Salem's Lot - Book 2 > Likes and Comments
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Angie
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Jul 31, 2025 03:09PM
Discuss Salem's Lot here. Please mark all spoilers for those reading along.
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After reading King books since I was a teenager in the 1980’s, starting with Pet Semetary, The Talisman, and The Stand, I’ve decided to start reading the book in publishing order. I’m about 3/4 of the way through The Shining, so I tread Salem’s Lot prior. I have to say, after a breakthrough novel like Carrie, his second book being about vampires was a bravely safe choice to write about.
I think this is the first time I'm reading King's books in the correct order. It's also the first time I notice the similarities between Carrie and 'Salem's Lot. They somehow share a similar tone, don't they?
I am absolutely loving the book. I hear it is connected in some way to the Dark Tower, of which I’m currently on book 3. My favourite character so far is the priest. I have yet to see the film/series adaptations of this books. Which adaption is most faithful in your opinion?
I'm anxious to read Salem's Lot again .... It was my first King read while I lived in Kansas. I was 21 .... it will be interesting to see what I think of it now that I'm 68!
Still need to back track and read a lot of King's older works. I've read everything from Duma Key and beyond. This year I'm branching out to other authors.
I read this book a couple of months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Subsequently, I watched both the old and the new movie adaptations. While the old movie was indeed entertaining, I found the new one lacking. The nail-biting suspense that keeps me turning the pages one by one is somehow always missing in King’s adaptation.
I've slotted it in for this month. Love this idea of reading them in chronological order, which is how I originally read them as they came out. This is one of my favorites.
R. wrote: "I am absolutely loving the book. I hear it is connected in some way to the Dark Tower, of which I’m currently on book 3. My favourite character so far is the priest. I have yet to see the film/seri..."The original 70"s version with David Soul is the best in my opinion, by far,
Started and so enjoying it..about 10% ...Have never read this one....I also dont think I have seen the movies....
Ok, so this is my first readalong with the group. Do we discuss the book here? Spoilers maybe marked? Or is there a different thread for that, orare we just reading together, but not necessarily commenting? By the way, i dont really have much to say except that i finally cracked open the book and read up to like Chapter 2 (yes, the Susan chapter). Enjoying it so far. Will probably have to pause it though/read less until September actually, because i have other books to read and return first. But i wanted to check it out and also read somethi g different for a few minutes, because my current book has been a bit of a drag. Shrug
making good progress....about 30%....I am always amazed at SK skill to write in such a way that you feel like you are part of the story....almost like hovering above the scene.....I just finished reading the funeral scene....I know in other books there are religion references....
does anyone know of what faith he was raised in....I know his daughter is a minister....
10% of the way through and what a thrill, so far. Really enjoying the characters and visualising the story unfold. So far, so good.
Thanks Michael!I finished and really enjoyed this story. I had stayed away from reading it because I thought it would be really scary. I didn't find that it was scary. It was a great story. I just love SK writing and how he can make me see the scenes....I find not many writers can do that for me.
See you for the next read.
Salem’s Lot is my favorite King book. This was a great opportunity to read it again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stayed awake late into the night with this one. As someone who has loved Dracula since I was a child, the Lot is the only vampire book that’s rivaled that old gem. Every character’s voice is rich. The descriptions of settings transport me.
Rosina wrote: "I just finished reading the funeral scene....I know in other books there are religion references..."I'm not much past the funeral scene myself, and I thought it was the best part of the book so far.
I read this when I was 13yrs old, and reading it again for the first time since then. I'm absolutely riveted, reminds of why I love SK.
The funeral scene was heartbreaking and then scary af! Trying to finish this soon so I can keep up!
I find it very interessting how the funeral scene seems to be a landmark of that book. Most of us are obviously moved by it.
Trying to catch up this month! Still haven't gotten to the (view spoiler), but it started to get creepy with the boys (view spoiler) Exciting!
Nearing the finish line now. While there were moments where i felt it slow a little, overall it is a pretty decent pace and interesting. More on the entertainment side, it does have some poinient moments. I particularly like Matt's strategizing speech about hunting vampires (or like any sociopath, really) in ch 19, and Father Callahan's points to Marks father about his close mindedness and then facetiously, about Henry's willingness to bend in the previous chapter.Edit: oh, the funeral scene from the sort of beginning? Took me a minute to realize what yall meant! It was actually annoying to me and i skimmed through it quickly, but it did paint the picture. It is just that it really slowed the pace and felt unnecesary. I mean, if this were a script for a screenplay, might be different. I dont know! Actually, i cant even recall who died. Oh was it the brother? Anyway, was unremarkable to me. Shrug
Adding the comment that I once again watched the movie after I read the story and really loved the movie over the book, so there’s that.
Late to the party, but doing an audio reread of this currently. First reread since 2009, and first time on audio. Chose it because I've recently finished my most recent DT trip, so I was like, yea, let's go back and see Callahan! Just got to the part where (view spoiler). I'm really liking this revisit, and it's hitting different than before, like, this time, I'm getting a little, like, irritated with Susan's reluctance to 'believe', or at least have an open mind. Guess I always remembered her to be right there, all in with Ben, and Matt on what was going on, but this reread really striking me with how she was just like... 'nah, no way, you guys are crazy', but still half-assed playing along. (view spoiler).
Side note... no matter how many times I read, or how many years in between, I still want to go to the Marsten House! Like... just let me go explore, just for a bit, in full daylight? xD
When I read it, I felt the story has so many similarities to Bram Stokers Dracula. Of course the plot and the characters are different but I guess the general idea comes from that book... However I still enjoyed reading it, I liked the spooky atmosphere, the characters and the small town vibe (view spoiler)
^ Intriguing! I started Dracula but havent really gotten too far yet. Actually, since October, it seems most of my books have been vampire related. Finished Vampire Lestat right before (or after?) Salems Lot, with a couple lesser known vampire stories too. Anyway, so i will habe to try to remember to read that spoiler after Dracula. 👍
I am also reading his books in order, I finished salems lot a month ago and really enjoyed it. I love the similarities between bram stokers book and Salems lot. Love when a book and scare me🖤🖤🖤




