The most heart-rending book he has ever written?

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notebookgirl

Well-Known Member
Oct 8, 2013
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Somewhere over the Rainbow
"Joyland" "Salem's Lot" "Pet Cemetery" "Cujo" the beginning of "It", just to name a few. I was sobbing while reading "Joyland" and a particular scene in "Salem's Lot" However, his books do have some laughs. Some unexpected ones. I thought this after a little chuckle, "Am I crazy to be laughing at this?" especially when reading particular odd scene in "Needful Things" Of course in that book, there are a lot of odd things happening.
 

doowopgirl

very avid fan
Aug 7, 2009
6,946
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dublin ireland
"Joyland" "Salem's Lot" "Pet Cemetery" "Cujo" the beginning of "It", just to name a few. I was sobbing while reading "Joyland" and a particular scene in "Salem's Lot" However, his books do have some laughs. Some unexpected ones. I thought this after a little chuckle, "Am I crazy to be laughing at this?" especially when reading particular odd scene in "Needful Things" Of course in that book, there are a lot of odd things happening.
Needful Things is a great book for things that shouldn't be funny, but are.
 

Takoren

Well-Known Member
Nov 25, 2015
242
815
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It's a very touching story on a few levels. One of SK's best in years if you ask me. I really was not thrilled with Dr. Sleep or Revival. Joyland is one of my top ten SK books and I've been a Constant Reader since 1975.
I'm still excited to get to Doctor Sleep and Revival, but thanks to this board I'm really looking forward to Joyland.
 

blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
80,755
195,461
Atlanta GA
I like the mention of The Last Rung on the Ladder. That is a story that has always stuck with me, and one that surprises some people I've met, who think they know all they need to know about Mr. King and what he writes.

At first glance I want to say The Dead Zone. I am not entirely comfortable with the romantic "consolation prize" that is offered Johnny Smith in this story, but he's such a tragic figure. A man of such simple want who is used so badly by both his strange "gift" and however you prefer to describe what I'll call "fate," it's difficult not to want something better for him.

And I don't know anything that rends the heart like wanting something better for those to whom you cannot give it.
I say your last statement is a profound one, Pucker. I'm currently personally relating, in fact.

I think of The Last Rung too, now that you mention it, and my response to Dead Zone is the same. Just sad, sad. Imo most sK stories are not ultimately sad, but those two are.
 

blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
80,755
195,461
Atlanta GA
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.
The only way is just read them. You can't win if you don't play.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
LOL It's good to have a kindred spirit here. Too many wussies. :)
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