Now that I've got that Newbie post out of the way, I can get down to business.
I don't figure I was too young when I started reading King's books (and the ones I started with weren't Eyes of the Dragon or Tom Gordon, or anything namby-pamby like that. I think Salem's Lot may have been the first. I have a distinct memory of finishing it very late at night, or more accurately, early in the morning. It was summer. It was hot and humid. I had that sticky, exhausted, dry-eyed, bedworn thing going on that we probably all get from reading too late at night. I promptly went into the bathroom and made a cross out of Q-Tips and dental floss. Back in my room, I smoothed out the sheets, turned out the lights, and tried to get myself to bed.
One of those fat, ****ing June bugs slammed into the screen.
For those of you who haven't read the book, there's that part where a vampire is tapping at the second story window of a boy (it must be Mark Petrie- I haven't actually re-read that one, so it's been a few years.) and I thought I was about to die. I aimed my cross at the window with arms that were tight with fear. I thought I was a goner. I probably haven't been as scared since (at least not for myself. I have kids now and when you turn your back for a second in a parking lot, or a store, and they're just gone when you turn around again, that's much scarier. But maybe I can blame King for that? Probably not), but how do you really know?
Anyway, I digress.
I started youngish, maybe 12 or so. I've read most of King's books, probably all, and many of my favorites have been read and re-read a handful of times. However, there were two that really changed me. They happen to be two of my favorites, but there are others I like more. The Stand, IT and Dark Tower stuff. But, after reading The Long Walk and The Talisman, I started viewing the world differently. The huge thing that changed in me (and lasted for years. I didn't start moving on and growing up, Constant Reader, I wasn't the same for four years of my early teens) was the realization that like Travelin' Jack, I had a mission. I was needed, maybe not at twelve, but certainly by 16. I was going to save the world, or die trying. Everyday I woke up and wondered if that was the day I was going to be called. If it would happen before lunch. If I was going to become aware of what was necessary, or if I would be able to trade my cheese and mustard sandwich for a PB and J.
By 16 I had decided it wasn't going to happen. Not that I had missed my chance (was it some other 12 year old boy? Somewhat tall for his age with his fine brown hair maybe a bit too long?), but that I was stupid for ever thinking it. It had to happen when I was a kid. That's just the way the world would be saved. Although, at 39, there are still some moments that I think I might still get my chance.
Anyway, anyone else have a life-changing event?
Start stockpiling food and guns for Tube Neck or alien brats who like to watch?
Did you buy haz-mat suits for byrus?
IInstall cameras in your house to determine if your kids are becoming Carrie or Charlie McGee?
I don't figure I was too young when I started reading King's books (and the ones I started with weren't Eyes of the Dragon or Tom Gordon, or anything namby-pamby like that. I think Salem's Lot may have been the first. I have a distinct memory of finishing it very late at night, or more accurately, early in the morning. It was summer. It was hot and humid. I had that sticky, exhausted, dry-eyed, bedworn thing going on that we probably all get from reading too late at night. I promptly went into the bathroom and made a cross out of Q-Tips and dental floss. Back in my room, I smoothed out the sheets, turned out the lights, and tried to get myself to bed.
One of those fat, ****ing June bugs slammed into the screen.
For those of you who haven't read the book, there's that part where a vampire is tapping at the second story window of a boy (it must be Mark Petrie- I haven't actually re-read that one, so it's been a few years.) and I thought I was about to die. I aimed my cross at the window with arms that were tight with fear. I thought I was a goner. I probably haven't been as scared since (at least not for myself. I have kids now and when you turn your back for a second in a parking lot, or a store, and they're just gone when you turn around again, that's much scarier. But maybe I can blame King for that? Probably not), but how do you really know?
Anyway, I digress.
I started youngish, maybe 12 or so. I've read most of King's books, probably all, and many of my favorites have been read and re-read a handful of times. However, there were two that really changed me. They happen to be two of my favorites, but there are others I like more. The Stand, IT and Dark Tower stuff. But, after reading The Long Walk and The Talisman, I started viewing the world differently. The huge thing that changed in me (and lasted for years. I didn't start moving on and growing up, Constant Reader, I wasn't the same for four years of my early teens) was the realization that like Travelin' Jack, I had a mission. I was needed, maybe not at twelve, but certainly by 16. I was going to save the world, or die trying. Everyday I woke up and wondered if that was the day I was going to be called. If it would happen before lunch. If I was going to become aware of what was necessary, or if I would be able to trade my cheese and mustard sandwich for a PB and J.
By 16 I had decided it wasn't going to happen. Not that I had missed my chance (was it some other 12 year old boy? Somewhat tall for his age with his fine brown hair maybe a bit too long?), but that I was stupid for ever thinking it. It had to happen when I was a kid. That's just the way the world would be saved. Although, at 39, there are still some moments that I think I might still get my chance.
Anyway, anyone else have a life-changing event?
Start stockpiling food and guns for Tube Neck or alien brats who like to watch?
Did you buy haz-mat suits for byrus?
IInstall cameras in your house to determine if your kids are becoming Carrie or Charlie McGee?