Kevin's Watch

It seems that 100-200 pages in is the sweet spot for forming my first impressions, collecting my thoughts enough to have something to say. It has just dawned on me that this series--especially this book--has a distinct "Lost vibe" going on. I suppose it was really apparent once Roland and Co. found the portal or whatever that the bear was guarding, where the Beam began. In the middle of a forest on an alien world, this technological wonder stands out like a hatch on a mysterious island.

I remember a book club meeting on Lost where Juliette was reading some Stephen King, but I forgot which book it was. Anyway, it's clear that the writers of that show derived some inspiration from this series.

The effects of Roland saving Jake's life in DT2--creating the temporal paradox--is pretty cool. It gives both of those characters an interesting psychic dilemma as they struggle with dual memories and cling to their sanity.

This book is one of my favourites. We really start seeing the mash-up of realities that is Roland's world.

--A

Avatar wrote:This book is one of my favourites. We really start seeing the mash-up of realities that is Roland's world.

--A

yep it's definitely my favorite in the series.

After finishing this one, I can't say it's my favorite. It's quite good, but I liked the character development more in the 2nd book. In terms of structure, character, and pace, I thought the 2nd was superior.

However, I did like seeing more of Roland's "moved on" world. No more deserts and beaches, this time we get an actual city. That was cool. Blaine was fun. But all the action was merely mediocre. I like action/plot that develops the characters, which brings me to my favorite part.

The best part of this book--by far--was the first half depicting Jake's struggle to get back to Roland's world. [Again: very much like Lost, especially season 5 where they have to go back to the island and find a "magical" way to do it.] The part where poor little Jake is losing his mind in the middle of his mundane life was the most gripping. His essay for English, his interaction with his parents, his journeys through New York leading up to the abandoned lot where he sees the rose ... that was some top-notch story telling. And the parallel struggle on Roland's side with the key and the door made it a group effort where everyone had a role to play (though Detta fucking a demon was the low point ... "Hey big boy! Where you goan? D'pussy be ovah heah!" Actual quote. ). The climax (heh) for this part of the story was much better than the actual end of the book. It was magical.

I've started the next book, and the writing immediately seems better. I think my sense that King got better in the 90s (1997 for DT4: W&G) is proving to be correct. But I'm only a few pages in, so we'll have to see.

W&G is phenomenal. Easily my favorite King book.

If I had to pick 1 DT book, W&G would be it.

--A