The most heart-rending book he has ever written?

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carrie's younger brother

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Mar 8, 2012
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NJ
As was I (and I was born four years after Carrie came out). I definitely felt for Carrie when it came to being bullied. But the emotions I felt were more like anger and sympathy.
But the stuff that rends our hearts is all very personal and no two people will read a book and feel the exact same thing. Example: someone mentioned Cujo in this thread. Personally, I pretty much laughed at the book and its silly premise. But that's just me. The book and even movie never elcited anything but snickers from me.
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
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Apr 11, 2006
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The High Seas
The Talisman ripped out my heart.

"Wolf collapsed like a falling tree.
Jack knelt, turned him over. The hair was melting away from Wolf's cheeks with the eerie speed of time-lapse photography. His eyes had gone hazel again. And to Jack he looked horribly tired.
"Jacky--" Wolf raised a bloody hand and touched Jack's cheek.
"Shoot...you? Did he..."
"No," Jack said, cradling his friend's head. "No, Wolf, never got me. Never did."
"I..." Wolf's eyes closed and then opened slowly again. He smiled with incredible sweetness and spoke carefully, enunciating each word, obviously needing to convey this if nothing else. "I...kept...my herd...safe."
 

Takoren

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Nov 25, 2015
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But the stuff that rends our hearts is all very personal and no two people will read a book and feel the exact same thing. Example: someone mentioned Cujo in this thread. Personally, I pretty much laughed at the book and its silly premise. But that's just me. The book and even movie never elcited anything but snickers from me.
True. When it comes to bullied characters in King stories, I really connected with Arnie Cunningham. I even had the strict parents (but not insane like Margaret White).
 

not_nadine

Comfortably Roont
Nov 19, 2011
29,655
139,785
Behind you
I refuse to read Cujo or Pet Sematary because I already know they will tear my emotions to shreds. Animals are my major Achilles' heel. I am that person who doesn't care what happens in a book or movie, so long as the dog's ok. :love_heart:

Me too. Cujo really got to me. I was so sad for him.
I was very worried about Kojak in The Stand, as well.
 

Takoren

Well-Known Member
Nov 25, 2015
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My Pretty Pony, while just a short story, not a full length book, gets me.

Lisey's Story meant much more to me on a recent reread, now that I have more married years under my belt. Some of Lisey's feelings and thoughts struck fear through my heart, thinking what if.
I have yet to read either. I keep wondering what I'll think once I get through Lisey's Story. While apparently it's Sai King's personal favorite, I've seen readers who just plain hated it. But then, I liked Insomnia and the same readers who hated Lisey seemed to hate that one.
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
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Cujo was awful (in a good way). It ripped me up when I was a teen/YA, and I can't imagine reading it again as a parent of a small boy myself.
The one that got me most recently (and I've cried a good many times in Mr. King's books) is Joyland. I did NOT see Mike's confession to Devin coming (don't want to spoil), and hadn't heard anything about that angle. I was surprised into sobs, and had to put the book down for a good three hours before I could go on. Even with Pet Sematery, TGWLTG, and, Green Mile on the table (not to mention stuff at the end of DT VII), these are the two that affected me the most.
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
The Talisman ripped out my heart.

"Wolf collapsed like a falling tree.
Jack knelt, turned him over. The hair was melting away from Wolf's cheeks with the eerie speed of time-lapse photography. His eyes had gone hazel again. And to Jack he looked horribly tired.
"Jacky--" Wolf raised a bloody hand and touched Jack's cheek.
"Shoot...you? Did he..."
"No," Jack said, cradling his friend's head. "No, Wolf, never got me. Never did."
"I..." Wolf's eyes closed and then opened slowly again. He smiled with incredible sweetness and spoke carefully, enunciating each word, obviously needing to convey this if nothing else. "I...kept...my herd...safe."
You made me cry again, damn it. I love Wolf so, so much.
 

not_nadine

Comfortably Roont
Nov 19, 2011
29,655
139,785
Behind you
I have yet to read either. I keep wondering what I'll think once I get through Lisey's Story. While apparently it's Sai King's personal favorite, I've seen readers who just plain hated it. But then, I liked Insomnia and the same readers who hated Lisey seemed to hate that one.

I would not use the word 'hate'. Just not a favorite of some. But re-reads. Perhaps, when things in your life can relate to these things. :smile2: