Finished this book in a day and a half. Loved it. Not his scariest but so engrossing. The only thing that annoyed me was the constant mentions of Samuels cowlick.
Ha! That's such a good point, Matt. The cowlick did get a lot of airtime, considering! I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Engrossing is exactly the right word.
I was in hospital recently, for almost a month after a health scare, and my boyfriend bought me this book to read, and by the time I came home I’d gotten through half the book!
What a thoughtful gift. Reading can be a great medicine, sometimes! Glad to hear you enjoyed it and I hope you're feeling much better now, Jonathon! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
Finally finished it. Overall very impressed. A big fan of holly so that aspect definitely worked. Only letdown was the ending which after a big build up was a bit too abrupt. I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
Well done for finishing! I think that's a fair assessment. Endings are so tricky, aren't they? It's a real challenge to wrap everything up nice and neatly in a way that is believable and satisfying, and I know it's something King gets criticised for a fair bit. What are you planning to read next? Hope it's good!
Well rounded characters are so rare, it's great to get recommendations of books that do that well. Also, King did integrated universes before it was cool! :-D
Haha he's a trend setter for sure! I think one of King's real strengths is his ability to balance rounded characters with a pacey plot and he does this excellently here too.
Hi Lucy, once a year there's a huge book sale in Sweden and it started today. I found the Outsider and had it in the back of my head that I watched this review and that you liked it. So I bought it and rushed home to check that my memory was correct and now I am so glad that I got it! Thank you so much for your always excellent reviews. Now off to the next store...
I've never actually read a King novel. I've read his work On Writing, but not his fiction. I don't like horror, but I know he's written some that aren't horror. What would you recommend by him that's not horror?
I generally feel the same about horror, although I make an exception for King! That said, I'm not always sure where the line between horror and thriller lies. If it's the supernatural element that puts you off, try Misery, which is a brilliant read. The Green Mile and The Shining have some supernatural elements but they have real psychological depth too, which is what makes them for me. The Bill Hodges Trilogy errs towards crime, I'd say, but the supernatural bit is still there. As with The Outsiders, there is plenty of blood and gore which I guess is a big element of horror novels (is it the defining factor?!), but there are also big stretches without any at all, and what is there never feels over the top or just for the sake of it, which means it's OK by me. I've heard On Writing is great! As an aside, if you like that type of book, I loved Plotting And Writing Suspense Fiction by Patrica Highsmith (and adore her novels too).
It's funny that some of my favorite movies come from King stories: The Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me. I'll look at his books and try one, maybe this summer. Thanks for the rundown.
Barter Hordes oh really! How interesting. Most of the King books I've read are movies too tbh, although there are differences to the books. I loved The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me too, though I haven't read those novels.
I’ve been on a Stephen King binge recently. Mostly his short stories, though. I think I’ll tackle some of his novels this summer. I just put The Outsiders on my to-buy list. It sounds absolutely riveting. PS: The cover of Circe is such an eye-catcher. What a beautiful design.
I hope you like it! I thought it was a fabulous read and I really believe King fans won't be disappointed. And yes, Circe has a beautiful cover - and it's a pretty good book too. Very different from this one, (and this one is better in my opinion!) but lots to like. Thank you for watching!
Hi Lucy! I have been a King fan all of my life. In the early years, I scrimped and saved my allowance so I could buy the latest paperback (all I could afford). I really was a fiend. As I 've gotten older, I've kind of lost some of my taste for King. The last King I really liked was 11/22/63. Looking over his bibliography, I guess I should say I haven't liked much over the last ten years or so. I could go on and on about King, that is how much I've loved and followed him over the course of his career :). I'll just say he has never been shy about his politics especially in later years. One of my absolute favorite things is the shared universe in his work. I like nothing more than finding characters and places carried over. In the early days the only way to catch those things was to have reread and reread which I was glad to do. I like his short fiction better, actually. They're tighter. He has a tendency to get sloppy (he has admitted that he gets elephantiasis of the mouth and that is why he loves his editors (and hates them too)). Like I said, on and on and on about King. Anyway, see ya!
I haven't read 11/22/63 but I really like the sound of it. I don't think you're alone in saying the last ten years of books aren't his best. I don't think I feel as strongly about that as some, but this is a great book, in my opinion. And I think the shared universe stuff is great too! I didn't know you were a King superfan! I look forward to hearing what you think of this one.
If you like his shorter stuff you should try Just After Sunset. I think it was within the last 10 years. I thought it was pretty great. I really liked Revival and Duma Key as well. Under the Dome wasn't bad. Joyland was pretty good. Doctor Sleep was kinda blah. I didn't care for the Bill Hodges trilogy really either. I haven't read Gwendy's Button Box yet. I believe that about covers the last 10 years lol.
Ok, I'll try Sunset. I can recommend Gwendy- I actually read that one. The ending leaves a bit to be desired and it is a novella. I've read Revival and Duma Key but I didn't like the Hodges, had to DNF Mr. Mercedes- I never thought I'd say that about a King earlier in my life :)
I've heard Gwendy was good. I will have to check it out after the Outsider. I know how you feel about the Hodges trilogy. I think I finally just stopped shortly after starting End of Watch. I thought Mr. Mercedes was OK but it just got worse and worse. Boring and predictable.....very un-King-like.
When I read the synopsis my first thought was it had Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde kinda vibes how there are two people who look alike but are completely different. Maybe it was just me
Hey Allie. I don't reckon that would be just you at all. I think that sounds totally plausible if you read the synopsis. I hope you enjoyed it for what it turned out to be! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a great day.
You know the scene in "Misery" were Annie Wilks talks about these cinema-screenings were every episode ended with a our hero in a situation that seems impossible to escape from? She realised there was no clever twist, that they went round the problem to continue like nothing happened, that they cheated. "He didnt get of of the cookadoodie car!" Well, thats how I felt when realising whats behind it all in the Outsider. There is no clever twist, no bright explenation or mindboggeling realisation. Very good intro - dissappointing reveal and finale. He didnt get out of the cookadoodle car, indeed.
Lucy, following your Outsider review, picked up my p/b copy, just finishing Now We Shall Be Entirely Free, and looking foward to starting. been awhile since I last read an SK book. :-) Dave
Hi Dave - that's exciting! I really hope you like it. I hadn't read SK for ages either and it was a joy to go back into his weird world. Let me know how you get on please!
