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Matthew's Reviews > Carrie
Carrie
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Matthew's review
bookshelves: horror, stephen-king, supernatural, kindle, library, 2018, audio, 2014, revenge, read-more-than-once
Jan 08, 2013
bookshelves: horror, stephen-king, supernatural, kindle, library, 2018, audio, 2014, revenge, read-more-than-once
Read 2 times. Last read June 23, 2018 to June 28, 2018.
I have decided to go back and reread all the Stephen King books as audiobooks this time. Ones I have read recently or that I have already reread I may not do. I am starting at the very beginning with Carrie which I originally read on Kindle in 2014.
You might be saying, ”But, Matthew, that was his first book! You didn’t read it for the first time until 2014!?” There are a couple of reasons for that:
1. Carrie is referenced a lot in pop culture. Growing up in the 80s and 90s you really didn’t need to read Carrie to know the story.
2. I did have a paperback copy once (mid 90s or so). It fell apart when I was part way through. I didn’t get back to it until 2014. I know, I know . . . serious procrastination!
Well, I have now read it twice and it really is quite an amazing book. Lots of suspense and terrifying scenes crammed into a small package. In the intro, King said that he was working on this as a short story when it expanded into a novel – and I can see that. He was mainly a short story guy at the time, but a bit more started pouring out and he just couldn’t stop! It’s amazing to think the same guy that started with short stories and short novels ended up writing books like The Stand and It!
One thing that I think people who do not read King but who only know him as the master of horror through movies and hearsay are missing a lot. He is not just horror. Certainly there are many horrific scenarios in Carrie, but there is so much in there about humanity; how we treat each other and how our actions toward others may have a wider effect than expected. In a world where we are starting to treat other people more poorly than ever, Carrie could serve as a cautionary tale if you don’t just look at it as a creepy horror novel.
King started here, so should you? Carrie is not usually a book I recommend to people wanting to try King for the first time. I am not sure why this is, but I usually recommend The Dead Zone or Pet Sematary. After my second time through, I stand by this. I think that Carrie is something to try out after you have given a few of his other books a try. But, you can try it first, too, probably doesn’t matter – it is just my gut feeling that you should wait!
You might be saying, ”But, Matthew, that was his first book! You didn’t read it for the first time until 2014!?” There are a couple of reasons for that:
1. Carrie is referenced a lot in pop culture. Growing up in the 80s and 90s you really didn’t need to read Carrie to know the story.
2. I did have a paperback copy once (mid 90s or so). It fell apart when I was part way through. I didn’t get back to it until 2014. I know, I know . . . serious procrastination!
Well, I have now read it twice and it really is quite an amazing book. Lots of suspense and terrifying scenes crammed into a small package. In the intro, King said that he was working on this as a short story when it expanded into a novel – and I can see that. He was mainly a short story guy at the time, but a bit more started pouring out and he just couldn’t stop! It’s amazing to think the same guy that started with short stories and short novels ended up writing books like The Stand and It!
One thing that I think people who do not read King but who only know him as the master of horror through movies and hearsay are missing a lot. He is not just horror. Certainly there are many horrific scenarios in Carrie, but there is so much in there about humanity; how we treat each other and how our actions toward others may have a wider effect than expected. In a world where we are starting to treat other people more poorly than ever, Carrie could serve as a cautionary tale if you don’t just look at it as a creepy horror novel.
King started here, so should you? Carrie is not usually a book I recommend to people wanting to try King for the first time. I am not sure why this is, but I usually recommend The Dead Zone or Pet Sematary. After my second time through, I stand by this. I think that Carrie is something to try out after you have given a few of his other books a try. But, you can try it first, too, probably doesn’t matter – it is just my gut feeling that you should wait!
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Reading Progress
January 8, 2013
– Shelved
2014
–
Started Reading
2014
–
Finished Reading
March 6, 2014
– Shelved as:
horror
March 6, 2014
– Shelved as:
stephen-king
March 6, 2014
– Shelved as:
supernatural
March 6, 2014
– Shelved as:
library
March 6, 2014
– Shelved as:
kindle
June 23, 2018
–
Started Reading
June 23, 2018
– Shelved as:
2018
June 23, 2018
– Shelved as:
audio
June 23, 2018
– Shelved as:
2014
June 23, 2018
– Shelved as:
revenge
June 23, 2018
– Shelved as:
read-more-than-once
June 28, 2018
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-38 of 38 (38 new)
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Magnus Iskander
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Jun 24, 2018 06:39AM
Exactly the kind of books I'm afraid to read because somehow I'm thinking the writing must have aged... But I still read 18th & 19th century classics. Go figure.
