Stephen King Fans discussion

The Wolves of the Calla starts tomorrow! Ready, Set... Discuss! ;)

I just finished this today and I thought it was amazing. I was going to read something else after this but I have to continue the saga with Song of Susannah.

I read the opening chapter somewhere before the book was published, online I guess. It got me really, really excited the way many felt about the Harry Potter series' next volume. Such a colorful opening, with the inner thoughts of a relatively minor character, a method which King I dont recall does again to such length for the rest of the series.

I would love to try eating a muffinball plant, that sounds yummy, do ya ken? ;)

Shouldn't this thread say February group read instead of January? :)

I'd like to see Roland's dance lol, when I read that part, I had to smile.

THIS IS FEBRUARY?? O_O

Updated. Thanks!

Agrimorfee -

I read that opening chapter online as well, and I've seldom been so excited about a new book... "Wolves.." is probably my favorite novel in the entire DT series.

I'm looking forward to reading what others have to say.

Starting today! So excited...

Cool:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqCjiYQXKAU...

So...um...what happens? Is there a systematic moderation by chapter, or do people chime in freely with commentary as the sprit moves them?

Agrimorfee wrote: "So...um...what happens? Is there a systematic moderation by chapter, or do people chime in freely with commentary as the sprit moves them?"

However you want. Just post your thoughts as you choose, and be mindful of spoilers. :)

I too read the opening chapter that I found online somewhere. I remember printing it out, and reading it every night until Wolves was released. For obvious reasons, to those who have read it already, that opening chapter got me FIRED UP! I think Wolves is easily one of the top 3 books in the series. After waiting allllll those years, when this book came out I was so happy and excited I just disappeared until I was done. I remember i would force myself to only read a maximum amount of pages per night so I could savor the book I had waited so long for that continued Rolands tale. I think I gave this book 5 stars.

Love this book more each time I read it. The end is awesome, and my heart was literally pounding during the whole fight scene. Don't know if I can wait 2 weeks to read Song of Susannah...

Jaime, I have to confess that I just couldn't wait. After re-reading the "Wolves of the Calla" I was so completely caught up in the world of the Dark Tower that I plowed on thru "Song of Susannna" and "The Dark Tower" -- It's my own opinion that they simply DEMAND to be read in this fashion, these last three books. They are like one looooong book, and I think, were it not for putting off potential readers who dislike long books, King might have put them all together!

Bondama wrote: "Jaime, I have to confess that I just couldn't wait. After re-reading the "Wolves of the Calla" I was so completely caught up in the world of the Dark Tower that I plowed on thru "Song of Susannna"..."

If I hadn't read the series before, I would have to continue. However, this being my third go around, I decided to wait. I doubt I will be able to do that between Song of Susanna and The Dark Tower, though. I swear I love each book more each time I read it. Hoping that is the case with Song of Susanna as well, because it is my least favorite of the group. Still love it!

Question...
.
.
.
.
Spoiler (Dark Tower and The Talisman)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Was Pere Callahan the only one who brought Christianity to All-World? The people in the territories talk about The Book of Good Farming(The Bible) and they mention the name of God not Gand.

********Spoilers**********

Ka-mai, No... he only brought it to the Calla as far as I know...

But long before that, even as far back as The Gunslinger, there are references to Christianity. The Man-Jesus and all of that. I think that stems more from the inevitable crossover and leaks between worlds, like with Hey Jude and Careless Love etc.

When you read the next books, there is an explanation for that...

Spoilerage....

I loved the novel, but once again I am reminded how annoyed i was in my first read by how certan characters kept holding back certain pieces of information that may or may not have solved some situations quicker, or even with better results. Ah, but as ka wills it...;)

I just finished the series and I think that this was my favorite book of them all.

The chapter entitled Telling Tales is I think the best 2 words to describe what the series, and King's work as a whole, is all about and why they exist. Notice how many tales are being told throughout this novel...Pere Callahan's backstory, Granpere's eyewitness account, the Tale of Grey Dick, and even the tale told in song about the "reaping of the rice". It is the tradition of the Storyteller that King embraces.

I just cannot figure it out:

As I've mentioned before, "The Wolves of the Calla" is my favorite book in the entire DT series -- Yet, of all the books we've discussed since starting this read, there are only TWENTY comments about "Wolves..." And there is SO,SO much to discuss in this book!!

