Cell by Stephen King (zombification at its best)

Cell by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As everyone knows (or at least those that have looked at the books I read), I'm a HUGE Stephen King fan. Due to that, I am always trying to find time to squeeze in one of his books, be it a new one or an old favorite that I've read a dozen times already. This was the first time I've read Cell and I was pleasantly surprised.

I never thought that King would go the zombie route, since everyone is doing it, but his take on zombification and how it might happen was refreshing. The way our society is so digitally dependant, it's no wonder where he got the idea for this novel.

As with all his books, he draws the reader in with his fantastic descriptions and unique take on the possible. He never drowns the reader with unnecessary details though through choice words, it is easy to visualize all that is going on throughout the story. I think my favorite line in this book has to be "a flesh canoe filled with blood".

The reason that I only gave this one four stars is because of the ending. The story just ends and the reader is left with no knowledge of what actually came to pass. Guessing is out of the question because there is no real indicators of what might happen. King leaves it completely open with only one of two options but no way to know how it really goes. It would be one thing, if it were to have a sequel, but that isn't the case.

One thing that I love? There is a brief sentence that ties this book in with all the rest, linking it to his Dark Tower series. He slyly sneaks it in to where, if you haven't read the series, you would have no clue. I, having read just about everything he has ever done, caught it and it made me smile.


© Courtney Conant, 2010-12. All Rights Reserved.
 

Apt Pupil by Stephen King

Apt Pupil by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is that Stephen King always outdoes himself. I know I've read this before but it is one of those pieces that I can go back to repeatedly and still enjoy immensely.

Todd Bowden is one of the creepiest children out there and gives me the chills to picture him and the disturbing nature he holds within. I think the hardest part about reading this story is the fact that kids like that really do exist!

I love how the book differs from the movie (and no I won't say how it differs). It is worth reading, same as all his works, though not all are as well written as this.

© Courtney Conant, 2010-11. All Rights Reserved.
 

Favorite Book Quotes

And it is time for one of those age old questions... What is your favorite book quote of all time and why?

Me? I have two and could never choose between them.

The first is by Stephen King and it has always made me laugh because I've felt the truth of it many times since first reading it almost 20 years ago. He actually uses the line in two different books of his. Of course, I can't remember which the first one was (I was only ten when I read it the first time) but the second was Salem's Lot.

"There is no such thing as gravity. The Earth just sucks." - Stephen King

The second is by Kurt Vonnegut and is very dear to me. I read this line in The Sirens of Titan a few years back and I couldn't help but feel the power behind the words...

"The worst thing that could possibly happen to anybody would be to not be used for anything by anybody." - Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

ALSO: Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway of Saints Astray by Jacqueline Carey! You have until the 22nd at midnight to enter.


© Courtney Conant, 2010-11. All Rights Reserved.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read this book many times and will never get tired of it. This was my first time listening to the audiobook though and it was almost better than reading it on my own. Actually hearing the demands of this destitute world being placed upon Roland's shoulders was quite intense.

King did an amazing job in creating this world. Most novels/series that go back and forth between our world and the created world focus mainly on the here and now. King focuses on his world and brings in aspects of ours. It's refreshing to see things switched up a bit.

If you don't know me, I should probably tell you now that Stephen King has and always will be my favorite author. The first novel I ever read was The Stand when I was seven and haven't looked back since. It's intriguing how that book actually ties into this series and so many other books of his.

And with that, I'd like to say 'thankee sai' for writing your books for so many years and keeping me entertained!

Also, if you really enjoy Stephen King's work and really liked this book too, check out the graphic novels. They are quite impressive...