Donate To Keep The Site Ad Free
+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 84

Thread: Salem's Lot - Discussion & Spoilers!

  1. #1
    Traveler jsn is on a distinguished road

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    florida
    Posts
    6
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    :radioactive: Salem's Lot - Discussion & Spoilers!

    scariest king book ever.

    i read it years ago and really loved it and have been wanting
    to reread it for years. just recently i found the old paperback
    at a used book store for a dollar! i am currently reading it and
    now remember why i loved it so much.

    the scenes in this book are actually creeping me out which hasn't
    happened for years now.

    the brothers in the woods.

    the crate delivery to the marsten house.

    so much more.

    you must read this book if you haven't yet. his best in my opinion.

  2. #2
    shrewd and knavish sprite flaggwalkstheline will become famous soon enough flaggwalkstheline's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    the endless desert of new mexico
    Posts
    2,459
    My Mood
    Paranoid
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    great great book
    If stephen king had written no novels after this one it would still cement him as the best horror (and arguably just BEST) writer of the 20th century (n as yet the 21st but thats got a ways to go yet)

    The scene in the middle of the book when matt is lying on his couch clutching a bible in the middle of the night while danny sux that one guys (mike was his name i think?) blood upstairs scared me so bad that the first time i read it I had a dream later that night that i got up and vampire proofed my apartment, when i woke I found that while sleepwalking i had gotten garlic out of the cabinet and shut all the windows
    if the worlds gonna end then let's get it over with, i got shit to do

  3. #3
    Traveler jsn is on a distinguished road

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    florida
    Posts
    6
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    there's also the riveting funeral scene i just read.
    wow.

  4. #4
    shrewd and knavish sprite flaggwalkstheline will become famous soon enough flaggwalkstheline's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    the endless desert of new mexico
    Posts
    2,459
    My Mood
    Paranoid
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    Yeah
    I think that part where the dude burying danny (ach i need to re-read it, havent for a few years)
    gets all jumpy may have been somewhat inspired by Vampyr the 1932 danish expressionist film by carl dreyer where there is a really trippy burying scene which also was the inspiration for the Smiths song "I know its over"
    if the worlds gonna end then let's get it over with, i got shit to do

  5. #5
    Traveler jsn is on a distinguished road

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    florida
    Posts
    6
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    awesome. the smiths rule btw.

  6. #6
    Servant of Gan Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,533

    Default

    Mark Petrie tied up in the room in which Hubie Marsten hung himself.
    'Salem's Lot is my all-time favorite book and one that I have read annually since 1976!

  7. #7
    Numenorean ManOfWesternesse is on a distinguished road ManOfWesternesse's Avatar

    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Sligo. Ireland.
    Posts
    2,632
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    I also had read this many years ago, then not re-read for years.....
    until I re-read it about a year ago. It was so damn good it blew me away.
    <img src=http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z47/ManOfWesternesse/dt_bcBanner002d.jpg border=0 alt= />

  8. #8
    Rebel Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19 has a reputation beyond repute Heather19's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    14,995

    Default

    I remember when I was reading this one, and I'd wake up in the middle of the night and always have to look over at my window to make sure there wasn't anyone out there.
    Only the gentle are ever really strong.

  9. #9
    West Coast sarah is on a distinguished road sarah's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    NorCal
    Posts
    4,876
    My Mood
    Pensive
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    oooo You guys are making me want to reread this right now. I'm adding it to my "list".



    Lalalalaaaa, lalalalaaa
    Lalalalaaaa, lalalalaaa



    sugarpop <3

  10. #10
    Servant of Gan Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,533

    Default

    I have been fortunate enough to read the original manuscript of SL (titled Second Coming) and it is amazing how well written the story was in its first draft. SK had just turned 25 when he began writing the story. The main difference between the original manuscript and the published version is the use of rats. They were much more prevelant in the first draft and used very effectively whereas in the published version they just kind of disappear from the story. I think that element should have remained in the book along with the way Jimmy Cody originally died. Talk about a scary! If you haven't read this deleted scene in the illustrated edition of SL you should check it out.

  11. #11
    Along the Path of the Beam Beamer is on a distinguished road Beamer's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Yokohama, Japan
    Posts
    39
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    I loved this book, I've always had a place in my heart for Bram Stoker's Dracula and the way it made my skin crawl, Salem's Lot did the same for me....One of my favorites.

  12. #12
    Soldier Boy Odetta is a jewel in the rough Odetta is a jewel in the rough Odetta is a jewel in the rough Odetta is a jewel in the rough Odetta's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    California
    Posts
    6,304
    Gender
    Gender

    :radioactive: Salem's Lot - Book of the Month - *SPOILERS*

    I'm a day late, but let's talk about Salem's Lot


    (I know there's another SL thread, I will merge after the month)



    this book is a fave of many people here... let's discuss!
    Buddy, you think you look strong? You’re wearing a cape.

  13. #13
    Traveler ChicagoMolly is on a distinguished road ChicagoMolly's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    10
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    'Salem's Lot is still a favorite of mine after all this time. After reading Carrie, I was very excited when it came out, in paperback of course. I was in 7th grade and my friends and I loved 'scary" books, but most writers gave us one or two then quit writing, or switched genres after the first.

    'Salem's Lot scared the hell out of me for years. I read books over and over, especially King, and it was no less scary on the fifth reading than the first. It was only in the past year or two that I noticed I could read it late at night with everyone else in the house sleeping.

    Here's my thoughts on the characters:

    I love Ben , I feel the need to smack Susan. Know -it -all.

    I used to think Mrs. Norton was a total witch, but now I understand ger better, although I want to smack her to, because she just doesn't know how to play her cards.

    Hm. It's early, I can't think of more to say right now...

