Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Vicki and I are going to buddy read the Fantasy nominee Fairy Tale by Stephen King beginning around June 29th. This will be a read at your own pace buddy read and anyone is welcome to join us. Please use spoiler tags.



Legendary storyteller Stephen King goes deep into the well of his imagination in this spellbinding novel about a seventeen-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war, and the stakes could not be higher—for their world or ours.

Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was ten, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. Then, when Charlie is seventeen, he meets Howard Bowditch, a recluse with a big dog in a big house at the top of a big hill. In the backyard is a locked shed from which strange sounds emerge, as if some creature is trying to escape. When Mr. Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie the house, a massive amount of gold, a cassette tape telling a story that is impossible to believe, and a responsibility far too massive for a boy to shoulder.

Because within the shed is a portal to another world—one whose denizens are in peril and whose monstrous leaders may destroy their own world, and ours. In this parallel universe, where two moons race across the sky, and the grand towers of a sprawling palace pierce the clouds, there are exiled princesses and princes who suffer horrific punishments; there are dungeons; there are games in which men and women must fight each other to the death for the amusement of the “Fair One.” And there is a magic sundial that can turn back time.

A story as old as myth, and as startling and iconic as the rest of King’s work, Fairy Tale is about an ordinary guy forced into the hero’s role by circumstance, and it is both spectacularly suspenseful and satisfying.

That sounds good to me.
I downloaded it from the library now because I didn't want someone else to snag it. I also downloaded it on audio in case I want to go back and forth.

Excellent. I also have it ready to go.

I started this one and read the first 2 chapters.
I like how the chapters are split into short sections. It definitely makes it easier to read.
(view spoiler)[ I liked the beginning and how he introduces they boy through a series of life events.
For being as old as he is, SK gets the mind flow of the boy right for me.
The details that he uses to describe things, like the inside of the old man's house and his kitchen is also sooo good.
He also captures the dog and the man's love for the dog so well.
So far I am digging this one. I am still a little nervous abt the fantasy/paranormal stuff and I hope it doesn't get too weird for me
(hide spoiler)]

Oh good! I will start tomorrow. :)

End of chap 8
22%

(view spoiler)[ i like the relationship build between Charlie and Mr B.
The gold transaction was nervous. That is a lot of gold. And now the dealer is dead - i hope it doesn't trace back to Charlie.
The aging dog is so sad - lots to relate to there.

I also like the little pics and the foreshadow at the beginning of each chapter. \ (hide spoiler)]

Re your first two chapters spoiler: I've always been impressed with how Stephen King can (view spoiler)[ sound like a real kid. I find that often authors make their kids sound too old or young or just think/say things kids never would. King seems to remember what it was like to be every age.

Also, the way he describes the setting and captures emotion is why I always describe him as a great storyteller. Even if you don't like a story, he still tells it so well. (hide spoiler)]

Will post more later today. I expect to make a lot of progress because I will be in the car for 7+ hours today.

Ok, I made it up to chapter 12 today! Here were my thoughts going along so far. (I added -# for the sections within the chapters.)

though chapter 4 section -8 - (view spoiler)[ I like the slow pace. I feel like it helps with the growing relationship between Charlie & the dog & Mr. Bowditch. (hide spoiler)]

ch 5 end - (view spoiler)[ Charlie seems like a good kid. It is so nice of him to stay with Mr. Bowditch. (hide spoiler)]

ch 6-1 There is a lot of foreshadowing in this story.

Up to 8-1 (view spoiler)[ Poor Radar.

I find it interesting how the fairy tales have been worked in. (hide spoiler)]

Up to 8-8 (view spoiler)[ Charlie has given up both baseball & football now. I feel bad that he's missing out on those things. (hide spoiler)]

Through Ch 10 -(view spoiler)[ Oh no. Someone did come looking through their house for the gold or something. Could it be someone who knows more than Charlie does? (hide spoiler)]

Through 10-10 (view spoiler)[ If those cockroaches don’t bite, aren’t dangerous, and die in our atmosphere, then why the big reaction ? Stay on the porch!! Etc Also, I don't get why the dog so scared of it. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Ch 11 - (view spoiler)[ That must’ve been so hard to listen to that tape.

I love my dogs to bits, but he’s asking Charlie to go into a very dangerous city to revive his dog? I get loving your dog, but when it’s time for them to go you need to let them go.

Random thought… why would the roaches try to get out into an environment where they can’t survive? Maybe they are trying to recover the gold pellets?? That might be a stretch.

And who is the strange man? Is he from below? (hide spoiler)]

Through ch 11-9 (view spoiler)[ I think it’s interesting how he’s linking in some classic fairy tales, books, and now movies.

