Talk @ Books! discussion

I'm currently listening to Under the Dome (I've heard the TV miniseries wasn't the greatest) by the horror master himself - and although not truly what I would consider horror, it is classic Stephen King. I mainly chose this book to read in October to go along with the spooky theme.

Has anyone else read it? What else have your read that fits this genre?

Haven't read that one. I did chose a Stephen King book though for October for the same reason. I can't say it was good but I also can't say it was bad either, fell right in between. I wanted spooky and it fell flat on that aspect.

I gave Under the Dome 5 stars. It's very good. I've been a Stephen King fan forever. Have you read The Dark Tower series? It starts with The Gunslinger.

I read The Sun Down Motel in October for a spooky read. It was very good.

Which one Ulyssicia???

I think his last book I read was Joyland which was more of a mystery, but I loved it with 5 stars. I have many of his on my TBR.

Forgot to add the name whoops lol. The Institute.

I gave 4 stars to Under the Dome. It wasn't what I was expecting (specially the solving of the problem) but I liked it.

I have read some of his books as he was a staple in my childhood due to my grandmother's obsession. I like many of his books The Institute was the first one that didn't catch me as much as I wanted. I started IT but due to the size it's a slower read for me at the moment.

Ulyssicia wrote: "Forgot to add the name whoops lol. The Institute."

Ulyssicia wrote: "Forgot to add the name whoops lol. The Institute."

Ah - The Institute - a new one from him. And set in my Twin Cities I see - interesting.

Janice wrote: "I gave Under the Dome 5 stars. It's very good. I've been a Stephen King fan forever. Have you read The Dark Tower series? It starts with The Gunslinger.

I read [book:The Sun Down Mote..."

I need to read The Dark Tower series - or at least start with The Gunslinger. I hear it has a very famous first line.

I meant to read Sun Down last month or so but couldn't get to it quite yet. Glad you liked it.

Sandra wrote: "I gave 4 stars to Under the Dome. It wasn't what I was expecting (specially the solving of the problem) but I liked it."

Hmmm - sometimes he ends up in a weird plotline - and his endings sometimes don't work much for me.

Ulyssicia wrote: "I have read some of his books as he was a staple in my childhood due to my grandmother's obsession. I like many of his books The Institute was the first one that didn't catch me as much as I wanted..."

I thought the It movie remake was excellent!

I liked Under the Dome and also gave it 5 stars. As is frequently the case, I enjoyed the book better than the movie. I thought The Institute had a similar style as well as The Stand. Another author in the horror genre who also covers the waterfront would be Dean Koontz.

One of the greatest living writers of horror is an American by the name of Thomas Ligotti, now 67, several years younger than Stephen King. Ligotti isn't that well-known since he only writes short stories (no novels). Two of his books were collected and published as a Penguin Classic. I wrote a review of one of these books where I focused on the most frightening horror story I ever read. Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My spooky read for October was The Haunting of Hill House. It was a buddy read in another group with quite a big group. The discussion was super good, and I loved the book.

I love Stephen King. I'm just starting Dreamcatcher. Couldn't finish UtD a few years ago. More a size issue than not liking it. I do plan to return to it.

For October, I read The Lottery and Other Stories (also one of my banned book choices). It was good ... not what I would consider true horror ... more an unsettling suspenseful feeling from most of the stories. Great writer.

I love a good spooky book - especially this time of year. Besides Mr. King himself, I loved: Mexican Gothic - it was a satisfyingly creepy recent read, The Broken Girls and The Sun Down Motel both by Simone St. James, A Head Full of Ghosts, and Within These Walls.

Victoria (RedsCat) wrote: "I love a good spooky book - especially this time of year. Besides Mr. King himself, I loved: Mexican Gothic - it was a satisfyingly creepy recent read, The Broken Girls right now. Had meant to finish it by Halloween but time got away from me.

John wrote: "I liked Under the Dome and also gave it 5 stars. As is frequently the case, I enjoyed the book better than the movie. I thought The Institute had a similar style as well as The Stand. Another autho..."

I'm really liking the good parts where it's not all gloom/doom. Some horrible things have been happening and I've been dreading some parts, and there are some nasty characters, but I like how King will throw in a good guy with strength who will act to thwart and manage things. Not sure how successful everything will turn out in the end, but rooting for the good guys!

The day movies become better than the books will be a significant, unimaginable change!

Glenn wrote: "One of the greatest living writers of horror is an American by the name of Thomas Ligotti, now 67, several years younger than Stephen King. Ligotti isn't that well-known since he only writes short ..."

You have a great writing and review style Glenn! I'll have to track this down. I'm sure I'll love to just get thoroughly freaked out. Ha-Ha, sounds fun.

But somehow reading this is better than watching this for me - piggybacking on previous movie vs. the book posts.

