What gives?

[Mr Nobody]

I can't help but wonder why people seem to dislike/ignore From a Buick 8. I know SK fans away from the board (though I try to point them in this direction) and noses start wrinkling when I say I actually like this book. Just the basic premise - the car and the 'man' - is enough to get me wondering. The story that unwinds after that...well, IMO it's got a lot of carry, the characters are pretty vivid, and the writing itself shows SK becoming more the sort of writer able to produce Lisey's Story and Duma Key in the way they were presented (at least, that's my take).

I just don't get why people aren't that into it. It's likely that my experiences so far have been unrepresentational, and more people actually like this story than dislike it, but the lack of threads and posts (relative to other works) seems to point out that it's a book a lot of people are happy to read and forget.
If that's so, why? Is it because the riddle remains somewhat open, or what?

[kjyoung]

I enjoyed From a Buick 8 as well, loving the characters and the shifts in time. The only thing I can think of that might be a turn-off to some is the similarity there is to Christine. (You know, car-with-a-mind-of-its-own type of story.) That said, I read Christine ages ago and never had the inclination to re-read it...whereas I know I will re-read Buick.

-k

[sam peebles]

I too enjoyed From a Buick 8, probably more than I did Christine. This novel, along with Hearts in Atlantis and Cell, are my favorites from Kings more recent ventures. I did not enjoy Duma Key, Liseys Story, or Bag of Bones (as well as the three final Dark Towers books) as much as most people on the SKMB seemed to have.

That being said, I can't wait for Under the Dome.

[jchanic]

My main objection to From a Buick 8 is that it doesn't REALLY have any type of resolution--the reader is left without knowing just what the "car" really is, where it came from, how it got here, etc. I personally don't have any strong feelings about this myself, but I can understand why some people don't like it that much. I do enjoy the characterizations, etc. very much also.

John

[Jojo87]

Buick 8 was a really good book. Dosen't remember much of it. I think I'll read it again here soon.

[michal]

Didn't enjoy it very much, didn't suffer either, but being a girlie girl I have to say it was very "Boyish" to me, or masculine, and I couldn't relate to the characters quite as much as I usually do with Mr. King's characters.

[Violet]

I was hesitant to read From a Buick 8 because I had heard it wasn't that good. I finally read it about 2 months ago and was pleasantly surprised.
I think it was a great book. I liked it even better than Christine.

[wally wonder]

good question. cruising the brd, novels, in particular, trying to come up with an idea what to re-read next. was thinkin christine maybe, a favorite of mine, from a buick 8. christine. from a buick 8. i drive an unwashed pontiac. hmmmm. decisions. decisions. i was leaning toward christine. great story. arnie. all those meatheads. from a buick 8. more recent. there's more action in christine. from a buick 8, they're sitting around, telling tales. not bad. but not as exciting as christine. an easy read, though, buick 8. i could read buick 8 first, quickly, then move on to christine. could go visit the booktstore, too, pick up something else. but the bookstore isn't open right now and my shelves are in the other room....i'm thinkin i'm gonna pick christine off the shelf and read that first. :dunno:

[wally wonder]

ended up picking 'the hellfire club' off the shelf. go figure. i think the sideview got to me. peter straub. below that, 'the hellfire club'. and in between are these yellow eyes in a pale face, so i took that off the shelf to give it a re-read. pretty good story. ought to check it out. sorry, off track i guess. so spank me.

[DogMom]

I am one of those that really, really disliked From a Buick 8. It just seemed pointless. I couldn't even finish it, which has never happened to me. I finish every book I read. This one just bored me.

[JRM]

I have this book in my collection. Still haven't gotten around to reading it, the reason being I'm afraid I won't like it. It's not about the reviews it's getten from other readers (I tend to like a lot of things other people don't like), it's just the premise: car with a mind of it's own -- possibly has an owner. I just don't see how much could be done with that. In other words, I don't want to get bored and have to set it aside (I hate not finishing books). But, I will read it when I'm finished reading the other unread King books I own.

[LarryO]

My main objection to From a Buick 8 is that it doesn't REALLY have any type of resolution--the reader is left without knowing just what the "car" really is, where it came from, how it got here, etc.
John
This is the most common complaint I've read about the book, but I knew what to expect when the sheriff tells the boy that there is no real ending to the story of the car. This is repeated multiple times in the telling of the tale.
I thought it did have a resolution of sorts when the main character can see 'the other side' while almost being sucked into it!

I 'read' this book as an audio book while commuting, so maybe I enjoyed the narrator's reading of the story.

... and other than the fact that the car kills people ... it has nothing in common with "Christine"! :laugh:

[LOTUS]

I loved the book,finished it in 2 days.The fact that I didn't understand where the car came from and what it was,didn't bother me at all.I just liked the story.I think it deserves a reread soon.:biggrin2:

[wally wonder]

started this one last night. re-read. sk uses this expression in here that caught my eye in library policeman. about arky, 'he never got shirty or went territorial about his job.' having to do w/ned doing custodial work. anyone else ever hear that phrase, 'got shirty'? i figure to use it soon as some situation comes up, see what kind of response i get. don't be gettin shirty on me. maybe disarm the situation, get this whaaa? and a screwed-up face.

[Countrygirl_sass]

I don't know that I dislike the book/story. But I just can't seem to finish it.

[heather_eaves]

I wasn't sure about reading this book, but I love SK and my small town library doesn't have much to pick from so I got and Insomnia. I decided to read this first and I loved it. I am normally a person that likes for a story to explain who or what something is. But with this book I think that it makes it better not knowing what the car was or where it came from. Once I really got into this book I could not put it down.

[doowopgirl]

When I first read From a Buick 8, I thought it was pretty weak. Lots of waffle, not much stiry. So I left it on the shelf for a while. Then perusing my collection I decided to give it another try. And guess what?! Saw the story inside. And thought this is real vintage SK. While I wouldn't say it is one of my favorites, I liked it much better the second time around

[Leland]

I read it when it came out and really struggled to get half way through it. It was, as said before, pretty boring. The perspective from which it was written was good but it just didn't gell with me.

[dwalters]

I am normally a person that likes for a story to explain who or what something is. But with this book I think that it makes it better not knowing what the car was or where it came from. Once I really got into this book I could not put it down.

I couldn't have said it better. Most of the time it drives me crazy when there's something that never gets explained, but with this one I think that added a lot to the story as a whole. Coupled with the fact that the head sheriff is very upfront about there not being an answer to a lot of questions, it made it seem much more down to earth. Think about what would happen in real life if something like this were to happen. A bunch of rural cops stumble across something which is almost totally unexplainable, and all they can do really is just wait and see what happens next. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

[Sweet One]

I think this story reflects King's interest in the paranormal. It plays on the reports of Men in Black and mysterious vehicles that are part of UFO lore. The story is a comment on the fluid nature of reality and the possibility of other dimensions.

[daffyrocks]

I didn't hate it, but Christine is one of my favourites, so it really can't compare. And I HATED the whole Mr D thing... :sad:

[Tammom4]

I am new to this site but this is the first thread/novel I went to. This book is tied with Rose Madder for my favorite. Of course I have read every single one of his novels (except the Dark Tower, which I have tried 7 times and cant get past the first book, even read the Revised Edition and just CANT wrap my head around it). I have read this book 3 times and just listened to it on CD about 6 months ago. I absolutely love, love, love it! I cannot believe the way it is ignored also. I just love the story, such an interesting concept, with such obvious interesting ties to his other stories. I think this is just a brilliant bit of writing...but strangely one that seems to go unnoticed.

[Tammom4]

And I think it is mistaken to say "its a car that kills people" or its a "car that has a mind of its own" and thus like Christine. If you read the story remember IT ISNT EVEN A CAR, but merely a portal or vessel that has taken the form of a car, or at least that is how I understood it. I dont think its even about the car at all, the "car" is just a form chosen by WHATEVER that could be left unnoticed and unbothered in "our world" so that WHATEVER could use it to do its work here in "our world," I believe it used it as a left behind link to our world, but it had to look like something we would accept and not freak out at looking at, something our brains could understand.

[dori]

Gotta admit - I loved reading FaB8.

I lived in Pennsylvania when Mr. K wrote this book, and i anticipated its release months before he actually finished writing it. Reason - I heard from locals in Butler, PA (10 miles from where i lived) that Mr. K himself was in town to research the small sheriff's station or local PD to give him location/character ideas for FaB8. I didn't make any effort to go see him while he was in town. i have too much respect for him to stalk or bother him while he's working.

That personal (is that the right word?) connection for me was awesome, and it made the book a favorite before i even read it. When the book was released, i not only loved the story and the characters, but i also loved seeing the small details that reminded me a bit of little Butler, PA.

So yeah, I agree with Mr. Nobody (cool name, by the way). I really enjoyed FaB8, and I think it's an underappreciated book.

[ms.darkside]

Gotta admit - I loved reading FaB8.

I lived in Pennsylvania when Mr. K wrote this book, and i anticipated its release months before he actually finished writing it. Reason - I heard from locals in Butler, PA (10 miles from where i lived) that Mr. K himself was in town to research the small sheriff's station or local PD to give him location/character ideas for FaB8. I didn't make any effort to go see him while he was in town. i have too much respect for him to stalk or bother him while he's working.

That personal (is that the right word?) connection for me was awesome, and it made the book a favorite before i even read it. When the book was released, i not only loved the story and the characters, but i also loved seeing the small details that reminded me a bit of little Butler, PA.

So yeah, I agree with Mr. Nobody (cool name, by the way). I really enjoyed FaB8, and I think it's an underappreciated book.

Guess where I'm sitting right now??? he-he. And, yes I loved the book and the references to the town and how we say Gi-hant Iggle.

[sprinco12]

I really like From a Buick 8, too. I read it this summer because it's on my long list of Stephen King books that I have left to read. I found it quite different from a lot of his other books that I have read and I liked it, which really surprised me because I usually don't really care for science fiction....

[dori]

Ugh! That's awesome, I'm so jealous!

I miss PA! Wish I could go back. It's like night-and-day to New Mexico, but it sure grows on you - Especially the shopping.

Ms. D - you made my day! :biggrin2:

[Bluedog]

I thought From A Buick 8 was a good story. Still it isn't one that I would feel compelled to re-read. A story speaks to you for personal reasons. I can understand the way you feel. So often I find myself saying to a friend "what, I can't believe you didn't love ________!" fill in the blank.

[AnnaJ62]

I am one of those that really, really disliked From a Buick 8. It just seemed pointless. I couldn't even finish it, which has never happened to me. I finish every book I read. This one just bored me.

I agree! This is his only book I ever found pointless.

[Srbo]

I finished it last night and I liked it a lot.

Not like I like his masterpieces, but it was an enjoyable read, much better than what I expected reading the critics.

Which proves agian that the best critic is one itself.:smile2:

[Kaleidoscope]

I used to own From a Buick 8 for ages. I got it as a present but I never got round to reading it and eventually gave it away. I think I tried to get into it but never managed it. And the blurb on the back didn't really sound any good so I wasn't really interested.

[zazibar]

I could understand why people might dislike the book or not be able to finish it. The book starts by putting you in the dark and by the time it's over you're still in the dark. I took it as a take on things in life that simply can't be explained by rhyme or reason but exist none the less. I understand what you're saying, you always finish the books you start, and I am the same way except for most of the things I've tried reading by Dean Koontz...YAWN.

[ItFan]

I really enjoyed From A Buick 8 - I really got into the characters and felt like the plot moved along at a pace that wasn't so slow I got bored, but wasn't so fast I had to go back and re-read certain parts. I wouldn't say it is one of my favourites but I do often wonder what puts people off reading it as I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Cowboy]

When I read From A Buick 8, I did so knowing that it had a link to the Dark Tower Series. Although I believe the story was very enjoyable standing on its own, I think the link with DT made it even more so enjoyable for me.

[GNTLGNT]

It certainly won't be included on my own "Top10" favorites of Sai King's, but having said that-I didn't dislike the book, just wish that alternate universe could have been explored a little more thoroughly.

[PunkrX]

i LOVED this book, its different from his other stuff, but it is great! alot of people i know toss it in the corner, and say... "meh, it was alright...i guess" but when you read it, if you are even a bit open, its creeepy.... imagine being in the cops position with the buick?

[nate_watkins]

It was a real page turner for me. I wanted to know what would happen next with the Buick. :smile2:

[giftshoparty]

It's like "The Conversation" by Coppola ...his bigger stuff is better known those who know it love it.
I liked the title from the day I heard it, but only after "On Writing" did I really get "piqued" ...and what a rewarding novel ...as a young man(but not that young) who buried his father, and resides somewhere between Ned and Sandy in the world, I love to feel both sides of ..not conflict, but agendas ...genuine needs of men I can understand.
I very much liked the tidy telling of an untidy tale ...like Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" - an excellent film about a not so excellent director ...this beautifully drawn story is a perfect reminder that it is the living of life that matters ...not it's end or neatness ...no bow around it ... just the good, the bad, and the ugly of the world ...and what you do with it. I love that message.
One of the reasons I really enjoy our celebrated author like I do is his own sense of what is right in the world ...we all have some sort of moral compass, but I can so feel his perception in his work - perception without condemnation, but a wisdom of experience to inform it - a self awareness as a person not a super successful writer. I think SK looks at the world with a kind, but honest eye ...one that has always wanted to see the best of people, so he could write about the worst of behavior ...man, I enjoyed this book.

[exotransito]

I first bought this book when I was 14. I've already read The Dead Zone and Misery and I loved them so I thought this one would be great. Well, it wasn't, and I tried to re-read it at least 3 times before I finally put it down for good.

Now I read it again again last year (20 years old) and it surprised me. It's such a mature book that maybe I don't appreciate right now because of my age, but the whole idea that surrounds a haunted car is amazing.

[vickita]

I enjoyed From a Buick 8. I felt it was strongly implied that the car was left by one of the low men. Also, great characters, as per usual.

[Coog]

I both liked and disliked this book. What I didn’t like is the story. It’s about a car that from now and then spews out some disgusting stuff from another dimension. People scream and react to it, and then it repeats untill the car for some reason ”cools” of. What I did like was the thick and wonderfull ”Kingish” atmosphere in the book, the touch of nostalgia of days passed, warm afternoons on the porch when no one speaks of whats in the garage, even though everyone knows. Stephen King is one of few writers that can actually intrigue me with his writing alone – even if the story don’t hold up.

So more positive than negative then? Yes, by a broad margin.

[Homer403]

Cooqi have to agree with you! I thought that there was some 'lazy' story telling going on there!SK could have come up with something better than a "thing" in the trunk.I mean come -on! At least in Dreamcatcher he described and sort of named the "monster".To me ,it seemed that might of been under pressure to meet a deadline! Funny though, others think it is a great story!

[Alexandra19]

Hi,

Happy to read this thread because From a Buick 8 is the SK book I dislike to most, at a point that I was almost angry when I finished it (and I had to force myself).
I understand that Stephen didn't want to let us know where the car comes from, how it has been moved from its where to ours, etc, but I still think there is a gap between avoiding useless explainations and not saying anything at all.
I just couldn't get into it. I read a few pages and realised that I didn't care either what kind of a car this one exactly was because it just bored me.
I had no empathy for any of the characters, and if the Buick has swallowed them all, I wouldn't have mind - neither would I have care if the Buick was destroyed : I understand that things don't necesseraly need an explaination for the reason they are here, but then what's the point writing so many pages about them ?

:dunno:

[Andrés A. S.]

Imagine this happens in real life....you find a car which is a portal between realms or a big f... UFO, or a monster..it's highly unlikely that you will ever know where it came from. That's it. You don't always need an omniscient character telling you "ohhh, this is the reincarnation of Ramses" or whatever.
To me this books is realistic...and the ending is SUPERB, one of Sk's best.

[JohnDalglish]

I both liked and disliked this book.

Hi,

I know exactly what you mean.

Initially I was very disappointed with it, bur it REALLY improved to me on subsequent re-reading.

Long days and pleasant nights

[xkittyx]

I re-read it in March. The only other time I had read this book was when it was first published, back in 2002. So, needless to say, I didn't remember much aside from the basic premise of the story: the car and the things it does. So it was nice sinking into this story all over again, getting to know the characters, the "Troop D Family". Stephen King does such a good job of creating and fleshing out characters, I feel like I know them, this whole story felt like I was there at the barracks, sitting on the smoking bench with the group while they told their story. They had a good bond, which made the story even better, they were people who knew each other well, and even though the parts were told from different characters' points of view, it all flowed so well together. A sucker for animals, I even loved Mister Dillon, the barracks dog, and got a little teary eyed for him. But of course the best part was the car. The car was what made me keep flying through the pages, desperately clinging to the hope that I would get some answers, just like Curt and Ned, even though I knew I wouldn't get the answers I wanted. I know what it was that drove the car to the gas station, but why did he disappear? What other world did the car belong to, I wanted more than the tiny glimpse Sandy Dearborn got into that world towards the end. I wanted more information! But, I do get greedy like that sometimes, and have to learn to deal with leaving things up to my own imagination... All in all, I thought it was a great story, held together by great characters, with a tiny sprinkling of another world tossed in.

[Daniel Lee Severn]

I always thought that it was a portal into the todash spaces, I knew the characters wouldn't know what that was but having read DT, it seemed to me that the ending was very fitting. Just like others have said on here before, it was very realistic considering what we would go through if the Buick 8 landed in our back yard, we wouldn't have many answers as to why it was there or where it came from.

[Shadow0475]

I too enjoyed From a Buick 8, probably more than I did Christine. This novel, along with Hearts in Atlantis and Cell, are my favorites from Kings more recent ventures. I did not enjoy Duma Key, Liseys Story, or Bag of Bones (as well as the three final Dark Towers books) as much as most people on the SKMB seemed to have.

That being said, I can't wait for Under the Dome.

This is just my take (so take it for what it is worth), but 'From A Buick 8' is only incidentally a 'horror' novel. At its heart, the story is about a boy's search for answers--why did my father die? how do I deal with it and go on? what is my place in life?--and the final realization that some questions, some mysteries, simply have no answers. Sometimes all we can do is protect ourselves and others from the unknown as best we can (as Troop D did), and outwait the danger.
Check out Sandy's Instruction to Ned after the Buick nearly gets them at the end--"You don't know where YOU came from, or where you're going, either, do you?...Don't spend more than an hour a day shaking your fist at God...THERE ARE BUICKS EVERYWHERE" To me, this doesn't mean that there are 'alien transporters' all over--only that life is a series of unanawerable questions.
This is NOT Christine--the only similarity is that a car figures in both. The REAL 'companion piece' to From a Buick 8 is The Colorado Kid, which also deals with the need to accept and move on from unanswerable mysteries.
This is maybe the best Audio adaptation of a Stephen King book I've ever heard; everyone, but especially Bruce Davison and James Rebhorn, captures the tone of the novel perfectly.
Just my 2 cents