Stephen King Fans discussion

Discuss Part 1 here..

I stated elsewhere that I'm not reading along, but I will post when I have the gumption and good memory. So here's my 1st gumption...

Jack Sawyer, no coincidence is an echo of Twain's Tom Sawyer, another fabled traveler. Jack is also a John, an Everyman--or is he? Is he special compared to other kids?

The beach walks--antithesis of Roland's adventures on the beach, but much later is the beach walks of Duma Key, perhaps--a place of calm, of change and new horizons?

Speedy Parker--another black man (not a Man In Black! ;)) in the King universe with benevolent magical/supernatural background (thinking also of Dick Halloran from The Shining, later John Coffey of The Green Mile--I wouldn't count Mike Hanlon, any others?)

I have to finish Breaking Dawn and then I am going to start this book! I have to re-read because I keep mixing Black House with this book in my memory.

Okay just started and will post again once i get through Part 1.

Okay finished part one and not sure if I am going to like this read or not.I am not a big fantasy person and did not like the Dark Tower stuff.But will read a little more.

This is a fantasy book for sure... well at least I think so. What did you think of the first half?

It was okay but i just can't keep my mind from wandering as I read stuff like this.It just does not sink in.I thought with the character being a kid and wanting to save his mom would help but alas I decided to try something else.So I won't be finishing this group read.

Too bad Alicia. :( It does have a slow exposition with the descriptions of the surroundings and the interior thoughts of Jack himself, but I think that's what separates it from other novels of the fantasy ilk.

It is different from King's other reads, I guess that is because Straub writes it also. I have never read anything of Straub's so I have nothing to compare it to.

I have read little bit of Straub and I don't like his style. You can tell when he writes a passage because there will be a word that King never uses. (I haven't started the read yet, I'm going from memory) Is this the book where "indubitably" is used more than once? I remember that annoyed me for some reason...

It's been said that King & Straub's editors couldn't tell the 2 of them apart when they started reading their ms's.

I believe that totally I think of myself as a seasoned King reader and I couldnt find the transitions!

I normally find Straub a little dry but still good at making you feel uneasy and giving you the creeps!lol

But they wrote beautifuly together, feeding off each others creativity and weaving there styles together without a seam!

I really enjoyed the first part of the book. Jack is a very likable character and I feel sorry for him. I Recently read Lost Boy Lost Girl and I can see straub's writing style in here and it mixes well with King's fantastic story telling. I can't wait to finish this book now.

Spoiler(ish)!





very likely when a certain person dies in this novel stephen king wrote that part :D

Mole,
I think that I am also a pretty seasoned King fan, but I can't tell where King stops and Straub begins. I have read The Talisman dozens of times, and I am still clueless as to who wrote which parts.

I have never read any of Straub's work, although I do have Mystery and Magic Terror here at home just waiting on me. Although, subconsciously, I could be putting the reading of them off for fear that after having read the Straub books I will never be able to read this one the same way again!

I read Straub once--I THINK... I'm not even sure of the title.

I'm still barely half way through the book (it's taking me a lot longer than I thought to plow through it), and there's one thing that's been bothering me. Okay, more than one, but this one thing in particular. It's Bruce Banner, why does whichever author that writes those sections keep referring to The Hulk as David Banner? It's so annoying...

Oh crap... that is annoying. The editors didn't pick that up? Maybe they just aren't superhero lovers!

You would have to ask the creators of the "The Incredible Hulk" TV show that starred Bill Bixby why they named him David and not Bruce. ;)

OH didn't know that... I see now where David came from! Thanks

Huh, I didn't know there was such a TV show, I guess someone who watched it but wasn't exposed to the original comics would've thought Hulk's name was David. From what I read, producers seemed to have made that deliberate decision to separate the comics from the tv show, so as to have liberal "license", so to speak, to do whatever they wanted with the character. Thanks for the info :P

I did watch it but forgot the name was David until Agrimorfee reminded me. So smart~

This is one of my favorite books of his. I don't really care for Straub, but I can't tell who's writing what either. I read they became friends when King spent a year in England. I would bet that's a great friendship! Can you imagine the conversations? My point was that the editing, or just the way they wrote together is flawless. Especially since this is so unlike anything I have read (attempted) of Straub's. I would guess Straub was responsible for "gentle-ing" down King, and King "spiced-up" Straub. A really nice blend for us.

I have a thing for closed or deserted amusement parks, so I instantly liked the beginning of the book and Jack's meeting with Speedy Parker.

I did have some trouble imagining the Summer Pavilion (or whatever it was called). Was it all made of tents or solid buildings?

I don't know if I didn't pay enough attention, but something that bothered me was that after Osmond had whipped Jack over the back, he was bleeding quite heavily, but afterwards he just seemed to continue without tending to his wounds, and with a ripped shirt (again, if I remember correctly). Captain Ferrin sent him on his way as if he wasn't very much hurt at all. Am I mistaken or did anyone else react to this?

