Stephen King Fans discussion

Looks like a new novella is incoming. From King's site:

Synopsis:

The latest from legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting, extraordinarily eerie, and moving story about a man whose mysterious affliction brings a small town together—a timely, upbeat tale about finding common ground despite deep-rooted differences.

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face – including his own -- he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

From Stephen King, our “most precious renewable resource, like Shakespeare in the malleability of his work” (The Guardian), Elevation is an antidote to our divisive culture, as gloriously joyful (with a twinge of deep sadness) as “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Sounds interesting, I think it will be released in October.

OH! Two new books this year... so exciting!

I have really high hopes for this one! It sounds like one I will love and it's a Castle Rock story as well.

Yea two new books this year... I do hope I can read at least one.... but which one should I choose....

Here's the GR listing for it: Elevation

Discuss Elevation here. Please mark all spoilers for those who are also reading the book this month.

The book arrived on Tuesday. I was surprised at how tiny it is, LOL.

It was a two sitting book - I enjoyed it!

I am quite irritated because I pre-ordered it months ago and usually get pre-ordered books on the day they are released. Maybe the next day. This one says it will be delivered tomorrow.

Kandice wrote: "I am quite irritated because I pre-ordered it months ago and usually get pre-ordered books on the day they are released. Maybe the next day. This one says it will be delivered tomorrow."

Kandice wrote: "I am quite irritated because I pre-ordered it months ago and usually get pre-ordered books on the day they are released. Maybe the next day. This one says it will be delivered tomorrow."

Who did you order it from? Amazon always ships it before it is released and I receive it the day it was released.

Earlier this year I pre-ordered a book from Barnes and Noble and it shipped on the day it was released and it arrived three days after it was released. It was very annoying when you are used to getting it on the day it is released.

Nancy, I ordered it from B&N, but I often pre-order books from them and usually get them on the day (or next) they are released. I try not to order books from Amazon because they sell EVERYTHING, but I may have to going forward. Or haul my butt to the store...

Kandice wrote: "Nancy, I ordered it from B&N, but I often pre-order books from them and usually get them on the day (or next) they are released. I try not to order books from Amazon because they sell EVERYTHING, b..."

Every time I order a book (even non pre-orders) it takes up to a week. I have their membership and have the free shipping. I wonder if free shipping equates to slowest shipping method possible, LOL.

I do better if I order online and pick up in store. It’s ready in less than an hour. I get the lower price as well.

I just found my on eBay for 11 and that’s with shipping

Not one of his better works. This may be one of the final books of his career; I think the machine that is Stephen King is finally slowing down.

I got my copy from Amazon and I got the day of the release. I order all of my books from Amazon.

I have a dilemma, I am only 14% done with The Shadow of the Wind and just got Elevation through Overdrive. What am I to do?

Gerwin wrote: "Not one of his better works. This may be one of the final books of his career; I think the machine that is Stephen King is finally slowing down."

I dont agree with you at all. I was a smaller book yes but as his last two books were like tomes I'm fine with that. Honestly i felt it was pretty refreshing to read it. It gave me more feels in its 146 pages than some of the 800 page books i have read in the past year. Also King never stops writing and has let us know that so may times. The machine isnt slowing down at all

ElleEm wrote: "I have a dilemma, I am only 14% done with The Shadow of the Wind and just got Elevation through Overdrive. What am I to do?"

It’s a very short book. I would switch and read Elevation before your book is due back. Then go back to the other book.

It's not the size of the book that's the issue... it's the lack of any plot or action. It reminds me of a few Nelson DeMille books that he wrote just to fulfill a contractual obligation with the publisher. What was the point of this book? Really?

I have mine coming soon and I’m definitely looking forward to a castle rock story and can’t wait to read IT..,

I was a little disappointed, however elevation was a good read. I found the ending a little cheesy to be honest, but I did enjoy it despite its flaws.

The ending reminded me of Joe Hill's Pop Art a bit.

Okay, almost done. I should finish it tonight. So far I'm enjoying it. Sorry to read that some folks are disappointed with the ending because I think it seems to be building to an important conclusion and if it isn't there... well, we'll see.

Gerwin wrote: "It's not the size of the book that's the issue... it's the lack of any plot or action. It reminds me of a few Nelson DeMille books that he wrote just to fulfill a contractual obligation with the pu..."

