I don’t read Stephen King. Ever.
See, the thing is I did read him. Back a thousand years ago (possibly longer), I read a couple of his books. I read Carrie, Thinner and Fire Starter. They scared me, but the writing was good and easy to get into. So, I continued to look for his books.
Big mistake.
I found a big book by him titled ‘It’. I thought since it was thicker, I would enjoy the book that much longer…Good theory but, as it turned out, not so good in practice.
Saying that ‘It’ is scary is like saying the sky is blue, winter is cold and water is wet. It doesn’t do it justice or explain the sheer, unadulterated terror those pages evoked. I was terrified doesn’t do it either. I was beyond scared, beyond terrified. I was so horrified that the mere mention of Stephen King still causes goosebumps on my arms today and the hairs on my neck to stand up.
His work is that scary. My brain simply can’t handle Stephen King. I can barely tolerate typing his name. So I don’t read him. Ever.
I heard him say once that he “had the heart of a boy…Kept in a jar in his basement.” That sums him up for me. He’s so obviously talented at horror, a mere mortal like myself can never hope to cope. So, I stay away.
It’s cheaper than therapy.
(credit: grimmreviewz.blogspot.com)
That book should never have been written… And don’t even get me started on the film… I had to leave the light on when I went to bed for like 5 years after seeing that!
Ha! That’s hilarious…though, with Stephen King, I believe it. And, yes, no talking about the film.
IT? That book isn’t even mildly scary or even strictly in the “horror” genre. What happens in that book is definitely scary for the characters, never for the reader. Everything is slow paced and “announced”, there’s nothing sudden or unexpected. It’s the amazing and beautifully written story of some kids who are destined to face their childhood nightmares as adults. I suggest you also read “The Stand” and the books in the “Dark Tower” series. You will definitely change your mind about King (and maybe learn to look at “IT” differently in the process). If you want to try some scary books (I don’t think you do) by King pick maybe some title from his actual “horror” works, like “‘Salem’s Lot”.
But in the end I don’t care so don’t mind me =) (and please forgive my english, it’s not my language)
Andre
Sounds like you’re a true fan of Stephen King. I certainly found It terrifying. Thank you so much for the book suggestions!!