Katarina wrote: "I have a thing for closed or deserted amusement parks, so I instantly liked the beginning of the book and Jack's meeting with Speedy Parker.

I did have some trouble imagining the Summer Pavilion (..."

I also had the feeling that I was not paying enough attention on this part. I really didn't get the reason for the whipping, it just happened all of a sudden for something that didn't metritt it. I was lost there.

I am 40% into the book. I find it slow and boring at times, but interesting enough to finish it.

There are so many things in this book that remind me of The Dark Tower series. Unlike many of you, it's not apparent to me just who wrote what, but those things definitely seem to be all King.

Finally started reading The Talisman for the second time. I've read Black House twice already because the first time I read it, I didn't realize it was a sequel. Oops. But here I go again. Nice to read about Jack again.

Just finished Talisman and really enjoyed it. Kind of reminded me of an adult Harry Potter--except better in all facets. The relationships in the book were so heart-felt and intense. Brought a tear to the eye in some situations. I loved the constant build of tension in Jack's journey--SK's like a maestro conducting an orchestra to a huge crescendo--so thrilling! (view spoiler)[ Did anyone notice the similarity between the thunderbolt on Harry Potter's forehead and the thunderbolt used by Morgan Sloat at the end? Anxious to read your impressions, thanks for sharing. Now starting Black House. (hide spoiler)]

I too love this book. I did not (view spoiler)[ notice the lighting bolt part! Of course I haven't read this book since 2001. I am due for a re-read. I wonder if the comic does the book justice? (hide spoiler)]

This is my favorite book. I actually was really disappointed when it ended. I thought they might have just gotten tired of the story and finished it to be done. When I heard Black House was coming out, I was very excited as I hoped it would continue The Talisman; I still really liked Black House. I've read The Talisan at least 5 times.

I´m reading it for the first time and enjoying very much. Like Alicia, I´m not a fantasy fan but I guess since I started reading the Dark Tower book this has changed a bit. Maybe that´s the reason why I´m enjoying it. I got used to! :) Also I love a road story... I can´t say who wrote which part and in my mind I can only think of Stephen King telling the story, probably because I don´t know Straub´s style.

Becky wrote: "Mole,
I think that I am also a pretty seasoned King fan, but I can't tell where King stops and Straub begins. I have read The Talisman dozens of times, and I am still clueless as to who wrote whi..."

Yup, I can't tell either who is writing which sections. Never read Straub either, which might have helped me know.

Carlos wrote: "I´m reading it for the first time and enjoying very much. Like Alicia, I´m not a fantasy fan but I guess since I started reading the Dark Tower book this has changed a bit. Maybe that´s the reason ..."

I'm enjoying it also, though am not a huge fantasy fan. I saw that the group was reading the sequel, so thought that I would give this book a quick read before reading the sequel! There is no such thing as giving this book a quick read-through, however!

Carol wrote: "Carlos wrote: "I´m reading it for the first time and enjoying very much. Like Alicia, I´m not a fantasy fan but I guess since I started reading the Dark Tower book this has changed a bit. Maybe tha..."

Love this book so much. One of my first King books and so magical.

Hey guys, I was hoping for some feedback. I have just begun Part 2 of The Talisman. This is my first read for this book (shocking to some I know!) but I have started this book several times over the years.

I am really struggling. So many people seem to love this and I am a die hard King fan but for some reason, this story is not doing it for me. I love the IDEA of it. I mean, an alternate universe where there is a double of you, and a young hero on a quest? That's wonderful. But there is just something about this book I am not getting into.

I am only 120 pages in and it has taken me 2 days to get that far. Unheard of! So I have read through the board and I see that a few other King fans had a similar problem but most of you guys loved it. I like the idea of continuing on but if the story doesn't grab me until halfway through, what is the point?

I normally enjoy fantasy type stories so not sure what the issue is for this one. I find myself counting every page, just wanting to be over. Not normal for a King read!

So you guys tell me, I have heard "it gets better" but is it worth it? With so many other great books out there...let me know your thoughts. I am going to continue trudging through this.

Let it go Kelly.(oh jesus now that song is in my head) Seriously. First off there's plenty of Sai King's book that I simply cannot stand. Second of all its a collaboration between him and Peter Straub so obviously its gonna feel different anyway. Also it really is more of a fantasy epic then he usually writes. I know no one likes to pigeon hole King and I'm the first to defend him when someone tries to classify him as a straight up horror author but this is a very different animal then a lot of his other stuff.

I mentioned in another thread that I tried valiantly to get through The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo like five times before I gave it up because everyone kept saying "just get through the first 100 pages and it gets good!" But I had the same thought you're having "I want to be engaged from page one!"

For whatever reason this isn't working for you. I promise you the King police are not going to show up at your door and rip up your fan club card. There never has to be a reason to stop reading something. That's the best thing about books. Who knows maybe five years from now you'll pick it up again and for whatever reason it'll click. Or maybe not.

There are no hard and fast rules with books. You'll never be able to totally pin down why some things grab you and others don't. And it would kind of suck if you could because you'd just read the same stories over and over and you'd never try anything new. The heart (or mind as the case may be) what the heart wants...

