Monday, February 8, 2010

Why I will most likely never read another Stephen King novel

I used to love Stephen King! Loved reading Christine, Pet Cemetery, Cujo. I found them terrifying and intriguing at the same time. I haven't read anything of his for years and years though, until this past week.

I saw something about his most recent book "Under the Dome" and thought it sounded interesting so I put my name on the list for it at the local library. It came in, I picked it up and set to reading...ready for a good thrill. What I found was completely different.

What I found was horrible language and even more horrid situations. I guess I should have realized that "times have changed" but I was floored at the language that was in this book. I'm pretty sure I live a VERY sheltered life because I wasn't aware that there were people out there that actually speak with such vulgarity.

I also should have remembered that he is a "Horror" writer. I did finish the book because I did want to find see how it ended but I probably won't be picking up another one of his novels anytime soon.

My husband asked me what I thought of it and I told him that I was grateful that Mr. King has found an outlet for all of this horror in his writing because if he hadn't I wouldn't want him out in society. He's has a very frightening mind. I feel the same way about Quinton Tarantino and his movies.

I know that there are people out there that enjoy Mr. King's writing and Mr. Tarantino's movies but they are not my cup of tea. Not at all.

21 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I have to admit, I like Tarantino.

Haven't read a King book in years and years.

Nikki said...

Isn't it so disappointing when someone changes their standards just to sell their writing? Danny and I have been discussing this in relation to Associated Content articles. There are so many people that write about smut or out-right copy news articles just to get published. It's pathetic. I've personally never read Stephen King because I am too chicken to get that scared. I think I'll leave it that way. ;)

Wendyburd1 said...

Haven't read King in years, but I think there is a big difference between his earlier books like The Firestarter, etc and his newer books like Dreamcatcher and the one with like 13 stories in it. I stopped after story 1. Oy.

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Jillene said...

I haven't read a King book since I was in High School. I guess that's a good thing.

bingham 5 said...

I so agree with you. I hate finding a really good book and having it ruined by language and nastiness, especially by an author I have loved for so long.

springrose said...

I completely agree. He just kind of creeps me out! I am glad he has this outlet, can you imagine if he didn't!! He might be going around doing some of the things he writes about. I have never read one of his books, I don't like to be scared! But I started watching one of his books made into a movie that was on TV years ago. I couldn't get more then 20 minutes into it before I was to scared to continue watching!!

Gerb said...

The last Stephen King book I read was "It" and it was so wonderfully frightening that I still cannot help but feel scared of sewer grates... thanks for the heads up on his more recent writings. It doesn't sound like my cup of tea, either.

Erin said...

I have never read a Stephen King book. Horror terrifies me too much. However, he writes a monthly article in Entertainment Weekly (don't judge) which I adore and enjoy reading. As long as he stays out of the horror genre, I'll read it!

Mary said...

I get way too scared to read anything by Stephen King...but it is quite interesting how writing has changed over the years, and certain 'bad words' are now expected in most books.

Amy L said...

Strong language doesn't bother me if it's in context. However, I won't read Stephen King because I don't think he's a great writer. A lot of people seem to like his style (meandering, distracted narratives), but it's not for me.

And I so agree with you about him having this outlet! I hope he writes until the day he dies!

Bonnie the Boss said...

I have never read one of his novels. But I have to say I don't see it happening anytime soon. He freaks me out!

mCat said...

Agreed and agreed! I can't read his books, nor watch the movies. Him or Tarantino

elesa said...

Every time I see a commercial for another horror movie (and am I wrong or has the horror movie making skyrocketed in the last couple of years?) I am always a little freaked out. It is terrifying to know that there are people out there thinking this stuff up, and that is only what I see in commercials. So, yeah, no Steven King for me.

Honey and Hotstuff said...

I have the same thing with one of my favorite authors: dean koontz. His early stuff is great! but some of his stuff recently has gotten weird! But Mr. King writes a fabulous article for entertainment weekly- some of them are freaking hilarious! you should check them out!

Honey and Hotstuff said...

I have the same thing with one of my favorite authors: dean koontz. His early stuff is great! but some of his stuff recently has gotten weird! But Mr. King writes a fabulous article for entertainment weekly- some of them are freaking hilarious! you should check them out!

Rachel Sue said...

I've never read Steven King. I don't handle horror so well. Either on the screen or in a book.

Cranberryfries said...

I've never read any of his books but I have seen a few of the adaptations into movies. I wasn't all that impressed. I agree whole heartedly on the Tarantino movies too. Hate them. I've seen pieces of his flicks and do not like them.

Lady of Perpetual Chaos said...

I had the misfortune of watching "It" when I was in grade school (lack of supervision, anyone?!) and it scarred me for life. I don't think I could handle his books. I do have to wonder about a mind like that....

sisterwendy said...

I used to read his books, but got creeped out too far one time and swore I'd never read another. But he wrote a book for his 13 year old daughter who hated horror stories. It's an amazing book which I'd recommend to anyone, "The Eyes of the Dragon"- pure fantasy- good vs evil. Loved it.

tiburon said...

I think they are just reaching to be sensational - and it is getting a little old.

I never thought I would be one of those people that wished for the good ol days - but I find myself doing it more and more...