Stephen King Fans discussion

Discuss Misery here. Please mark all spoilers for those reading along. Thank you!

I'll be joining in on this soon. I have not read Misery before so I'm looking forward to it. Just wrapping up my read of Wayward (Crouch) then will jump into Misery.

I read Misery a short time ago so perhaps I'll be able chime in on some discussions....

I just finished reading Misery for the first time last month! Definitely planning on taking part in the discussion!

Not much chatter this month. I’m more than 1/3 through and I’m liking it. I love the inner dialogue, it makes me really feel like I’m stuck in the house with Paul. Everything he’s thinking and doing is believable for someone in his position. Trying to survive so making sure not to piss off Annie, realizing she’s insane, and breaking out of the bedroom to get pills and try to call for help, then doing his best to placate her by writing the novel.

I’m sure things will escalate so I can’t wait to finish.

(view spoiler)[ I didn't like having to read the parts after the old typewriter stopped working and everything had to be hand written. (hide spoiler)]

Mark wrote: "Not much chatter this month. I’m more than 1/3 through and I’m liking it. I love the inner dialogue, it makes me really feel like I’m stuck in the house with Paul. Everything he’s thinking and doin..."


For me this is one of King's best examples of how to write a good novel. In trying to placate Annie, Paul just scribbles one out there for her. Annie may be nuts but she knows a good book when she reads one. Her suggestions and Paul's rewrite are great lessons for would-be writers. Don't take the easy way out. Good writing is hard work.

Yes, I learned a lot about writing through this novel.

I tend to enjoy the whole "story within the story" whenever writers use it. King likes to do this a lot.

Derrick wrote: "I tend to enjoy the whole "story within the story" whenever writers use it. King likes to do this a lot."

Wizard & Glass!! Most powerful story within a story ever.

Nick wrote: "Derrick wrote: "I tend to enjoy the whole "story within the story" whenever writers use it. King likes to do this a lot."

Wizard & Glass!! Most powerful story within a story ever."

Tragically, the only dark tower book I've read is The Gunslinger and that was years and years ago. I really do need to tackle the entire saga. I own books 1-4. The rest would have to come from the library.

Derrick wrote: "Nick wrote: "Derrick wrote: "I tend to enjoy the whole "story within the story" whenever writers use it. King likes to do this a lot."

Wizard & Glass!! Most powerful story within a story ever."

T..."


Reading books 1 to 4 is a damn good start, and close to the best of it. I'm reading book 3 right now and am amazed by how good it is. My overall ranking BTW is (best to worst in order) - 4 - 3 - 5 - 2 - 1 - 7 - 6

Nick wrote: "Derrick wrote: "Nick wrote: "Derrick wrote: "I tend to enjoy the whole "story within the story" whenever writers use it. King likes to do this a lot."

Wizard & Glass!! Most powerful story within a..."

I know. I just need to commit to doing it already. It's hard because I'm also looking forward to participating in a few of the group reads coming up. I've not read The Tommyknockers, The Dark Half, or The Stand.

I started listening this afternoon.

Derrick wrote: "Nick wrote: "Derrick wrote: "Nick wrote: "Derrick wrote: "I tend to enjoy the whole "story within the story" whenever writers use it. King likes to do this a lot."

Wizard & Glass!! Most powerful s..."


Yeah, stay with the program, and read the books coming up. I'm feeling a little left out because I went on this tangent of reading The Wastelands out of order. I'm going to get into Misery (my 3rd read - but a year or so after my last) as soon as I'm done.

Hi,

I finished my re-read of "Misery" this morning and have posted my review at the following link if you are interested in reading it:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was one my favorite King novels and I really enjoyed the psychological battles between Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes. I personally think that Annie was one of the most iconic literary characters ever created.

I hope everyone enjoys reading this one. Best wishes to great reading everyone.

Great review Scott. King has created several iconic characters who have taken their places alongside other masterful creations of literature. Annie Wilkes may not be quite as recognizable as Don Quixote, but she's way up on the list.

I agree the storyline is strong and unique. It does put us into the mind of a writer, and helps us understand the problems he/she faces.

King has always been great at the "what if" premise and this is one of his very best. "What if a successful writer ends a series of novels by killing off the main character and then falls into the clutches of a violent, crazy woman who loves that character and can't believe she's dead."

Another great insight of the book is King's theory of falling into the page, the escapist power of writing that let's authors flee from their reality by becoming part of the fictional world they're building in their minds.

I read On Writing before I read this book and King suggests a different ending to Misery in that one. Fortunately, he didn't go that way.

Thanks for the kind words, Nick. I really loved the psychological warfare between Paul and Annie, as well as King's "Inside the Mind of the Writer".

I remember years ago when King was first growing his fan base and two of the biggest arguments that readers, academia, and serious critics made was his use of swearing and his being a "popular" writer as opposed to a serious writer. Although these arguments have pretty much died away, at the time of writing "Misery" it seems like King was letting his inside voice out and lashing back at his critics.

