Alright, strap in, this is going to be an interesting one. Our 14th book in my reread project is Insomnia, published in 1994, Stephen King's 36th book. The 787 page doorstop is dedicated: For Tabby...and for Al Kooper, who knows the playing-field. No fault of mine. So we know who Tabby is by now, but … Continue reading Reread Project: Insomnia
writing
Reread Project: Dolores Claiborne
Dolores Claiborne, Steve's 34th book, was published in 1992. This book is dedicated to Ruth Pillsbury King, Steve's mom, who died in 1975 (back when King was writing 'Salem's Lot) at age 60. Ruth raised her two boys mostly on her own, working hard, and sadly dying young, and Steve has spoken often of his … Continue reading Reread Project: Dolores Claiborne
Reread Project: Gerald’s Game
Published in 1992, Gerald's Game is King's 33rd book, and a tremendous departure from everything we've read so far. The book is dedicated, with love and admiration, to Tabitha Spruce King and her five sisters: Margaret Spruce Morehouse, Anne Spruce Labree, Catherine Spruce Graves, Stephanie Spruce Leonard, and Marcella Spruce. This is a particularly apt … Continue reading Reread Project: Gerald’s Game
Reread Project: The Dark Half
The Dark Half was published in 1989 and is Steve's 30th book. The book is dedicated to Shirley Sondregger and her husband Pete. Shirley was King's assistant/office manager at that time. There is also an Author's Note, "I'm indebted to the late Richard Bachman for his help and inspiration. This novel could not have been … Continue reading Reread Project: The Dark Half
Identity
Today is my 45th birthday and I've been thinking about identity. How do we answer the question, who are you? What words do we hang the structure of ourselves on? How do we self identify. Not who we are exactly, but how we think of ourselves, how we want to be seen, what we value … Continue reading Identity
Reread Project: The Tommyknockers
Published in 1987, this blended horror/sci-fi novel is King's 26th book, and is considered by most to be the last book written before Stephen King got sober (with The Dark Half being written during his transition period, and Needful Things being the first novel to come out post sobriety.) The book is dedicated: For Tabitha … Continue reading Reread Project: The Tommyknockers
Reread Project: Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary is King's 14th book, and was published in 1983 (the same year as Christine and Cycle of the Werewolf). The book is dedicated to Kirby McCauley. Kirby was King's literary agent at the time and his fingerprints are all over King's career in this era. He was an active champion and promoter. This … Continue reading Reread Project: Pet Sematary
Reread Project: Christine
Christine was published in 1983 and is King's 13th (lucky) book. The dedication reads: "This is for George Romero and Chris Forrest Romero. And the Burg." George Romero was the legendary film maker (Night of the Living Dead), and his wife Chris (Christine) Romero is an actress and producer. The Burg is Pittsburgh, where the … Continue reading Reread Project: Christine
Reread Project: Firestarter
Firestarter is a science fiction thriller novel published in September of 1980. The book is dedicated to author Shirley Jackson, "In memory of Shirley Jackson, who never needed to raise her voice." This is Steve's ninth book, he is a successful writer (but not yet the legend he will be), with three young children (at … Continue reading Reread Project: Firestarter
Reread Project: The Dead Zone
Found money brings bad luck. The Dead Zone is Steve's 7th novel, and was published in 1979. The dedication, to his son, reads, This is for Owen, I love you, old bear. I have found all of the dedications in these early books incredibly touching. Steve is now (in '79) an extremely successful author, moving … Continue reading Reread Project: The Dead Zone