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Sophie wrote: "Exactly the kind of books I'm afraid to read because somehow I'm thinking the writing must have aged... But I still read 18th & 19th century classics. Go figure."Ha! Interesting point! When does dated become classic?
I read it before seeing the musical and they both go together hand in hand. Great review!
Excellen review and i agree with you that this is perhaps not the book to start with if you are trying SK for the first time.
Amber wrote: "I read it before seeing the musical and they both go together hand in hand. Great review!"Thanks! 😃
Licha wrote: "Excellen review and i agree with you that this is perhaps not the book to start with if you are trying SK for the first time."Thank you! Glad it's not just me!
You nailed it with your remarks about studies in humanity. The current iteration of King is a pale shadow of the King old yore. Sure, he had trouble with endings, but my oh my the journeys he took us on and the people, and places, and ideas he introduced us to! And, most of all the mirrors he held up for us to see ourselves as we were and as we could be—all our faults and strengths right there on the page. I used to count the days until another King book came out...now I simply shrug and move on.
I still don't understand why Stephen King is never taken seriously in the literary world. I have to chalk it up to jealousy. He's an exceptional story teller with a keen insight into the human psyche on all levels!
Great review! I loved that book! BTW if you look at the lovely house in my profile photo you’ll see Stephen King’s house. He is so nice!
Pamela wrote: "You nailed it with your remarks about studies in humanity. The current iteration of King is a pale shadow of the King old yore. Sure, he had trouble with endings, but my oh my the journeys he took ..."While I do still enjoy King, there is definitely a big difference between early King and the present day King.
A writer should grow and get better over time - which King has achieved! Good for him. The people have spoken and they love him, I think that might mean more to King than accolades from the elitist literaries.
Amanda wrote: "I still don't understand why Stephen King is never taken seriously in the literary world. I have to chalk it up to jealousy. He's an exceptional story teller with a keen insight into the human psyc..."Amanda wrote: "A writer should grow and get better over time - which King has achieved! Good for him. The people have spoken and they love him, I think that might mean more to King than accolades from the elitist..."
I guess once you get pegged as a horror author, that is what most people see you as. I know there are some horror authors that write mainly escapist horror/monster books and others that get a bit more into the story and the characters. I think most people see horror and they think of the first kind.
Cyndi wrote: "Great review! I loved that book! BTW if you look at the lovely house in my profile photo you’ll see Stephen King’s house. He is so nice!"Oooh - nice pic! I thought it was interesting that his house is just another house in a neighborhood. I wonder how much of a crowd it attracts?
Matthew, I respect your viewpoints. You always are able to explain the meat of a book. I think your comments on Carrie are exacting. Read the book and I'm certain others will after reading your review.
Carol wrote: "Matthew, I respect your viewpoints. You always are able to explain the meat of a book. I think your comments on Carrie are exacting. Read the book and I'm certain others will after reading your rev..."Thanks, Carol! I appreciate that! :) I certainly always hope I am giving people food for thought without giving too much away.
Who narrates it? I've listened to three Stephen King audiobooks: IT by Steven Weber, THE SHINING by Campbell Scott, and 11/22/63 by Craig Wasson.
Brenda wrote: "Who narrates it? I've listened to three Stephen King audiobooks: IT by Steven Weber, THE SHINING by Campbell Scott, and 11/22/63 by Craig Wasson."It was Sissy Spacek - rather appropriate as she was the original film Carrie!
I listened to the same IT narration you did. My wife also did and was excited since Steven Weber is from one of her favorite shows - Wings.
His house is in a regular neighborhood, but it is a beautiful neighborhood with huge houses built in the 1800’s and remodeled. You’d be surprised at how few people stop for photos. Maine is full of celebrities, especially writers.
