If I had to pick one horror novel to take with me to...let's go with a creepy old house...it would have to be Stephen King's The Shining.
A lot of people get snooty when it comes to horror-fiction. Maybe it's the crudeness of some of the characters' lines, the typical gore-factor, and jump out at you cheap scares that Hollywood has shoved down our throats for quite some time. See, a scary book is generally the opposite of its big screen counterpart. When you can't watch the scene unfold with eerie music wearing thin your already frayed nerves, well, you have to manipulate your audience through literary means into a state of edginess without losing the quality of the writing. The Shining does this perfectly!
While I'm a sucker for a scary anything, I'm more critical of my favorite genre than the others-- books most of all. If I can't enjoy reading their tale, I won't get to the creepy. If for some unknown reason I trudge onward just out of morbid curiosity, I usually feel disappointed when something happens. I really have to connect with the main character(/s) in order to envelop myself in the novel...even if they're flawed.
Stephen King shines with a small cast- it's a fact I could debate for who knows how long. In The Shining he has three and a half characters to develop and that's it. Some would think this is boring and won't lead to grizzly deaths or whatever, but you're wrong: all three of the Torrances are expertly crafted. Each of the parents (Jack -the main character- and Wendy) is not perfect, but that's what makes them honestly feel real! Their son Danny is gifted with a form of second sight, a staple King plot device, though he's not a brilliant adult-in-a-kid's-body sort of deal. When sections focus on his perspective, well, he has trouble connecting certain things and finds himself struggling to find a word, and you're along for the frustration/confusion ride with him...Enjoy it, because King was never able to create another believable child character. Lastly is an important character who doesn't get much page-time, and I'll leave it up to anyone who hasn't seen/read The Shining to find out on your own (ha!).
Anyway, you've all probably seen the movie, so I won't waste time on the plot; however, the Kubrick version deviates so far from the actual story that I can't watch it. The miniseries from '97, I believe, starring Stephen Weber was an accurate adaptation, and rather good sans the actor playing Danny. But I digress. In a nutshell: Jack takes a job as a caretaker for a massive hotel in the Rockies (The Overlook) and brings his family. Turns out it's haunted and the spirits want to add the Torrances to their roster. Especially Danny.
This is by FAR my favorite Stephen King novel, and I've read most of his work. I cannot recommend this book enough. The character development is superb, the setting claustrophobic, and has some genuinely creepy moments where my breathing became so shallow I was nearly, well, not. Read. This. Book. Now I'm going to down some medicine for my inexplicable headache and relax...Be back Thursday, folks.
Showing posts with label Book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Odd Thomas
I'm looking for suggestions on reviews, but until then I suppose I'll continue from my personal library.
Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz, is phenomenal. One can dispute the seeing dead people concept's originality, yet Mr. Koontz finds a way to make it his own. The book follows a 20-year old man whose name is used -shockingly- for the title, and his life lives up to his name: Odd. I went in to the story skeptical as can be since my past foray into Koontz's work left me bitter and biased against anything he wrote...Odd Thomas changed my mind.
The characters are rich, though not numerous, and incredibly well-developed. From Little Ozzie to Rosalia Sanchez, you get an interesting and eclectic crew that really should not work, yet the small world that is Pico Mundo somehow makes sense and feels real. Then you factor in the ghosts, yet even they are so intricately crafted that they too feel real. Odd sees the dead, as well as having a few other slightly related gifts; however, he doesn't seek attention, nor is he particularly interested in being rich. All Odd truly wants is to live in relative peace with his soul mate Bronwyn "Stormy" Llewelynn, and maybe a change of jobs from a fry cook to something in the tire business.
The lingering dead complicate his life, but they also enrich it-- Elvis is often found loitering nearby when Odd has time to kill. Elvis, by the way, is given plenty of coverage and, even if you don't like his music, Koontz's version of his silent spectre is lovable for his support and general goofyness. I won't go into the plot very deeply, since it's terrific, but it's a race against time and exhaustion for Odd in an attempt to stop/minimize an event of intense violence. Of course, he's the only one who can for two reasons. 1)He's the protagonist; 2)his gifts give him the foresight and means to stop it.
I could write pages on why this book(as well as its sequels) are superb, but I won't; instead I beseech you to go buy them. They're worth every penny.
Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz, is phenomenal. One can dispute the seeing dead people concept's originality, yet Mr. Koontz finds a way to make it his own. The book follows a 20-year old man whose name is used -shockingly- for the title, and his life lives up to his name: Odd. I went in to the story skeptical as can be since my past foray into Koontz's work left me bitter and biased against anything he wrote...Odd Thomas changed my mind.
The characters are rich, though not numerous, and incredibly well-developed. From Little Ozzie to Rosalia Sanchez, you get an interesting and eclectic crew that really should not work, yet the small world that is Pico Mundo somehow makes sense and feels real. Then you factor in the ghosts, yet even they are so intricately crafted that they too feel real. Odd sees the dead, as well as having a few other slightly related gifts; however, he doesn't seek attention, nor is he particularly interested in being rich. All Odd truly wants is to live in relative peace with his soul mate Bronwyn "Stormy" Llewelynn, and maybe a change of jobs from a fry cook to something in the tire business.
The lingering dead complicate his life, but they also enrich it-- Elvis is often found loitering nearby when Odd has time to kill. Elvis, by the way, is given plenty of coverage and, even if you don't like his music, Koontz's version of his silent spectre is lovable for his support and general goofyness. I won't go into the plot very deeply, since it's terrific, but it's a race against time and exhaustion for Odd in an attempt to stop/minimize an event of intense violence. Of course, he's the only one who can for two reasons. 1)He's the protagonist; 2)his gifts give him the foresight and means to stop it.