******* SPOILER ********

For instance, this is the book in which Oy truly becomes a full member of the Kat-Tet. In Calla, when they were introducing themselves to the folk of Bryn Sturgis, Oy stands up, and, as does everyone else, names himself, "Oy"...Eld...and so on, ending with a truly endearing bow.

That stands out in my memory among so many, many wonderful "King moments" -- and a lot of them are from this book.


*****Continued Spoiler*******

When Jake's friend, Benny Slightman, dies... that's so much a part of what makes Jake the person he later becomes-and enables him to make the most crucial decision of all, the one that results in saving King's life.

So very many important plot points originate in "Wolves of the Calla" -- Is it just that not many people are reading the book? I don't understand?

Scott wrote: "I just finished the series and I think that this was my favorite book of them all."

Mine too! This is the book where Eddie, Susannah, Jake and even Oy truly become gunslingers. Such an amazing novel...

I think Bondama that people are a bit shy to jump in, and I am glad you spoke up. I havent been a group read participant here before, but I notice many of the posts re previous month's read of W&G came after this month started!

Probably it has less to do with shyness and more to do with life. W&G was a thick book, and if people were catching up at that point, it's probably safe to say they'll still be catching up now.

I listened to the audiobook version of all of the books for this reread, so it moved pretty fast for me, but these are pretty thick and others might not be able to get through them as fast.

But anyway, go ahead and discuss what you want... people will chime in when they can.

********Possible spoilers**********

This was my favorite for a long time, but I think The Dark Tower is my favorite now.

But I love the way that things start to come together in Wolves, and how we really start to learn about the Ka-tet and see them for who and what they are - both as individuals and ka-tet.

I love the true to life characters of the Calla too, and how many are willing to keep the oppression they know rather than try for a freedom that's uncertain. It's not something I can blame them for, but it's not something I'd be proud of either.

Vampires, zombies, "wolves", what else could I ask for? Still, it is my least favorite this far. Too long, some part were slow, and I was wishing they were back on the road to the Dark Tower.

Spoilerage....



How do you feel about the appearance of the Harry Potter universe here? ;) not to mention the specific references to other scifi books and westerns? it goes back to what I say upthread about King reveling in the art of storytelling, by citing some of his idols and other authors he admires.

Elena wrote:...some part were slow, and I was wishing they were back on the road to the Dark Tower."
Indeed, Roland seems to join in the frustration, twirling his fingers every so often so Pere Callahan can keep his story moving along. ;)

****spoiler****

I do like the references to other books. Although I think the reference to Star Wars regarding the wolves and their weapons was little over the top.

Agrimorfee wrote: "Elena wrote:...some part were slow, and I was wishing they were back on the road to the Dark Tower."
Indeed, Roland seems to join in the frustration, twirling his fingers every so often so Pere Cal..."

lol, that's a good one :)

Agrimorgee, one of the traits that King is most admired for in his storytelling is his constant connection to pop culture. He's literally speaking to his fans, in a personal way and on a personal level that most authors simply are unable to do.


****Poss Spoiler****


For instance, when the drums start outside of the city, how much more meaningful and instantly relateable to the reader are the drums when Eddie hears "Velcro Fly?" Ever after, when the drums sound, the reader hears "Velcro Fly" as well.

** Continued Spoiler ***

As to your Harry Potter question, how much more emotional resonance did "Wolves" have that a weapon of incredible destruction is called a "sneetch", Harry Potter model. In other words, this reference to the way Harry Potter is "used" in this alternate world by the can-toi, or by their masters, makes it so much more awful that a work of astonishing sweetness and good (despite its dark, dark times) can be corrupted into something bad. A simple toy, the golden snitch, is now a horrible weapon, tainted by the Crimson King.

Someone once told me that j.k. rowling made a subtle reference to King in Deathly Hallows...Read it twice, havent discovered it yet

I have seen his pop culture references being cited by snootier critics as the least artistic quality of his work. I agree with you Bondama, it is more endearing, but only so far as the audience can get the reference. My father is a devoted King reader in his early 60s; i am pretty sure he shrugged his shoulders at the reference to "Velcro Fly"!