Cyndi wrote: "His house is in a regular neighborhood, but it is a beautiful neighborhood with huge houses built in the 1800’s and remodeled. You’d be surprised at how few people stop for photos. Maine is full of..."And, I suppose Maine really isn't on the way somewhere that the majority of the population might be passing through!
Hey Matthew Here's Carrie The musical if you want to check it out. I saw a local version of it last year which was pretty good but this is a version New York did. Enjoy! It goes exactly with the book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yh-r...
Matthew wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Who narrates it? I've listened to three Stephen King audiobooks: IT by Steven Weber, THE SHINING by Campbell Scott, and 11/22/63 by Craig Wasson."It was Sissy Spacek - rather appro..."
Sissy Spacek?! Oh man, eventually I'll get it just for that alone. :)
Amber wrote: "Hey Matthew Here's Carrie The musical if you want to check it out. I saw a local version of it last year which was pretty good but this is a version New York did. Enjoy! It goes exactly with the bo..."Thanks for the link! 😃😃😃
Brenda wrote: "Matthew wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Who narrates it? I've listened to three Stephen King audiobooks: IT by Steven Weber, THE SHINING by Campbell Scott, and 11/22/63 by Craig Wasson."It was Sissy Space..."
Yes - too perfect, right?
Matthew, Great review. Carrie was my first Stephen King novel. I read it back in the mid 80’s, and was blown away. I’ve always loved his approach to this story. I’m not a big TV fan, but the story took on a docu-drama feel to me. I guess I related to Carrie, the character. I graduated from High School in 1979, and had been the target of a bit of bullying. I’ve not read many of Stephen’s books, but those that I have read were excellent. Over 30 years have passed since my first reading, I guess it’s time to go back and read it again. I will also have to check out the audiobook version. Thanks!
Brad wrote: "Matthew, Great review. Carrie was my first Stephen King novel. I read it back in the mid 80’s, and was blown away. I’ve always loved his approach to this story. I’m not a big TV fan, but the story ..."Thanks, Brad! And, thanks for sharing the background story, too! I think a lot of readers probably read this and ended up kinda cheering for Carrie because of their own experiences in high school.
Enjoy if you give it a re-read (or listen)
Currently on Book 7 of the Dark Tower. Susannah's cut on her face starts bleeding and she runs to the bathroom. She is reminded of her first period in school when the girls chanted "plug it up, plug it up". King loves to intertwine his stuff
this is a fantastic , book ! currently halfway through listening to the audio book of Stephen kings IT , al shall listen to this next
Justin wrote: "Currently on Book 7 of the Dark Tower. Susannah's cut on her face starts bleeding and she runs to the bathroom. She is reminded of her first period in school when the girls chanted "plug it up, plu..."Yes! I am seeing a lot of that in 11/22/63 right now. I am always looking for the Easter Eggs!
Matthew wrote: "this is a fantastic , book ! currently halfway through listening to the audio book of Stephen kings IT , al shall listen to this next"IT is a doozy on audio! Enjoy!
I run hot and cold with King but I’ve never listened to him on audio. Nice review, Matthew!
Tammy wrote: "I run hot and cold with King but I’ve never listened to him on audio. Nice review, Matthew!"Thank you!
I have Salem's Lot on tap to start in the next week or so!
Great Matthew! Salem's Lot is narrated by Ron McClarty, who does a superb job ;o)
J.K. wrote: "Great Matthew! Salem's Lot is narrated by Ron McClarty, who does a superb job ;o)"Very cool to hear that - I just checked and that is definitely the one I have. I have seen some with multiple audio versions and since this is a 40 year old book, I figured there might be more than one out there!
That could be true, but I believe McCarty is the only one. He was discovered by Stephen King and they are friends. The Memory of Running is one of my all time favorite reads ;o)
Carrie is such a great book! And I love Sissy Spacek's(spelling?) of this! So well done!! Excellent review, as always, Matthew!
Stepheny wrote: "Carrie is such a great book! And I love Sissy Spacek's(spelling?) of this! So well done!! Excellent review, as always, Matthew!"
Thanks, Stepheny! :)
Jay wrote: "Great idea. Have fun."Thanks! So far, so good! :)