And at the same time, he subtly demonstrates the struggles and passion writers have for their craft. Though Paul, he shows how much Paul will sacrifice and struggle through to write his story. King's love and passion for writing shine through, especially in the last 5 pages of the book. Like you stated, a writer falls into the page and the power (and crucial need) of writing takes them out of our world and into their own.

I am openly and honestly bias in my opinion, but I think Uncle Stevie is one the best to put pencil to paper and fingers to the keyboard, and his work will stand the test of time.

That's my story and I am sticking to it...

Scott wrote: "Thanks for the kind words, Nick. I really loved the psychological warfare between Paul and Annie, as well as King's "Inside the Mind of the Writer".

I remember years ago when King was first growi..."

"That's my story and I am sticking to it..."

And I agree with you 100%

I finished it and liked it a lot. I need a couple days to gather my thoughts.

Understood. Hope you enjoyed it.

I'm joining today, only 5 chapters, but the start is thrilling and disturbing. I'm sure the struggle for paul's life will be hard and I'm looking forward to read more. :)

I finished this afternoon. A very disturbing read. It was much better than the movie which I also watched. I didn't want it to end.

I saw the movie as a kid. I didn't read the book until well into adulthood. I througholy enjoyed both. I enjoyed being able to read the Misery story parts as Paul was writing them. You don't really get that in the movie at all.

Just finished part one and wow! 😳 I need to carry on reading!

Amy wrote: "Just finished part one and wow! 😳 I need to carry on reading!"

It only continues to get better from there.

I'm almost at the end of part one. I don't remember the movie and this could be a good thing. It's interesting to see that in addition to the thrilling element (the writer kidnapped by the fan), there are things that make to think to an introspection analysis of the writer work, with Annie in the part of the "public". I'm curious to see how the novel will evolve. :)

I remember seeing part of the movie as a kid, but I can't remember if I saw it all the way through or not. I remember the sledgehammer scene for sure though.

This was another one I remember my dad reading so I was happy to get to this one. After finishing the book I was glad I read it. There was enough difference from the movie for the suspense to linger throughout so I was glued to the pages and didn't want to put it down.

The "sledgehammer scene" from the movie was just a little bit different portrayed in the novel, and I was genuinely shocked at how that scene unfolded. I cringed a lot more from the book than I did seeing the movie at that part. I can definitely see why they wouldn't want to portray the book version in the movie in 1990.

The ending was satisfying. King did a good job explaining (view spoiler)[how the events would continue to haunt Paul as he tries getting on with his life. So it's not wrapped up in a nice little bow at the end, which matches the theme of the "Can You?" game running through the entire novel. (hide spoiler)]

The only element of the book I didn't fully enjoy were the "Misery's Return" sections. It felt like I was reading two books simultaneously. During those chapters I found myself trying to read through them quickly to get back to the prime story. I didn't care about Misery Chastain nor did I want to find out what happened in that story. I understand elements of it were critical to the prime story though. I'm only 3 days past finishing the book and I've already forgotten the plot points of Misery's Return.

Having read approx 1/3 of King's work so far, Misery feels like "peak King", especially as a follow up to IT.

4.75 stars from me.

Mark wrote: "I remember seeing part of the movie as a kid, but I can't remember if I saw it all the way through or not. I remember the sledgehammer scene for sure though.

This was another one I remember my dad..."

I'm glad you liked the main story, but I find it so interesting how divided we are on the Misery portions. I really liked those, not for the story itself, I hate romance, but for the craft we see in those portions. It seems we are a very divided group on that subject!

I found the idea of the novel inside the novel very exciting. It's not the second novel itself, because for what I read so far, is more an exercise about writing, a curiosity, but it's original if well used. There are some incredible moments and today I read one of the more thrilling part (view spoiler)[When Paul leaves his room and find Annie's scrapbook (hide spoiler)] that made me hold my breath all the time!

Just finished this and really liked it. I love the build up to Annie's complete unraveling. She's obviously unhinged from the beginning, but watch her escalate into total insanity was thrilling and frightening.

I am almost done with Misery and it is now one of my "very" favorite books of his.I didnt realize that this is his drug book..(when he was quitting drugs)or trying to.Anne Wilkes is the drug they say.

Marian wrote: "I am almost done with Misery and it is now one of my "very" favorite books of his.I didnt realize that this is his drug book..(when he was quitting drugs)or trying to.Anne Wilkes is the drug they say."

Actually this book was before his period of quitting. It was finished in ‘86. The ‘drug book’ is The Tommyknockers (‘87)

bluewizard wrote: "Marian wrote: "I am almost done with Misery and it is now one of my "very" favorite books of his.I didnt realize that this is his drug book..(when he was quitting drugs)or trying to.Anne Wilkes is ..."

