the movie did.... honestly that's the only one of King's (Bachman's) stories that i found that were more powerful when visually presented.

[Bluenose]

Wasnt keen on either Desperation/Regulators (although like some others, I liked the concept of the same people being different characters. That was a hard one to get the head round!). Also really didnt like Carrie or The Shining.

[Darkthoughts]

What didn't you like about them?

[Bluenose]

I read Carrie and The Shining in a three in one with Salems Lot and I remember being incredibly disappointed. I didnt find either of them as compelling as Salems Lot (though that has a lot to do with my love for vampires). Carrie...well its his debut and he was still learning and honing his craft - its horror as blood and guts gross rather than haunt your nightmares (which is prolly why I dont like Desperation/Regulators either). The Shining...I cant tell you exactly what, other than it just didnt grab my imagination in the way other stories and novels of his did.

[fernandito]

Wasnt keen on either Desperation....

:o

[Jean]

Wasnt keen on either Desperation....
:o
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[Bluenose]

I know, I know. I read them both back to back and couldnt wait to get them finished. I'm sorry....

[Girlystevedave]

I'm sorry, I think I'm reading things wrong. Did I see Desperation listed? Surely, I must have stumbled into the "SK books that couldn't possibly be named worst"
:scared:

[theBeamisHome]

Thinner scared the bejeezus out of me... well the movie did.... honestly that's the only one of King's (Bachman's) stories that i found that were more powerful when visually presented.

I just saw thinner on t.v. two nights ago.
There was nothing scary about it.
Why did it scare you?

Probably because i was like 11 or so when i saw it :lol:


Originally Posted by feverishparade View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluenose View Post
Wasnt keen on either Desperation....

i ditto this and GSD..... :scared:

[Brainslinger]

Worst for me... hmmm. Possibly The Regulators, although it certainly wasn't bad. I think the sister novel Desperation was a great book though.

Another book I wasn't too sure of was Bag of Bones. I liked the book as a whole, but there was a scene in it that bothered me. I felt it was needlessly explicit. I can understand to some extent why King went down that route- i.e. it was meant to disgust us rather than just being gratuitous but it seemed gratuitous just the same. It should have happened, sure but I don't think that level of detail was required. If you've read it I'm sure you'll know what scene I mean.

[Jean]

If you've read it I'm sure you'll know what scene I mean.
No. I can't remember anything from that book that could impress me in any way (excite or disgust), so I wish you would drop another hint.

[KaLikeAWheel]

Worst for me... hmmm. Possibly The Regulators, although it certainly wasn't bad. I think the sister novel Desperation was a great book though.

Another book I wasn't too sure of was Bag of Bones. I liked the book as a whole, but there was a scene in it that bothered me. I felt it was needlessly explicit. I can understand to some extent why King went down that route- i.e. it was meant to disgust us rather than just being gratuitous but it seemed gratuitous just the same. It should have happened, sure but I don't think that level of detail was required. If you've read it I'm sure you'll know what scene I mean.

Are you referring to the dream sequence with the sex and such?

Donna

[Brainslinger]

Are you referring to the dream sequence with the sex and such?

Donna

Heh. For some reason I can't read our spoiler on site, but I see it fine in the tag when I include the quote.

Essentially yes, the multi-rape scene.

[MonteGss]

I certainly wouldn't put Regulators or Desperation on my Worst List but they are absolutely no where near the Top List. They just average King novels, imho. :)

[sfischer]

I didnt care for the Tak stories (Desperation and Regulators) and I still havent been able to read Liseys Story. Some of the short stories I think are just silly as well though I can't really come up with any specifics right now.

[Daghain]

I would have agreed with you on Desperation/Regulators up until I just reread them. Now I like them a LOT better. Not so much with Regulators but Desperation, definitely.

Lisey's Story was so-so, IMHO. If you can get past the halfway mark, it gets pretty good.

OT, but have you read any Joe Hill? He's like vintage SK to me - really enjoyable.

[Sam]

Lisey's Story was tough to get through the first third, but it got much better later. Trying to get my wife to pick it back up but she has so many books she's reading now...

[theBeamisHome]

i liked Lisey's Story, but i will agree that the first third of the book is like 'omg get on with it please!!'. i think it's a good love story though, kind of like how i felt about bag of bones. i find it amazing how Sai King can do a woman's point of view so well (Rose Madder)...

i'm having a hard time remembering where all my books are. i think they're in cursed NJ and there's no telling when i'll get them back. *sigh*

[flaggwalkstheline]

i gotta disagree about tommyknockers, that book is one of my favorites though my least favorite by SK is probably the girl who loved tom gordon, its not bad its just kinda dull

[Jean]

Tommyknockers has recently become one of my very favorites, too.

Love TheGWLTG, though, too.

[Redsoxtony13]

Tommyknockers was the 2nd King book I read and I almost returned it to the library twice before finally finishing the book. I was 12 when I read it so it was 20 years ago for me. I enjoyed the begining of the book but then it just dried out for me and I disliked the rest of the story. I should give it another chance after so many years but as far as memory serves at the moment it is my least favorite.

[Ruthful]

I didnt care for the Tak stories (Desperation and Regulators) and I still havent been able to read Liseys Story. Some of the short stories I think are just silly as well though I can't really come up with any specifics right now.

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[MonteGss]

I disliked Tommyknockers enough that I do not even want to revisit it. :(

[Ruthful]

Cujo is still the worst. Then The Tommyknockers. Then The Dark Half.

Dreamcatcher, Desperation and The Regulators are all pretty disappointing, especially since they start out relatively strong, but I don't think they belong in the same category as King's 'worst' novels.

[MonteGss]

I can agree with Cujo too. I enjoyed The Dark Half when I read it though. I haven't ever had the urge to reread it though...

[jayson]

I can agree with Cujo too. I enjoyed The Dark Half when I read it though. I haven't ever had the urge to reread it though...

Same here on both counts. Not a big fan of Cujo. Dark Half I read the once and never again. I guess that says something since I typically re-read King stuff. Still, I did like it the once, which is more than I can say (and have said) of some other stuff.

[William50]

Cujo is still the worst. Then The Tommyknockers. Then The Dark Half.

Dreamcatcher, Desperation and The Regulators are all pretty disappointing, especially since they start out relatively strong, but I don't think they belong in the same category as King's 'worst' novels.

I agree that Cujo sucked.

But i really enjoyed the Tommyknockers for some reason. :orely: