Salem's Lot a precurser to SK's style

**oylovesjake** · March 28th, 2011

Originally Posted by guitarhero

I'm re-reading it now. I'm a bit over half way through it. I've read it so many times that I'm a little embarrassed about it.

Every time I read it though, I just can't get over how great it is. It's the ultimate horror experience for me.

I've read it 4 times now - the last time was several months ago

**aeroplane** · April 27th, 2011

While it is a great story, the backbone of the book is the generous character development of so many minor and supporting characters. Not only did King introduce a lot of characters but he literally took you into all of their homes to the point where you found yourself wondering what happened to them (and the majority of the time we found out).

**TheHardcase** · February 7th, 2012

I seem to remember in one of SK's autobiographical books -- On Writing, Danse Macabre, or some short article somewhere -- that he cringed when he read his own early works. He said it reminded him of an inexperienced amateur still learning his craft (my words, based on an altogether too faulty memory).

I came late to Mr. King's earlier works. I read over thirty of his novels before I got to 'Salem's Lot and another half a dozen more before reading Carrie. Maybe I'm just easy, but I found his first two books just as well-crafted, and just as riveting as the best fiction of his later years.

You ask me, SK was a first-rate storyteller and a master of the written word, right from the start.

**PrisonerNumber6** · February 10th, 2012

If what you say is true Hardcase, then Mr K's opinion sure has mellowed over the years. In both introductions to recent reissues of the book he labels it as one of his favorites. I think I read in wikipedia that it's his favorite of his novels, at least I think I'm right.

**Moderator** · February 10th, 2012

You may be right about reading that in Wiki but, if so, the information is incorrect. Lisey's Story is his current favorite. Before that it was The Dead Zone.

**Owlnuggets** · February 10th, 2012

Certain books of his contain his essence more than others.
It makes them more than just his greatest books, but also the ones that have resonated with our culture the most.
I don't think the fear of clowns was so widespread until an introduction of Mr. Pennywise was made and the nightmares of many generations to follow were born.

**PrisonerNumber6** · February 10th, 2012

You're absolutely right about some books having more of Mr. K's "essence" than others, Owl. I think the same goes for even the greatest writers. There's a quote from both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien I posted somewhere else earlier about the difference between invention and inspiration and how there's never enough of it to go around. It's in one of the 11/22/63 threads but right now I'll be damned if I can remember which.

By the way MsMod, I knew I'd read him say that in a Lilja's Library interview, than you.

**ScreamingMimi** · February 10th, 2012

I'm currently reading it for the first time...would it be bad to say I'm having a hard time getting into it?

**cat in a bag** · February 10th, 2012

Originally Posted by ScreamingMimi

I'm currently reading it for the first time...would it be bad to say I'm having a hard time getting into it?

Keep going! I just reread it last week, and it still got my heart a pumping!

**DebA913** · February 13th, 2012

@ ScreamingMimi...I completely agree with Ms. cat in a bag.....keep reading!! I also just re-read this book! What a great story! However, I also understand that not every book is for everyone. But I think you must read the book before you can form your opinion.