Trouble with Bag of Bones

**Ravenreader** · July 12th, 2009

I read several posts about this book in various places, and the general consensus seemed to be that it was fantastic. So, when I picked it up secondhand, I considered it a great find--but it just isn't grabbing me like other SK books. (The Stand, Carrie, and Salem's Lot come to mind.)

I've tried to read Bag of Bones twice, and have never gotten further than the end of Chapter Nine . Maybe it's a little too autobiographical, maybe is a little too close to home for me as I have a small child of comprable age.

I'd like to know people's opinions. When did this book grab you, if it did? Would I be pulled in by now if I was going to like it? Not every SK book is for every Constant Reader, after all...

**Mr Nobody** · July 15th, 2009

Honestly, I can't say when. It just sort of happened. I remember enjoying it (even if I was disturbed by one or two things, too), but I think it only really became such a hot favourite after I'd finished. Not sure. It's been 9/10 years since the very first time now.

And no, not every book is going to grab every reader - I've not read The Stand yet because I'm not convinced I'd like it (or at least, that I wouldn't remember the mini-series and know the end before I was done with the beginning).
Some would say I was wrong for that and maybe you'd be one of them. Could be that BoB is not for you just yet. All I'd say is, be open to reading it later (i.e. a few years' time). It's my position as far as The Stand goes, and when I do read it (when I'm ready to), I'm pretty sure I'll appreciate it more.

**the_last_gunslinger** · July 15th, 2009

It grabbed me almost from the beginning, starting with the scene when It was a pretty sad, albeit powerful part.

Plus, I consider it one of the scariest books King has written, especially later when Mike ventures into the cellar of his house, and experiences

I consider it one of my favorite five, and one of the few books I've read multiple times.

**sam peebles** · July 15th, 2009

I tried reading this when it first came out and couldn't do it.

Recently I picked it up again and managed to get through it quite quickly, but I didn't enjoy it half as much as some of his older works. It's not even close to being in my top five. Is it just me, or does this book hold many similarities to Lisey's Story? Both are about a widower or widow, one a famous writer, the other a famous writer's spouse, both now coping with the loss of their significant other and realizing past secrets.

I did enjoy Bag of Bones more than Lisey's Story though...

**wally wonder** · July 15th, 2009

guess it grabbed me in the first sentence or two, but then, i'm weird so what do you expect? i've enjoyed all of his stories and have a hard time understanding why anyone dislikes any of them. the man knows how to tell a good story. or maybe it grabbed me at the crossmock. a little girl, putting her foot down, letting the world know where she stands has my attention every time.

**Lencho_of_the_Apes** · July 15th, 2009

I notice that the books by King that you DID really like are all from earlier in his career. Maybe you just like that style better. Try reading the books in chronological order.

We all float down here.

**michal** · July 16th, 2009

Originally Posted by Ravenreader

Would I be pulled in by now if I was going to like it? Not every SK book is for every Constant Reader, after all...

Couldn't agree more, and not every SK book is for every Constant Reader in a given time. I discovered though that when I returned to books I liked less (The Talisman is a good example), I enjoyed it much more.

Maybe you can try it again in a few months or years, and if not...

Well, Mr. King has been generous with his writing, and you certainly have plenty of options.

**JohnDalglish** · July 16th, 2009

Originally Posted by the_last_gunslinger

It grabbed me almost from the beginning, .

HHi,

Yes, me too, I think it's a great book.

And Lencho's suggestion about reading in chronological order is a very good idea IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

**Dhasek** · July 16th, 2009

I must say, this is one of my favorite King novels. It sucked me in right from chapter 1 when .

**Sarahlou** · July 16th, 2009

Until I noticed this thread, I'd totally forgotten about this book, despite it being one of my favourites, which i've read about five times, guess that comes from Mr King providing us with such a fabulous strata of work. It's one that i find really gets the emotions going. Would also agree that reading in chronological order is a great idea and one I've been trying for about the last five years, although i always get side tracked when i spot one of my favourites and the order goes out the window, lol