Duma Key discussion

I'm on page 469, which is a little over halfway through with Duma Key. I'm having a bit of a hard time figuring something out: The italicized chapters. When I think I've finally figured out who it is/was, I am wrong. For instance: Sounds silly, but originally my idea was it is "Reba the Anger Management Doll" then I realized that was wrong. Then, I started to think it was Elizabeth as a mentally ill child, but now I'm starting to not think that is it either. I'm at the part where Edgar's art show is about to happen. He's already done the lecture, and there was an italicized chapter about the twins and the big boy with fangs. I guess without revealing too much, could someone help me out a bit? I feel as though I should understand more than I do by now. Or, will I not understand until later on?

Just keep reading - it'll all become clear. Remember, this is Stephen King!

Haha, you're definitely right Jeanine! It is Stephen King after all. Thanks! I just wanted to make sure by now I shouldn't have figured it out or missed something. :)

As usual, I thought it was weird (not scary weird, just weird) but keep reading.... Enjoy!

For me, its creepy weird. In the beginning it wasn't, but its starting to get that way. I think mainly because I'm getting closer to the end, and all will be revealed, but so many pieces haven't been exposed so not everything adds up right now. I can't wait to find out what happens, though. This is only the third Stephen King book I've read, and the other two were Pet Sematary and Rose Madder, which I read right before Duma Key. The same thing has happened to me with each book: I get so engrossed in the story, but there comes a certain point, towards the middle where its like I have a 'need' to know how the story plays out.

And thank you for your help! I was beginning to think maybe I wasn't understanding something or I missed a key part, but I read deeply, so I didn't think so. :)

Rose Madder wasn't one of my favorites. But Pet Sematary,I kept thinking no, even Stephen King wouldn't go THERE! But of course I was wrong! My favorite is without a doubt 'Salem's Lot. That book was so well written, with passages you could visualize clearly. You could almost feel the fear. I've worn out 6 or 7 copies of it and always keep one on hand. Its my go-to book for camping and thunderstorms. I think its the quintessential Stephen King. You may want to add to your list.

Haha, well, funny you say that...I decided since I was enjoying his books, I would start collecting Stephen King's novels so I can read them back to back to back. I own 40 of them now. Salem's Lot is one of them. I bought them off of Ebay for ten dollars. Then, I have found a few for a dollar on clearance at the local bookstore.

I just never imagined anyone could write so well, so I feel lucky I'm getting to read his work. He's definitely one of a kind.

His anthologies are really good too. There was one story, I think its called The Body (Stand By Me, the movie was based on it) where there is a pie eating contest which for me was so evocative I laughed out loud 'til I had tears running down my face. I doubt I'll ever forget that.

You can find books on Listia.com too - where you bid with points and the shipping is usually free. I've gotten several (and gotten rid of some overflow) that way. The Friends of the Library (or whatever its called in your area) have frequent book sales where you can get great bargains.

Keep reading the book it is well worth it! One of his best books IMO.

Dierdra wrote: "Keep reading the book it is well worth it! One of his best books IMO."

I love it so far! I am just so eager to find out what is going on. My aunt and cousin told me Duma Key is one of his best, so it made me especially excited to read it. :) Thanks Dierdra!

Kathryn,

It's been a while since I read Duma Key but, if memory serves (and I don't think it's a spoiler to say so), I think the italicized portions are told from Elizabeth's point of view as a young child.

This is one of my favorite of the newer SK novels. I tend to think of him in three "eras": Carrie to late-1980's, Late-'80's to late '90s, and Late '90's to the present. I actually think his latest era rivals his early works as a whole.

Best SK book in past ten years! Getting run over by a van really got the juices flowing again.

Bradley wrote: "Best SK book in past ten years! Getting run over by a van really got the juices flowing again."

I agree, Bradley. The start of the current SK "era" that I listed above might more accurately date to his accident!

Thank you both for your comments! I will just have to keep reading for it to all make sense I think. I don't know if you saw one of my comments earlier on this thread, but, as I kept reading, I was just afraid I had missed something. I didn't think I had, but you never know. I'm excited, anxious, and eager to find out what is going on. :)

Yep...I just got really creeped out....They are at the art show, and he realizes there are faces painted in the water of "Girl and Ship #8". AH! I shouldn't read this so late at night!

Kathryn wrote: "Yep...I just got really creeped out....They are at the art show, and he realizes there are faces painted in the water of "Girl and Ship #8". AH! I shouldn't read this so late at night!"

But that's the absolute best time to read Stephen King!!!!

Jeanine wrote: "
But that's the absolute best time to read Stephen King!!!! ..."

I don't know, Jeanine. I was listening to 11/22/63 into the night and when I realized I was starting to look over my shoulder I said "time to give it a rest until daylight..."

I had to respond to your Pet Sematary comment, Jeanine, since that is exactly the way I felt when I read it however many years ago. I could not believe SK went there!! Absolutely one of the creepiest books of his or any other mystery/horror author...

Jeanine wrote: "Rose Madder wasn't one of my favorites. But Pet Sematary,I kept thinking no, even Stephen King wouldn't go THERE! But of course I was wrong! My favorite is without a doubt 'Salem's Lot. That bo..."

I use paperbackswap.com, which works pretty much the same way. If you post and send someone a book you get a point,and you can then request a book someone else has posted using that point.
I usually post books when I'm finished and let the points accumulate until I need something I can't find in the library.

