The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon discussion

[bostonbaby21]

I'm in the middle of The Girl Who Loved and want to talk about it. This is the book that has turned me on to Stephen King, but not the first one I've read.

I was at Goodwill looking for a copy of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (a friend told me about it) when I came across Bag Of Bones. That was my first one.

ANYhoo, I got The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon for Christmas and I'm reading it. Is it just me or does she seem a lot older then she is? She is only nine and she thinks like at least a twelve year old.

Other things you like or think or strange?

Please, no spoilers :)

[Nader2012]

She's precocious for her age, no doubt. This particular King novel seems to bring out very strong opinions (I happen to think it's his best, by far, but many readers dislike it). It is not typical King (the fantastical, or supernatural, elements are pretty tame), but I think that makes it stronger. It's the only King novel I've read more than once, and I'm sure I'll read it again.

[~Ally~]

Hi there, i understand what you are saying about Trisha appearing older than her age but i think this is mainly to do with the survial instinct.
It's amazing what the human body and mind can do when circumstances call for it. The girl also has a very furtive imagination which sees her through the bad experiences..whether this be getting lost in the woods or dealing with her bad family situation.
I think this is an amazing story (but i think pretty much EVERYTHING is amazing, ha) and im sure you will enjoy it very much..enjoy reading.

[Antony butterworth]

hello fans of the king

i have also read this recently and think it is an excellent book i dont think she appears older than she is i think her mother had given her good survival instincts and educated her well in what was suitable to eat and what was not and that her sheer determination to survive is got her through in the end

[Dark Reader]

I've just finished Trisha's adventure in the woods and thought the book was brilliant! I can't understand why people haven't enjoyed it :glare:

I too thought Trisha seemed a little mature for a nine year old but as i got further into the book and more immersed into Trisha as a character it didn't matter, what mattered to me was whether she made it or not.

Although it was a very quick book to read i think this is one of Stephens best

[michal]

It seems people either love or hate this book. Personally I enjoyed it immensely and thought it was incredibly brave of as writer to write a book which almost has one character (at least one that is "real"). Like Alfred Hitchcock's concept with the Rear Window (1954) which was all shot from one single window - a fun artistic challenge, if nothing else.

And yet - some seem to hate this book, or claim it's boring.

What do you say?

[natalia101]

i really enjoyed this book didn't think it was boring at all. yeah i thought that she did seem a bit more mature than her age but then everyone is different i guess.

also [this may just be me] but some aspects of the book reminded me of william goldings 'lord of the flies' especially the bit about the wasp priest thing!

[Dani~]

Didn't think I'd love this book but I did. Read it twice now.
9 or 12 whatever.

[staropeace]

I find that alot of writers have young characters act older than real kids their age. While there are alot of intelligent youngsters out there,most arent knowledgeable about life because they havent lived it long. This is one of my beefs about the children in books. I wish the writers would make them a little older if they are gonna display them with a wisdom that doesnt suit their age level.

[Samantha_]

I started to reread The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon ... made it through most of the first chapter and stopped.

Can't take it ... it's too close, the writing dead on, and I don't want to go there (maybe later but not now).

There are quick reads, fun reads and books that make you think ... but some stories get under the skin, into your heart, and take you to a place you already know.

Sure, man up, it's just a book ... but sometimes it's more. No, I'm not afraid of the woods or bear like creatures, or whatever.

However, it's no big surprise that my parents split up ... though I'm very glad to be adopted by my Dad, now.

So, maybe it's also what you bring to the table as a reader. I thought the book was very good.

[bopropadop]

I recently read this book after putting it off for so long. I heard so many negative opinions of it that I didn't think I'd like it. Of course, I was wrong. I really enjoyed it.

I agree with some of the other posts that her thoughts were a bit mature for her age. Even so, it didn't take anything away from the story itself IMO.

A word to those relying on other's opinions (as I did) - Try it for yourself. This is a good book!

