Jo (The Book Geek)'s Reviews > Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary
by
by
Well, I doubt that I'll ever have any other way of saying this, but after reading this book, my mind is well and truly fucked. This book, and the story it tells, pushes the boundaries even for the sanest of individuals. It psychologically grips you, and Stephen King manages to get inside your head, rummage around in there for a bit, and stay there, long after you've finished the book. But, that is what he wants, and that, is another reason why he is one of the greatest authors, that I have read to date.
Pet Sematary is my fourth King novel, and having just read The Shining, I wanted more of King's works in my grasp. The Shining, without a doubt, was amazing. I was hooked from beginning to end. When I finished that book, I was inevitably disappointed, as I had an appetite for more, and in a crazy kind of way, I liked feeling unsettled, so I bought Pet Sematary, as I'd heard positive things about it.
I went into this book, with the grave assumption that it was about a cat that returned from the dead, hence the front cover, which actually has an evil looking cat on it. It was SO much more than that. Let me put this in my terms. It takes a lot to physiologically disturb me, and in turn, get under my skin. This book was dancing very confidently on that line. At one point, around halfway through, I was reading it at work, and towards the end of a chapter I thought " Wow, he's not honestly written what I think he has, has he?" I had to read the next chapter at home.
Apparently, King States that this novel is one that he hasn't been able to reread himself as it is THAT scary. Now I've read it myself, I totally understand that statement.
I feel I must thank Mr King, for once again, causing my flesh to crawl, my stomach to lurch, and inevitably, adding to my current issue of insomnia.
Pet Sematary is my fourth King novel, and having just read The Shining, I wanted more of King's works in my grasp. The Shining, without a doubt, was amazing. I was hooked from beginning to end. When I finished that book, I was inevitably disappointed, as I had an appetite for more, and in a crazy kind of way, I liked feeling unsettled, so I bought Pet Sematary, as I'd heard positive things about it.
I went into this book, with the grave assumption that it was about a cat that returned from the dead, hence the front cover, which actually has an evil looking cat on it. It was SO much more than that. Let me put this in my terms. It takes a lot to physiologically disturb me, and in turn, get under my skin. This book was dancing very confidently on that line. At one point, around halfway through, I was reading it at work, and towards the end of a chapter I thought " Wow, he's not honestly written what I think he has, has he?" I had to read the next chapter at home.
Apparently, King States that this novel is one that he hasn't been able to reread himself as it is THAT scary. Now I've read it myself, I totally understand that statement.
I feel I must thank Mr King, for once again, causing my flesh to crawl, my stomach to lurch, and inevitably, adding to my current issue of insomnia.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
Pet Sematary.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
November 2, 2018
–
Started Reading
November 2, 2018
– Shelved
November 7, 2018
– Shelved as:
horror
November 7, 2018
– Shelved as:
i-m-in-love
November 7, 2018
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-43 of 43 (43 new)
date
newest »
message 1:
by
Tim
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Nov 04, 2018 07:03PM
This one is easily my favorite of King's horror novels. Hope you enjoy it!
reply
|
flag
Great review, Jo!! I agree with pretty much everything you've said. This is a book that truly made me uncomfortable, but I completely respect that Mr. King was able to successfully accomplish what he intended to do.
I liked this one a lot my first time around, but having re-read it last year as a father, it really shook me this time. The best horror isn't always the "in your face" stuff, but the subtle, creeping stuff. That's this book.
Really great review! This is certainly one of King's best. He was on fire at this point in his career. I have this one on my "reread" list as I'm trying to go through the early King novels more or less in chronological order. Scary, scary stuff........
Sold! I too felt unfulfilled after finishing The Shining not knowing where I would find the same reading “spirit” that the narrative gave me. Pet Cemetery has been on my to read list for a long time. I read it as a young child, but like most young readers it was a superficial and forgettable read. I’ve been staring at the multitude of King novels in my personal library wondering where to go to next, and your excellent musings on the book answered that for me. Keep doing what you’re doing, and I can’t wait to get into this book!