Jeanine wrote: "You can find books on Listia.com too - where you bid with points and the shipping is usually free. I've gotten several (and gotten rid of some overflow) that way. ..."

I agree with both Carol and Jeanine. I had a feeling, but I didn't want to go there in my own mind. I kept telling myself, "Oh no, he won't." Sure enough....My aunt told me the same thing, "OH yes. He went there." haha :)

Duma Key was the first SK book I read in ages and I thoroughly enjoyed it. He is a master of description and creating mood. SK is a phenomenal writer. However, Salem's Lot is still my all-time fave. It sneaks back into my consciousness at odd times and I can't say that for most books.

I finished it! Wow! I wasn't expecting any of that. What to read next of Stephen King's? There are too many to choose from!

Kathryn, two of King's other recent works are really good: Under the Dome (very different from Duma Key!) and Full Dark, No Stars (four novellas). Neither of these features quite the supernatural aspect of Duma Key (a little because it is King, after all but they're both much more "human" works).

If you haven't read the Dark Tower series, that's really among his all-time best, I think.

Oh, The Dark Tower series is probably the best books I have ever read! The Gunslinger is good but not the best so if you are not thrilled with it keep reading!

Dierdra, I totally agree. The DT series is mindblowing but, unfortunately, the first book in the series isn't the best. I had to come back to the first book several years after my first try at it and only then discovered how great the series is!

I would suggest 'Salem's Lot - my favorite SK book. I also highly recommend Under the Dome. And be sure not to miss Christine - suberbly written and totally creepy. The Dark Tower series didn't really do anything for me....

Thank you all for your suggestions! Its just so hard to choose because there are so many I want to read...aka...all of them! I think the only reason I'm a little hesitant to start The Dark Tower Series is because he's still working on them. Though, I know he's coming out with one or two more this year. I am collecting every S. K. book I can. I already have 40 or so, its just hard to choose which one out of the stack. :)

Kathryn wrote: "Thank you all for your suggestions! Its just so hard to choose because there are so many I want to read...aka...all of them! I think the only reason I'm a little hesitant to start The Dark Tower Se..."

The main Dark Tower story is over as of five years ago I think.

King thought he was done with the DT series after book #6 ("The Dark Tower") but will be releasing a seventh installment in April. Chronologically speaking, book 7 takes place between books 4 and 5. Here's some background info from the official King site.

Jeanine,

Just curious because I know we all have different tastes but, did you read more than the first book of the DT series? It seems fairly well agreed that the first book is far from the best.

You can read the Dark Tower series now really and feel like you have finished it with no need to read the other book. The series does have an ending and I don't even know if I plan to read the new one because it has been so long since I read the other books and it is going to sort of be in the middle of the series, then again maybe I should read all of them again and add that one!

Chris wrote: "King thought he was done with the DT series after book #6 ("The Dark Tower") but will be releasing a seventh installment in April. Chronologically speaking, book 7 takes place between books 4 and 5..."

Incorrect. Book 7 is The Dark Tower, not book 6. Book 8 takes place between 4 and 5.

Yep, you're right. I missed one. Sorry.

Course, you were incorrect about the series being done five years ago.

Chris wrote: "Course, you were incorrect about the series being done five years ago."

Fair enough.

Regardless, the series is done for me. I have no interest in the new book. Also, the cover art is horrendous

They are both Stephen King so it is ok? Anyway it does not matter how many Dark Tower series books there are the point IS they are AWESOME! LOL. Also that you can read all the current ones and be finished with the series without reading the one that is not out yet. Ugh, I do miss those books tho! Have yet to read a series where I felt that excited about.

Chris wrote: "King thought he was done with the DT series after book #6 ("The Dark Tower") but will be releasing a seventh installment in April. Chronologically speaking, book 7 takes place between books 4 and 5..."

Thanks for mentioning this, Chris, as I had not heard there would be another DT novel. I guess with the on again/off again plans for films & television series it was the right time for King to add to the story. There are certainly enough hints of events not told in detail that could be filled out.

Hey Steve,

I'm pretty disappointed about the film/TV falling through (though I might have been disappointed had they been made, too...)! I always love a new SK adaption. I'm thinking that the DT series might be a good candidate for some kind of animated thing. What do you think?

Kathryn wrote: "I finished it! Wow! I wasn't expecting any of that. What to read next of Stephen King's? There are too many to choose from!"

Duma Key was pretty similar to SK's "Bag of Bones" in a lot of ways. Not too many people rave about this one, but I thought it was excellent.

Bob wrote:
Duma Key was pretty similar to SK's "Bag of Bones" in a..."

I loved Duma Key; have read it twice. I know BoB is very popular but I thought Duma Key was far superior. That would be my recommendation for a next read.

Loved Duma Key - refreshing after so many (in my opinion)bad books recently published by SK

Yeah, I finished this one I think in early February. It was so good. I figured everything out later on, like someone said I would. Duma Key is definitely one I would read again. I loved Wireman!

Oh, and the scene where there are wet footprints on the stairs..........

C to the r to the eepy......gave me the chills...

Kathryn wrote: "For me, its creepy weird. In the beginning it wasn't, but its starting to get that way. I think mainly because I'm getting closer to the end, and all will be revealed, but so many pieces haven't be..."

As an SK lover, I recommend you read "It," The Stand," and "The Shining." Quintessential Stephen King.