But the real reason for this post is to share my thoughts about Salem's Lot by Stephen King with you. Salem's Lot is the second of Stephen King's books to be published and I found it to be much creepier than Carrie, his first novel. There's something about small towns that always seem a bit claustrophobic to me. I think King does a fantastic job playing on the qualities of small town life that seem innocent but work well in a creepy setting. In Jerusalem's Lot (Salem's Lot for short) the town is filled with the usual cast of characters. King does a great job giving his characters those quirky little details that make them unforgettable. He's a master at foreshadowing and throughout the first part of the story I was waiting for something sinister to happen. Once the action started and I realized what was happening in the town, I couldn't wait to turn one page after another. If you don't mind a scary, creepy story you will love this one. Stephen King is a master storyteller and I am reminded why I enjoy his work so much. It is entertaining and enjoyable. This work really speaks to all of the layers of things that are happening in these charming little towns and the many undercurrents that might be going on. I think King understands these things and he plays on them in an outrageous but really creative way. Next up in the "read all of King" project is The Shining. I can't wait to reread the book and then see the movie again.
Have a great week everyone!
I've often thought about reading Michael Connolly but haven't yet - your post is good incentive to give him a try. I really like thrillers and crime fiction for relaxation (I'm bizarre, I find it far more relaxing to read about people murdering each other than about them falling in love...). Stephen King is a bit too scary for me, though! Glad you found books that hit the spot.
ReplyDeleteI've also just finished Salem's Lot, and I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to pick it up! I still need to gather my thoughts about it, but you're right, he's an incredible storyteller.
ReplyDeleteMichael Connelly is a hugely popular in the used bookstore -- those people who like him tend to read all his books and eagerly await his next installment.
ReplyDeleteWhen you mention The Shining, all I can think of is that movie clip with Jack Nicholson...too scary for my blood, lol.
It's so funny, these are the King books I got into when I was a teen, and I never realized I actually read them in publication order!!
ReplyDeleteSalem's Lot is supremely creepy, and I love the small town setting. Having grown up in a small town, I'm sure that was part of the reason I was so taken with the book. :)
I loved the book version of The Lincoln Lawyer and thought the movie was dull, just like you. I'm a little too intimidated to try King's work. I'm afraid it will keep me up at night.
ReplyDeleteI do need to try Stephen King again. I read a few of his short stories as a teenager and for ome reason, it never struck me as something I enjoyed. However, Salem's Lot was always one I wanted to read. I do want to read The Colorado Kid as well considering that is what the Haven TV series is based on at the SyFy Channel!
ReplyDeleteI have not read Stephen King, a bit scary for me. I do have a used copy of Colorado Kid that is in my too be read pile. What is the Haven tv series?
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy Joe Hill, King's son. I loved Heart Shaped Box, altho there was one part that he had that in my opinion didn't add anything to the book, and actually took distracted from it. I am listening to his book, Horns, now from the library.
I havent read anything by Michael Connelly, but I have heard of him.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Salem's Lot, I agree with you, King has a way of making small towns very creepy and sinister. He does have a knack for giving his characters little quirks, that make them hard to forget. Enjoy re-reading The Shining. That's on my top 5 King reads :)
It sounds like you had your own little read-a-thon this weekend! K, I hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI have a very clear memory of reading Salem's Lot in high school at night and my dad walking into the room where I was reading and me screaming and jumping about a mile. It was a great scary book!!!
ReplyDeleteLitlove: That's funny because I am much for likely to read a book about someone getting murdered than falling in love too. As I type that it sounds very strange!
ReplyDeleteNymeth(Ana): I cannot wait for your review as I know it will be brilliant!
ReplyDeleteTheBookGirl: You are so right about people being Connelly devotees. I'm not sure I will read all of his stuff but I won't hesitate to pick up one from time to time.
ReplyDeleteAndi: Well if you grew up in a small town I'm sure you can appreciate where King got so much of his material. I've found so many of his books feature small towns so I guess the old adage "write what you know" is really true for him.
ReplyDeleteBermudaOnion (Kathy): I was so disappointed in the movie. I really wanted to like it but I just thought it was okay.
ReplyDeleteNatalie: I've just recently heard about The Colorado Kid. That is one that I really look forward to reading.
ReplyDeleteCarla: I've heard good things about Joe Hill and mean to read him in the future!
ReplyDeleteNaida: You should give Connelly a try. I think you would enjoy him!
ReplyDeleteThank you Vasilly!
ReplyDeleteJenners: Yikes, I'm glad I didn't get as scared as that but almost...
ReplyDeletehmmmmm....Connolly for the airplane...yes!
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't picked up King yet. Though it's right there on the coffee table, and I eye it, wondering if I can get through it without getting all jumpy and ridiculous.
Well, because of you, I downloaded Salem's Lot and have been freaked out all week, so I added you to my Sunday Salon post today :) What a freaky story and to think I've missed out on Stephen King my entire life!
ReplyDeleteStephen King is one of my favorite authors, though not everything he writes is that great. Salem's Lot, however, is fantastic, as is The Shining--and it's tons different from the movie! Have you tried his older short stories? They're really good and the gross factor seems to be less emphasized, unlike some of his later stuff. (Or maybe I'm just in denial. :)
ReplyDeleteI have the Lincoln Lawyer on dvd and am looking forward to watching it. Looks like you've been having some fun with your reads lately!
ReplyDeleteI listened to The Shining last year and wasn't all that invested in it. I haven't seen the movie. I love that you are reading these in order. I think it's the best was to experience most authors
ReplyDeleteI don't really love super scary book, so there's probably aren't for me!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read any of King's books. I have a few of Connelly's book haven't read them. I'm sorry The Lincoln Lawyer didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteOh: Don't read this one on a dark, stormy night!
ReplyDeleteNatalie: I'm so glad you decided to read it and that you enjoyed it too!
ReplyDeleteKelly: You are so right about The Shining. I can't wait to reread it!
ReplyDeleteAmused: I would definitely read The Lincoln Lawyer before watching the movie. The book is so much better!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back to reading and picking up books where you left off :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Connelly's THE BRASS VERDICT, I should read more of his ... Stephen King? I'm a wimp!
Nice to see you back again! Your dog is adorable, and I'm glad to hear the Jobs book is good. i got it on Day One too!
ReplyDeleteStacy: I am looking forward to seeing how his writing has evolved over the years.
ReplyDeleteKim: If you don't like scary it is probably best to steer clear!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE The Shining - in book, movie or mini-series form, makes no difference to me!!! And you are spot-on about the way he manipulates our emotions with the small town setting.
ReplyDeleteAlice: If you are in the mood for a good scare, give King at try!
ReplyDeleteDawn: If you feel like being scared you will enjoy a King read!
ReplyDeleteMarie: I haven't read beyond the first few chapters yet but I hope to take a good crack at it over the holiday, later this week.
ReplyDeleteMolly at The Bumbles: I really wish more people would give King a try. He's so much better than many believe!
ReplyDelete