Gerald's Game

[dulcinea3]

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Stephanie wrote:
What is it about Gerald's Game? That book kept me up until 4 a.m. one terrible night, and then I sat up for the rest of the night, until my husband woke and the sun came up. It was definitely gripping, but it was the most horrific King book I've read- and it put me off his work for quite a while. I could never put my finger on just why it bothered me so much - the vulnerability factor, perhaps? - but it was a different kind of frightening. For those who've read it, what do you think it was about that book?

Stephanie

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It's been some years since I read it, so I don't remember it very well. However, what I seem to recall was that it just went on and on and nothing really happened. There were hints that there might have been someone there, but nothing ever materialized. Of course, I might be remembering it wrong.

[jmaxx30]

Wow ... that's tantamount to telling your life story in 25 words or less. An easier question would be to answer what your least favorite is, but barring that I will try to answer this question concisely (so far not doing so good).

At this point in time (drum roll please) my favorite Stephen King book would have to be Black House (I know it's not completely SK), but it was the most satifying conclusion to any set of books I have ever read (including Dark Tower ... which has to be my next favorite). And for all of you Stand Fans, I will let you know I carried a 1st edition paperback of the Stand every where with me, until well after the front and back covers had fallen off and I had completely coated the outside of that book with scotch tape (yes the magic kind), that book has gone on to a better place, and has since been replaced in my heart.

And Eddie Dean I cry your pardon (I once declared in a book club that he was my all time favorite ficitonal character, which for me is quite a statement, and I would say he probably still is). But I would agree with a previous poster, that the Dark Tower does not seem complete, but the Talisman/Black House some how makes me feel that all is right in the world (maybe even the universe) So although I have so many favorites as to cloud my opinion a bit ( I have read everything he has written, including college commencement speeches, and articles in EW and Playboy) I still have to say Black House is the one that makes my heart ache everytime I read it.

[joyful27]

Yes,
My favorite I believe will always be tthe "Shining" to me it is King's scariest and I think I have read just about everything else. After it I would currently choose the "Green Mile." I read the "Cell" earlier this year and enjoyed it. What a premise with the ubiquitousness of cell phones today.

[ED]

Good afternoon,

I have only just found this site.

What is it about this book?

Well it describes something that anybody can do easily and cheaply.
Travelling round the world by yacht or aircraft or even walking or cycling costs as does being a champion at anything. These activities also eat up a huge proportion of your 25,000 days. So here is a little hobby that is cheap and exciting. You don't have to put in hours of practice. You don't have to be fit, after all you just have simply to lie there. Not much choice really.

UNTIL IT ALL GOES WRONG!

It grips because you can visualise yourself doing it much more easily than being a lone yachts person.

The book is quite frightening and I rarely play those games now. At 66 death is coming anyway.


Byeeee

ED

[Stephanie]

Welcome Ed, good to have you here.

Great point about the plot of Gerald's Game being the sort of situation that regular folks could relate to. The "villain" of that story was also extremely creepy... I could not get the visual King gave me of him out of my head. Horrible!

[Deeger]

Several months ago I would have said that "The Tallisman" and the sequel "The Black House" were my favorite King stories (although, technically speaking, these are not strickly "King" books because they were co-written with Peter Straub). However, that has changed because I recently read "The Dark Tower" series, and these have become my all time favorite King books.

[LADYVIRGO]

I TOO LOVE THE STAND IVE READ IT ABOUT 9 TIMES..I HAVE IT IN THE UNCUT VERSION AND WHEN IM BOARD OUT COMES THE STAND LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE.GOOD TO SEE SOMEONE ELSE ENJOYS IT AS MUCH...

[noopy]

I totally agree with KathyCW about "The Shining" being my favorite King story.
It gives me shivers when the Outlook surrounds them as they enter for the first time.

I have been reading Stephen King for at least 20 years (probably more) and he is one of those authors who is able to reach out and grab you and hold you in the story, even though it is so awful sometimes!!

