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Chris Williams

Chris Williams

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Aug 14, 2014
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Hello, I'm Chris. I'm an English student at University of Maine and I have recently discovered my love for Stephen King!

So, I have an assignment that's approaching very soon. It's a book report, and the only stipulation is that the book has to be about Maine—reflecting Maine culture, exploring Maine intricacies, distinguishing Maine from other states, etc. Pretty much, I'm looking for a Stephen King novel that is not only set in Maine, but portrays Maine lifestyle and enlightens the reader—perhaps subtly—of Maine culture. Obviously, I don't expect there to be any King book that's main purpose is to teach readers about Maine, but surely there are some Maine-culture-nuances in some of his novels. (dialect, imagery, culture, stereotypes, etc.).

Any ideas? If anyone can think of a book that meets this criteria, I'd love some feedback, and maybe a (short) statement as to why you think it meets the criteria. I would GREATLY appreciate any thoughts!

Thank you!
 
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mstay

mstay

Older than most, not as old as some.
Oct 13, 2007
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I think there is some of that in almost all of King's books. But maybe The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon might work? It's about hiking in the Maine woods. :icon_eek:
Or Bag of Bones seems to cover what it's like to live on a lake in Maine. And some history too maybe?
 
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Walter Oobleck

Walter Oobleck

keeps coming back...or going, and going, and going
Mar 6, 2013
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I'd use a combination of things...the poem, "For Owen"...the essay, "Head Down"...I'd find a section of story that describes the old men who congregate around the wood stove at the corner store, rip that out, and put it in the book I'm making that includes the poem and the essay...maybe I'd use "Mrs. Todd's Shortcut"...this I recall about the story, the sense that Mrs. Todd is a new-comer to the area and learning it...I think...um. Give me a sec. I dunno...I dunno who that older bigger person is that is carrying you...but you look a tad young for college and for life's experience...so I'm wondering how you are going to provide an analysis of Maine to other states. There are...items...I've read in SK's stories that seem universal...the guys at deer camp in Dreamcatcher...the old men at the wood stove in the general store, although old men gathering is the one constant...location varies, hey? I think I'd use much from Hearts in Atlantis...the section of the story that concerns the guys playing Hearts. Perhaps that was...dunno what the word is..."local" to Maine? The ole Gene/Phineas preparing for war by not preparing for war theme? Anyway, I'd take those things from his writings, cut them out, and glue up a book to provide the instructor so they can check your primary source. Case they want to check your notes. Best of Luck. :)
 
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Ragan

Ragan

Free-Zone Committee Reject
Aug 3, 2011
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First thing I thought of was Storm of the Century, but that isn't really a novel. But so many of his books are set at least in part in Maine, and show the culture, speech, and attitudes of the people there. Just look for anything set in Derry or Castle Rock, for example. Even larger scale stuff like The Stand has parts about Maine, and one of the Dark Tower books spends some time there.

Been so long since I've read it, but I think The Mist was good about showing the local people and how they interacted.
 
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doowopgirl

doowopgirl

very avid fan
Aug 7, 2009
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Chris Williams said:
Hello, I'm Chris. I'm an English student at University of Maine and I have recently discovered my love for Stephen King!

So, I have an assignment that's approaching very soon. It's a book report, and the only stipulation is that the book has to be about Maine—reflecting Maine culture, exploring Maine intricacies, distinguishing Maine from other states, etc. Pretty much, I'm looking for a Stephen King novel that is not only set in Maine, but portrays Maine lifestyle and enlightens the reader—perhaps subtly—of Maine culture. Obviously, I don't expect there to be any King book that's main purpose is to teach readers about Maine, but surely there are some Maine-culture-nuances in some of his novels. (dialect, imagery, culture, stereotypes, etc.).

Any ideas? If anyone can think of a book that meets this criteria, I'd love some feedback, and maybe a (short) statement as to why you think it meets the criteria. I would GREATLY appreciate any thoughts!

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Welcome. Bag of Bones?
 
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Neesy

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
blunthead said:
Welcome to the SKMB! I like what Deej says...

I would just say, why don't we recommend a book and YOU read it and then YOU give a short statement as to why it meets the criteria! lol!
Click to expand...

GNTLGNT said:
...I done already got me a coupla degrees, so I ain't doin' no more damn homework ayuh.....any early King novels set in Castle Rock will do the trick...
Click to expand...
arnoldhorshack.gif

Great minds think alike!
wolf and raven.jpg

to the OP - just kidding! :m_bigwink:Welcome to the SKMB Chris Williams
 
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Neesy

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Chris Williams said:
Hello, I'm Chris. I'm an English student at University of Maine and I have recently discovered my love for Stephen King!

So, I have an assignment that's approaching very soon. It's a book report, and the only stipulation is that the book has to be about Maine—reflecting Maine culture, exploring Maine intricacies, distinguishing Maine from other states, etc. Pretty much, I'm looking for a Stephen King novel that is not only set in Maine, but portrays Maine lifestyle and enlightens the reader—perhaps subtly—of Maine culture. Obviously, I don't expect there to be any King book that's main purpose is to teach readers about Maine, but surely there are some Maine-culture-nuances in some of his novels. (dialect, imagery, culture, stereotypes, etc.).

Any ideas? If anyone can think of a book that meets this criteria, I'd love some feedback, and maybe a (short) statement as to why you think it meets the criteria. I would GREATLY appreciate any thoughts!

Thank you!
Click to expand...
h0244E053


This image is for GNTLGNT
(He'll get it)
 
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