I could write pages on why this book(as well as its sequels) are superb, but I won't; instead I beseech you to go buy them. They're worth every penny.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Redwall
Welcome, everyone, to my humble review blog. It's my goal to read, watch, and play an assortment of media and let you know if it's worth investing your time and hard earned cash to get. Now let's kick things off.
I'll say this: it's hard to find something worthy of a first entry. After a few hours I settled on a classic children's series which I was engrossed with for years. Redwall. It's a long series, most of the stories are fluff and unnecessarily written, but those came with the later years. Redwall the novel, though, is a glorious tale of perseverance, self-sacrifice, and sticking to one's beliefs when everything appears to be crashing down.
Matthias, the hero, is an ambitious youth stuck in an abbey of woodland creatures whose only goals are to make sure the harvest is abundant, and to promote peace and neutrality to all neighboring nations. The abbot is kind and fair, the people slow to anger and patient as rocks. Matthias on the other hand is energetic, worshiping the founder of Redwall (the abbey's official name), a mouse by the name of Martin. Martin is renowned for his skill in battle as well as a prodigious tactical mind in all aspects of life; a great mouse whose feats are still praised and respected by all creatures throughout this land. Matthias dreams of living up to and surpassing Martin...obviously he'll get his chance.
While Matthias is busy doing chores and daydreaming, a menace is headed his way. One that will threaten the very way of life that the citizens of Redwall worship: Cluney the Scourge. He's a rat feared "worldwide." Soon enough he and his horde of cutthroat and treacherous rats, ferrets, and weasels begin their siege and ruination of the abbey.
Redwall was unique when I became a fan; it was -and is- still quite an amazing novel. You have these furry little beasts teaching morals and values worth spreading during times of crises. Throughout Cluney's war, Matthias strives to find the fabled blade of Martin, hidden deep within the abbey, and with it he finds friendship in unlikely people. From the violent, nigh-barbaric sparrows to the jovial elite warriors of the hares, Matthias learns that being a hero is not only in fighting and winning despite insurmountable odds, but also in using your head and following your heart and trusting those around you. A hero, we learn, does not seek danger, but defends the things we love, be it ideals or people. Matthias grows, and with him I did, too.
Brian Jacques, the author of this fantastic book, created a tale I still treasure. The characters were given a level of depth seemingly unseen in its genre, so much so that with every loss of a likable mouse or mole, you feel it almost as strongly as the characters' peers. The plot is typical: boy rises to the occasion to save the day, yet it really feels different. It's like watching your favorite mystery/thriller film and getting caught up all over again-- You've seen it, you know how it will end, yet it's delivered so masterfully that you find yourself thinking it will be different. Most of all, this book is easy for anyone above the age of 9 to pick up and become a part of.
I can't guarantee that everything I review will find their way to my good list, but I'll give any suggestions a try. Let's see what you throw my way...just leave a comment with your choice!
I'll say this: it's hard to find something worthy of a first entry. After a few hours I settled on a classic children's series which I was engrossed with for years. Redwall. It's a long series, most of the stories are fluff and unnecessarily written, but those came with the later years. Redwall the novel, though, is a glorious tale of perseverance, self-sacrifice, and sticking to one's beliefs when everything appears to be crashing down.
Matthias, the hero, is an ambitious youth stuck in an abbey of woodland creatures whose only goals are to make sure the harvest is abundant, and to promote peace and neutrality to all neighboring nations. The abbot is kind and fair, the people slow to anger and patient as rocks. Matthias on the other hand is energetic, worshiping the founder of Redwall (the abbey's official name), a mouse by the name of Martin. Martin is renowned for his skill in battle as well as a prodigious tactical mind in all aspects of life; a great mouse whose feats are still praised and respected by all creatures throughout this land. Matthias dreams of living up to and surpassing Martin...obviously he'll get his chance.
While Matthias is busy doing chores and daydreaming, a menace is headed his way. One that will threaten the very way of life that the citizens of Redwall worship: Cluney the Scourge. He's a rat feared "worldwide." Soon enough he and his horde of cutthroat and treacherous rats, ferrets, and weasels begin their siege and ruination of the abbey.
Redwall was unique when I became a fan; it was -and is- still quite an amazing novel. You have these furry little beasts teaching morals and values worth spreading during times of crises. Throughout Cluney's war, Matthias strives to find the fabled blade of Martin, hidden deep within the abbey, and with it he finds friendship in unlikely people. From the violent, nigh-barbaric sparrows to the jovial elite warriors of the hares, Matthias learns that being a hero is not only in fighting and winning despite insurmountable odds, but also in using your head and following your heart and trusting those around you. A hero, we learn, does not seek danger, but defends the things we love, be it ideals or people. Matthias grows, and with him I did, too.
Brian Jacques, the author of this fantastic book, created a tale I still treasure. The characters were given a level of depth seemingly unseen in its genre, so much so that with every loss of a likable mouse or mole, you feel it almost as strongly as the characters' peers. The plot is typical: boy rises to the occasion to save the day, yet it really feels different. It's like watching your favorite mystery/thriller film and getting caught up all over again-- You've seen it, you know how it will end, yet it's delivered so masterfully that you find yourself thinking it will be different. Most of all, this book is easy for anyone above the age of 9 to pick up and become a part of.
I can't guarantee that everything I review will find their way to my good list, but I'll give any suggestions a try. Let's see what you throw my way...just leave a comment with your choice!
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