How can I convince my friend to read this book?

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blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
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Most important make sure she knows Molly Ringwald isn't in it...
:rofl:

I've found that people have strange, inexplicable excuses not to read a given sK title, then almost inevitably once read they forget all about their prior bias.
In my case I believe my bias must be deep enough for me to be a major sK fan while still subconsciously assuming I won't like his stuff. I'm convinced sK detractors have a personal prejudice about him, for whatever reason but it's probably due to fear which is whence all prejudices emerge. This conviction proceeds then to explain to me all criticisms of him which prove to be inaccurate or outright lies, including that of the literary elite, who's great mouths continue to be forced shut by the relentless truth of sK's genius and by common sense.
 
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ghost19

"Have I run too far to get home?"
Sep 25, 2011
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:rofl:


In my case I believe my bias must be deep enough for me to be a major sK fan while still subconsciously assuming I won't like his stuff. I'm convinced sK detractors have a personal prejudice about him, for whatever reason but it's probably due to fear which is whence all prejudices emerge. This conviction proceeds then to explain to me all criticisms of him which prove to be inaccurate or outright lies, including that of the literary elite, who's great mouths continue to be forced shut by the relentless truth of sK's genius and by common sense.
I'm always amazed by the number of people who absolutely don't believe me when I tell them one of their favorite movies, Shawshank Redemption or Green Mile usually, was originally written by Stephen King. Off they go to Google to see if I'm pulling their leg, then they just say something like "I just can't believe he wrote that book." You would think the world's best selling author would garner a little more respect than someone "not believing" he could write a best seller that turned into a hit movie. I bet they know about the damn Twilight movies though....friggin frack fracking......
 

blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
80,755
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Atlanta GA
I'm always amazed by the number of people who absolutely don't believe me when I tell them one of their favorite movies, Shawshank Redemption or Green Mile usually, was originally written by Stephen King. Off they go to Google to see if I'm pulling their leg, then they just say something like "I just can't believe he wrote that book." You would think the world's best selling author would garner a little more respect than someone "not believing" he could write a best seller that turned into a hit movie. I bet they know about the damn Twilight movies though....friggin frack fracking......
I'm just eternally grateful not be living inside some people's heads.
 

Haunted

This is my favorite place
Mar 26, 2008
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She's a film director? Then she knows not everything can be included in a movie adapted from a book; with The Stand (I'm talking about the unabridged version, yes?) so much was left out. Someone mentioned going through the Lincoln Tunnel, in the book that's TRUE HORROR. The words build up horrific pixs in the reader's mind....and the characters from the book were all dimensioned not the cardboard profiles seen in the movie.
Please keep us up to date here, this is an important intervention.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
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NEVER force someone to read something they don't want to. Even SK's work.

Hi Neil W and welcome to SKMB. I think that they do not want to FORCE anything on anyone. The person just feels so enthusiastic and wants to share their enjoyment. But if people resist your efforts I think there comes a point where you should just give up.

I heard that Barbara Kingsolver's book "The Poisonwood Bible" was great. I bought it from a book club and then regretted doing so. It was just not my 'cup of tea' =D Others thought it was very good, so to each his own.
 

Lisey Landon

Well-Known Member
May 20, 2009
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She's a film director? Then she knows not everything can be included in a movie adapted from a book; with The Stand (I'm talking about the unabridged version, yes?) so much was left out. Someone mentioned going through the Lincoln Tunnel, in the book that's TRUE HORROR. The words build up horrific pixs in the reader's mind....and the characters from the book were all dimensioned not the cardboard profiles seen in the movie.
Please keep us up to date here, this is an important intervention.
I actually told her I had asked for your advice on the board. She is still not interested in The Stand, but she is currently reading Carrie, so I am hoping she will become a total SK addict, like me.
I will absolutely keep you updated!
 
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Lisey Landon

Well-Known Member
May 20, 2009
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Germany
NEVER force someone to read something they don't want to. Even SK's work.
Of course not! The goal is to make her want to read it :)
And, welcome!
Hi Neil W and welcome to SKMB. I think that they do not want to FORCE anything on anyone. The person just feels so enthusiastic and wants to share their enjoyment. But if people resist your efforts I think there comes a point where you should just give up.

I heard that Barbara Kingsolver's book "The Poisonwood Bible" was great. I bought it from a book club and then regretted doing so. It was just not my 'cup of tea' =D Others thought it was very good, so to each his own.
Exactly!
 
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Kurben

The Fool on the Hill
Apr 12, 2014
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I actually told her I had asked for your advice on the board. She is still not interested in The Stand, but she is currently reading Carrie, so I am hoping she will become a total SK addict, like me.
I will absolutely keep you updated!
Why not hold off with the Stand for a little while? In the meantime you feed her Stephen King-interest by giving her other books by King. IT, Salems Lot for example. During that time she might realise that The Stand is worth at least a look. And if you once start on The Stand you're hooked.
 
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Adam Carpenter

New Member
Sep 12, 2010
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I tried posting the following to How can I convince my friend to read this book? | The StephenKing.com Message Board, but was directed to start in the Nwebies forum:

I read "The Dead Zone" after seeing the movie, and still enjoyed the book. But that was a good movie version of the book. The mini-series of "The Stand" was not good: the sets were cheap, Flagg's glowing eyes couldn't have been less frightening, and far too "clean" a production: there's nothing realistic about 10 different camera angles in each scene, and reality is what must be established before horror can occur. I understand your friend's reluctance to "waste her time" on what appears will be a very generic horror story. To anyone who hasn't read or seen "The Stand:" read it first, then wait for the next movie version.
 
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Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
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Apr 11, 2006
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I
I tried posting the following to How can I convince my friend to read this book? | The StephenKing.com Message Board, but was directed to start in the Nwebies forum:

I read "The Dead Zone" after seeing the movie, and still enjoyed the book. But that was a good movie version of the book. The mini-series of "The Stand" was not good: the sets were cheap, Flagg's glowing eyes couldn't have been less frightening, and far too "clean" a production: there's nothing realistic about 10 different camera angles in each scene, and reality is what must be established before horror can occur. I understand your friend's reluctance to "waste her time" on what appears will be a very generic horror story. To anyone who hasn't read or seen "The Stand:" read it first, then wait for the next movie version.
moved it for you. Welcome.
 
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Elemeno P

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Feb 17, 2011
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Audio book....that's how a "I hate to read"-er (me) got to enjoy a lot of SK.

My 40 min commute, where I did all my "reading" turned to 40 seconds a while back. Now I'm way behind.

Catching up will be fun.
 
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tee

Member
Jun 24, 2014
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Suggest that she listen to the Audio, maybe she will come to a point that will spark an interest and want to pick up the book. Just a thought. :)