Richard Testani

This review is totally biased because I loved Stanley Kubrick's version of The Shining and maybe more of a comparison. I do feel I can chat about this more openly since I assume so many people have seen the movie. But I will keep it all under spoilers.
I'll also do my best to review the book, but it's nearly impossible to remove the images Stanley has left for me. Another variable in my review is Stephen's own dislike for Stanley's take on the book. I learned Stephen has issue with how Jack Torrence was portrayed as a whole. Jack Nicholson donned a wildly psychotic persona from the beginning mountain drive, where in the book, Jack Torrence is really a family man.The books story is more or less about a relatively dysfunctional family, The Torrence's. They are having money problems in which Jack, the father, is having a hard time finding a job in between writing a new best seller. He lands a job at the prestigious Overlook Hotel in Colorado. A famous ski resort where all the presidents have stayed and many famous ballroom dances have occured......and also many horrible deaths.Danny their beloved son is special in that he can see beyond what normal humans can see. He can see what will be. He can see outside of his body and into other dimensions, sometimes at will. Danny has a power so great he can see that his family is in great trouble even before Jack takes the job. Wendy Torrence is the protector of Danny ever since Jack nearly broke his arm while drunk one night. Though Jack and Danny have a real father and son bond, there is an entity will break that apart.Danny is scared of the Overlook but doesn't know why. The hotel is special, just like Danny and it wants Danny for itself.The Shining, like all of Kings' books is great. When summarized its amazing and when viewed on screen, they are spectacular and horrifying. But sometimes to read it, they always have a lull somewhere. The Shining is no exception where there's lots to wade through and wait for through it's very slow pace. When compared to the movie, I felt Stanley had little time to develop Jack's psychotic behavior and explain Danny's powers. The hotel also needed to be a character that was foreboding and creepy. So far Kubrick exceeded on all fronts. King's version of Jack Torrence was one who struggled with his past while trying his best to set up his family's future. The job was a means to an end, but the Overlook got in the way and foiled all of their plans for a better life. And I appreciate King's version of Jack Torrence in that he was a far more complex character than Kubrick allowed.I do not think Kubrick explained well enough what The Shining is, nor that the Overlook is capturing others like Danny (all those ghosts). Stephens book really brings it altogether far better than the movie. I do think Kubrick made the right decision to use an axe instead of a polo mallet, as it's just scary to see a guy running around with an axe instead of a big hammer.
All in all I enjoyed it, but it's length and dry spells throughout made it a good book instead of a great one. There's enough difference in the movie that if you're a fan - this is totally worth reading.

A quick supernatural story. Read only at night.

I was howling at the moon reading this book. Sorry if I was too loud.
* * * * *

Gruesome! The amount of body limbs flying off is quite staggering.

But that's not the most shocking. Not even the cannibalism. No, the most shocking was when Carla threw her lunch bag into the stream! It really give you a real sense of the era which this was written, when trash was tossed wherever you were. Back when Indians cried pleading for a cleaner America. It really stood out to for me to read that.

Someone explain to me why none of McCammon's books haven't been turned into a major motion picture. I've read around half of his works and everyone would work so well as a movie. His writing style is so vivid, I completely see the entire scene in my mind in such a clear manner it shocks me nobody in Hollywood hasn't pushed for his works to turn into movies.

I know he has some books optioned, but even Spider-Man took 20 years to happen (thankfully though). He does have a Twilight Zone episode under his belt but that's really it. Fan films arent't the same but there's a handful out there.

Mine is an amazing action and revenge plot set in modern day 90s where Laura Claybourne has her 2-day old baby kidnapped by a 60's radical Mary Terral aka Mary Terror. Mary has seen a sign to get her old activist group back together and bring the leader - Lord Jack - his baby.

Through messages and old friends, she learns Jack is living in California and makes a trek there. Laura with no help from the police takes it upon herself to find her baby. Come hell or high water, she follows Mary in her destructive wake across the country on road trip like I've never read.

Mine never stops going or pauses for reflection or flashbacks. It's in your face violence and action makes this such a fun ride. Both women are girls I'd never want to mess with - tough as nails to the very end.

What time is it?

Reading “A Comics Life”, I picture Steve speaking with the same wit and charm as his “A Holiday Wish” skit on SNL. I love the soft and gentle writing style which made reading it feel cozy and warm. It's amazing how aware he was of himself at such an early age,likely due to his heavy interest in psychology.

It's not a complete bio since its mostly about how he became a comedian, but a reminiscing of who he was, who his family was and how he got to where he is.