Tobin, I’m the father of two small children and I didn’t even think about the impact that would bring to my read. Now I’m both exhilarated and horrified to start.
Derek wrote: "Tobin, I’m the father of two small children and I didn’t even think about the impact that would bring to my read. Now I’m both exhilarated and horrified to start."
Yeah, it hit me in an entirely different way. I couldn't help thinking, what would I do in the same situation?
Yeah, it hit me in an entirely different way. I couldn't help thinking, what would I do in the same situation?
Michael wrote: "Really great review! This is certainly one of King's best. He was on fire at this point in his career. I have this one on my "reread" list as I'm trying to go through the early King novels more or ..."
Thanks, Michael! :)
Thanks, Michael! :)
Derek wrote: "Sold! I too felt unfulfilled after finishing The Shining not knowing where I would find the same reading “spirit” that the narrative gave me. Pet Cemetery has been on my to read list for a long tim..."
I look forward to reading your review on this one, Derek. I cannot stop thinking about this book!
I look forward to reading your review on this one, Derek. I cannot stop thinking about this book!
Tobin wrote: "I liked this one a lot my first time around, but having re-read it last year as a father, it really shook me this time. The best horror isn't always the "in your face" stuff, but the subtle, creepi..."
Oh, I definitely agree Tobin. It's the stuff that gets under your skin, and no matter how much you dread turning that page, you do so anyway, as the story has you in it's grip. I loved it.
Oh, I definitely agree Tobin. It's the stuff that gets under your skin, and no matter how much you dread turning that page, you do so anyway, as the story has you in it's grip. I loved it.
An absolute classic. Read the book twice, watched the movies, love the Ramones song. 80s horror at its very best! All the best Peter
Richard wrote: "A fine review Jo ........ my favourite Stephen King :)"
Ah, mine too Richard. This one and The Shining, anyway.
Ah, mine too Richard. This one and The Shining, anyway.
Jason wrote: "Can't get though his books for some reason"
I have to say, the current King novel I'm reading called "The Outsider" isn't thrilling me as much as I'd hoped!
I have to say, the current King novel I'm reading called "The Outsider" isn't thrilling me as much as I'd hoped!
GREAT review. Yep, definitely one of the best horror novels ever written. I read it in a cabin in the mountains one night and the electricity up the mountain had been turned off and curtains gone for cleaning and all I had was a fireplace and a poker..and this book.
I could not agree with you more. It's been over 10 years since I've read it, but it STILL haunts me.
Greg wrote: "GREAT review. Yep, definitely one of the best horror novels ever written. I read it in a cabin in the mountains one night and the electricity up the mountain had been turned off and curtains gone f..."
Wow Greg, you're brave, I'll give you that!
Wow Greg, you're brave, I'll give you that!
If you liked this may I suggest one of his short story collections called Everything's Eventual and also Different Seasons. You will not be disappointed.
I just bought a used copy of this and can't wait to read it. I've heard nothing but good things, and your review makes me want to read this disturbing little nugget even more. I've read 11 SK books so far, and may favorites, FWIW and in no particular orde,r are: Different Seasons, 'Salems Lot, and the excellent short story collection, Night Shift. Cheers.
Yep, I second that. Salems Lot and Different seasons are amazing, especially the story 'Apt Pupil'.
Insanely creepy
Insanely creepy
Great review, Jo! You sell this one hard and I'm keen to get to it.
I could've sworn I sought this review out after you recommended to me a while back! Clearly I forgot to click the 'like' button!
I own 'IT' and 'The Green Mile' but you make me want to buy this one and push it ahead. I also heard 'Salem's Lot' was really great too!
I could've sworn I sought this review out after you recommended to me a while back! Clearly I forgot to click the 'like' button!
I own 'IT' and 'The Green Mile' but you make me want to buy this one and push it ahead. I also heard 'Salem's Lot' was really great too!