I'm always one for reading rather than listening but there's a comment on here somewhere that says the audiobook is good if you like that sort of thing! (Yes, I know, I'm no help!)
Patton's performance of Holly is amazing! I'm definitely going to listen to the Bill Hodges trilogy now that I see he reads them. Holly is the best character in this book, by far.
Spoiler Warning: Book Ending I just finished this book (late to the party I know). But I keep coming back to the same thought about the ending - the villain/ monster is basically Pennywise. A shapeshifting monster that kills and eats children, feeds off misery, periodically hibernates and is able to corrupt others to the point of making them commit murder. I feel like this book was just a version of IT told from the perspective of an investigating detective - that's not a criticism of the book, I'm just noting the similarities. I know the timeline wouldn't make sense for this to actually be Pennywise but the similarities between Pennywise and The Outsider were really striking to me while reading. I should say that I'm not a versed King reader so I'm not sure if this is a really obvious comment but I thought it was interesting that this was basically the monster from IT but made of worms and wearing jeans. Anyone else?
Hey can u help me with something? I am not understanding who is Ollie in this book..and who is the father of frank peterson and who is the mother? Can u please help ?
Finished this book today! For quite some time, I hadn't read any books. I actually was a keen reader but some things happened in my life and I couldn't concentrate enough to finish a book. But I am happy I was able to finish The Outsider and could overcome my inability. I love Stephen King but the first 100 pages are always a struggle to me. I didn't enjoy the pilot very much cause I found it building kind of slow. But I knew I had to keep reading. And I am glad I did. Loved it! One thing still bugs me though. How knew the Outsider that Holly, Ralph and the others were coming the that cave?? He just knew it and he couldn't read it from Claude's mind. Do you have any ideas about it?
Hooray! Well done for finishing! I'm the same - I find when real life is chaotic, reading sometimes gets hard. It's a real achievement to get back into it again, and I'm glad you stuck with it. That is SUCH a good point about how the Outsider knew they were coming to the cave... I have no idea! You have found a plot hole! Not really the point, but ever since the Thai Cave Rescue has been on the news non-stop I keep thinking about this book again... both real life and fiction give me chills... will be staying away from caves! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Hope your next book is just as good for you.
Fabulous review Lucy. Just finished The Outsider - another engrossing Stephen King novel and I, too, loved the return of Holly - who reminds me a little of Sofia Helin's Saga Noren in the Scandi series The Bridge. Compelling stuff.
Thanks so much, David! It's a great read, isn't it? I was really happy to find King back on form! I'm not familiar with Helin. I'll look it up. Thanks! Happy reading.
You've read The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (won the Man Booker Prize too)! See it in the back. Great book, as much if Indian english literature. Sad they're so underrated......
I have read The White Tiger and I loved it! One of the most fabulously despicable lead characters in fiction, I think. One of my most memorable reads. I'm glad to hear you like it too!
@@Bookshanks If I may make recommendations, THE IMMORTALS OF MELUHA (#SHIVA TRILOGY 1; all three, in fact) by Amish Tripathi A SUITABLE BOY by Vikram Seth And MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN by Salman Rushdie. 3 Indian Literature books you cannot die without reading, in my opinion.
Only just started reading again after years of not touching anything, started with this and really loved it! Any recommendations on what to read next? Really love Mystery/Thriller who did it kind of books.
Hi Liam. Welcome back to the world of books! Really pleased you enjoyed The Outsider. It's definitely a book to get you excited about reading again. If you're a thriller fan and like nail-biting pace, you could try The Chain which I read a couple of weeks ago. Review here: ua-cam.com/video/R2OZJJTiSS4/v-deo.html. If you like your thrillers with more meaty characters, I loved Dark Pines. Review here ua-cam.com/video/0VQttqL8hFg/v-deo.html . It's also the first in a series so if you like it, there's more! We also have a rundown of the top rated King books on Bookaxe, if you're up for reading more of him. Link here: ua-cam.com/video/jIkxbV2xMWQ/v-deo.html. Tom Rob Smith's thrillers are also excellent (especially Child 44, but also The Farm). You could also check out I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. One of the most gripping thrillers I've read in recent years! Good luck and happy reading! Please do come back and tell me what you read next!
Wonderful review! And a really interesting point about the (maybe) product placement. I've always wondered about that in books, especially King books bc he loves his references to real life products/services/media.
Thank you so much! It just reminded me of watching a James Bond film where he was continually sipping Heineken with the label strategically facing the camera! But it doesn't impact the overall quality of the novel, which is great. I guess King doesn't need the money, so he's probably just doing it for his own entertainment. Who knows! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Does anyone know if theres a book after this one ? Ie with the Ralph charecter or holly gibney ? .., loved this book 📖 ❤ first book ive read in 5years since having a busy life and wasn't disappointed 💟 well done 💟 Amazing
Hey, great review! I am really enjoying the audiobook version to get through the work day. However, I am pretty new to King besides the classics (The Shining, the Stand, It, etc) but would really like to read another book like this one. Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Kinsey - thank you! King has something for everyone, doesn't he? We did a little rundown recently on the best rated Stephen King books on Bookaxe.com, so these are the ones our users are continually rating high... maybe there is something on there that takes your fancy? Link here: ua-cam.com/video/jIkxbV2xMWQ/v-deo.html. If you liked Holly, she appears in The Mr Mecedes trilogy too, although having already listened to The Outsider there would be some spoilers. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Nicely detailed without spoilers, Lucy, enjoyed The Outisder review. And I believe, it is just about due out in p/b. Not having ever read any of SK`s `murder, mystery` novels, I sort of liked the possibilty of the supernatural themed as well. I shall add The Outsider to the pile.:-) Dave.
Hi Dave, thanks! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. King at his best! I didn't know the paperback was out soon - thanks for the heads up! Hope you have a great weekend!
My pleasure! Thank you for watching. I didn't know pop culture refs were such a big thing for him - how interesting. I will keep my eyes better peeled next time! 😀
I LOVED this book. First Stephen king book. And OMG. Quick question though. I'm partly intrigued in the bill Hodges trilogies. Is those book as good as this one. Because I dont tha k I've read over 500 pages that quickly before.
It's fabulous, isn't it?! I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed it! I have only read two of the Bill Hodges books. I thought they were OK (not as bad as some people said!) but certainly not King at his (exceptional!) best. Somewhere on our channel we actually have a video rundown of the best Stephen King books, as rated by the users on Bookaxe.com and our apps. I think you'd be pretty safe starting there if you liked The Outsider. Happy reading!