Hi, Gerwin. Nice to get your input. I agree to the extent that the plot about the (view spoiler)[married-lesbian discrimination is sort of forced and resolves way too easily. I think the bit about the magical weightloss holds my interest so far, but what I see coming would be pretty cheesy. I'm hoping for a surprise. (hide spoiler)]

Just finished. It was okay for me. I agree, a little cheesy with some aspects, but it was still good.

Gerwin wrote: "Not one of his better works. This may be one of the final books of his career; I think the machine that is Stephen King is finally slowing down."

I think I'm with you, Gerwin. It's a nice, quiet little story but it lacked the punch of his better short stories/novellas because of (view spoiler)[the ending. It needed a bit more of a punch to keep from becoming too forgettable (hide spoiler)]. I'm glad I read it and I think it had some really good potential, but I don't think it'll become one of my favorite King works.

I agree with all of you. I posted a review. 3 stars. Check it out.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I really enjoyed it, but found a lot of hallmarks of typical King were just missing - great plot, in depth character development, an emotionally filled story... I get it's shorter, but some of his shorter short stories left me feeling more than this one did. Had King put a little more substance into this one, especially with the cardboard cut out characters, it may have made me tear up at the end, because despite it's flaws, I thought this did house one of his more solid overall endings.

It was a little clunky, but its heart was in the right place.

While I can understand why some people were not happy with this one. However, for me I enjoyed it because it was a quick and entertaining read. Maybe not super deep, cheesy at points, and the characters at times felt like caricatures. But, in the end I didn't mind a little feel good palate cleanser.

First time posting and reading along with this group. Hi!

I wasn't expecting this and it was super weird, solely for the fact that I was expecting some gore (haven't read much King in a while). But I liked it overall. It was very feel good, and I think I needed that right about now. It wasn't very deep and there was a little of his sociopolitical opinions coming through (which I don't mind, because he didn't offend me at all). Overall, I liked it. Can't tell if I should go ahead and complete and rate it on my profile or if I want to wait to see if anyone has some insightful perspectives to offer up here.

Gerwin wrote: "It's not the size of the book that's the issue... it's the lack of any plot or action. It reminds me of a few Nelson DeMille books that he wrote just to fulfill a contractual obligation with the pu..."

I agree with you. I honestly just took the whole thing as a little bit of Castle Rock world-building, especially with the show just now coming out. This is my first King book explicitly in Castle Rock.

I rather enjoyed the short story. Granted it didn't pack the wollop his other stories usually generate but it wasn't horrible.

Hi Nick,

I read your review and liked it. Interesting thoughts you share. I can't wait to read it myself and see what I think.

I am trying to finish off the new John Grisham book "The Reckoning" and then I will start it.

Scott wrote: "Hi Nick,

I read your review and liked it. Interesting thoughts you share. I can't wait to read it myself and see what I think.

I am trying to finish off the new John Grisham book "The Reckoning" ..."

Thanks Scott. I'was reading Elevation and The Dark Tower 7 at the same time. There's a contrast. But I also agree with those who can read this as just a "feel good" piece.

J wrote: "I honestly just took the whole thing as a little bit of Castle Rock world-building, especially with the show just now coming out...."

I hadn't thought about the connection to the show. That helps a bit, because I could see this kind of thing happening in one of the Castle Rocks out there, for sure.

Hi,

I have completed my read of Stephen King's "Elevation" and my review is located at the following link:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Scott wrote: "Hi,

I have completed my read of Stephen King's "Elevation" and my review is located at the following link:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Nice review Scott. We pretty much agree. I especially like your take on King's successful efforts to deal with prejudice in a positive way. The reference to Karl from UP was pretty great too.

Thanks Nick. I think it was a brave attempt on King's part to deal with a very touchy subject. And I especially liked that his solution involved a subtle approach, rather than taking a hammer to it. Real change comes from individuals looking inside themselves and being willing to listen. It sure seems like we are missing a lot of that in today's world.

Scott wrote: "Thanks Nick. I think it was a brave attempt on King's part to deal with a very touchy subject. And I especially liked that his solution involved a subtle approach, rather than taking a hammer to it..."

Amen.

I don’t understand the ending of this book at all and the feeling of being elevated and how that relates to the ending.

The other parts of the book, I see it differently than the other comments I have read.

I think people are focused on the town and Scott and assuming the whole town is anti-lesbian. I saw it as Deirdre being the closed minded one and came to Castle Rock with preconceived notions about a small town. She automatically assumed everyone would be against them. Missy even said Deirdre was angry with everyone.

