Rating:  Summary: i could see it all Review: The beauty of Hearts was that i could see it all like i was there. I must have read at least 20 books by SK in the past 10 years and never has one kept me reading like this one. The connections of the 5 stories and the perceptions of the principal characters in them was masterful. Hope he keeps writing like this, in this style.
Rating:  Summary: I almost gave up half-way through Review: I have never before almost given up on a SK book, however, Hearts in Atlantis almost did it for me. Honestly, I am wondering what has happened to the old Stephen King style. In Hearts in Atlantis we are introduced to drivel such as "cars that aren't really cars" but evil entities, more mind-reading and other non-scary, non-compelling ideas. My next Stephen King book will be borrowed from the library and purchased only if I have had an enjoyable reading experience. My favorite book is still Misery, a book that is horrifying because it is something that could truly happen.
Rating:  Summary: A Spellbinding Masterpiece Review: As an avid fan of King and an '80s baby who was formerly obsessed with the Beatles and the Sixties, I was eager to get his view on that important time as well as our most painful war. The excellence of his writing and his connection to other cultural tie-ins (I read Lord of the Flies right before this) helps me to understand what is must have been like to live in that time, which seems so far away (although I wasn't even alive then). I hate to sound pretentious, but I can really picture the Sixties he described as though I "remember" them (a past life?). One comment: I was disappointed after read Low Men in Yellow Coats (a true masterpiece) to read stories that slowly dwindled down. And why was Blind Willie so unconnected? Quite possibly because it appeared in Antaeus Magazine. However, Heavenly Shades of Night are Falling tied up the book in an excellent way. It is a modern classic which fits into a nice (albeit 525-page) package.
Rating:  Summary: Absolutely Fantastic Review: This book shows a whole new level of King. His stories flow together so well, and King has proven that he can tackle the task of writing about romance just as well as writing about horror. Unfortunately as those of you who saw the Dateline interview know, King himself says he may not write any more novels. If this book is truly his last I cannot think of a better way to end a remarkable career.
Rating:  Summary: One of his best, definitely in the top 5. Review: I truely enjoyed this book. Even though I am too young for the 60's and Vietnam this book held my attention from start to finish. Each story stood well on it's own and combined to provide a great novel. Although I enjoy most of King's books I would not say that all of them are this good. If you're looking for blood and guts this is not the book for you. If you enjoy a story that stays with you and makes you think this is a must read.
Rating:  Summary: King is the master of horror.......... Review: ......but he can sure write drama as well. This book is Awsome! Loved all 5 stories (Low Men in Yellow Coats is my fav.). Loved the Dark Tower refrences in Low Men. Could this mean The Dark Tower 5 is on it's way? One can only hope! BUY THIS BOOK!
Rating:  Summary: What happened to the old Stephen King Review: Is there any way to give less than 1 star? King used to be fun (and spooky) to read. Not so anymore! It seems as if he's used it all up and is now selling us political diatribe under his name. I will buy no more King "stuff" nor will I read anymore until he returns to what got him where he is.
Rating:  Summary: Really well done except for Blind Willie. Review: As a slow reader (my excuse is looking for the imagery), I finished this book in 4 days (nearly a record for me). I especially liked the characterization of Bobby's mom in Low Men. We've all met those people who are just never happy and are maybe just an innocent comment away from being mean. Hearts in Atlantis seems very real for me only we had contract bridge disease and dope at Northwestern in 64-65, but I remember the signs posted in the bathroom near the end of the quarter reading: "Study Now Or Vietnam" or maybe it was a rhyme. It's been a long time and thank God, when I was drafted, they didn't take me anyway. Blind Willie was an interesting story that just didn't seem to fit. It should have really gone on longer and it seemed contrived as far as its connnection to the other stories (you really don't have to read the Author's Note to realize that). A personal aside to Mr. King who's not going to read this: Don't do that again. We know where you live. Why We're In Vietnam did a nice job of tying up some loose ends and untying some others. A look into Carol's life since U of M might have been fun, but I'm hoping she meets a gunslinger soon.
Rating:  Summary: spellbinding Review: Who would have thought that after so many years of "horror" stories from Mr. King, he could reach into his soul and pull out this book. I have enjoyed his writing from the start and have read all of his books...some good, some not so good. Still, I have been reluctant to suggest his books to people because so often the horror genre is full of "schlok" value. In Hearts In Atlantis, King is moving more and more into solid liturature. He has been traveling in that direction over the last few years, with The Green Mile and Bag of Bones, but this is by far his most moving book yet. I love the way he used the short stories to give a feel for the time, introducing us to characters and then weaving them together over a period of almost 40 years. Stephen King is a treasure.
Rating:  Summary: What has happened to Stephen King?!? Review: Like many of the reviewers,I am a huge SK fan. I belong to the SK library and eagerly await his newest book,but I have to admit that the last couple of stories he has put out don't have the throat grabbing suspense that all previous works had. Bag of Bones was ok,it had it's moments. The Girl who loved Tom Gordon was just very uninvolving and his latest,Hearts In Atlantis was just plain boring!! The only reason I gave it 2 stars was for title story. I at least got through that one quickly and it actually had some merit. Please Mr King,return to the kind of novels that made you who you are today. Give us something that will scare the hell out of us and keep us on the edge of our seats!!!!!!!!!!!! I look forward to your next Dark Tower book with great anticipation but as for your next novel,I'm just not too sure anymore.
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