[Damaris]

I don't think Trisha was unrealistic. It's been a few years since I read it but I remember thinking that I'd done similar things at her age (including getting lost in the woods ... really lost). A lot depends on how you are raised and whether or not you are interested in your surroundings. But as a nine-year-old I had no trouble identifying plants that were safe to eat, enjoying the soothing benefits of mud, and navigating unknown sections of forest (well, except that time I got royally lost). :smile2:

[Teddy Duchamp]

I am another who loved this book!

I do agree with the poster who talked about the bravery of concentrating on one character - and the fact that the book wasnt very long meant that this worked very well - I dont know if it would have worked so well in a book the length of Salems Lot though!

Hmmmmm yes I have to say I remember thinking that she seemed very knowledgable for someone her age - and I thought that she seemed around 12 or so (like the boys from the Body).......but that was a small annoyance as the book just carried me away and I felt I was there with her - feeling her terror one moment and hope the next!

The characters who were mentioned (her brother, mother and father) were so well written and for me its the characters that make a story, if they are believable then you care so much about what happens to them.

[OhmyGod!]

I love this story, ever been in the woods at night? It's horrible!

Many children in these kind of situations appear older than they are. All the un-important stuff fades away when someone only can survive. Children can only be children if they are allowed to be children...Trisha cannot think and act like a 9 yr old child in those woods...

[SixPins]

I am The Man Who Loves The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon :smile2:

Just finished TGWLTG a few nights ago and really enjoyed it. The stalking scenes were INTENSE. Trisha's journey was compelling and Trisha herself was loveable.

[Dombey]

I've read the book a few times (and I could still a hundred times) and it's one of my favs!
I read the book myself when I was about 12 and I could caracterise myself with Trisha- the way of writing it is breathtaking and shows some skills. As for me, I find that a smart girl at that age can think that way so it's very realistic! I loved it!!
Although the end... I could have ripped the pages out to write a new one! It kinda ruined all the fine details that just lead up to the ending (like 200/300 pages!?). :/
It's a shame though that there's still no movie made from that novel...
=)

[michal]

About that young-old thing, I think most of us simply don't remember how mature children can be in their thinking. Not all, perhaps, but having been a too serious child myself I remember looking at grownups and the world not much differently that that girl.

She also reminds me a bit of the girl Charlie from FireStarters, which means she seems almost too mature for her age until she throws a tantrum.

[TheHelgo]

i just finished this book last night. I must say that I only read this book, as I am a huge Stephen King fan and am trying to go back and finish every book of his that I may have missed in my younger years.

I was not excited at all to read this, but did so because I have been surprised by books before, and was hoping that I would be by this book - even though it sounded somewhat lame.

Well, guess what? I was totally blown away by this book! It was not what I expected at all - and that is a very good thing. It is not my favorite King book (probably far from it actually), but definitely top 10 material. I am a 32 year-old man, and I felt that terrible lump in my throat that can lead to tears toward the end of the book. Bravo on a VERY underrated King book. I went from a 'I have to read this since it is part of King's library' to 'This is a must read for King fans and Non-King fans alike'!

[Jake Featherston]

Tricia is undoubtedly an extraordinary girl. Most contemporary nine-year old girls in her position would probably just scream themselves hoarse shouting "HELP!," and then roll up into a ball and die. Except they wouldn't be in the woods in the first place; they'd be texting about their favourite (c)rap "music" performer, while watching "Hannah Montana" as part of their six hours-per day TV viewing schedule. But Tricia is unusual. And shouldn't novels be about unusual people? I don't want to read a book about some graceless, degenerate brat who gets lost in the woods. But I quite enjoyed reading about Tricia's experiences. I read that book in a single day, very shortly after it was released in hardback (back when I was in much better financial straits than I am today, so I bought it at full-price, a modest luxury which now eludes me, alas), and will very likely read it again before long.

[nicklove09]

I loved that book!
Think it was a great book, story, everything!
Stephen king hit a home run with that one. No pun intended.
Or is there? :cool2:
im so lame...haha

[evildrummer]

I just finished reading this one. The story is great, but in my humble opinion, the pay-off is a bit lame as to what I expected...still a great story though!

[the_constant_reader]

This is the only SK book (I have read 43) I didnt like.:sad:

[DogMom]

This is the only SK book (I have read 43) I didnt like.:sad:

this and From a Buick 8. I just could have cared less about the characters. I don't know why.

[Mr. Palmer]

I wasn't too keen on Trish McFarland, either.

But what really powered this book, imho, were the vivid descriptions from Sai King.

[dragracer382]

Just finished this book and got goose bumps at the end. I personally loved it, Tricia's courage and strength was very inspirational. We are programmed for survival.

[doowopgirl]

She does seem mature for her age, but perhaps that had to do with the situation her parents were in. Having an older sibling can do that, too. Also you never know what you are made of until you are put to the test. That is what I like about all of SKs work. Everyman/woman in very extraordinary situations. Bag of Bones is one of my favorites. I hope it will become one of yours.

[Jack Roman]

I'm in the middle of The Girl Who Loved and want to talk about it. This is the book that has turned me on to Stephen King, but not the first one I've read.

I was at Goodwill looking for a copy of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (a friend told me about it) when I came across Bag Of Bones. That was my first one.

ANYhoo, I got The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon for Christmas and I'm reading it. Is it just me or does she seem a lot older then she is? She is only nine and she thinks like at least a twelve year old.

Other things you like or think or strange?

Please, no spoilers :)

I just finished reading the book and it was great! It was a little short but Stepen King got to the point quickly. Trisha McFarland seems pretty mature probably due to her living situation. Remember she is 9 years old almost 10 and tall for her age. Plus being out there in the forest alone forced her to grow up quickly. Trisha I felt was extremely inspirational, not just for a child but for anyone. She did what it took to survive, period.

[Jack Roman]

I've just finished Trisha's adventure in the woods and thought the book was brilliant! I can't understand why people haven't enjoyed it :glare:

I too thought Trisha seemed a little mature for a nine year old but as i got further into the book and more immersed into Trisha as a character it didn't matter, what mattered to me was whether she made it or not.

Although it was a very quick book to read i think this is one of Stephens best

I think it was an outstanding book! What was your favorite part.

[Manxkitti]

I very much love thit story. I've read it twice so far and have it on CD. I think it is a greay stroy of survival, and what the mind and body will do. Loved it.

[ginapenn]

I absolutely love this book! Definitely one of my faves.

Personally, I know little girls Trisha's age that have her amount of maturity, maybe more. Myself at her age, since I was an only child and the product of an alcoholic, schizophrenic mother. At 9 I was getting money orders and sending bills off, going to the grocery store and making sure my mom slept in bed instead of on the kitchen floor. Situations can either make or break a person. Trisha chose to grow up.

[Jack Roman]

I can't understand anyone not liking The Girl That Loved Tom Gordon.

[tillyn]

It was a good book, i found myself reading it in one sitting, had to see if she made it or now. Strong character. If you liked this one , you should see the pop up, excellent book, showed a new fan of Sai King,(thanks to me,) and she couldn't believe how well a popup book could be.

[aeroplane]

I thought the whole "waterless cookware" phrase was terrible and really brought down the book.

[zelmonster]

My daughter is charged with a creative writing project at school. She needs to read a book and then pick a scene in the book that would translate into a “comic strip.” She needs to both draw the scenes and come up with the short lines that represent the passage in the book. She has chosen SK’s “The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.” This is one of the novels I haven’t read… yet. I know my daughter, and she will agonize forever over which scene to pick. Any suggestions on a particular scene that could translate to a short comic strip treatment? Although only in 8th grade, she has both artistic and creative writing talent, so her biggest obstacle will be having to decide on which scene to pick. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[DeathStalker]

Liked the book (not unusual with S.K. books) but seem to recall that it has as the location where Mr. King wrote it as Sarasota, Fla. Have to say that is a really excellent place to visit. I used to vacation there with my family when I was a child, specifically Long Boat Key, Fla. (Sun & Sea Cottages). Highly recommend it, really want to go back when I can afford it (this economy bites right now). I can understand how one could do some good writing at a location like that.

[Schmidty]

my favorite part is when he made the little girl swear.

[blunthead]

...It is not typical King... When I think about it, I think there is not a typical King. Perhaps my atypical perception is due to when or how I entered sK's world, having become a fan late, after Carrie, 'Salem's Lot, etc. I kind of fell out of the sky into the middle, and after sK had been famous (infamous [:laugh:], to some) for decades. My perception has been that each and every story is unique, and so, distinguishable from its predecessor, even within series' such as The Dark Tower.

But that's me. As for The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, it continues to be a favorite, partly because it's a major innie.* I'm sure, that it's written to perfection influences my appreciation. I've been lost in the woods. King achieves that reality with seeming effortlessness. It's just a beautiful work.

Oh, I did not get a feeling that the girl was particularly older than her years, but I've never had children. If I'd had, maybe I'd be sensitive to something there.


* "Well, my categorization is also about character, and the number of 
characters. Innies tend to be about one person and go deeper and deeper into a single character. Lisey’s Story, my new novel, is an innie, for instance, because it’s a long book and there are only a few characters, but a book like Cell is an outie because there are a lot of people and it’s about friendship and it’s kind of a road story. Gerald’s Game is the innie-est of all the innie books. It’s about only one person, Jessie, who’s been handcuffed naked to her bed."

http://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/5653/the-art-of-fiction-no-189-stephen-king

[jellydonut25]

I'm not very easy to scare (at least I don't think so) and though I love love LOVE Stephen King, I find that most of his books offer me personally more thrills than chills....The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, on the other hand, scared me half-to-death.

[Evil Queen]

I really liked this book! So some people didn't like it?? I thought it was brilliant the way there was not much dialogue & really only one real character, yet King was able to keep the action going. His vivid descriptions, of the scenery & Trisha's actions & thoughts, were excellent & I could picture everything clearly, down to the disgusting, boggy swamp & feel her pain as she's vomitting badly, (I've been that sick too a couple of times!). I think this is one of his best & would definitely recommend it.

[tower-obsession]

I haven't read it, but it's next on my list. When I get paid, I'll get it.

[brail44]

Believe this to be the best book S.K. has published. I think children have amazing capabilities that are somewhat masked by the constant supervision and control typical of childrearing practices today. (Necessary, but unfortunate) Some people just seem to be resilient, intelligent, and brave throughout their lives, and others...never had it, never will.

[thebarbster24]

I re-read this a couple of days ago and I was surprised at how much I liked it. I've read it really fast back when it came out and maybe I wasn't in the right mood or I went through it too fast or I don't know what but I used to consider this one of SK's weakest books. Now, after the re-read I have to say I was very very wrong. It may not be your typical Stephen King, but at least for me, it may be SK at his best.
As for the discussion on Trisha acting older than her age, I agree that she may have seemed older than your typical 9-going-on-10-girl, but so what? I still perceived her as a little kid lost in the woods and it didn't really matter if the kid in question was 9 or 12 or whatever.

[Steep]

I couldn't get into it so I passed it along to my little sister to read. I have a feeling I didn't miss out on reading this book since I'm more into the scarier stories (It, Pet Sematary, etc).

[fushingfeef]

I couldn't get into it so I passed it along to my little sister to read. I have a feeling I didn't miss out on reading this book since I'm more into the scarier stories (It, Pet Sematary, etc).
TGWLTG is scary! Or have you never worried about getting lost in those Pennsylvania woods?

[Steep]

Haha I bet the woods near Pittsburgh are scarier than the ones in the King of Prussia area. When it comes to the woods, I would be more worried if I was lost in the wilderness of Georgia (Thanks to Deliverance).