Jonathan wrote: "Great review, Jo! You sell this one hard and I'm keen to get to it.
I could've sworn I sought this review out after you recommended to me a while back! Clearly I forgot to click the 'like' button!..."
You mean, you haven't read this one yet? Oh, you need to definitely push this up your list Jonathan! This is up there with the greats for me. One of those freaky as hell reads that never quite leaves you. :)
I could've sworn I sought this review out after you recommended to me a while back! Clearly I forgot to click the 'like' button!..."
You mean, you haven't read this one yet? Oh, you need to definitely push this up your list Jonathan! This is up there with the greats for me. One of those freaky as hell reads that never quite leaves you. :)
I know, I know! You know what, I'm gonna read it right now 'cos otherwise I'll just keep bullshitting and saying I'm gonna read it and never will!
Jonathan wrote: "I know, I know! You know what, I'm gonna read it right now 'cos otherwise I'll just keep bullshitting and saying I'm gonna read it and never will!"
Yes! Good man! Good deed for the day completed. :D
Yes! Good man! Good deed for the day completed. :D
~Jo~ wrote: "Greg wrote: "GREAT review. Yep, definitely one of the best horror novels ever written. I read it in a cabin in the mountains one night and the electricity up the mountain had been turned off and cu..."
"Pet Sematary" only book I've ever read that's truly terrified me. I've never been so happy to see a sunrise.
"Pet Sematary" only book I've ever read that's truly terrified me. I've never been so happy to see a sunrise.
with this book i read the first half , thoroughly enjoyed it , then my marriage abruptly ended 4 weeks after my dad had decorated our new house , the second half of the book i read after moving back into my parents house and i dont recall taken any of th rest of the book in. however i bet id enjoy a re read
Definitely one of his scarier and more shocking stories. Have you seen either of the films? I love the original, so much so that I refused to see the remake.
The original movie is a fantastic adaption , the remake is terrible jud was almost good but with out the accent jud isn't jud
Matthew wrote: "with this book i read the first half , thoroughly enjoyed it , then my marriage abruptly ended 4 weeks after my dad had decorated our new house , the second half of the book i read after moving bac..."
Yes, you probably would enjoy a reread!
Yes, you probably would enjoy a reread!
Benjamin wrote: "Definitely one of his scarier and more shocking stories. Have you seen either of the films? I love the original, so much so that I refused to see the remake."
I watched the remake, which was dreadful. Is the original much better?
I watched the remake, which was dreadful. Is the original much better?
I watched the remake, which was dreadful. Is the original much better?
I can't compare it with the remake, having not seen it. But the original went off King's own screenplay, and hits the horror/comedy mix of his work perfectly. Lots of people don't like it though - it's just a personal favourite.
I can't compare it with the remake, having not seen it. But the original went off King's own screenplay, and hits the horror/comedy mix of his work perfectly. Lots of people don't like it though - it's just a personal favourite.
Matthew wrote: "The original movie is a fantastic adaption , the remake is terrible jud was almost good but with out the accent jud isn't jud"
Good to see another fan. As for the remake, the trailer alone was enough to dissuade me.
Good to see another fan. As for the remake, the trailer alone was enough to dissuade me.
Benjamin wrote: "Matthew wrote: "The original movie is a fantastic adaption , the remake is terrible jud was almost good but with out the accent jud isn't jud"
Good to see another fan. As for the remake, the trail..."
same here , the trailer loaded up and i was like - why are those kids wearing masks ? lol and when i did see the film i had the same reaction to it that i had to kubriks adation to the shining - every few minutes ... thats night right ... thats not right
Good to see another fan. As for the remake, the trail..."
same here , the trailer loaded up and i was like - why are those kids wearing masks ? lol and when i did see the film i had the same reaction to it that i had to kubriks adation to the shining - every few minutes ... thats night right ... thats not right
This is one of his best even if there are a lot of his I enjoy more than this. Mind you I also have The Shining down as one of his two worst novels out of the ones I’ve read, so who knows haha.