First Impression Friday is hosted by J.W. Martin.
First Impression Friday will be a meme where you talk about a book that you JUST STARTED! Maybe you’re only a chapter or two in, maybe a little farther.
Based on this sampling of your current read, give a few impressions and predict what you’ll think by the end.
Misery by Stephen King
Paul Sheldon is a bestselling novelist who has finally met his number one fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes, and she is more than a rabid reader—she is Paul’s nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also furious that the author has killed off her favorite character in his latest book. Annie becomes his captor, keeping him prisoner in her isolated house.
Annie wants Paul to write a book that brings Misery back to life—just for her. She has a lot of ways to spur him on. One is a needle. Another is an axe. And if they don’t work, she can get really nasty.
I always said I would never read Stephen King, yet here I am reading Stephen King. I have given in to the peer pressure!! I decided to chose Misery as my first King novel because it is the one that intrigued me most. I love the idea of an author being kidnapped by their biggest fan. It also seems to be highly rated among my friends on Goodreads.
I love that the reader is instantly thrown into the story and that it takes a second to get your barrings. You start to figure out what is going on as the main character puts the pieces together for himself. King has done an amazing job as setting the tone for the story and Annie is already a thing of nightmares, and we are just getting started! We are told early on the Misery (the main character in Paul’s series) is killed in his latest novel, which Annie is currently reading. I can only imagine how she is going to react to that!
Some of King’s language is questionable but I was prepared for that. He also is beating this tide metaphor to death, but I can already tell that he is a skilled writer. He seems to be an expert at setting and tone. I am starting to understand why he is so beloved.
I am so captivated by this book at the moment and I have a feeling that I will be finishing it this weekend. Look out for a full review!
Misery was my first SK as a teen and I loved it. Then SK was the only thing I read until Dean Koontz. I hope you continue to love it!
Misery is one of my favourite Stephen King novels!
I can completely see why!
Ah! So I am reading my first King too. Blaze. And since it is from his Richard Bachman days, I was wondering about the language as well. But since I’ve nothing to compare it too…and I don’t think it is pure horror, not yet. Just spooky, maybe.
I do not know much about his Bachman novels. I would be curious to see what you think in the end!
I’ve never read Stephen King either and Misery is also where I’m planning to start! I hope you continue to enjoy it!
I think it is a good one to start with! Not too long either, which is nice!
King’s IT is on my list, but I may have to read this one first! Sounds awesome!
I would love to tackle It one day. It is just such a break. Thankfully, Misery is much shorter!
Start with It – you’ll be hooked forever….!
Setting and tone… and pacing and tension… and characterization. I know he doesn’t always get respect because he writes ‘genre’ fiction, however, a well told story is a well told story, and King is a master storyteller – and any writer would be well-advised to read his book On Writing in which he drops some gems about craft. Misery is dope. The movie too. Glad you’re enjoying it so far (though you’re giving me flashbacks lol). Oh and you’ve prompted me to do my own installment of this meme. https://jhohadli.wordpress.com/2019/10/25/first-impressions-friday-book-meme-and-blog-round-up-october-25th-2019
He is a master storyteller- there is no doubt! I stayed up late last night and finished it. That is a sign of great writing.
Misery is great and so is SK. I hope you read more of his books!
I definitely plan to read more from him now!
Omg first Stephen King book 😍 This must be big! So happy to hear good things about it 😊
It is so good!!
This is actually the only book by Stephen King that I’ve read so far. I’m hoping to read Salem’s Lot soon though and I have a fair few other books of his on my TBR. I hope you enjoy this book.
I just saw someone raving about Salem’s Lot so I added it my TBR!
I said the same Haha never will I read him! And now I am reading everything hahaha