During the Thanksgiving break, I acquired a copy of Stephen King's book of short stories FULL DARK, NO STARS. I read the first short story, "1922," in one day. Even though I have been disappointed with King's works in the past, I couldn't put the book down while reading this story. I'm not quite sure what drove me to buy the book when I've said terrible things about King in the past, but I was drawn to this book like moths to a flame. I was intrigued by everything about it: the cover, the title, the fact that it's a book of short stories, and, ok, I admit it, the fact that it's a new Stephen King.
This story, "1922," is one to curl your toes, typical Stephen King. But it's done in a manner where I didn't find the "offensive" parts offensive. Unlike when I read NEEDFUL THINGS and felt that King just threw in language and violence for pure shock value, this time, everything fit together to create a story that is going to end up in the literary canon for all time.
It's a story to remind us that one decision that is made by one person can affect more than that one individual. If you saw the movie CRASH, you saw how one incident affected the lives of more people than just the original people involved--it's how we all CRASH in to one another and affect the lives of many. I think that's an important lesson for everyone to learn because it's so easy to think that when we make a decision and follow through that the only person affected by that decision is ourselves when the reality is that even people we don't know can be affected by our decisions. We have to live life consciously and make smart choices.
It's also a story that reminds us that everyone plays a role. We are all important to the "universe." I'm not saying that the way I mean to say it....it's just that when we think we aren't special or important, the truth is that we are. Our piddly, insignificant lives make a difference in the lives of others around us, whether we're aware of it or not.
What strikes me the most about King's "1922" is how even when we consciously choose to do something bad--evil, our evil actions are not without consequences. Not just consequences such as going to jail or being grounded. Wilfred in the story commits the unspeakable act of murder--he planned the whole thing, but he soon learns that even though he wanted to do it with every fiber of his being, even though he wasn't a God-fearing man, evil eats away at a man's soul.
I certainly enjoyed this first story in King's new book. That's a weird thing to say when writing about a story about murder, but it's still a great story and well worth reading! For someone who hasn't been a TRUE Stephen King fan, this is one Stephen King work not to be missed!
To start off, I wish that I could have the passion that you have for reading. I hear, in class, about all the books that you have read and the excitement that is in your voice and body languge as you explain to use what the books are about. I am a more hands on kinda guy. When I put things together I look at the pictures to figure out how it works. My father always said, "If all else fails, read the instructions."
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about what we do does not just effect us. It is like dropping a rock in the water. We see the splash but don't take the time to see how the ripples spread across the water. I see it all the time when people do dumb things, how it effects other family members or the ones left behind. A lot of people just can not look past the moment they are wrapped up in to see the big picture. I know when I choose to do someting it not only effects me, but my wife and kids, friends and family, and co-workers. I know how hard it is to take the time to think about what we are doing and the consequences it has. Sometimes at work, I only have a split second to make a dicision that may cost me my job, get me sued, or get me put in jail.
I have not read a lot by Stephen King but one thing I do remember reading was his book called "Cell". "Cell" was about a man's journey to reunite with his young son after a signal was sent out over the global cell phone network that instantly turns any cell phone user into a mindless killer. Although this sounds like another improbable story of King's, it actually made me question whether or not something like this could happen whether by a terrorist or some other way. In today's society, a person's cell phone is practically attached to their hip(literally),and having one is seen as a necessity. Therefore, if someone could figure out a signal that would actually turn people into crazy killers, then I think it would definitely work as far as destroying mankind goes. The fact that there was just a tiny bit of doubt in my mind that something like this could never happen is what made me like this book so much. If you haven't read this book of King's then definitely think about checking it out!
ReplyDeletei look foward to reading this, i bought this, on madness day (black Friday)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that, this seems like quite the statement coming from someone who has such a passionate distaste for Stephen King. I might actually go and pick-up a copy just because of your post. I like your parallel to CRASH. It was a great movie, that indeed drew lines of connection to each and every character.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good thing you posted about this topic because now I know what to get my mom for Christmas ha. Stephen King's novels are off the wall to say the least, but the majority of them are worth reading in my opinion. I am glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI have heard so many good things about Stephen King. I need to purchase a book and read one soon!
ReplyDeleteMs. Watson! I thought you hated Steven King?! See a man with a mind so unstable is capable of producing some good reads. I love some of what he's written (well at least some of the movies based off his books) like The Green Mile, if only reading were as simple as watching a movie. Maybe I'd be able to find a new thing I like to do for fun instead of seeing it as torture.
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