I’m reading Pet Semetary for the first time and it’s pretty good stuff. I’m a big horror buff but I usually wimp out when it comes to his movies and the rest of that genre.
Anyways, his books are pretty long so I was just wondering if anyone here read some of his novels and could recommend any. Ever since watching the remake of Carrie I’ve wanted to read that book as well. But yeah, I don’t want to waste my time with any books that may not be up to my liking, so that’s where you guys come in. Discuss
King is my favorite horror writer. I like his stories because they’re about the PEOPLE who get caught in the horrible situations, not the situations themselves. But, be aware of this: almost ALL of King’s works, when adapted to movies or TV, have been altered. A LOT. They even changed the endings!! (In particular, the ending of Needful Things is VERY different from the novel’s.) In general, the novels are MUCH more positive. Now, that doesn’t mean the movies are bad- some are VERY good; but in some cases, they’re effectively different stories. Check BOTH and decide for yourself, which you like best.
MY personal favorites are: Dark Tower (Novel series), Needful Things (novel), Dreamcatcher (novel) and IT (TV miniseries.)
I think IT worked well enough. The only part I didn’t like was that they glossed over the fact that one of the characters was gay. Cowardly TV producers. (On the other hand, they didn’t explain the thing’s origin, which, considering how bizarre it was in the novel, might’ve been a good idea.)
Originally posted by Wilfredo Martinez I think IT worked well enough. The only part I didn’t like was that they glossed over the fact that one of the characters was gay. Cowardly TV producers. (On the other hand, they didn’t explain the thing’s origin, which, considering how bizarre it was in the novel, might’ve been a good idea.)
I guess I’ll have to watch it again, I’ve heard about the differences to the movie and the book…guess I need to read the book too then? I’d love to read the background and origin to the whole theme…though clowns r teh scarey o.O
Stephen King is one of my favorite writers. One of the things that I enjoy so much about a fair number of his works is how they’re connected, some in large ways, others in very small ways. I recommend the Dark Tower series (of course) and the Stand as must-reads. Other books I’ve enjoyed were Insomnia, IT (which officially signed me up as afraid of clowns), Needful Things, and some others that I’m having troublem remembering. Some of his short story collections are good as well.
WM is right though about a lot of adaptations - if you’ve seen a movie based on a King book, go back and read the book anyway.
Originally posted by Wilfredo Martinez I think IT worked well enough. The only part I didn’t like was that they glossed over the fact that one of the characters was gay. Cowardly TV producers. (On the other hand, they didn’t explain the thing’s origin, which, considering how bizarre it was in the novel, might’ve been a good idea.)
Actually, I think they glossed over that due to lack of time. It wasn’t very important in the plot, it added much flavour, though.
The problem with The Stand was I felt it simply went on for about 100 pages too long (in the uncut version, which was over 1000 pages). And as much as I love Stephen King, he can get a little long-winded in his description of every plant, tree, insect, room, and air particle.
Some King’s books are pretty good, but they all share the pattern of horrible HORRIBLE endings. Try The Shining, that’s by far my favorite of his books.
I’ve read Dark Tower and most of Dreamcatcher already. Dark Tower I like, but Dreamcatcher is probably my favorite. They made a movie in Dreamcatcher that’s surprisingly good.
Hearts in Atlantis was … different. The first part is sort of cool because it connects to the Dark Tower, but I’m not quite sure what I think about the rest of it.
Also, it would be cool to try out The Talisman and then Black House.
Gotta pick up that one.
