| Saturday, October 07, 2006 |
| CELL - Stephen King |

CELL Stephen King 2006 (350 pages) FICTION (Horror)
THE SCOOP (from www.cellthebook.com): Civilization doesn't end with a bang or a whimper. It ends with a call on your cell phone.
What happens on the afternoon of October 1 came to be known as the Pulse, a signal sent though every operating cell phone that turns its user into something...well, something less than human. Savage, murderous, unthinking -and on a wanton rampage. Terrorist act? Cyber prank gone haywire?
It really doesn't matter, not to the people who avoided the technological attack. What matters to them is surviving the aftermath. Before long, a band of them -"normies" is how they think of themselves- have gathered on the grounds of Gaiten Academy, where the headmaster and one remaining student have something awesome and terrifying to show them on the school's moonlit soccer field. Clearly there can be no escape. The only option is to take them on.
CELL is classic Stephen King, a story of gory horror and white-knuckling suspense that makes the unimaginable entirely plausible and totally fascinating.
A SHORT REVIEW: EXCELLENT BOOK! A fast read. And, as always, extremely well crafted.
Did you just laugh as you read that? A Stephen King book that's well crafted?
If that question just popped into your mind, it's obvious you've never read anything of his. He's good. VERY good. Too many people pan him off as some crass weirdo who writes blood books. And while he may be some weirdo who writes blood books, he does it with a boldly crude grace and panache that's both unique and refreshing.
Did you like the movie THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION? Did you like the movie THE GREEN MILE? Did you like the movie STAND BY ME?
Me too. They are some of the greatest movies ever made! And you know what? All three were based on Stephen King novels or novellas. (Also check out MISERY, DOLORES CLAIBORNE, APT PUPIL, CARRIE, THE SHINING, HEARTS IN ATLANTIS, and DREAMCATCHER for more brilliant King adaptations.)
Surprised? Don't be. It's that nuanced touch of personal drama that Mr. King brings to the table in every work. That goes for CELL, too. So before you guffah at the mention of Stephen King, pick up one of his books. It will be a quality read that may or may not include zombies, vampires, evil, blood, or the end of the world. You'll be glad you did.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM CELL: "Survival is like love. Both are blind."
-- CJW
*My favorite King works are his amazing short stories and novellas. His latest collection, 2002's EVERYTHING'S EVENTUAL, would be a fine start for any reader looking for a taste of one of America's most prolific writers.
And if anybody is interested in Mr. King's outlook on the craft of writing, pick up ON WRITING. It's poignancy makes me weep. Seriously.
Stephen King's newest novel, LISEY'S STORY, will be in bookstores on October 24th.
CURRENTLY I'M... Reading: AIRFRAME by Michael Crichton (still interesting) Listening to: anything by James Newton Howard (puts me in a creepy, but hopeful place) Watching: films... BEETLEJUICE, LORD OF THE RINGS, and KING KONG (2005) TV... STUDIO 60, HOUSE, GHOST HUNTERS, and THE AMAZING RACE (And if you're not watching STUDIO 60 too, well, a pox on your house!) |
posted by CJW @ 10/07/2006 12:01:00 AM   |
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