meg reads and reads

Title: Duma Key Author: Stephen King Duma Key isn't one of King's more popular novels, and while the length and unconventional rhythm might explain that, I loved it. The scenery is so visceral that I will forever hear the grinding of the shells whenever I think of this story. From the beachfront setting to the sci-fi and paranormal elements, the plot remained completely unpredictable. The standout element of the book was the way King described the act of creation. He captures how art and talent actually feel when they unfold--that burning itch deep down when the muse starts to stir. He nails the way you can lose yourself for hours in the "flow," ending up ravenous, exhausted, or even a little mad. The writing in these scenes was executed extremely well and felt entirely authentic to the creative experience. The story is elevated by flawed characters and a friendship that feels entirely believable. Even when the plot takes its darker turns, the emotional core stays gro...

Title: Cell Author: Stephen King Stephen King. The name conjures images of masterful storytelling, chilling suspense, and characters that burrow their way into your soul. He's crafted some of the best stories ever written, tales that have shaped the landscape of modern horror. And then there's Cell. About halfway through this book, I remember thinking, "Wow, this must be what diarrhea reads like." And no, I'm not being intentionally crude for shock value. That's genuinely the most apt description I can muster for the experience of reading this book. It's a messy, unpleasant, and ultimately unsatisfying slog. The premise--a cell phone signal turns people into homicidal maniacs--had potential. King is a master of taking the mundane and twisting it into something terrifying. But in Cell, the execution falls spectacularly flat. The characters are largely forgettable, the plot meanders aimlessly, and the violence feels gratuitous rather than genuinely scary. It...

Title: Prodigal Son Author: Dean Koontz I can honestly say that I absolutely detested this book. It was boring, unoriginal, and I'm certain Mary Shelley would hate it. Koontz has basically cannibalized Frankenstein, and set it in modern times, which is something that's been done again and again. The writing was dull, and I found my mind drifted quite a bit, because it just could not hold my attention. This was my first Koontz, and I was not impressed. I don't think I'll be eager to read another. Two out of five stars. ----------------------------- QUOTES: "The concept of a weary severed hand, exhausted from relentless creeping, made no sense." "When Mary Shelley took a local legend based on truth and crafted fiction from it, she'd made Victor a tragic figure and killed him off. He understood her dramatic purpose for giving him a death scene, but he loathed her for portraying him as tragic and a failure. Her judgment of his work was arrogant. What else...

Title: The Waste Lands Author: Stephen King The Dark Tower series continues to get better. Book III has been the best thus far. Eddie and Susannah are such a pleasure to read, and it's nice to have Jake back in the mix. Roland is loosening up, so he's more fun to read, too. There are a wealth of new characters to enjoy, among which include the Tick-Tock Man and Blaine the Mono. They continue on their journey toward the Dark Tower with a number of hitches in their plans. I am eager to continue this series. Five out of five stars. ------------ READING PROGRESS: Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon: 76% Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: 32% Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin: 68% The Dark Bones by Loreth Anne White: 60% Needful Things by Stephen King: NOW STARTING