Lisey's Story

As predicted, I read all but about 30 pages of Lisey's Story over my weekend away. Where can I even begin? For Stephen King fans, Lisey's Story ranks with the best in my opinion.

The book begins with Lisey (Lisa) beginning the daunting task of cleaning her critically acclaimed author husband's study out following his death two years ago. As she begins organizing, labeling and packing up the manuscripts, reviews and papers, memories begin to creep into her mind. These are memories that she has hidden "behind the purple curtain." Memories of a magical place parallel to our own universe that her husband, Scott, dubbed Boo'ya Moon.

In true King fashion, the events that take place are extraordinary. A little boy, who grows into a man and can travel to this place at will. A little boy who suffered such abuse from his father than he makes Lisey promise they will never have kids so the "bad gunky" isn't passed on. Propelling the storyline is Lisey's sister, who also travels to her version of Boo'ya Moon and a crazy man that has targeted Lisey in an effort to capture her late husband's works.

Lisey must relive the painful stories Scott shared with her regarding his mutilating father and brother, who was overcome by the bad gunky, in order to save her sister and herself from the stalker.

Aside from the terror and fantastical ideas, King also weaves the love story of Lisey and Scott into the novel. Their extreme devotion of each other and the devastation of his death are apparent in Lisey's recounting of their life through flashbacks.

Being Stephen King, there are parts of the novel that are graphically gruesome, but the depth of love between husband and wife and sister and sister balance the horror. Overall, Lisey's Story is a captivating read, and a novel I'm sure I'll read again.

When Crickets Cry

As much slack as he sometimes gets from book critics, I just can't resist Stephen King. I own almost all of his novels, so last night when I saw Lisey's Story I had to pick it up for my trip this weekend. Expect that review in the near future, as I devour his novels rather quickly. But for now, I present When Crickets Cry

When Crickets Cry, a novel by Charles Martin, opens when Reese, a man who is obviously running from something, meets a little girl, Annie, who is suffering from a heart condition and is in desperate need of a transplant. Through flashbacks, we learn of Reese's undying love for his wife, who has passed away from a condition similar to Annie's.

The two main characters find an immediate connection and a heartwarming and heartbreaking friendship grows. Annie's will to live life to the fullest is inspirational, while the demons Reese faces from his past are recognizable by most adults, although his are on a grander scale.

We learn through the story and flashbacks that Reese is the one surgeon who could save Annie should a heart become available. God is mentioned throughout, and it may seem overwhelming to some, but even those that don't see themselves as religious will enjoy the story. I think most people have been shaken to the core at some period in their life, and this is story of how one man overcomes his ghosts to help a little girl who desperately needs a chance to grow old.

A Summer to Die

Where to begin? Which book is allowed the privaledge, nay, honor of being my first reviewed book. Should it be a classic favorite? Like Bridge to Terabithia, or my first full scale huge novel, It (Signet Books) as recounted in my last post? How about a true classic, such as Moby-Dick (Bantam Classics) or a modern day bestseller like The Da Vinci Code?

All these books are great, and I'm sure I'll review them eventually, but I think the book I must start with is a childhood/teen favorite of mine, A Summer to Die.

A Summer to Die is a fictional novel by Louis Lowry. Meg, the main character, has an older sister Molly and the two are complete opposites. Meg, the studious one, developes a love for photography by building a darkroom with their new neighbor. Molly, the ever popular one, developes, I believe, cancer, and is dying. The two don't get along, even when Molly is really sick.

I'm not sure what drew me to this book as a youngster. I read it several times. So much, in fact, my mom worried about me and my obssession with death. I think it was more Meg's coming of age that affected me though. She was so awkward in her own skin, which Lord knows, I felt all the time at that age. By building the darkroom and honing her photography skills, she comes into her own.

During her sister's funeral, their neighbor takes a photo of Meg that is displayed at a local art show. Meg sees the photo and tells her friend, "You made me beautiful." He replied, "My dear, you were beautiful all along."

That's what stuck with me, You were beautiful all along.