My experience of reading Stephen King

I have limited experience of reading Stephen King. Up until 2017, I had not read any therefore sought to correct. I maybe should have researched more before I bought a book, but instead I bought the first they I came across in a charity shop; Insominia. This ended up putting me off for several more years as I found the paranormal aspect of the book too weird to engage with. At the time I also commented.

“I liked the first hundred pages or so and the epilogue, but not so keen on the middle and there was a lot of middle! The book was 760 pages.”

I did not read another Stephen King until 2021. Pet Semetary. I actually mildly enjoyed this one. Perhaps knowing there would be a paranormal element help. Rather than being bogged down by the paranormal I took the message from the that death is part of life.

My experience with Pet Semetary encouraged me to read a collection of Stephen King short stories to get more of a feel for him. I read his collection called Night Shift. I liked the story Strawberry Spring but was not that impressed with other stories.

Overall I think King’s older works set in the 70s are now starting to feel dated. I can not see myself seeking out further Stephen King but guess I would read more if another came up for a book club or in a situation away from home when limited choice of books!

Insomnia by Stephen King No Spoilers

I liked the first hundred pages or so and the epilogue, but not so keen on the middle and there was a lot of middle! The book was 760 pages in total.

There are three main themes. The first is about a retired man, rebuilding life after death of wife. This was an interesting theme to think about.

The second theme was about women refuges and abortion clinics; so if these are sensitive subjects, do not read.

The third theme is the paranormal / sci fi theme. I would have enjoyed the book without this because the man’s story was so interesting. Plus this theme did not engage me  because too far fetched for me and as so much of it, made the book drag.

This was my first Stephen King. Is it typical?