I've just gotten in to reading often. I've read mostly Stephen kings work ,but was wondering if someone could suggest another author who rights horror , or thriller. Thx in advance.
Hi Anthony! For thrillers, you could try John Grisham, Stieg Larsson or Val McDermid. For horror, maybe try Peter Straub, Anne Rice or Neil Gamain. If you visit Bookaxe.com or download the app (all free!) you can tell us what types of books you enjoy and we'll make recommendations which you can filter by genre, and you can also browse the bookcases of other readers who like those genres too. I'm sure it'll be able to help you out. Happy reading!
Apologies if I've made a mistake, but I really don't think it does. The book itself contains mild spoilers but I don't believe there is anything in this video that would spoil reading.
Matt Powell Ah, I see. I'm sorry! I actually haven't read the third BH book and the way it was mentioned in The Outsider made me think it had happened in the interim, sort of 'off screen' between the books, so I didn't realise it was a spoiler. Thanks for letting me know. (And thanks for giving such great SK recommendations on the other comments too)
I wouldn't worry about it. I thought that trilogy pretty much sucked anyway. lol I stopped at some point during the third novel. And no problem on the recommendations;)
Just because you think it sucked doesn't give you the right to drop spoilers about Bill's death. You didn't spoiler it for me, as I read the trilogy years ago. But this is why we can't have nice things.
What a fantastic review! Great job! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK! The last 1/3 of the book was so suspenseful. That snake bite scene though lol! I think it's one of his finest books written!
Thanks, Adam! It's such a great book, isn't it? King back to his best, I thought. Totally agree with you about the snake too! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Adam Christman Wow thanks a lot for spoiling the book you fucking asshole. Here’s some advice, write “spoiler alert” before revealing details about the book. Thanks to you I’m not even going to read this book anymore because you have completely fucked it up and ruined it for me.
Bookaxe - I finished the book last night, I loved it. Had a kind of Mr Mercedes trilogy feel to it. The second half of the book particularly, took on a Desperation-like quality, as in the book Desperation and also Annihilation by the writer Jeff Vandermeer. I loved the fact that Holly was in!! She's one of my favourite characters in the Hodges books and I went apeshit when she got out the Happy Slapper lol. I noticed the word Ka popped up too, a little Dark Tower reference. Anyways, I loved the suspension in the novel, the idea that a man is in two places at the same time. When the creepy guy with the yellow tee shirt tied to his head came on the courthouse steps, for some reason reminded me of the creepy blonde-haired man who wants to set off a bomb in the Jodie Foster movie Contact. I throughly enjoyed it! I loved Yune Sablo, "Siiiiii senor!" LOL #TheresNoEndToTheUniverse
Now there's a hashtag I can get behind! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed reading it too. I agree that having Holly in it was a stroke of genius. She really lifted it for me, and everything got even more exciting when she was driving it. Good spot on the Dark Tower reference... I didn't see that! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Agreed! And I was just say that Stephen King King loves challenging the reader's mind, to really pay attention to detail! If you wonder what the black silhouette of a man on the cover of The Outsider is holding, now you know, it's a bag or sack.. As in Sack Man and the reason why the outsider was protected for so long and was able to get away with murder WITHOUT raising suspicions was because most people have 'closed minds', they simply refuse to believe anything out of the ordinary, as in supernatural.. So putting the crime of his murders on other people was just his way of reinforcing his alibi and getting people off his back so they don't track him down and kill him. But unfortunately for the Outsider, Alec, Yune Sablo, Holly, Howie, and Ralph Anderson did exactly that! Because Team Ralph (Yune, Holly, Howie, Alec) later understood that 'there's no end to the universe', that the idea of supernatural stuff is very possible! The outsider has clearly been successful in killing the way that he does without raising suspisions for so long but later admited that Terry Maitland was a mistake, and I think it's his meeting to see the writer Harlen Coben which really got the attention of Team Ralph. And you're very welcome Bookaxe! I've subscribed to your channel :)
I don’t know if I should read it, I like the synopsis of it but his work is really not for everyone, I have read IT, and misery, I didn’t like misery at all.
Hi Wildcats. I think you're right - King isn't for everyone. The Outsider is one of his best, however, I thought, so might be worth a try when the paperback comes out at least. It has more of. supernatural element than Misery so it will depend if that's to your taste.
~I always said I'll love for Stephen King to write one of his horror books about me and being so very honor also being one of his fans and since I was 13 years old but nobody can play me in a horror movie as good as me though.~
No Spoilers?? What about for those of us who haven't finished the Bill Hodges trilogy, sitting here listening to this review expose his character DIED??
Hi Donald. This is a spoiler-free review of The Outsider. I haven't read the third Bill Hodges book so make no comment of the sort on it here. There was nothing in this video to say he died in that novel, just that he was dead by the time this book began, which is relevant to this review. I can't spoil a book I've not read, can only tell you what happens in the one I have.
I do apologise if you feel I've ruined your enjoyment at all, not my intention, but it's a hazard of Stephen King's tendencies towards shared world books.
I haven't read the third book so I couldn't say for certain, but there are what I would describe as mild spoilers for that series in The Outsider. You could probably read and enjoy them without it all being given away, but some elements you would know, yes. Therefore it might be wiser to hit them first if you're really keen to read both, but if you're not too fussed, The Outsider was a much better. Hope that males sense!
I thought it was a bit predictable.....just a BIT....not the last 1/3, but that the potential 'monster' might be a shape shifter w/ an awful human accomplice. Otherwise it's a great fantastic story, and it's a classic King! I enjoyed it a lot. Great review
Thank you, Eric! It is classic King, isn't it? You're a smarter chap than me because I didn't guess he was a shape shifter! I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed it overall, though. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Bookaxe hey sry it’s a month late: I lucked out with the shapeshifter theory tbh when I saw a review saying “an IT for a new generation” and assumed from there. I’d suggest Dan Simmons for your library....haven’t checked your page yet but Hyperion/Endymion/ and his horror novel: Carrion Comfort are incredible
I thought the same thing about product placement too. But I came to the conclusion, maybe, he is just trying to be more contemporary. Face time is better than Skype. Skype pretty much has fallen out of vogue with people these days. I guess he could have just said video chat and not named dropped.
