Sometimes you just uncover the best things when you allow the world to influence you, like a classic vampire novel just in time for Halloween!
Crazy thing. I went into this book not expecting much, just felt like I had to read it because I bought it and it was sitting on the shelf taunting me. “Chicken…you just don’t want to read me because I’m fat and you think I’ll ruin your number of books read this month statistics!” And then I swear it heaved a sigh and cried a bit each time I thumbed through the books on the shelf.
Besides, it was October and everyone else on Instagram was reading scary books so why not join in?!
I was a big Stephen King fan in high school, but the stories fell out of favor once I was out of school, then working and then raising kids. A few years ago, I stumbled across 11.22.63 one day and we watched the hell out of it. When I realized it was Stephen King book, I immediately bought it and started reading in the hopes of getting more story because I was a little confused. That’s when my Stephen King marathon began.
Sidenote: I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, these new limited series shows based on books (what we oldies used to call a mini-series) are awesome. So much better than traditional movies based on books because there’s so much more time to tell the whole story and all it’s threads, and better than the old “made for tv” mini-series because they put more money into them.
Reading the book after I’d seen the show wasn’t that helpful in this instance because in eight hours, they had no reason to skip parts of the story for time. This was one of the first books that I got because of a limited series show, and I’ve learned not to do it anymore. It’s a waste of (nearly 12 hours of reading) time and ($8 to $30 depending on the format) money for a story if you’ve seen the show already.
But…there are perfectly legit reasons to put in the effort to read and see both. The Stand was an example of that. I liked the new movie, loved reading the book and comparing how they presented the characters and story, and enjoyed seeing a bit of the old version as well. Besides, you do what makes you happy, you know? You don’t need a reason!
‘Salem’s Lot though…wow.
I knew nothing of this book when I bought it. I was just adding one more Stephen King Book to my TBR shelf. I heard it was a classic, so it jumped into my cart. I am slightly disappointed that I didn’t splurge for a better copy, though. This one is a Pocket Books edition: a small and cheap paperback, not for keeping on your library shelf. Once again…if I could turn back time…(sings her best Cher impersonation).
You guys…I didn’t know it was a classic vampire novel! Yes…even with the cover I have…it’s sad.
What?! I know! You know I LOVE vampire stories! And this one did not disappoint in any way. I’m sorry IT, but you need to move over. ‘Salem’s Lot is now my very favorite Stephen King book, possibly my favorite vampire story, but I haven’t re-read Bram Stoker’s in a long time (scribbles down note to do so soon).
It’s simply a classic thriller with twists that make it impossible to put down. I recently read that there is a new movie of it coming out in 2022, so I’m looking forward to seeing THAT. Maybe I’ll even go search out the 1979 mini-series for comparison. I watched the trailer for it online and tried hard not to giggle at it but…so cheesy!
Oh! One more thing! I’m still using Bookly for tracking my reading and it came up with this sweet little graphic when I clicked “finished” yesterday. I’m geeking out so hard over this app!
Have you read it? What did you think? Let me know in the comments. I’m dying to hear your thoughts! Pop back to my first post about the classic vampire novel, ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King: New Read, to read more of my thoughts on this book.