Sandra wrote: "My spooky read for October was The Haunting of Hill House. It was a buddy read in another group with quite a big group. The discussion was super good, and I loved the book."

That was a fun one - definitely glad I read it. Total October read. Didn't they make this off Netflix? May need to watch.

Martha wrote: "I love Stephen King. I'm just starting Dreamcatcher. Couldn't finish UtD a few years ago. More a size issue than not liking it. I do plan to return to it.

For October, I read [book:Th..."

Martha - I have had this audio for 3 weeks and only halfway through! 17 more hours to go....1,000+ pages is a big deal. It's keeping my interest and I'm at a good part. :)

If it's the same Lottery story I'm thinking about it has haunted me! (view spoiler)[Where the guy wins the lottery but his wife destroys the ticket because she thought he had killed the homeless guy over it?? (hide spoiler)]

Victoria (RedsCat) wrote: "I love a good spooky book - especially this time of year. Besides Mr. King himself, I loved: Mexican Gothic - it was a satisfyingly creepy recent read, [book:The Broken Girls|355334..."

Two pushes for Mexican Gothic. And The Sun Down Motel. I'll put back in for the library hold list on audio.

Yes. I’m watching it now for the 2nd time. The next one that came out this year is The Haunting of Bly Manor. Scary in a different way. Based on The Turn if the Screw & other works by that author. Henry James, I think.

Mina wrote: "Victoria (RedsCat) wrote: "I love a good spooky book - especially this time of year. Besides Mr. King himself, I loved: Mexican Gothic - it was a satisfyingly creepy recent read, [b..."

I'm sure November can have some spillover on spooky reads! I'm certainly doing it on Under The Dome. Here's a quote I just read on another GR group: “I know that I have died before—once in November.” ― Anne Sexton

[book:Serena|2815590] is also pretty creepy as well, with a mystical/haunted dangerous undertone.

I'll have to go a bit lighter next - I like to mix up my genres so it doesn't feel like I read the same thing over and over. Makes it harder for me to remember what happened!

Also wanted to mention I did read Slade House also last month and gave it 5 stars. It was creepy and disturbing in parts. I think he's a brilliant author. I really liked Cloud Atlas and just let it flow. I saw the movie and thought it would have been more confusing if one hadn't read the book first.

Dreamcatcher will be my next spooky book. I hope to read Library of Souls before the end of the year. I'm reading The Visitation now & it seems like it will have that creep factor as well.

Colleen wrote: "Also wanted to mention I did read Slade House also last month and gave it 5 stars. It was creepy and disturbing in parts. I think he's a brilliant author."

If you liked Slade House, try The Bone Clocks and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. They're all interconnected.

Martha wrote: "Dreamcatcher will be my next spooky book. I hope to read Library of Souls before the end of the year. I'm reading The Visitation now & it seems like it wil..."

You have the theme going Martha! Will you have none-creepy reads mixed in?

I've read the first two books in the Peregrine series also - and should continue since there aren't that many. Thanks for the reminder :)

Janice wrote: If you liked Slade House, try The Bone Clocks and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. They're all interconnected."

They're on my TBR Janice! But I didn't realize they were interconnected. Very cool. I like his style - but not exactly easy.

They aren't light fluffy reads, are they? Start with The Bone Clocks. I wouldn't say that they are series books. But like Stephen Kings, they share characters. Recognizing those characters just gives added nuance.

I can vouch for The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. I loved it. I did not love Cloud Atlas until I re-read it two more times. I have several of his other books on my TBR list, but have not gotten to them yet. I own The Bone Clocks.

Colleen wrote: "Martha wrote: "Dreamcatcher will be my next spooky book. I hope to read Library of Souls before the end of the year. I'm reading The Visitation now & it se..."

Yes, I'm always reading mysteries ... my go-to comfort reads. I love non-fiction, but don't read it as much ... have been working on one about the Panama Canal for months. My dad lived there the last several years of his life. I would love to go someday, but doubt that happens. I posted my immediate reading plan on that thread.

Hi Colleen! Thanks for the invite! Hope you're hanging on...a good friend from grad school lives in Afton, and texted me last night--awful...
I have read most of King's works, since I was a teenager. As an adult, only when I have free time and/or can't focus on other things- which jas been a lot, since March! I couldn't get into the Dark Tower series, but may give it another try some day. I didn't find Under the Dome particularly creepy, okay, I guess. I also will give a rec for Mexican Gothic. A little bit of a slow burn, but if you like gothic, it should do. I can see why they're making the movie. I lkked it enough that I went and checked out (not bought) her other new one (two in one year, I wonder if she's going to continue at that pace!) The Silent Companions was also good.