I think you're probably right, to be honest. It just makes them more contemporary, I guess. I doubt he needs the money for product placement! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Hope you enjoyed the book!
Hi Darrius. The language etc would be fine but the themes are quite mature and the descriptions of violence etc are very graphic, so I would suggest maybe a few years - but I know everyone is different!
Matthew Medley Thank you very much, Matthew! This is King pretty much at his best, I thought. I hope the book doesn't disappoint (or the channel... Eek!)
Really great review!! I really enjoyed your review on the book 📖 🤙🏽if you are reading this and you are a constant reader go check out my Stephen King collection on my channel I have every single novel and short story collection he has published up to date with a few golden nuggets that you as a fellow reader will enjoy! Great video🤟🏽
The only thing I can say is that Mr. King really needs a Latin friend. Sablo mixed dialogue really makes me cringe . I mean who talks like that , is it something you aquire when you cross the border ? Jeez ..
A very poor book. Starts well then dovetails rapidly. Feels like a 14 year old finished it for him. Really poor ending. Very cheap inclusion bringing back Holly. So disappointed with this book. King ( if it was him ) dropped the ball.
Oh LORD! He mentions Trump and fake news? Gross. I am a huge SK fan...he's in my top 3 favorite authors and I have been a huge fan for about 3 decades now, but he gets so nasty about politics. As a young kid reading, the political stuff went over my little head, but as an adult, oh boy, you can absolutely nail his politics and I believe how he feels about religion as well. I try so hard to overlook political statements from any artist...actor, writer, musician. It leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth. If I want politics, I'll turn on the news.That being said, I bought The Outsider and I hope I enjoy it as so many people seem to. Thanks for your review!
nikki venable He does mention Trump! But only very briefly a couple of times and in passing, and without really expressing an opinion on him. It's nothing like his comments on Twitter, which are strident to say the least! I read a review which thought this book was a commentary on fake news but I disagree. It's a fabulous crime/thriller novel (with hints of horror) and I'm confident you'll enjoy it as such without feeling you're having anything political rammed down your throat! I genuinely hope you enjoy it. It's a great read. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Thank you for your reply! I had not heard that this book was a commentary on fake news. If I had, this might have been the first book in a long time that I skipped of his. Thank you for clearing this up for me. I cannot wait to dive in. I was also wondering if you read the Mr. Mercedes trilogy? And if you did, what did you think? These are the only King books that I haven't picked up due to the horrible reviews overall.
Hi Nikki. I've read the first two, not the last. They're not King at his best but I don't think they were as disastrous as everyone made out! I found them enjoyable enough, though not so much that I was desperate to read the third, obviously! If they'd been written by someone else, I think people would have enjoyed them more, but because we all hold King in such high regard, we're extra hard on him. The Outsiders is much better, though. HOWEVER! Because there are shared characters, there are mild spoilers for the Bill Hodges books in The Outsiders, so if you do want to read them, I'd go there first.
Bookaxe thank you so much for your reply! I do think I'm going to skip them for now, for sure. I don't know if I remember this correctly, but at the time book 3 came out, most of the reviewers I listen to said that they weren't even going to read book 3 and those that were going to came back on later and said book 3 was a disappointment, and overall they were very disappointed. I maybe heard one or two say it was a good series, but I don't think more than that. I think this says a lot as they were all King super fans.
Finished this book in a day and a half. Loved it. Not his scariest but so engrossing. The only thing that annoyed me was the constant mentions of Samuels cowlick.
Ha! That's such a good point, Matt. The cowlick did get a lot of airtime, considering! I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Engrossing is exactly the right word.
Matt Stryker True! the constant mentions of iPads is the only thing that annoyed me lol
I personally thought that the cowlick was kind of a comic relief and I thought it was a nice touch
Eli Hoorman I think sometimes a bit of comic relief in a book like this goes a long way!
Love little rascals
I was in hospital recently, for almost a month after a health scare, and my boyfriend bought me this book to read, and by the time I came home I’d gotten through half the book!
What a thoughtful gift. Reading can be a great medicine, sometimes! Glad to hear you enjoyed it and I hope you're feeling much better now, Jonathon! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
Finally finished it. Overall very impressed. A big fan of holly so that aspect definitely worked. Only letdown was the ending which after a big build up was a bit too abrupt. I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
Well done for finishing! I think that's a fair assessment. Endings are so tricky, aren't they? It's a real challenge to wrap everything up nice and neatly in a way that is believable and satisfying, and I know it's something King gets criticised for a fair bit. What are you planning to read next? Hope it's good!
Oh, and I can't resist adding that in Bookaxe.com terms it's a "Shelf 2" book for me, not 4 out of 5 stars! Haha!
Bookaxe the long walk by king. Heard a lot of good things about it. Looking forward to it.
Enjoy!
Really enjoyed The Outsider ,Stephen King . He really nailed the plotting, the story moved at a good pace, always involving . Dave
Yes! King at his best, isn't it? So happy you liked!
@@Bookshanks thankyou,Lucy .🙂
Well rounded characters are so rare, it's great to get recommendations of books that do that well. Also, King did integrated universes before it was cool! :-D
Haha he's a trend setter for sure! I think one of King's real strengths is his ability to balance rounded characters with a pacey plot and he does this excellently here too.
This review made me read the entire book!!! And I loved it!!!
I am SO happy to hear this! Thank you for taking the time to tell me 😀
Hi Lucy, once a year there's a huge book sale in Sweden and it started today. I found the Outsider and had it in the back of my head that I watched this review and that you liked it. So I bought it and rushed home to check that my memory was correct and now I am so glad that I got it! Thank you so much for your always excellent reviews. Now off to the next store...
I've never actually read a King novel. I've read his work On Writing, but not his fiction. I don't like horror, but I know he's written some that aren't horror. What would you recommend by him that's not horror?
I generally feel the same about horror, although I make an exception for King! That said, I'm not always sure where the line between horror and thriller lies. If it's the supernatural element that puts you off, try Misery, which is a brilliant read. The Green Mile and The Shining have some supernatural elements but they have real psychological depth too, which is what makes them for me. The Bill Hodges Trilogy errs towards crime, I'd say, but the supernatural bit is still there. As with The Outsiders, there is plenty of blood and gore which I guess is a big element of horror novels (is it the defining factor?!), but there are also big stretches without any at all, and what is there never feels over the top or just for the sake of it, which means it's OK by me. I've heard On Writing is great! As an aside, if you like that type of book, I loved Plotting And Writing Suspense Fiction by Patrica Highsmith (and adore her novels too).