[Luminalfire5]

My favorite was Salem's Lot, until I was introduced to Roland and Mid-World. The Dark Tower series, and every thing related to it are my absolute favorite (which would include Salem's Lot, ironically). I thought the ending to the Dark Tower series was actually quite fitting. Roland will forever be wandering, chasing, after Walter and The Tower, among the company of Eddie, Susannah, Jake and Oy every single time a new reader, or a Constant Reader picks up the books and enter's into Roland's Realm.

I for one, have put Roland upon his path many many times over.

[stephanie_c]

My favorite is Christine

[angelofmine1974]

My favorite Stephen King book would have to be The Shining. A second runner up would be IT. Both scared the bejeezus out of me...

[COliveri88]

I just really rediscovered reading a few months ago and have been enthralled by the Dark Towers. On Book V right now, but so far my favorite (and favorite King book) has been Wizard & Glass. The story was painted perfectly and had a great mix of tradegy, drama and comedy. Honorable mention.. Dreamcatach.

[bemused4915]

Insomnia is about just that - an elderly man who recently lost his wife and finds himself increasingly awake each night...but then the book goes on to delve into the themes of good and evil, afterlife, free will, destinies, etc. This is my favorite King book, and I have read EVERYTHING he has written. To me, this book surpasses The Stand, The Shining, Green Mile - all of his best. You will never see this book made into a movie, tho, for 2 reasons - one is I can't imagine how the events of the second half of the book could be played out on screen and (not wanting to give out too much of the plot) there is some serious foreshadowing of 9/11. Give it a read tho, become aquainted with Ralph - you'll meet him again in Bag of Bones, and there is a tie-in (never fully explained) to the Dark Tower series as well.

[scubadms]

I just recently finished reading this book and I also found it amazing. I enjoyed all of the tie-ins to the Dark Tower and thought that I recognized Ralph but couldnt quite figure out from where. I also had the feeling that I knew Ed from somewhere too. Any thoughts on where he may tie in?

[meandmct]

I'm new to this. New as in just joined ten seconds ago. Here it goes.

I read Lisey's Story recently and enjoyed it even though I have been off Stephan King for years. Then I rented Secret Window with Johnny Depp. The stories were so similar and it really made me think how a story line can be developed in many different ways. Just a slightly different twist here or there. Anyway, I enjoyed them both but I'm still back "on" SK like I was 20 years ago. I just think the writing quality has been sacrified for quantity.

[diahannsu]

It's hard for me to pick... I think I've read them all, some 2-3 times. I definately have those that aren't my favs.

[Deeger]

COliveri88, I agree, “Wizard and Glass” was really a great book and story. While I was going through the series, it became my favorite...that is until I got to the last book, “The Dark Tower.” It was just a phenomenal book and quickly replaced Wizard and Glass as my favorite.

In my very humble opinion, anyone who doubts King’s extraordinary storytelling talent needs to read the entire “Dark Tower” series.

[Cammy]

I'd definitely have to go with IT for my all time favorite. The whole story just fascinated me. I first read it a long time ago and I would have to say that the concept of following children to adulthood was a new concept for me then and I really liked how he tied everything together from both perspectives. One of the things that has always intrigued me about King is the way he truly understands children and is able to write about them in a way that makes adults be able to completely travel back to that time in their lives (at least for me).

I also liked Gerald's Game. I know a lot of people seemed really freaked out by it and I agree, however, it was great writing from a very vulnerable psychological perspective. Very dark and it scared the heck out of me.

Needful Things is also at the top of my list.

[jessee]

Hi! I am new to the group. I saw this Book Club and got excited. I enjoy much of Stephen Kings work. Particularly Rose Madder and The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon, I read this one camping and it spooked me out!

[Stephanie]

Jessee,

I'm very glad I didn't read Tom Gordon while camping! How very brave of you.