Agrimorfee wrote: "I have seen his pop culture references being cited by snootier critics as the least artistic quality of his work. I agree with you Bondama, it is more endearing, but only so far as the audience can..."

That was the case with me with the Harry Potter "sneetch" thing. I had no idea what it was.

But, see, you're missing the point. Not all pop culture references are made to reach every reader. Agrimorfee, Although your father may not have gotten the "Velcro Fly" ref, I'll put money on the fact that he found several other references -- especially in

******Spoiler*****

"Black House", where Henry get dressed up in his "zoot suit," and spins the platters with his jive for the people in the nursing home.

One note about the "Velcro Fly" reference. Most people of the target generation wouldn't have gotten that one either, unless they were ZZ Top fans. It was actually a somewhat obscure song on their Afterburner album. I don't think it was ever released as a single nor played on the radio as a hit.

That said, I was (and still am) a ZZ Top fan, so I definitely got it.

ETA: It was on Afterburner, not Eliminator. I edited my original comment.

Chris wrote: "One note about the "Velcro Fly" reference. Most people of the target generation wouldn't have gotten that one either, unless they were ZZ Top fans. It was actually a somewhat obscure song on their ..."

I went to my itunes and listened to the Velcro Fly sample clip, just so I could hear this song, because personally, I'd never heard it before, the only ZZ songs I know well are the standards I hear on the classic rock station. But now I know what it sounds like :)

It's definitely a catchy beat....

King did get the terminology wrong to make more confusion...the "sneetches" I knew only from the Dr.Seuss book!

I just thought the drums sounded like when you strip two pieces of Velcro apart....I had no idea it was a song, lol. I don't know what a zoo suit is, neither I have read/watch Harry Potter. Still, those things didn't bother me. I was very involved in the story to be distracted by them.

IJust as much as King salutes the storytellers in Wolves, he takes the piss out of Book Collectors in this novel with Calvin Tower. I once walked into a bookstore whose owner who was very much a Calvin Tower! Needless to say, I never visited his business again after initially meeting him.

Too, too true!! Agrimorfee - why is it that people who collect items are prone to turn into Silas Marners like this?

Agrimorfee wrote: "IJust as much as King salutes the storytellers in Wolves, he takes the piss out of Book Collectors in this novel with Calvin Tower. I once walked into a bookstore whose owner who was very much a Ca..."

I know that feeling! I went to a used bookshop like that when we vacationed down in Williamsburg VA. The shop was beautiful though, in a lovely colonial brick building with polished wood floors and floor to ceiling shelves... but totally a well-to-do collectors only type place.

Becky --

If we use your first method to "hide" spoilers, is there any way for those of us who are "technologically impaired" to read the spoiler?

For those of us who are familiar with the King universe, it's sort of like trying to listen to one side of a phone conversation. Especially when the answer comes back something like: Wow!! I never thought of that!!! Thought of WHAT??????

Comprende?

You just click the word spoiler and it opens the text. ;) Then you can click "hide spoiler" to close it again.

Ah, I see (said the blind man -or finger blind, as it were) the trouble was, I usually follow the discussions from the email unless there's something I want to add, and all the email says is "spoiler hidden!)

Oh... I see. I don't get emails for anything if I can help it. I didn't know that was the way it translated. LOL

I just finished it! AWESOME!!! It's been awhile since I read book 4, but it all came back to me. I missed Roland and his ka-tet! I love how some of the characters from other books appear and it all ties in with the Dark Tower. Does anyone else find themselves speaking like the folks of the Calla now? I've already caught myself saying "do ya fine" in conversation! LOL!!! M-O-O-N and that spells Stephen King is a genius!! Laws yes :).

One nice thing about the ending is that readers did not have to wait umpteen years for the next one! ;)

Did anyone feel how this part of the saga influenced ABC TV's LOST?

I am starting Jonahtan Franzen's Freedom in between the next read, Song of Susannah. New readers, if you thought this was fun, just wait for the next...it will blow your mind.

Agrimorfee wrote: "One nice thing about the ending is that readers did not have to wait umpteen years for the next one! ;)

Did anyone feel how this part of the saga influenced ABC TV's LOST?

I am starting Jonahtan..."

How do you think it influenced LOST? I watched the whole series last summer and I have been thinking about it, and I don't see it. Maybe I don't remember it that well.