As I’m currently listening to Bag of Bones I’ve been thinking more about Stephen King’s writing and writing in general. It’s my opinion that Stephen King is a much better writer than many people give him credit for. Amber she suggested that it could be due to his particular subject matter and that makes sense, but I think that many people are missing out if they’re avoiding him for that reason.
Bag of Bones is a scary book at times and I find that it definitely keeps me on the edge of my proverbial seat but the writing is really, really good. I think that part of what makes his writing so enjoyable for me is the shear panorama of his imagery. I’ve done a lot of reading in my life and often when I’m reading something I know what an author will say before I read it because it’s just a common phrase. Not common enough to be trite or banal, but I’ve seen it before, or I’ve thought of it and I just kind of stay on the tracks of the book, gliding along while my mind smacks mindlessly on a piece of gum. With King however, I find that I’ll be reading (or listening) along and he won’t paint the picture how I expect him to. He zigs when many others would have zagged. I take a moment and the picture unfolds in my mind in a new and unexpected manner. This makes the story more real and keeps me more involved in it at the front of my mind rather than shuffling it along to the back while I think about other things.
Another thing about King (though it might be more this particular book than the author in general) is that he makes me want to write. It may be because he crafts something special but attainable. Yes, he’s a good writer. No, he’s not Faulkner, but he’s good. I can read what he writes, and grasp it, and aspire to it. It’s not so plain that there’s no pull and it’s not so vaunted that it’s completely out of my reach.
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December 8th, 2007 at 8:58 am
I agree that King is a better writer than most people think. Have you read his On Writing? That book changed the way I read and write.
And thanks for the (unintentional) book-listening suggestion–I have a new long commute to work and have been looking for books on CD.
December 11th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
I’ve read part of On Writing but I don’t think I finished it. After we get done with the house, I’ll go back and pick it up again.
No problem on the book suggestion. I’ve gotten enough of them from your parents over the years that it’s nice to give some back, unintentional or not.
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
I started reading his book, Cell. I’m about 70 pages in and it’s pretty good so far. The story reminds me of the movie ‘28 Days Later’ which I really enjoyed.
I’m not an avid reader, so I find it somewhat of an achievement having read that far into a book. I look forward to finishing it within the next year.
January 12th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Dan, I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much. I just recently re-listened to the story and enjoyed it again. Let me know when you want some other recommendations and I’ll be happy to provide - you should definitely check out I am Legend.