I like the idea of directing him toward the short stories. Although he isn't chomping at the bit to pick up any of them; this may be a case of me hyping it too much (but forgive him he's just a silly boy!)
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Leave 'em about & he'll pick up what he's ready for when he's ready for it While you're at it, leave a copy of Heart-Shaped Box (Joe Hill) lying about--my two oldest ate that one up when they were about your son's age or slightly older. They still love it.He is being stingy with me. I over-hyped it. Teen-agers are so contrary.
I started reading SK books when I was 13...imagine the chats you and he will have, so exciting for you, I am sure he will love themMy son Ben is 14, I'd love to get him started on The Dark Tower Series. He's a fast and advanced reader and he will have no problem with the depth and breadth of the series. I hesitate though because I wonder how he'll handle the violence and what sex there is. Also once he starts with Mr. King...well we all know once you start.
I know a lot of people start King younger. hmmmm Just me thinking aloud.
I'd love him to read IT (he was named after Ben Hanscom). The dang group sex and gravel pit scene make me hesitate on that one.
Update:
He started the DT!!! He's about 1/4 of the way in!!!! EEEKKKK I should have unplugged the house Wifi sooner!
Peter Straub has been quoted as saying that Steve hasn't discovered sex yet. (writing about it in his books, that is....)
Great post. U nailed it. Big difference BTW scared and fun scared. My brother in law is what u would call a macho man except when it comes to scary books or movies. He played pro hockey and was the enforcer. Every team has one. He could never understand why I would watch a scary movie, by myself, with all the lights off. He would be like, r u crazy. I said that's the whole point. To be that fun scared. A blast.I was 13 when I read my first SK book. Salem's Lot. I finished about 2am and turned off the light for sleep. Aftereffects of the novel and various churning thoughts found me with the lights and TV on about 15 minutes later because I was scared. I loved it!!!