The description of the old woman was kind of creepy, but she seems very nice. Why can’t he speak slang words under ground? So weird?? (hide spoiler)]

Up to Ch 12 - (view spoiler)[ oh! I didn’t expect the ha-ha man to catch him coming out of the hole! I have left Charlie in a scary predicament for the night. (hide spoiler)]

I hope I have all the chapters listed right. I was taking notes on the audio while in the car. lol Also, some of my comments / questions were answered in later chapters, but that was still what I was thinking at the time. :)

I am at the end of chapter 11.
I am happily surprised at how this one is moving along. I was so worried about the length and that it might be a slog.

My spoilers are not as organized as yours, but I have read yours except for the Chapt 12 one. I will get to that today.

I have read some of it and listened to some of it. The chapters within chapters make it easy to switch back and forth.
I really like that narration on this one.

(view spoiler)[ I felt the same about his football and baseball. I thought it was reasonable for one sport to drop off because kids get burnt out, but both? Almost like he is retreating from his life.

I am also wondering about the roaches. What an excellent creep factor. I literally could not think of anything more disgusting and creepy! Maybe because seeing them out in the world would bring people INTO the well and Mr. B didn't want that?

Am curious to see where and how the gold pellets go. Is the HaHa man trying to recover what belongs in the well? Maybe he is the "collector". If he saw the safe, wouldn't he realize that is where they are?

The lady does seem nice, (and creepy). In the new world he can't speak his thoughts. Interesting concept about language. so creative and weird!
(hide spoiler)]

Great, on it.

Vicki Willis wrote: "I am at the end of chapter 11.
I am happily surprised at how this one is moving along. I was so worried about the length and that it might be a slog.

My spoilers are not as organized as yours, b..."

Where you surprised when he said how big he was? (view spoiler)[ He said he was 6'4" and 200-something pounds. I was expecting a kid quite a bit smaller than that, even in high school. I Guess it makes sense with him playing football and them wanting him to do basketball. I was just not picturing him that big.

Good point about the roaches attracting people to the well. I'm sure that would happen. He just reacted like they were so dangerous. (hide spoiler)]

Mureithi wrote: "Great, on it."

Welcome to join the discussion, Mureithi!

Is the buddy read just for 2 or 3 people? Or can I join it?
I was hesitant about reading it because Stephen's books are always so long and some are downright terrifying. This book I can handle.
I like the friendship between Charlie and Howard. I would definitely risk my life for my pet, so I understand that part.

You're welcome to join, Sherrri!

King books are often long and this one is no exception, but I think has been an easy read so far. At least it doesn't feel long to me. \\

re: pets (view spoiler)[ I can understand risking your life for your pet, but I can not imagine asking a child or teenager to risk his life to give my dog a few extra years. As sad as it is when a pet passes, that is just not ok. Plus, Mr. B was dying when he told Charlie about it so he knew he wouldn't be around for the dog. I feel like there has to be more to it. (hide spoiler)]

The buddy reads are for everyone. The more the better!
Welcome Sherri.

End of Ch 12 - (view spoiler)[ I don’t know what I would have done with the haha man, but I’m afraid of him coming back. I just don't trust that we've seen the last of him.

Charlie’s explanation of why he’s going to going to help Radar makes perfect sense. I still think it was wrong of Mr. B to suggest it though. (hide spoiler)]

End of 12
(view spoiler)[ i wanted charlie to "get rid of him", but knew that didn't fit the character. I am afraid he will be back. Greed is strong.
Agree abt Mr B
(hide spoiler)]

Vicki Willis wrote: "End of 12..."

I know. (view spoiler)[ I didn't want him to be a killer, but... I also don't want him to come back. (hide spoiler)]

Up to ch 15 -7 (view spoiler)[ I felt so bad for the pregnant woman with the dead baby. So sad.

What is going on there?? Why are the people graying out??

What a creepy little man stabbing the poor cricket. Again… I feel like Charlie might be a little while too nice.

A hero helps…. A coward gives presents. It seems that Mr. B gave gifts. (hide spoiler)]

End of Ch 16 - Claire cracked me up. Hahaha

Up to Ch 18 -3 (view spoiler)[ I feel like the description of how odd things were was a little repetitive. I got kind of tired of listening to how things could almost be seen moving, etc. I typically love how descriptive King is, but I feel like the travel-city part was a bit too much for me. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Ch 18 -4 (view spoiler)[ Awww!!! Happy young Radar! ❤️ Such a smart girl. (hide spoiler)]

End of Ch 18 - (view spoiler)[ It makes sense why he put so much emphasis on the buildings looking like they were moving and not being able to focus on them now. That’s why it’s so easy to get lost in the city.

