he never ceases to amaze me

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Randolph Carter

Active Member
Sep 13, 2015
25
124
41
First, I'm only 3/4 of the way through the book, so no spoilers please.

Ok, here we go. I picked up Firestarter at the beach. I've been a little unsure about how much I would like some of his earlier books, as I didn't know if they would lack the epic or deep feel of the more recent ones I've loved, like 11/22/63 or Under the Dome. But I thought I'd try it.

And was blown away. This book about a government agency and psychic powers has at its core a really powerful, important story about dads and daughters. As a relatively recent dad of a daughter myself, it has really spoken to me and while we aren't dealing with the exact same situation I can relate to some of what the dad is going through as he tries to keep his daughter safe.

This is what is so amazing about Stephen King. He not only writes great books with great characters, he somehow makes these fantastical stories immediately relevant to his readers. I've got some other thoughts on some of the bigger themes in this book, but needed to say this first.
 

staropeace

Richard Bachman's love child
Nov 28, 2006
15,210
48,848
Alberta,Canada
First, I'm only 3/4 of the way through the book, so no spoilers please.

Ok, here we go. I picked up Firestarter at the beach. I've been a little unsure about how much I would like some of his earlier books, as I didn't know if they would lack the epic or deep feel of the more recent ones I've loved, like 11/22/63 or Under the Dome. But I thought I'd try it.

And was blown away. This book about a government agency and psychic powers has at its core a really powerful, important story about dads and daughters. As a relatively recent dad of a daughter myself, it has really spoken to me and while we aren't dealing with the exact same situation I can relate to some of what the dad is going through as he tries to keep his daughter safe.

This is what is so amazing about Stephen King. He not only writes great books with great characters, he somehow makes these fantastical stories immediately relevant to his readers. I've got some other thoughts on some of the bigger themes in this book, but needed to say this first.
Did you read his son's work? Joe Hill is grabbing the baton from his father and running with it. Team King will continue. Welcome to the forum.
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
17,221
82,822
47
United States
First, I'm only 3/4 of the way through the book, so no spoilers please.

Ok, here we go. I picked up Firestarter at the beach. I've been a little unsure about how much I would like some of his earlier books, as I didn't know if they would lack the epic or deep feel of the more recent ones I've loved, like 11/22/63 or Under the Dome. But I thought I'd try it.

And was blown away. This book about a government agency and psychic powers has at its core a really powerful, important story about dads and daughters. As a relatively recent dad of a daughter myself, it has really spoken to me and while we aren't dealing with the exact same situation I can relate to some of what the dad is going through as he tries to keep his daughter safe.

This is what is so amazing about Stephen King. He not only writes great books with great characters, he somehow makes these fantastical stories immediately relevant to his readers. I've got some other thoughts on some of the bigger themes in this book, but needed to say this first.
Try Duma Key, too. It has a wonderful father/daughter storyline all throughout the novel.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
fc6914705bdd5bb4bbbd2cf92728aa18.jpg
stephen_king_coming_to_boulder.jpg
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
17,221
82,822
47
United States
I must give Firestarter another try. But it's his way around characters that keeps you wanting more.
I read it as an 18 year old and again last year. Naturally, I had a fresh perspective on the book (and still liked it) but the plot suffers a bit in the middle and can seem too methodical (predictable?) past the midway point. Overall I give it high marks because, even though it enters familiar territory (Carrie), he still makes it interesting and a solid page turner...or should I say page burner? Yeah...that was beneath me.
 

doowopgirl

very avid fan
Aug 7, 2009
6,946
25,119
65
dublin ireland
I read it as an 18 year old and again last year. Naturally, I had a fresh perspective on the book (and still liked it) but the plot suffers a bit in the middle and can seem too methodical (predictable?) past the midway point. Overall I give it high marks because, even though it enters familiar territory (Carrie), he still makes it interesting and a solid page turner...or should I say page burner? Yeah...that was beneath me.
I like puns, so no worry. I read it when it came out and didn't like it, so never picked it up again. I know what you mean about fresh perspective. Tommyknockers is my prime example, so I'm sure Firestarter will prove to be the same.
 

raperm

Active Member
Aug 22, 2016
28
112
53
Firestarter has a special place in my heart for that very reason. As a dad with a daughter I'm very close too, I can totally relate to the story. I'd be frustrated and freaked out, too, and I love how the dad "pushes" himself and even kills himself trying to save his daughter. I'd do the same thing without thinking about it, so the story was really one of the one's King did that I could relate to the most. Time for a re-read, I think...