Kelly wrote: "Hey guys, I was hoping for some feedback. I have just begun Part 2 of The Talisman. This is my first read for this book (shocking to some I know!) but I have started this book several times over th..."

It's been a while on this one. I remember I read it out of order (read Black House first) and although most people seem to prefer The Talisman I didn't think it was anywhere near as good as Black House (which you can read without reading this one.) More importantly I always encourage people to give up on books that don't work for them. I don't think I do this myself often enough. Another key point, with King, the endings are almost never as good as the rest of the book, so it's the struggles along the way that are the best part of the journey, not the completion. Set it aside for a while. Join the Halloween read of Pet Cemetery if you want, and read a book that King himself doesn't like, but most of his readers love.

Kelly, I had read it all the way through some years ago, but have always been on the fence when it comes to liking The Talisman. It always felt more like Straub than King to me. In the end, I thought it was just okay.

Never did go on to Black House because of that, but after just reading Nick's comment, I'm interested.

I just recently picked this book up at Half Priced Books for $2. I can't put it down. I have it on the kindle, but I like sitting down and reading the actual paperback more. I'm more than 400 pages in and it barely feels like it.

Joseph wrote: "I just recently picked this book up at Half Priced Books for $2. I can't put it down. I have it on the kindle, but I like sitting down and reading the actual paperback more. I'm more than 400 pages..."

I think this is one of his quickest reads despite its length. It's a real page turner.

Ya'll were right! Much happier after just admitting I don't want to read it. But am looking forward to re-reading some much loved works instead! Good luck Joseph! Glad you are liking it.

Agrimorfee wrote: "I stated elsewhere that I'm not reading along, but I will post when I have the gumption and good memory. So here's my 1st gumption...

Jack Sawyer, no coincidence is an echo of Twain's Tom Sawyer, ..."

Mother Abigail from The Stand also comes to mind, lol. I'm sure there are more.

I don't know how this book escaped my attention for so long. I just read it while I was off work for a couple weeks and I am blown away. I'd place it right up there with The Shining and 11/22/63 for me. So much I love about this book!

Just began rereading this one a couple of weeks ago. I know it's supposed to have DT connections but, without going back to the beginning of this thread and rereading the numerous posts, I haven't really noticed anything that really stands out to me. Jack has just arrived in Zanesville and is roaming the mall there. Am I missing something? Are the Territories another version of the DT lands? Do the DT connections come later on? Just wondering... :)

Hey Teresa! I don't recall a lot of connections either, but The Territories are also mentioned in DT. I think I remember the force of good being called The White in both as well. More connections come when you get to Black House, if I remember correctly. I read Black House right after DT, long before I knew that it was a sequel to The Talisman. :/

Damian wrote: "Hey Teresa! I don't recall a lot of connections either, but The Territories are also mentioned in DT. I think I remember the force of good being called The White in both as well. More connections c..."

Thanks, Damian! It's early days yet, so I will hang in there. I do plan to reread Black House as well. That stinks that you read it before The Talisman. I'm somewhat OCD, so that would have driven me nuts, lol.

I've started listening to the audio of this, read by Frank Muller. I've read the book itself three times before, it's one of my top favorites, ever! The audio so far is great, I'm only listening to it in the car, and I keep finding myself wanting to drive slower, take the long way to where I'm going, so I can keep listening.

Right now, I'm at the part where Jack has begun his journey west, he was (view spoiler)[on the road in the Territories, and had to go into the creepy forest when he heard Morgan's diligence coming, and then the trees tried to kill him, and he finally was able to get Speedy's bottle and flip back into the regular world. (hide spoiler)] Very exciting. I'm really loving this re-read listen, it's a whole new way of experiencing the story :D

Kit★ wrote: "I've started listening to the audio of this, read by Frank Muller. I've read the book itself three times before, it's one of my top favorites, ever! The audio so far is great, I'm only listening to..."

Yes, I'm rereading it after about 20 years, so it's like new to me. If you saw my previous post, can you tell me, do the DT connections become more obvious as the story goes on? I finished the series a couple of months ago, and it's the main reason I'm rereading The Talisman. Damian elaborated a little in an earlier post, but does anything stand out to you? So far, the only thing that alluded to the DT was Jack's father telling Morgan that there are other worlds.

I don't recall anything really obviously being a DT connection, no talk of Towers or gunslingers or anything like that. But, I'm not too far in yet, there could be something farther on that I don't remember from before :)

Terri,

The connection is in that Jack’s when and the Territories when are worlds that are connected to the DT. Once you reach the end of the books you will see the connection better. Black House gets more obvious about it. Enjoy! This is one of my favorites of Stephens, I’ve read it dozens of times and just re-read it again a couple of months ago which I hadn’t done in awhile.
As for being able to pick out when Steve is writing and when Peter is writing I have some ideas of who is who but they write so seamlessly that it’s hard to really know. I would love to see a reveal on that just to see if my speculations are correct. 🤔