Carrie by Stephen King

Carrie by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as a teenager decades ago and decided to reread it again after my own teenage son developed an interest in Stephen King's work. I gave him this book as a Christmas gift. It feels good to have some connection with him and I hope it keeps him reading as I know King's work sparked my own interest in books. It's as good, if not better, than I remember it from my teen years. I enjoy King's ability to narrate the story from multiple viewpoints and not just using first person accounts also using excerpts from accounts in the future which gives you the impression that the event's had a much bigger impact than what's told in the book itself. It makes you wish you knew more than what being told.

Another interesting aspect of the book was it's picture of adolescent bully. I don't think it was an intentional focus but King certainly brings to light an aspect of growing up that many of us experience but doesn't always get talked about. It's a subject that in recent years has grown more out in the open. I think part of the books appeal was bully victim revenge aspect. Many who experience bullying I'm sure fantasize about exacting revenge of their persecutors.

If you're going to start reading Stephen King I feel this is the place to start.

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The Donald

(Dan via Occupy Democrats)
Posted by Sick of the Slant - A Fair Look at the News of the Day on Sunday, January 17, 2016

 One good thing about Trump running for President is that it got me to pay more close attention. Of course things are heating up with the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire primary coming up in a few weeks.  It surprises me how many are actually taking Trump seriously. Here is a man who has never held a public office and who's claim to fame as a successful real estate mogul and reality television star.

I think his latest bid for the highest office of the land is just a bid further enhance his brand name and perhaps he's bored too. He's managed to insult Mexican's, Muslim's and his closest rival Ted Cruz. Their early truce seems to be over since their tirade in the debate over Cruz being born in Canada. Of course Ted Cruz is riding the wave of popularity due to an endorsement from Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson so Trump should watch his back.

Trump is not without his entertainment value. His knack of saying what he wants to without a care seems to attract a lot of people. They don't seem to realize that just because someone speaks their mind doesn't mean it's right or smartest thing to say.

The Stand by Stephen King - Audio Version

The Stand by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was already a big fan of this book already before listening to this audio version. I've read both the original and extended version of this book and it still doesn't get tiresome. I was not a big fan of the original mid 90's mini-series version though as I've yet to sit through the whole thing. I have heard that another remake is in the works. With 45 plus hours to listen to its pretty daunting to sit through. It does start a little slow as King builds up the plot and the characters as what can seem like an eternity. He did not rush when it came to this story. Even though I knew the story pretty well I still picked up stuff I missed before. After awhile the time flew by and the forty-five hours seem to not be as long. Things I picked up differently were that I found Fran irritating and self-centered. I was also more sympathetic with the brilliant but misled Harold Lauder. I did enjoy this one and recommend it to fans of the book or even of Stephen King in general.

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