As most of you followers know, one of my addictions is reading, making me a bookaholic. There’s hardly been a day in my life since I was six-years old that I haven’t had a book in my hands.
Over the course of these decades I have acquired several favorite authors, the first one being Ray Bradbury whom I discovered in an especially serendipitous way. I also came to love Tom Clancy’s CIA spy novels, going along with being an Ian Fleming fan of his James Bond novels, of which I have the entire collection of.
Being a lover of history, I discovered Walter Lord early on, and over a period of years I discovered much of his work. Another historian I especially love is the late William Manchester who was also a serendipitous discovery as I ran across one of his works while searching for something by another of my all-time faves, Steven King.
Since being introduced to King in 1979 by a fellow workmate, up until recently I’d read almost every book he’d written, having an extensive collection of those works. He’s been accused of having diarrhea of the word processor, not only for writing such long novels but also prodigiously having new releases, and as of late I’ve got a little behind in keeping up with him. But to my great surprise, on Christmas morning my sweet Wifey gave me his newest work that I’d not even heard of, along with a couple of other books.
King’s latest release, The Institute, left me with a sense of wondering just what had I missed? Not that it wasn’t an interesting read, just, it just didn’t fill me with the sense of wonder that most all King books had previously done. I’ll certainly not be a spoiler, I would suspect that this book was trying to capture the same nostalgic feeling about young kids that was portrayed in the classic It, one of my all-time favorite King works. But being a King book, the vehicle chosen for telling the tale wasn’t that of horror or the supernatural but more of the metaphysical mated with Tom Clancy-Ian Fleming secret operative schemes. I did enjoy the book a lot, but…it just didn’t leave the Steven King signature in my experience.
Nonetheless, the other two books I got included one by the previously mentioned Walter Lord, Incredible Victory, and a new copy of King’s It, to replace my original copy that had fell apart due to constant rereading. So after having already read It over a dozen times, I’m ready to again immerse myself in the world of the King I’m so familiar with.
I will have to pick this up and see if I like it. I hate when books are disappointing. I love to read, so it has happened to me many times. That’s why I usually get books from the library. If I don’t like it, I can just return.
I usually go along with reviews I read on blog posts. Another way I choose which books I read are the online reviews. I am sorry you had a disappointment in book selection.
Thank you for the reccommendations. I do not read enough but always love Stephen King. It is too bad you did not love The Institute.
I really want to get my hands on this book. He is such a great writer.
Now I am interested in reading it just to see if I agree with you because I loved his previous books
I have never read King before. It stinks though when your fave author tries to be different and it just disappoints.
I love reading too. I currently have 3 books on the go. I haven’t read anything recent by Stephen King, but my interest has been renewed because something of his is being filmed in our neighborhood.
Thanks for the recommendation,I love reading those books too. I will add this to my booklist.
I love reading books before but rarely read lately. I need to get a copy of this one to start my reading journey.
I will admit I have never read a Stephen King book and I am never likely too in my lifetime. And not because he is not a good writer. I am a scaredy-cat and his books are too intense for me. So Stephen King lovers, enjoy!
My husband loves Stephen King books, but I imagine he’d feel the same way as you if he reads this one. Have fun reading It again!
I love to read and always have a stack of books at the ready. I was wondering if you had ever read Sidney Sheldon’s books? They are older books but they are still terrific.
I haven’t been able to get into Stephen King books. He is a great author and many people love his writing. I hope you enjoy your new books.
I think that is the worst whether it be a movie or book, but when you spend time on something and it was disappointing.
I can’t do scary movies, but thrilling books I can handle. Sorry to hear you didn’t adore this one, but I hope to add it to my book list to check it out.