It's funny that some of my favorite movies come from King stories: The Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me. I'll look at his books and try one, maybe this summer. Thanks for the rundown.
Barter Hordes oh really! How interesting. Most of the King books I've read are movies too tbh, although there are differences to the books. I loved The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me too, though I haven't read those novels.
Barter Hordes 11-22-63 is a great non-horror book by King.
I haven't read that one, but another comment below (Flippy Dippy) recommends that one too! Thank you!
That thunder you're talking about at the beginning would be perfect for reviewing Revival.
Haha! Wouldn't it just!
Anpeo Is that a good book? I’ve considered reading it but haven’t yet.
I’ve been on a Stephen King binge recently. Mostly his short stories, though. I think I’ll tackle some of his novels this summer. I just put The Outsiders on my to-buy list. It sounds absolutely riveting.
PS: The cover of Circe is such an eye-catcher. What a beautiful design.
I hope you like it! I thought it was a fabulous read and I really believe King fans won't be disappointed. And yes, Circe has a beautiful cover - and it's a pretty good book too. Very different from this one, (and this one is better in my opinion!) but lots to like. Thank you for watching!
Hi Lucy! I have been a King fan all of my life. In the early years, I scrimped and saved my allowance so I could buy the latest paperback (all I could afford). I really was a fiend. As I 've gotten older, I've kind of lost some of my taste for King. The last King I really liked was 11/22/63. Looking over his bibliography, I guess I should say I haven't liked much over the last ten years or so.
I could go on and on about King, that is how much I've loved and followed him over the course of his career :). I'll just say he has never been shy about his politics especially in later years. One of my absolute favorite things is the shared universe in his work. I like nothing more than finding characters and places carried over. In the early days the only way to catch those things was to have reread and reread which I was glad to do. I like his short fiction better, actually. They're tighter. He has a tendency to get sloppy (he has admitted that he gets elephantiasis of the mouth and that is why he loves his editors (and hates them too)). Like I said, on and on and on about King. Anyway, see ya!
I haven't read 11/22/63 but I really like the sound of it. I don't think you're alone in saying the last ten years of books aren't his best. I don't think I feel as strongly about that as some, but this is a great book, in my opinion. And I think the shared universe stuff is great too! I didn't know you were a King superfan! I look forward to hearing what you think of this one.
If you like his shorter stuff you should try Just After Sunset. I think it was within the last 10 years. I thought it was pretty great. I really liked Revival and Duma Key as well. Under the Dome wasn't bad. Joyland was pretty good. Doctor Sleep was kinda blah. I didn't care for the Bill Hodges trilogy really either. I haven't read Gwendy's Button Box yet. I believe that about covers the last 10 years lol.
Ok, I'll try Sunset. I can recommend Gwendy- I actually read that one. The ending leaves a bit to be desired and it is a novella. I've read Revival and Duma Key but I didn't like the Hodges, had to DNF Mr. Mercedes- I never thought I'd say that about a King earlier in my life :)
I've heard Gwendy was good. I will have to check it out after the Outsider.
I know how you feel about the Hodges trilogy. I think I finally just stopped shortly after starting End of Watch. I thought Mr. Mercedes was OK but it just got worse and worse. Boring and predictable.....very un-King-like.
When I read the synopsis my first thought was it had Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde kinda vibes how there are two people who look alike but are completely different. Maybe it was just me
Hey Allie. I don't reckon that would be just you at all. I think that sounds totally plausible if you read the synopsis. I hope you enjoyed it for what it turned out to be! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a great day.
Love the enthusiasm & lovely accent. Only familiar with this through the HBO mini-series but this makes want to check the novel . Great video.
Thanks, William! That's really kind of you to say. I totally want to see the HBO series. Is it any good?
You know the scene in "Misery" were Annie Wilks talks about these cinema-screenings were every episode ended with a our hero in a situation that seems impossible to escape from? She realised there was no clever twist, that they went round the problem to continue like nothing happened, that they cheated. "He didnt get of of the cookadoodie car!" Well, thats how I felt when realising whats behind it all in the Outsider. There is no clever twist, no bright explenation or mindboggeling realisation. Very good intro - dissappointing reveal and finale. He didnt get out of the cookadoodle car, indeed.
Lucy, following your Outsider review, picked up my p/b copy, just finishing Now We Shall Be Entirely Free, and looking foward to starting. been awhile since I last read an SK book. :-) Dave
Hi Dave - that's exciting! I really hope you like it. I hadn't read SK for ages either and it was a joy to go back into his weird world. Let me know how you get on please!
Loved this book! I actually listened to it on audible, read by Will Patton who does a great job!
Oh cool! I bet Will Patton is a great reader! I didn't know he did audiobooks. I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed it too. Thanks for sharing.
I can't decide whether to read or listen to the book now... way too hard to decide hahaha
I'm always one for reading rather than listening but there's a comment on here somewhere that says the audiobook is good if you like that sort of thing! (Yes, I know, I'm no help!)
Bookaxe hahah thanks it all helps! I just want to give the book justice by reading it through the best medium. :)
Patton's performance of Holly is amazing! I'm definitely going to listen to the Bill Hodges trilogy now that I see he reads them. Holly is the best character in this book, by far.
Spoiler Warning: Book Ending
I just finished this book (late to the party I know). But I keep coming back to the same thought about the ending - the villain/ monster is basically Pennywise. A shapeshifting monster that kills and eats children, feeds off misery, periodically hibernates and is able to corrupt others to the point of making them commit murder.
I feel like this book was just a version of IT told from the perspective of an investigating detective - that's not a criticism of the book, I'm just noting the similarities. I know the timeline wouldn't make sense for this to actually be Pennywise but the similarities between Pennywise and The Outsider were really striking to me while reading.
I should say that I'm not a versed King reader so I'm not sure if this is a really obvious comment but I thought it was interesting that this was basically the monster from IT but made of worms and wearing jeans. Anyone else?
Hey can u help me with something? I am not understanding who is Ollie in this book..and who is the father of frank peterson and who is the mother? Can u please help ?
Hi Sam Sam! Fred and Arlene are Frank's parents. Ollie is Frank's brother. Hope that helps!
