Having Trouble With The Talisman (Some SPOILERS)

[CCAL]

As soon as I'm able to I am going to reread this one too! Just started a repeat of Duma Key...hopeing to see what I missed the first time through-ha. If anyone here is a fan of LOST, Juliet held a book reading/discussion group in her cabin in Daharma and was talking about one od SK's books when the plane crashed....anyone remember the name of that book? just curious. I know it but cant quite recall the name.

[SarasWhimsy]

Juliet and the rest of the book club (minus Ben, of course) were reading Carrie.

As a response to the first person starting this thread - Jack, I believe - this is one book that I wouldn't recommend reading in a choppy way. I've read The Talisman several times now, and I only read it when I know I can dedicate at least an hour at a time to it. Not just for straight reading, but for rereading and coming to my own conclusions. Being able to come to my own conclusions is one of my favorite parts of this book.

Yes, it is possible that by flipping from the Territories back to the American Territories Jack caused an earthquake. Or perhaps it was due to him burying an apple core while watching the men fly off the tower. But, when Jack meets Snowball (Speedy), Snowball points out that Jack might be taking too much on and looking only for himself to blame. At that point in the book, we know of four people in particular that can flip (Jack, Speedy, Morgan and Phil Sawyer) but how many do we not know about? Later in the book we know that wolves, Richard, and Sunlight Gardner can flip, even a few of the boys from the Sunlight home are in the pits of the Territories. So how many people in the Territories or the American Territories do we not know about ever?

Anything could have caused the earthquake. Coincidence doesn't always mean correlation.

[margurite]

I had troubles getting into the Talisman as well but I love the book. Don't give up. You may have to reread curtain parts. It is my second favorite of Kings books so far. #1 goes to Rose Madder.

[oylovesjake]

I don't remember whether i had trouble getting into The Talisman the first time I read it, because that was back in 84, 85 - whenever the book first came out. Sometimes if it feels a bit choppy, it may be because you have two different authors here - and in Black House. I recently re-read both of them last October, because I heard there might be a 3rd book, so I wanted to refresh myself. And I found both books outstanding the second time around. Also - I am a tax accountant, so I tend to look for absolute literal understanding - and I have learned to stop that with SK's books - suspending belief a little bit helps me to get into the flow of a story a little easier. But I love that Jack Sawyer kid, I cried the second time I read it - because of Wolf. So it's well worth the effort to get into the flow.

[xkittyx]

I've read The Talisman 3 times, and I could go for another, it's one of my fave stories ever. I was the same age as Jack the first time I read it, and it was just the most excellent adventure. I wanted to go with Jack so, so bad. Flip to the Territories myself.

[Olivia Dunham]

I love this book too and read it the first time so long ago, I'm not sure anymore when exactly. I never found it hard to follow or slow going but there are books by SK that I have found this way that others love and fly through (Under the Dome is a prime example, still have not been able to finish it). We are all different. Reading should be enjoyable and not forced. There are many great things about this book, especially Wolf and Jack, keep trying but don't feel bad if it never clicks.

[nightflier301]

Hi all, I'm a new member but a long time reader of Mr King. Just wanted to add my 2 cents to this discussion. I also have trouble getting into this book - probably the only book of SK's I can't get into. Personally I think it's the writing style of PS, which to me is very long winded and flowery without saying much. It seems to me that I can tell the difference between which sections were written by which authors and the SK sections are the only ones that hold my interest. I have never read any of PS's books so I dont know his style very well. I have started this book 3 times and gotten about 300 pages in but it bores me. I started to read Black House only to get a certain way in and find it was some kind of follow on from the first book, so I put it down and tried to read Talisman again only to get bored again. I also noticed the change in writing styles between the two authors at the start of Black House and once again found the PS sections to be long winded and boring. I would like to be able to say "I've read every book by Stephen King" but unfortunately I don't think I'll ever finish these 2. (Apologies to Peter Straub fans)