Lisey's is definitely his most 'literary' book--it's quite different in from from anything before or after (so far). I'm not complaining--his time jumps were so seamless and the language so rich and evocative that I went into writer envy, big time--but I think it might have been a shock to people who either don't read literary fiction or aren't good with writers working in a different 'voice'.
Am I The Only One? Part 2.....
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Lisey's is definitely his most 'literary' book--it's quite different in from from anything before or after (so far). I'm not complaining--his time jumps were so seamless and the language so rich and evocative that I went into writer envy, big time--but I think it might have been a shock to people who either don't read literary fiction or aren't good with writers working in a different 'voice'.
I've read Insomnia 3 times and it's the characters that have brought me back each time. Tommyknockers has baffled me countless times and I think King has said writing it was it was a grind to write. I just can't get through it. Lisey's Story is one of my faves, but I do think being in a long lasting relationship that book will have greater resonance. My reading choices are very diverse and I like to challenge myself every so often and maybe that has something to do with the fact that I rarely put a book down unfinished anymore.
I have had problems with several of his stories. Liseys Story. Not at all what i expected and thats probably the reason. Wasn't in the right mood. Insomnia and Black house are two others i never finished. Insomnia just didn't grab. I probably go back to it one day and make another attempt. Black house because i started it and it was so long ago that i finished The Talisman so i think i just have to refresh my memories of that one first. But i intend to return to all of them when i'm in the right mood.
I had a problem with Peter Straubs Koko. It took me two decades and innumerable attempts to read, but it was amazing when I finally did. Time and place need to be aligned for certain books.
Hearts in Atlantis didn't move me, so I've read half. I've promised to read every SK book I begin, so I'll finish it sometime.
Don't shoot me but The Stand..... struggled and struggled through it many MANY years ago. Picked it up again erm....last year?? And thoroughly enjoyed it. Like others have said, books are right for right times.
Gas em....I'm in that kinda mood.
Word. I stopped at page fifty, totally confused. Have to admit, I wanted to put it down, but I started over... and boy was I glad I did!!
I don't think I've ever not finished a King book- did start a couple and have to start over as I didn't get to keep reading them at the time (Talisman and Hearts in Atlantis). There have been a few books by other authors though. Like most of you I have so many books on my "to read" list and just not enough time to waste on crummy stories.
Duma key was a long trek for me....I must have started and put it down at least 5 times before I eventually got through it after about a year!So, I confessed to having not read all of Kings work yet. My next confession(and then I'll do 20 hail marys and hopefully be forgiven) is that I have started a book and not finished it.
I started Insomnia when it first came out and just could not get through it. I haven't tried again since but I feel that I must one day.
Anyone else?
I took at least 6 attempts to read The Tommy Knockers, just could not get into it, but I do not like to leave a book unfinished....feels like unfinished business. Happy to say I did finish it but it is certainly not one of my favourites and have not re-read it since.
This is me as well, at least most of the time.
I've never not finished a King book, but there are some that it has taken a while...and some that I have yet to finish...but I'll get there some day.
Absolutely agree,skimon2. My suggestion to all who had difficulties with Lisey's Story is to wait a period of time- maybe years. Then go back- clear your mind of any other Sk book, and read on. Allow yourself to be taken into these characters, this writing style-- you just might be amazed at the result.
I have tried to like this book. I have read it a few times since it was written, but still don't like it. Maybe it's just me but I didn't connect with the characters and when I can't connect, I don't really care about the story. I felt the same way about Cell. That one I read twice about a year apart.
I think Lisey's Story sometimes finds a home in the hearts of those who've
lost the love of their life to death.
The only sK story I've started and put down indefinitely so far is Black House. I intend to pick it back up, but not sure when, since I have so much catching up to do.
I think my issue was that Scott was not a very lovable character to me, and I couldn't understand why Lisey tolerated him at all. For some reason this annoyed me.
I too had great difficulty with Insomnia, but I did get through it in about 8 months. The Regulators was also another difficult one for me, I think because I read it so soon after Desperation. I found that if a book is difficult to get through, the audio version can help. Check into your local library to see if they have an audio available.So, I confessed to having not read all of Kings work yet. My next confession(and then I'll do 20 hail marys and hopefully be forgiven) is that I have started a book and not finished it.
I started Insomnia when it first came out and just could not get through it. I haven't tried again since but I feel that I must one day.
Anyone else?
I had troubles with Desperation because i read it so soon after the Regulators. When i did a reread i read Desperation first, no trouble at all, but then i had trouble with the Regulators which i hadn't had the first time. Coincidence?
I'm in the same boat with "It." I loved the movie, but reading the book is slow going. I have read several SK books recently and consumed them without end. But It is different for some reason. Looking forward to reading the Mr. Mercedes sequel. BTW, I really love this site. So thankful for it. 
But It is different for some reason. Looking forward to reading the Mr. Mercedes sequel. BTW, I really love this site. So thankful for it.