@@Bookshanks Thank you so much☺
I am new reader of stephen king books..which 3 books or 4 books will u recommend me to read?
You can check out the top rated SK books on Bookaxe in our video, here: ua-cam.com/video/jIkxbV2xMWQ/v-deo.html Hope it helps!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to picking it up myself even more now :)
Oh my goodness, it's such great fun! I hope you like it too. I'm sure you will!
Finished this book today! For quite some time, I hadn't read any books. I actually was a keen reader but some things happened in my life and I couldn't concentrate enough to finish a book. But I am happy I was able to finish The Outsider and could overcome my inability. I love Stephen King but the first 100 pages are always a struggle to me. I didn't enjoy the pilot very much cause I found it building kind of slow. But I knew I had to keep reading. And I am glad I did. Loved it! One thing still bugs me though. How knew the Outsider that Holly, Ralph and the others were coming the that cave?? He just knew it and he couldn't read it from Claude's mind. Do you have any ideas about it?
Hooray! Well done for finishing! I'm the same - I find when real life is chaotic, reading sometimes gets hard. It's a real achievement to get back into it again, and I'm glad you stuck with it. That is SUCH a good point about how the Outsider knew they were coming to the cave... I have no idea! You have found a plot hole! Not really the point, but ever since the Thai Cave Rescue has been on the news non-stop I keep thinking about this book again... both real life and fiction give me chills... will be staying away from caves! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Hope your next book is just as good for you.
Fabulous review Lucy. Just finished The Outsider - another engrossing Stephen King novel and I, too, loved the return of Holly - who reminds me a little of Sofia Helin's Saga Noren in the Scandi series The Bridge. Compelling stuff.
Thanks so much, David! It's a great read, isn't it? I was really happy to find King back on form! I'm not familiar with Helin. I'll look it up. Thanks! Happy reading.
You've read The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (won the Man Booker Prize too)! See it in the back. Great book, as much if Indian english literature. Sad they're so underrated......
I have read The White Tiger and I loved it! One of the most fabulously despicable lead characters in fiction, I think. One of my most memorable reads. I'm glad to hear you like it too!
@@Bookshanks You just won a subscriber! Plz make a video on it!!!!
@@raghavbhatia3892 haha thank you! I have talked about it in a few videos! I'm sure it'll pop up again 😀
@@Bookshanks If I may make recommendations,
THE IMMORTALS OF MELUHA (#SHIVA TRILOGY 1; all three, in fact) by Amish Tripathi
A SUITABLE BOY by Vikram Seth
And MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN by Salman Rushdie.
3 Indian Literature books you cannot die without reading, in my opinion.
@@raghavbhatia3892 Thank you! I always love receiving recommendations 😀
Only just started reading again after years of not touching anything, started with this and really loved it! Any recommendations on what to read next? Really love Mystery/Thriller who did it kind of books.
Hi Liam. Welcome back to the world of books! Really pleased you enjoyed The Outsider. It's definitely a book to get you excited about reading again. If you're a thriller fan and like nail-biting pace, you could try The Chain which I read a couple of weeks ago. Review here: ua-cam.com/video/R2OZJJTiSS4/v-deo.html. If you like your thrillers with more meaty characters, I loved Dark Pines. Review here ua-cam.com/video/0VQttqL8hFg/v-deo.html . It's also the first in a series so if you like it, there's more! We also have a rundown of the top rated King books on Bookaxe, if you're up for reading more of him. Link here: ua-cam.com/video/jIkxbV2xMWQ/v-deo.html. Tom Rob Smith's thrillers are also excellent (especially Child 44, but also The Farm). You could also check out I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. One of the most gripping thrillers I've read in recent years! Good luck and happy reading! Please do come back and tell me what you read next!
@@Bookshanks I will check these out, thank you for the detailed reply
Wonderful review! And a really interesting point about the (maybe) product placement. I've always wondered about that in books, especially King books bc he loves his references to real life products/services/media.
Thank you so much! It just reminded me of watching a James Bond film where he was continually sipping Heineken with the label strategically facing the camera! But it doesn't impact the overall quality of the novel, which is great. I guess King doesn't need the money, so he's probably just doing it for his own entertainment. Who knows! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
can some one explain the title of the book?
Does anyone know if theres a book after this one ? Ie with the Ralph charecter or holly gibney ? .., loved this book 📖 ❤ first book ive read in 5years since having a busy life and wasn't disappointed 💟 well done 💟 Amazing
Hey, great review! I am really enjoying the audiobook version to get through the work day. However, I am pretty new to King besides the classics (The Shining, the Stand, It, etc) but would really like to read another book like this one. Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Kinsey - thank you! King has something for everyone, doesn't he? We did a little rundown recently on the best rated Stephen King books on Bookaxe.com, so these are the ones our users are continually rating high... maybe there is something on there that takes your fancy? Link here: ua-cam.com/video/jIkxbV2xMWQ/v-deo.html. If you liked Holly, she appears in The Mr Mecedes trilogy too, although having already listened to The Outsider there would be some spoilers. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Nicely detailed without spoilers, Lucy, enjoyed The Outisder review. And I believe, it is just about due out in p/b. Not having ever read any of SK`s `murder, mystery` novels, I sort of liked the possibilty of the supernatural themed as well. I shall add The Outsider to the pile.:-) Dave.
Hi Dave, thanks! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. King at his best! I didn't know the paperback was out soon - thanks for the heads up! Hope you have a great weekend!
@@Bookshanks thankyou Lucy, you also have a good weekend .(good reading to 🙂)
King always has pop culture references to the time the books takr place. He has been doing this since the 70's.
Also great review Thank you!
My pleasure! Thank you for watching. I didn't know pop culture refs were such a big thing for him - how interesting. I will keep my eyes better peeled next time! 😀
Evan Emshwiller Not true.
I LOVED this book. First Stephen king book. And OMG. Quick question though. I'm partly intrigued in the bill Hodges trilogies. Is those book as good as this one. Because I dont tha k I've read over 500 pages that quickly before.
It's fabulous, isn't it?! I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed it! I have only read two of the Bill Hodges books. I thought they were OK (not as bad as some people said!) but certainly not King at his (exceptional!) best. Somewhere on our channel we actually have a video rundown of the best Stephen King books, as rated by the users on Bookaxe.com and our apps. I think you'd be pretty safe starting there if you liked The Outsider. Happy reading!
Oh, here's the link if it helps! ua-cam.com/video/WRaDITP2sgA/v-deo.html
Bookaxe awesome thanks. I'll definitely check that out.
I've just gotten in to reading often. I've read mostly Stephen kings work ,but was wondering if someone could suggest another author who rights horror , or thriller. Thx in advance.
Hi Anthony! For thrillers, you could try John Grisham, Stieg Larsson or Val McDermid. For horror, maybe try Peter Straub, Anne Rice or Neil Gamain. If you visit Bookaxe.com or download the app (all free!) you can tell us what types of books you enjoy and we'll make recommendations which you can filter by genre, and you can also browse the bookcases of other readers who like those genres too. I'm sure it'll be able to help you out. Happy reading!
Anthony Tosh Try Peter Straub 👍
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE BILL HODGES TRILOGY
Apologies if I've made a mistake, but I really don't think it does. The book itself contains mild spoilers but I don't believe there is anything in this video that would spoil reading.
Only that Bill Hodges died. Which you can pretty much guess that is going to happen in book 2 anyway.
Matt Powell Ah, I see. I'm sorry! I actually haven't read the third BH book and the way it was mentioned in The Outsider made me think it had happened in the interim, sort of 'off screen' between the books, so I didn't realise it was a spoiler. Thanks for letting me know. (And thanks for giving such great SK recommendations on the other comments too)
I wouldn't worry about it. I thought that trilogy pretty much sucked anyway. lol I stopped at some point during the third novel. And no problem on the recommendations;)
Just because you think it sucked doesn't give you the right to drop spoilers about Bill's death. You didn't spoiler it for me, as I read the trilogy years ago. But this is why we can't have nice things.
What a fantastic review! Great job! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK! The last 1/3 of the book was so suspenseful. That snake bite scene though lol! I think it's one of his finest books written!
Thanks, Adam! It's such a great book, isn't it? King back to his best, I thought. Totally agree with you about the snake too! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Adam Christman Wow thanks a lot for spoiling the book you fucking asshole. Here’s some advice, write “spoiler alert” before revealing details about the book. Thanks to you I’m not even going to read this book anymore because you have completely fucked it up and ruined it for me.
Bookaxe - I finished the book last night, I loved it. Had a kind of Mr Mercedes trilogy feel to it. The second half of the book particularly, took on a Desperation-like quality, as in the book Desperation and also Annihilation by the writer Jeff Vandermeer. I loved the fact that Holly was in!! She's one of my favourite characters in the Hodges books and I went apeshit when she got out the Happy Slapper lol. I noticed the word Ka popped up too, a little Dark Tower reference. Anyways, I loved the suspension in the novel, the idea that a man is in two places at the same time. When the creepy guy with the yellow tee shirt tied to his head came on the courthouse steps, for some reason reminded me of the creepy blonde-haired man who wants to set off a bomb in the Jodie Foster movie Contact. I throughly enjoyed it! I loved Yune Sablo, "Siiiiii senor!" LOL #TheresNoEndToTheUniverse
Now there's a hashtag I can get behind! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed reading it too. I agree that having Holly in it was a stroke of genius. She really lifted it for me, and everything got even more exciting when she was driving it. Good spot on the Dark Tower reference... I didn't see that! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Agreed! And I was just say that Stephen King King loves challenging the reader's mind, to really pay attention to detail! If you wonder what the black silhouette of a man on the cover of The Outsider is holding, now you know, it's a bag or sack.. As in Sack Man and the reason why the outsider was protected for so long and was able to get away with murder WITHOUT raising suspicions was because most people have 'closed minds', they simply refuse to believe anything out of the ordinary, as in supernatural.. So putting the crime of his murders on other people was just his way of reinforcing his alibi and getting people off his back so they don't track him down and kill him. But unfortunately for the Outsider, Alec, Yune Sablo, Holly, Howie, and Ralph Anderson did exactly that! Because Team Ralph (Yune, Holly, Howie, Alec) later understood that 'there's no end to the universe', that the idea of supernatural stuff is very possible! The outsider has clearly been successful in killing the way that he does without raising suspisions for so long but later admited that Terry Maitland was a mistake, and I think it's his meeting to see the writer Harlen Coben which really got the attention of Team Ralph. And you're very welcome Bookaxe! I've subscribed to your channel :)
I don’t know if I should read it, I like the synopsis of it but his work is really not for everyone, I have read IT, and misery, I didn’t like misery at all.
Hi Wildcats. I think you're right - King isn't for everyone. The Outsider is one of his best, however, I thought, so might be worth a try when the paperback comes out at least. It has more of. supernatural element than Misery so it will depend if that's to your taste.
Thanks for making my decision easier! Will be buying audible! Sounds like a fantastic book!
Buying on audible*
I bet this would make a fabulous audiobook! I really hope you enjoy it. Please come back and let me know!
I think Walmart and Home Depot paid him for references.
Do you read dan brown? I read almost all the langdon's book but at some point they all feel like they have the same plot.
I have read Dan Brown's books, yep! They are quite similar in lots of ways - I agree - but good fun all the same. Thanks for watching!
Finished it yesterday and I LOVED IT!!!!
Hooray! I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing.
~I always said I'll love for Stephen King to write one of his horror books about me and being so very honor also being one of his fans and since I was 13 years old but nobody can play me in a horror movie as good as me though.~
What an honour that would be! Such a good idea. I'd like that too! 😀
No Spoilers?? What about for those of us who haven't finished the Bill Hodges trilogy, sitting here listening to this review expose his character DIED??
Hi Donald. This is a spoiler-free review of The Outsider. I haven't read the third Bill Hodges book so make no comment of the sort on it here. There was nothing in this video to say he died in that novel, just that he was dead by the time this book began, which is relevant to this review. I can't spoil a book I've not read, can only tell you what happens in the one I have.
I do apologise if you feel I've ruined your enjoyment at all, not my intention, but it's a hazard of Stephen King's tendencies towards shared world books.
I was mainly perving on her as she spoke. Does that make me a bad person
Thank you for such a great, in depth review. Looking forward to reading this one as my first King book. 😂😅😆🤣😁😀😄😃
Can you read the Outsider before you read the Mr Mercedes books?
I haven't read the third book so I couldn't say for certain, but there are what I would describe as mild spoilers for that series in The Outsider. You could probably read and enjoy them without it all being given away, but some elements you would know, yes. Therefore it might be wiser to hit them first if you're really keen to read both, but if you're not too fussed, The Outsider was a much better. Hope that males sense!