So that is when he was quitting?Some day I gotta read this book bluewizard:)

Not only is Tommyknockers the one he wrote as he was quitting, but it's really all about addiction. On the surface, alcoholism, but underneath, addiction in general. Lots of people don't like it, but with the exception of the ending, I really do.

Kandice wrote: "Not only is Tommyknockers the one he wrote as he was quitting, but it's really all about addiction. On the surface, alcoholism, but underneath, addiction in general. Lots of people don't like it, b..."

I think I will start Tommyknockers real soon:)I seem to remember watching a tv show or a movie about this book.

I loved "The Tommyknockers": it's part of King's biography.

Marian wrote: "I think I will start Tommyknockers real soon:)I seem to remember watching a tv show or a movie about this book ..."

It was a television mini-series starring Mrg Helgenberg and Jimmy Smits among others. I thought it was pretty good. It's a weird story, so it fit that format really well.

I have such a satisfied smile on my face,as I just finished "Misery"Boy oh boy,I had read this book many moons ago b ut could not remember it..soooooo,I gave it another try,and Im so glad I did.Gawd,what a book!!5/5 and wish I could give it more:)

Marian wrote: "I have such a satisfied smile on my face,as I just finished "Misery"Boy oh boy,I had read this book many moons ago b ut could not remember it..soooooo,I gave it another try,and Im so glad I did.Gaw..."


It was a seven out of five for me too.

Nick wrote: "Marian wrote: "I have such a satisfied smile on my face,as I just finished "Misery"Boy oh boy,I had read this book many moons ago b ut could not remember it..soooooo,I gave it another try,and Im so..."

Nick..can you recommend any more King books that are as good as Misery?I did read and finish "Doctor Sleep" as I thought it was pretty good as well.

As good as - It, The Shining, Salem's Lot, Bag of Bones. Almost as good: The Stand, 11/22/63, Different Seasons, Not quite as good as but still great, Duma Key, The Long Walk, Geralds Game, as well as this months group read, Four Past Midnight. Books similar to but not as good as = Dolores Claiborne.

If you want a specific recommendation and you haven't read The Shining, I'd read that. Otherwise, Salem's Lot.

Marian, do you prefer the non-paranormal stories, like Misery? I always find them more scary in a way since they really could happen. If so, there are many. More than most people think.

Kandice wrote: "Marian, do you prefer the non-paranormal stories, like Misery? I always find them more scary in a way since they really could happen. If so, there are many. More than most people think."

Hi Kandace,actually I like all of Kings books..all genre,except for Dark Tower which I think is a fantasy series?But all the others,I loved:)

Nick wrote: "As good as - It, The Shining, Salem's Lot, Bag of Bones. Almost as good: The Stand, 11/22/63, Different Seasons, Not quite as good as but still great, Duma Key, The Long Walk, Geralds Game, as well..."

Hi Nick...thank you kindly for your recommendations..hubby and I are watching "The TommyKnockers this evening.I know we watched many moons ago and its ok..but I think reading the book itself is due,very soon:)

Nick wrote: "As good as - It, The Shining, Salem's Lot, Bag of Bones. Almost as good: The Stand, 11/22/63, Different Seasons, Not quite as good as but still great, Duma Key, The Long Walk, Geralds Game, as well..."

I should mention that Im read Pet Semetary at the moment,but I think I will also read Salems Lot to.I read these books in my younger years but I just want to dive into them again..know what I mean?I have not read Duma Key,or 11.22.63, or Bagof Bones yet thou.Looking forward to them as well:)Kind of like a bucket list..lol!

No give away, but depending on your latest preferences, Duma Key is about father daughter relationships, and spirits and almost certainly features King's best comic character, Wireman. Bag of Bones is about ghosts, and racism with a hero who is a writer (of course), and needless to say, 11/22/63 is about politics and time travel.

See below for my review of Misery:


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Sean wrote: "See below for my review of Misery:


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."


Great review Sean, and great insights into the value of this work. It really is a masterpiece. Thanks.

Oh, i replied on an earlier thread too, because i didnt see this sooner.

Before reading this thread, let me share my BRIEF commentary. And I also want to ask, are there King books that do NOT have the kind of torture in here. Mental torture sucks, but it is even worse with the (view spoiler)[cutting off of limbs and shit (hide spoiler)] added. Ahhh! I cant! Oh, but I got through it thinking of Kathy Bates and her being a sweet person who is just incredible deep and talented. I never actually watched the whole movie, but i saw enough of it and her other projects to imagine her for most of this.


Boy am I glad that's over! Love the writing, enjoy a good scare, but hate the torture.
Leaving it unrated. I probably won't read it again, but i will say there was several entertaining bits and the quality of writing is what I like (still appreciate King). I just hope there are still SOME King books I can read! I really enjoyed some of the short stories in The Skeleton Crew.