Janice wrote: "They aren't light fluffy reads, are they? Start with The Bone Clocks. I wouldn't say that they are series books. But like Stephen Kings, they share characters. Recognizing those characters just giv..."

Nope - they sure aren't and can be complicated. Thanks for the advice on Bone Clocks , makes sense. I love when I see characters revived! Just like running into old acquaintances. :)

Cherie wrote: "I can vouch for The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. I loved it. I did not love Cloud Atlas until I re-read it two more times. I have several of his other books on my ..."

Do you often re-read books Cherie? That's awesome, you must have time and love the effort of it. I tend to just set aside a shelf for re-reads "someday" - those I've loved but I'm actually not sure I'll ever feel the need to re-read (but I continue to hope). There's always a "new" book to come along...there's just so many! I'll just wind up adding to the shelf as I continue on I'm sure, lol. But there will possibly come a day - and would bring me back in time, which would be a wonderful feeling.

@Martha - my parents vacationed in Panama for ~3 weeks after my dad retired. I would feel extremely lucky to go myself, I agree, never say never.

Linda Abhors the New GR Design wrote: "Hi Colleen! Thanks for the invite! Hope you're hanging on...a good friend from grad school lives in Afton, and texted me last night--awful...
I have read most of King's works, since I was a teenage..."

I had to Google the news about Afton - thanks for the heads-up on what is happening around me, I tend to avoid most news but do feel the need to know about the major events happening, but can't handle the day to day. My husband on the other hand loves to watch the 5:00, the 5:30 the 6:00, then 9:00 and of course 10:00 shows. I ask him, didn't we already see this? And sometimes we have to see it all over again the next night! Enough already for me.

Mexican Gothic is one I want to get to - thanks for your words! Makes me want to read even more - I'll see if I really have a thing for gothic or not - can't say I've read that much of it. UtD is taking forever, but I do like it well enough, doing the audio so I can just pick it up whenever and let it flow...and meaning to try the Dark Tower books as well.

My spooky October read (actually listen) was Dracula which, somehow, I have never read. I really enjoyed the audio read by Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, Katy Kellgren and Susan Duerden. I didn't know what to expect and actually expected it to be kind of dry. But it was excellent. So glad I came across it on Audible. It isn't something I would have thought to look for but it was eerie and creepy and perfect for October. I'm going to miss that one year gift subscription to Audible!

Karen wrote: "My spooky October read (actually listen) was Dracula which, somehow, I have never read. I really enjoyed the audio read by Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, Katy Kellgren and Susan Duerden. I d..."

Karen - I'm depressed now that I missed this in October. Maybe next year (or earlier) along with Frankenstein....but super pumped the audio was good as that is how I would like to try it.

Does your library support audio books? That's how I do it - they don't have everything, but they have a lot. Otherwise, maybe Santa can keep you supplied for next year?

Yes - we have Overdrive, Libby, Hoopla, all of them but I think the selection was better on Audible. Not better enough to pay for a subscription though! :) My neighbor gave me a free year when I retired - a lovely gift! They have EVERYTHING!

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
★★★★★ and ♥

When I was a child, I developed a food phobia of mushrooms after a nauseating experience. Although I outgrew this phobia, this fear might be resurrected after reading this book. This novel's story pays homage to Bram Stoker and Lovecraft. If you enjoy gothic horror, I would highly recommend this page-turner, which both attracts and repulses, the reader. Please click here for my full review.

John wrote: "Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
★★★★★ and ♥

When I was a child, I developed a food phobia of mushrooms after a nauseating experience. Although I outgrew this phobia, this fear might be resu..."

I just started it last night. I've just read the first 2 chapters. So far, it's good.

Shortly, it will have you on the edge of your seat!

John wrote: "Shortly, it will have you on the edge of your seat!"

Sounds promising.

John wrote: "Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
★★★★★ and ♥

When I was a child, I developed a food phobia of mushrooms after a nauseating experience. Although I outgrew this phobia, this fear might be resu..."

Great review John!

Janice wrote: "John wrote: "Shortly, it will have you on the edge of your seat!"

Sounds promising."

I'm jealous you got to start this Janice! I'm wading through a couple bummers right now, but that just makes me want to finish them quicker so I can more on. :)

I finished Mexican Gothic and really enjoyed it. I'm glad that it won the Goodreads Choice Award for horror. It was a unique approach.

I just saw a Facebook post which ranked Stephen King's books in order from worst to best. I now am unable to track it down, unable to identify who was responsible for the list - but the #1 book was It. The movie remake was well-done.

I'm surprised that IT was the number one book. I would have thought it was The Stand. Or even the Dark Tower series.

I found this website.

The Stand is close to the top (#5), and the Dark Tower series is scattered throughout. I do agree that the first book in the series, The Gunslinger deserves the worst ranking. It was bad and I forced my way through it so I could get to the other books in the series.