Joyland is an Important Novel

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Andres Mejia

New Member
Sep 15, 2017
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Dear Mr. King,


My name is Andres Mejia, and I am writing to you in regards to your Hardcase Crime novel, Joyland. Being a senior of Downers Grove South high school, We are assigned to read a book of our choice over the summer. After reading Joyland, I was enthralled by how lifelike this interpretation of young discovery was.


The main character, Devin Jones is a perfect example of a growing teen. With other books I have read before, sometimes the characters seem very fictional, and their motives do not seem credible. Seeing this character carry his emotions throughout the storyline, and how they affect his actions is interesting, as much as it is relatable.


This aspect of Devin is expressed in his heartbroken accounts throughout the book. During his summer, Devin had his mind flooded with thoughts of his ex-girlfriend. Every time a moment with her crossed his mind, I felt as if I was heartbroken alongside of him. Your use of personality in each character is shown intricately, and I admire how well this story flows together.


I am happy to say that I am a fan of your work. I believe every human has the ability to tell stories in their own way, and your perspective on adolescence has a way of touching others. If everyone has the ability to do it, it takes telling a story like this one, to encourage them to start telling their own.


Joyland was different than the rest of your books. Being a more touching story with less suspense than your other works, I recognize how strong of a writer you are.


This brings me to one of your quotes that has stuck with me since I finished Joyland, “When it comes to the past, everyone writes fiction.” While you were writing Devin’s story, how heavily was it inspired by events you have experienced? Also, when you experience significant moments in life, do you write stories as you reflect on them, or afterwards?


I believe everyone has their own story to tell, and you have opened my eyes to reading more literature, and becoming more aware of my own writing voice. Thank you very much for writing this novel, and I would appreciate it if I heard back from you soon.


Thank you for your time,


Andres Mejia
 
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Ms. Mod
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Jul 10, 2006
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Maine
Welcome to the Board! I hope that you stick around.

I removed your email address as that would have become visible to everyone on the internet. Unfortunately, Stephen stopped reading and responding to fan mail back in the '80s as it became too much to handle along with his other business and family commitments. Joyland didn't rely much on his own experiences. Most often, any personal experiences that get used as inspiration for his books happen well before he writes about them.