Ok, thank you!
CubeyJG I haven't read the Mr.Mercedes books and finished The Outsider today. Hadn't problems with understanding the storyline.
So can someone please tell me is The Outsider crime fiction or supernatural horror???
J Bro Both (:
Haha yep, sorry to be unhelpful but both! First half crime fiction, second half supernatural horror, but it works! I promise!
More like 80 crime fiction, 20 supernatural if not less. I can't defend my point without spoilers though...
I thought it was a bit predictable.....just a BIT....not the last 1/3, but that the potential 'monster' might be a shape shifter w/ an awful human accomplice. Otherwise it's a great fantastic story, and it's a classic King! I enjoyed it a lot. Great review
Thank you, Eric! It is classic King, isn't it? You're a smarter chap than me because I didn't guess he was a shape shifter! I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed it overall, though. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Bookaxe hey sry it’s a month late: I lucked out with the shapeshifter theory tbh when I saw a review saying “an IT for a new generation” and assumed from there.
I’d suggest Dan Simmons for your library....haven’t checked your page yet but Hyperion/Endymion/ and his horror novel: Carrion Comfort are incredible
I am half way now through this book and its been VERY suspenseful:)
saucymauve isn't it great? I'm so pleased you are enjoying it too!
Mommy Dearest always best to have a plan! What are your other books?
Mommy Dearest what a great variety! Hopefully you're in for a great summer. I've heard The Subtle Art is a brilliant read. Enjoy!
Mommy Dearest haha! Very true!
I thought the same thing about product placement too. But I came to the conclusion, maybe, he is just trying to be more contemporary. Face time is better than Skype. Skype pretty much has fallen out of vogue with people these days. I guess he could have just said video chat and not named dropped.
I think you're probably right, to be honest. It just makes them more contemporary, I guess. I doubt he needs the money for product placement! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Hope you enjoyed the book!
good. wanna buy at least one book of thim. possibly this one.
Beautiful Accent
Great video and Love the positivity 👍 all best 👍
Can a 14 year old boy read this?
Hi Darrius. The language etc would be fine but the themes are quite mature and the descriptions of violence etc are very graphic, so I would suggest maybe a few years - but I know everyone is different!
Bookaxe ok, thx for the info!!👍
Brilliant review! Cheers
My pleasure! Thanks for watching 😀
What is The Outsider??
I can't tell you without spoiling the book! You'll have to pick it up!
I love that shirt. Very cute.
Thank you! 😀
New subscriber and massive king fan. Buying this book over the weekend. Can’t wait to read it! Good review.
Matthew Medley Thank you very much, Matthew! This is King pretty much at his best, I thought. I hope the book doesn't disappoint (or the channel... Eek!)
I really loved it !😍
Really great review!! I really enjoyed your review on the book 📖 🤙🏽if you are reading this and you are a constant reader go check out my Stephen King collection on my channel I have every single novel and short story collection he has published up to date with a few golden nuggets that you as a fellow reader will enjoy! Great video🤟🏽
I loved it too! 🙌🙌 🤗
You are adorable.
👍
The only thing I can say is that Mr. King really needs a Latin friend. Sablo mixed dialogue really makes me cringe . I mean who talks like that , is it something you aquire when you cross the border ? Jeez ..
It's a minefield, isn't it?! I agree his dialogue sometimes feels cringe.
A very poor book.
Starts well then dovetails rapidly.
Feels like a 14 year old finished it for him.
Really poor ending.
Very cheap inclusion bringing back Holly.
So disappointed with this book.
King ( if it was him ) dropped the ball.
Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear you didn't like this! Hope you're reading something you love now instead.
Oh LORD! He mentions Trump and fake news? Gross. I am a huge SK fan...he's in my top 3 favorite authors and I have been a huge fan for about 3 decades now, but he gets so nasty about politics. As a young kid reading, the political stuff went over my little head, but as an adult, oh boy, you can absolutely nail his politics and I believe how he feels about religion as well. I try so hard to overlook political statements from any artist...actor, writer, musician. It leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth. If I want politics, I'll turn on the news.That being said, I bought The Outsider and I hope I enjoy it as so many people seem to. Thanks for your review!
nikki venable He does mention Trump! But only very briefly a couple of times and in passing, and without really expressing an opinion on him. It's nothing like his comments on Twitter, which are strident to say the least! I read a review which thought this book was a commentary on fake news but I disagree. It's a fabulous crime/thriller novel (with hints of horror) and I'm confident you'll enjoy it as such without feeling you're having anything political rammed down your throat! I genuinely hope you enjoy it. It's a great read. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Thank you for your reply! I had not heard that this book was a commentary on fake news. If I had, this might have been the first book in a long time that I skipped of his. Thank you for clearing this up for me. I cannot wait to dive in. I was also wondering if you read the Mr. Mercedes trilogy? And if you did, what did you think? These are the only King books that I haven't picked up due to the horrible reviews overall.
Hi Nikki. I've read the first two, not the last. They're not King at his best but I don't think they were as disastrous as everyone made out! I found them enjoyable enough, though not so much that I was desperate to read the third, obviously! If they'd been written by someone else, I think people would have enjoyed them more, but because we all hold King in such high regard, we're extra hard on him. The Outsiders is much better, though. HOWEVER! Because there are shared characters, there are mild spoilers for the Bill Hodges books in The Outsiders, so if you do want to read them, I'd go there first.
Bookaxe thank you so much for your reply! I do think I'm going to skip them for now, for sure. I don't know if I remember this correctly, but at the time book 3 came out, most of the reviewers I listen to said that they weren't even going to read book 3 and those that were going to came back on later and said book 3 was a disappointment, and overall they were very disappointed. I maybe heard one or two say it was a good series, but I don't think more than that. I think this says a lot as they were all King super fans.
Lots of talking while saying so little.
Boy her accent is😩
Hispanic pandering ✔️
Trump-bashing ✔️
Black Lives Matter pandering ✔️
Otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable book
Glad you enjoyed it!
The book was simply HORRIBLE and I thought Sleeping Beauties was bad too.
Oh dear! Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy it. Must admit I haven't heard great things about Sleeping Beauties. Can't win them all!
I've been a King fan since I was 11 and read Pet Semetary. Lately he doesn't have many home runs and quite a few strike outs.