  14. #14
    Servant of Gan Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,533

    Default

    I've read this book annually since 1976 and it remains my personal favorite. The pacing of the story, the way King brings the reader along for an intimate look at small town life, the foreboding and melancholy atmosphere, the eventual realization that there are supernatural elements at work, and the fact that it is all believable speaks volumes. When I was younger I read it for the thrills & chills but now I prefer the slow build up and the story of the town.

  15. #15
    Servant of Gan Brainslinger will become famous soon enough Brainslinger will become famous soon enough Brainslinger's Avatar

    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Dartford. Another borderlands place.
    Posts
    1,740
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    I really like Salem's Lot.

    I think it's my favourite King horror book. I don't usually find a lot of horror stories all that scary (which doesn't mean i don't enjoy the story) and I often don't find vampires all that scary, although I like them as monsters. This book was an exception.

  16. #16
    POW!-lah idk, my bff jill? is on a distinguished road

    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    I live in a very small island in the Caribbean.
    Posts
    2,110
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    This is one of the very few vampire-related books I thoroughly enjoy reading.
    It's so intricate and well-written that you have to love it. It's one of those books that completely disconnects you from the world while you read it, and I know that all good books have that effect on their readers, but Salem's Lot does so exceptionally.

    It's actually been quite a while since I last read it, so seeing this thread motivated me to start rereading it now.
    I feel up for a good scare.

  17. #17
    Along the Path of the Beam riknofx is on a distinguished road riknofx's Avatar

    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
    Posts
    36
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    I just wanted to add that I've finally read SL and thought it was amazing. I have read and own most SK books but finally read this classic. Had me up late to finish but well worth it.
    "Please be calm! Remember that these things exist on a different level of reality than the one your on now." -Doc#1/ Clotho:

  18. #18
    Gunslinger Apprentice Ste Letto is on a distinguished road Ste Letto's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    86

    Default

    Salem's Lot is very tightly plotted and executed. King's disciplined control of himself and his subject mean there is a tight economy of action and plot. The book has a pace that carries you along. There's more to say but it is late. There is depth to this book.

  19. #19
    Weedeater BROWNINGS CHILDE is a jewel in the rough BROWNINGS CHILDE is a jewel in the rough BROWNINGS CHILDE is a jewel in the rough BROWNINGS CHILDE is a jewel in the rough BROWNINGS CHILDE's Avatar

    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Lubbock, Texas
    Posts
    3,934
    My Mood
    Cynical
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    Salem's Lot, along with Pet Semetary, demonstrates Kings ability to horrify better than any of his other works. These two books are difficult to read at night without glancing over the top of your book to that dark hallway over and over. I absolutely love the feeling I get from reading them. I love other King books for different reasons, but this one is truly a spine tingler. I think I will reread it soon.
    Sloth Love Chunk

  20. #20
    Servant of Gan Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears is a splendid one to behold Ben Mears's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,533

    Default

    Having read this book annually since 1976 I don't have a whole lot of objectivity. That said I never tire of the story and that is because of how well written it is. For me it elicits feelings of nostalgia and melancholy, not something one would expect from a horror novel and the reason why the premise works so well.

  21. #21
    Gunslinger Apprentice Ste Letto is on a distinguished road Ste Letto's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    86

    Default One of his best

    There are four or five SK Novels that are, for me, head and shoulders above the rest.

    Salem's lot is one of them.

    01) It is a perfect homage to classic horror novels.
    02) The relationship between Ben Mears and the boy, can't remember his name right now, is deep, believable and dynamic.
    03) It has a great first line "Almost everybody believed the man and boy were father and son."
    04) It is disciplined and tightly plotted, not a word is wasted.
    05) The tension builds and builds and builds.
    06) Secondary characters have real depth, especially Father Callahan.
    07) The TV adaptation was superb.

  22. #22
    shrewd and knavish sprite flaggwalkstheline will become famous soon enough flaggwalkstheline's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    the endless desert of new mexico
    Posts
    2,459
    My Mood
    Paranoid
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    Salems lot is (I think) the best of Sai King's early work
    but I still think The Regulators is his scariest
    if the worlds gonna end then let's get it over with, i got shit to do

  23. #23
    Palaver Castle Chef mia/susannah is on a distinguished road mia/susannah's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Catskill New York
    Posts
    3,124
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    I love this book as well. I have not reread it in a while. After my rereread of the tower series I will probably reread it again

  24. #24
    Gunslinger Apprentice AcidBumbler is on a distinguished road AcidBumbler's Avatar

    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Manchester
    Posts
    52
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default

    DAMN! I knew I'd missed one out on my top 5 list on the other thread! This is easily his best, and if not it ties with The Shining.. xD
    This was one of the relatively few books which actually scared the crap out of me. I was checking the windows were shut for days after. I love real vampire stories (i.e. non-Twilight vampire stories lol) so this was a really really good buy.
    I had seen the film before I read it, but couldn't remember anything, so it was completely new.



    I couldn't even begin to fault 'Salem's Lot, though.. the only problem I found was that the edition I have is full of typos as it gets towards the end. But the story itself... well... WOW.

  25. #25
    Gunslinger Apprentice AcidBumbler is on a distinguished road AcidBumbler's Avatar

    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Manchester
    Posts
    52
    Country
    Country Flag
    Gender
    Gender

    Default Susan ¬_¬

    Quote Originally Posted by ChicagoMolly View Post
    I feel the need to smack Susan. Know -it -all.

    I used to think Mrs. Norton was a total witch, but now I understand ger better, although I want to smack her to, because she just doesn't know how to play her cards.
    Tell me about it... I'd love to bang their heads together. Susan drives me nuts in a lot of ways (although not as much as Nadine in The Stand) and Mrs. Norton... control freak much?

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts