Duma Key - Mission Accomplished

[Nero]

(queue dramatic landing on aircraft carrier)

So I meant to finish this book today, but as I neared the end last night I couldn't stop reading until it was over.

I'm still digesting it, however I have to say it's likely to be one of my favorite books that King has written. Unlike some of the other comments here, I felt quite connected to Edgar. I felt his description of art and its process spoke to me directly, and through this Duma Key has single-handedly inspired me to quit begging off and begin painting again.

After reading this book I have to say I'm even more taken aback by the repeated soundbites I hear about "King losing his touch." Between this book and Lisey's Story I believe I have 2 of my top 5 King books of all time. His style and type of work have evolved over the years and I gotta say I'm glad to be a Constant Reader for these later works of his. The King of today and the King of yesterday are almost two different authors, and in my humble opinion I find today's King even more effective at the art of the suspense/thriller/mystery/horror tale than he was before (and that's saying something because I thought the King of "It" and "The Stand" was pretty much the Bee's Knees and Cat's Banana of that genre).

And talk about a Dark Tower minefield! The book is littered with references, hints, homages... I'll be re-reading this one as soon as I can. Hopefully there's a social group for this one because I'm quite anxious to hear everyone's take on certain aspects of the tale.

Anyways I'll wrap this up with a thanks to Stephen King for another incredible story and a kick to myself for not buying the $#@!&% hardcover while it was available!!

[PatInTheHat]

Cat's Banana huh?
....you'd think you'd get more call for that snapshot in the mental family album now wouldn't ya?
Must be a regional thang.

[blunthead]

...I felt his description of art and its process spoke to me directly, and through this Duma Key has single-handedly inspired me to quit begging off and begin painting again...

I had just started painting again when I started Duma Key, so this book seemed uncannily timely for me. But more than that coincidence appeals to me: I really like how sK imagines what painting is like for the artist. He seems to have an instinctual and true affinity for painting.

Or maybe he's just a damn good writer. Check out Stationary Bike for more of what I'm talking about.

[Nero]

Cat's Banana huh?
....you'd think you'd get more call for that snapshot in the mental family album now wouldn't ya?
Must be a regional thang.

LOL I heard someone use that expression recently for the first time and thought the resulting picture in my head was hilarious enough to justify using the expression XD

[wally wonder]

hey nero, there is a social group and you ought to go there and say your piece. we're in the process of re-reading it, about 13 of us, up to about chapter 14 i think, the red basket, chapter just before the intruder. i imagine you can find your way there. i'm there, so if nothing else--i think you can click on something---books, or reading groups?--or my name and there's a list of groups off to the side and you can clock on that. dunno what you been reading regarding comments. glad i haven't been there, the ole arms muscles would get a workout.

[JohnDalglish]

I had just started painting again when I started Duma Key, so this book seemed uncannily timely for me. But more than that coincidence appeals to me: I really like how sK imagines what painting is like for the artist. He seems to have an instinctual and true affinity for painting.

Hi,

I particularly think the sections 'How to Draw A Picture' apply just as well to any creative medium, and are just as true for writers and musicians as they are for visual artists.

They contain essential truths about the creative process in general IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Perse Jr.]

I agree Nero; completely. I've been reading King's work since I was a kid (let's just say decades), and every book offers something different, but ultimately, King is King is King.

Duma Key was awesome, and I'm sadly almost done Lisey's Story. I've only been allowing myself a few pages a day because I'm dreading the day I'm finished. I have to wonder too, does anyone else out there think the "pool" must have tasted like Wireman's green tea?

[Wendy Capps]

Hi,

I particularly think the sections 'How to Draw A Picture' apply just as well to any creative medium, and are just as true for writers and musicians as they are for visual artists.

They contain essential truths about the creative process in general IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

I agree with you John. I wonder if SK has ever flirted around with painting or drawing. He definately has a knack for knowing how they think.

[hipmamajen]

I agree. Duma Key is one of the few books that I've finished, flipped over, and started right up again that very minute. I ended up reading it 3 times before I could move on to something else.

[tillyn]

I've expressed the same thing here and there, he is better, one would hope so after 38 books. If you go back to the very beginning and finish up at duma key you can see it right before your eyes.