For those of you who were kind enough to enlighten me on Joe Hill's parentage: yes, I knew. I didn't mention it in my review of Heart Shaped Box because I didn't think that it should matter - the book is either good or it isn't, no matter who his dad was.
However, immediately after reading Joe Hill's book, I was fortunate enough to find this little gem in my local used book store: Rage, by Stephen King. It is only coincidence that I followed up Hill's HSB with a book by his father. I had been looking for Rage for well over a year now (it is out of print), and I found it the day I finished HSB. Coincidence? Yes. Fate? Maybe.
I won't review the book here, but I will recommend it highly. The book's main character, Charlie Decker, reminded me a lot of Holden Caulfield. In fact, the whole book had a very "Catcher in the Rye" feel. Granted, there are a lot of differences between Catcher and Rage, but if Hunter S. Thompson had written Catcher, and Holden had been on coke, then Rage probably would have been the result.
Sound interesting? Great! But if you are looking to read it soon, try looking for it under "B" (for Richard Bachman), as that was the pen-name King used when he wrote it. However, I'm told that King voluntarily had this book pulled off the market, so you may have difficulties (I sure did). I can kinda see why - the book has some similarities to the Columbine event, but was published over two decades prior, so King would have been equally justified to leave it alone. Doesn't matter, though, it was his book so it was his choice. I'm just glad I have a good used book store nearby…
7 comments:
Or you can find it in the Bachman Books as one of 4 novellas.
If you liked rage, you'll love The Long Walk, one of King's most poignant offerings.
Actually, I didnt know that Hill was King's son. Curious to see how his style differs from the old man.
The book I found was actually titled "The Bachman Books" like you describe. I plan on reading The Long Walk sometime, but I'm on to other things right now.
I saw a lot of similiarities between King and Hill, and in a way, the book reminded me of early King. It was a good read, and fast. I'm interested to see where Hill goes next. Perhaps we can get a Stand-like novel from him someday.
bI would say your choice of reading was rather **timely**
Speaking of reading, when are we going to Carvers?
Seems like there's been a lot less rambling as of late.
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cans of corn
As an avid reader, I greatly enjoyed your reviews, especially your review of Heart Shaped Box. I'm not at all into the horror genre, have never read a Stephen King book, but I am currently reading Game of Thrones, which my boyfriend recommended...and which he said you recommended to him. So, on one level, your recommendations hold some weight. Perhaps Heart Shaped Box will make its way onto my reading list.
Besides, I'm a sucker for devoted daddies. :-)
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