Stephen King 2025 read-along discussion

Please don't delete me after that horrible pun, haha :P

But seriously, it's July already? I mean obviously this year is by far the weirdest that we've had in a LONG time, but the fact that it's more than halfway over is mind-boggling.

Speaking of mind-boggling...this month's pick is a doozy. For July we've decided to read The Dark Half. Originally published in 1989 it follows unsuccessful author Thad Beaumont who only finds notoriety through writing under the pen name "George Stark". George writes grisly crime novels about a brutal killer named Alexis Machine. After a while Thad, finding even himself disgusted with his work, he decides to "kill off" George, complete with mock funeral. The only thing is...it seems like George doesn't want to stay buried.

Obviously the entire plot is based around the fact that King himself used to write under "Richard Bachman". I guess he wanted to really see how much he could twist the reality of an alter ego in the sinister way that only King can.

A movie was made in 1993 starring Timothy Hutton and directed by one of Stephen King's longtime friends, George Romero. It received so-so reviews but remains a favorite among constant readers, myself included.

I hope everyone is safe and genuinely just doing okay. Life kinda sucks right now but hopefully everyone is making the most of it. This group is something that always puts a smile on my face so I'm grateful for that. You guys are the best! :)

I’m ready for it :)

Me too!! I skipped last month's but I've been wanting to get to this one for years :)

Downloaded it to kindle just now!

Was absolutely not expecting to love that as much as I did! It's in my top ten favorite King books for sure now.

Ashley wrote: "Was absolutely not expecting to love that as much as I did! It's in my top ten favorite King books for sure now."

YAY!! Now watch the movie lol. I really liked this book and not a lot of people talk about it.

I saw the movie years ago but didn't remember too much about it. Now I'm on the hunt lol

I’m still behind on my reads . I haven’t started this yet . My daughter has very serious bone disorder and she’s had a fractured hip for a month now. I haven’t had time to concentrate on anything . Hopefully I can start soon .

Oh no Chelley! I hope she starts feeling better soon! <3

Hi am Shkayla...I hope you don’t mind me joining late! Am I really quick reader and King is my absolute favourite author!

Thanks Ashley :)

Hi shkayla welcome to the group :)

Shkayla wrote: "Hi am Shkayla...I hope you don’t mind me joining late! Am I really quick reader and King is my absolute favourite author!"

Welcome Shkayla! :)

Shkayla wrote: "Hi am Shkayla...I hope you don’t mind me joining late! Am I really quick reader and King is my absolute favourite author!"

Welcome Shkayla! :)

I feel like The Dark Half was a bit too drawn out for me. It was waaaaayy too loooooongg. I did enjoy the overall plot, but this just wasn’t one of my favorite King books. It’s missing something. I didn’t seem to connect well with the characters. Anyone else feel the same?