Ugh, see… he left that guy alive then he had to pay for it later. Creepy little trouble-making dude. (hide spoiler)]

I’m up to Ch 21 (view spoiler)[ Charlie really got himself into a bad position! I'm curious how he's going to get out of this. (hide spoiler)]

I am at the end of 15
Wow (view spoiler)[ so creative and interesting. Lots of depth, like the dead baby was so sad, but the cricket thing is so bizarre. So many interesting characters.
And it is way out there but still holding my attention (hide spoiler)]

I am leaving tomorrow and will be back on the 15th.
Should be done then. I will catch up with the comments then.

Have a great trip! I look forward to seeing your thoughts when you get back. :)

I am somewhere in chapter 25, I think, and things are happening! I can't wait to find out where the rest of the story will go. It's at the point where I don't want to put it down.

I'm now in chapter 30 and it has been nonstop! Can't wait to see how it ends. Hopefully tonight.

I ended somewhere in chapter 30 last night. I didn't get to finish because my family clearly thought my earbuds indicated 'please talk to me'. lol Today for sure!

I caught a quick (view spoiler)[ "There are other worlds than these" reference to his Dark Tower series and it made me smile. King seems to love that concept.

I was sad when Charlie's roommate died. He seemed like a genuinely good person. But, I was glad they were able to rescue Percy. We've lost a few along the way and it seems the battle is in full motion now. I feel bad for Leah. She is about to find out that her beloved brother did not die, but was turned into something awful. (hide spoiler)]

I'm really enjoying this one. I've laughed a few times, enjoyed references to older fairy tales, etc, and had a variety of emotions going along. I can't wait to finish it.

Mureithi & Sherri - Are you reading along?

I finished today. I'm on holiday, so I'll come back with more thoughts later, but I really enjoyed this one. (view spoiler)[ I got a little tired of the repetition of the 'that's not what I said, that's how I heard it...' type comments. I also thought the yelling of the creatures name (Gogmagog!) was just a little too easy at the end, but otherwise I thought it was great. (hide spoiler)]

I also finished this one while I was on vacation.
Wow! What a great book.

It started out (view spoiler)[ with a great story about a boy, an old man and a dog. (hide spoiler)]
Then it turned to (view spoiler)[ a magical world with interesting characters and fantastical animals (hide spoiler)]
Which led to (view spoiler)[an intense and exciting adventure (hide spoiler)]
with (view spoiler)[ death and destruction. Humanity and monstrosity (hide spoiler)]
Culminating with (view spoiler)[ good vs evil. Characters working together to survive. Love and friendship. (hide spoiler)]
And an epilogue which (view spoiler)[brought me to tears and made me wish the book wasn't ending. Even though it was over 608 pages long (hide spoiler)]
All wrapped up in fairy tale references.

I really loved the book. More than I thought I would. So glad I read it. I am giving it 5 stars.

I agree with all that, Vicki. If it weren't for the two issues in my last spoiler I probably would have gone with 5 stars too. Was it just me or did (view spoiler)[ the battles get easier? lol I felt like he had a difficult time killing the giant's daughter, but the giant went down quickly. Even the brother wasn't as difficult to kill as I would have expected, but Gogmagog was even easier to kill than him. I like the Rumpelstiltskin reference there, but thought it was too easy somehow. It was pretty much the first thing he tried. (hide spoiler)]

I really enjoyed the epilogue as well. (view spoiler)[ I love that he went back to our world, told his father about it, and sealed up the hole. It all seemed just right. (hide spoiler)]

Kristie, yes to both issues. I thought it might be to keep book moving along or to make sure it wasn't a 900 page book.
The (view spoiler)[repetition of what he said/heard didnt get old for me. (hide spoiler)]

Good point! lol

I think the other bit was one of those things where once I noticed it, I couldn't un-notice it. lol Hubby also read it and said it didn't bother him at all either.

Neither of those things bothered me enough to ruin the book for me. I still thought it was excellent. Impressive that King can write such a long story and keep you engaged and wanting to come back to it the whole time.

That is so true!
How he can continue to write so many books, in so many genres, that are all still creative and appealing to different readers is truly amazing.

Wanted to read this. Is it too late to start and discuss?

No, it is never too late.
Just start reading and join in.
I think you will really enjoy it!

sounds perfect!

The pregnant woman with the dead baby was also a difficult read for me. I felt so bad for her. I could relate. Although without the extra Stephen King=ness.

I like the references to fairy tales and other worlds. I'm glad they were able to rescue Percy.

This is such a great book, it's much better than I anticipated. And not scaring me half to death like a few of his other books.