I don’t think the entire town changed their position after seeing the picture from the newspaper. I think it was Deirdre. Who wants to go to a restaurant when the hostess/co-owner has a permanent scowl on her face and that fake angry smile she gives? Word gets around when you have bad service no matter Hood the food is. I don’t think it was just Scott she treated that way.

I think the photo changed something in Deirdre. The newspaper called her a local as well. I am not sure in real life if someone with the chip on their shoulder like she did would change so quickly. But Missy did say she knew Deirdre had issues and I think Missy had been dealing with them and trying to get her to change her attitude. Just like she tried to tell Deirdre that they could continue jogging down their street and carry pooper scoopers and clean up after the dogs. She said Deirdre almost took her head off with the suggestion.

Yes, there were people in Castle Rock that were anti-lesbian couple but not the entire town. King showed examples of both. Some, like the doctors wife, did change and become accepting but she also met them. If Deirdre still had the same attitude, then the doctors wife and her would never have gotten along and the doctors wife would still have not been accepting even though she and Missy has mushroom love in common.

Forgetting about the message of tolerance, the story was still just ok. I don’t like books that are preaching to me but it was the ending is what puts me off. I don’t get what it was about.

I thought it was this thread, but I don’t see the comment. Kudos To who ever made the connection the the name Scott Carey and The Incredible Shrinking Man https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050539/

Nancy,

I think you hit a very important point about Deirdre being so closed minded. I really think that King intended to represent that there are extreme people on both sides of the argument that are close-minded and refuse to listen. I intended to mention that in my review and somehow left it out.

There were people in the town that refused to listen and give the couple a chance in the very same way that Deirdre refused to listen to Scott. People who are set in their bias and bigoted ways, feeling they won’t be heard, keep reconciliation and growth from happening. And this is only my opinion, but I fully feel (just like you so eloquently described} that King purposely wanted to demonstrate that these close-minded people exist on both sides of the proverbial aisle. Deirdre on one side, and the angry construction worker who verbally attacked Scott on the other side.

Your point is an important theme that I think King was fully intending and hoping we, as his constant readers, would catch and understand.

Thank you for sharing.

And I forgot to mention that Doctor Bob’s wife was able to change, become accepting, and then fully supportive of Deirdre. She was able to overcome her beliefs and fears to develop a strong bond and friendship with Deirdre.

Nice job!

Good comments Nancy, I think you're right on all counts. The whole town was not prejudiced though many people were, and Deirdre did encourage the dislike by having a damn big chip on her shoulder, and she did change too quickly no matter how wonderful Scott's gesture was. Still, I thought she was the best developed and most interesting of all the characters until her transformation into a comical sidekick. The ending was flakey in my POV. Yes it was positive and hopeful I guess, but, realistically, what happened? It struck me as a pseudo-happy ending. Happy until you realize what must have really occurred, namely, Scott ran out of air and suffocated, or froze to death... or maybe was transported to another dimension where he ran into Roland who wasn't too crazy about having to deal with a human hot air balloon... and shot him.

Nancy and Nick - I agree with you both. Well stated.

I agree with you, Nancy. I felt the same as I read the story. My thoughts are that King made Deirdre flawed to show that she is a real person. She wasn't a good person just because she is gay. Gay people are just people, flawed like everyone else. I think in our society that we tend to label groups of people as good or bad and forget that we are all individuals with unique thoughts and actions.

ElleEm wrote: "I agree with you, Nancy. I felt the same as I read the story. My thoughts are that King made Deirdre flawed to show that she is a real person. She wasn't a good person just because she is gay. Gay ..."

I agree with you both, yeah. I am a part of the LGBT community and we are flawed just like everyone else. I understood Deidre's character more, perhaps, than most readers because I have felt similar things when I have become downtrodden about discrimination my friends and I have faced. So I get why she became that way. I just hated that she was so suspicious of Scott because he was a genuinely good guy and character. I was really glad that she came around towards the end and opened up again.

I can see what people are saying about Deidre's approach to others, but I think LGBT and other minority folks often have good reason to be cautious and defensive. We often have faced a fair amount of discrimination and poor treatment, and it's not uncommon that our safety is at risk. Unfortunately, people don't come labeled with SAFE and DANGEROUS buttons, so we often have to treat others like they're dangerous until we know otherwise (see: most women out alone at night, who are doing the same thing). It may be unfair, but I think it's completely understandable.

And let's not forget that she was effectively shunned by the whole town when they refused to put up the Turkey Trot posters with her picture on that. I'd definitely feel unsafe if that happened and I probably wouldn't be the nicest Nancy on the block.