Cycle of the Werewolf Readalong

 

I'm a bit behind, but I'm catching up!  My awesome friend, Midnyte Reader, is hosting Cycle of the Werewolf readalong (and seriously if you're trying hard to meet that Goodreads challenge, then this is perfect, fast read... which I know isn't usually associated with  Stephen King books, but trust me on this one!).  These are the halfway questions and my answers!

Questions:

1. If you have the version that is illustrated, what do you think of it?  Do you think it enhances or detracts from the story?

I do have the illustrated version (although mine is the paperback version, not the awesome limited hardcover one).  I love the pictures, and I really think they help bring Tarker's Mill to life. 

2. What do you think of using the calender year and its full moons as the platform for the story?
Again, I think it works really well.  This could have easily been a long, bloated book, but I think the break up of the months is clever for a werewolf story.  Plus, the first several months, the attacks on the townspeople really helps to introduce the reader to Tarker's Mill and the type of people that live there. 

3. "Love is like dying."  This is the last sentence in February when Stella Randolph is faced with the werewolf.  What are your thoughts on these metaphors? (Love, death, werewolves.)
I don't know.  I'm so used to the vampire metaphor, but I've rarely found werewolves attractive.  Usually in the debate between the two, I'll take the vampire 9 out of 10 times.  Unless I can get them both in one person, like Michael in Underworld, the perfect werewolf-vampire hybrid, and played by hottie Scott Speedman.   I do think love gets overly romanticized, and if you've ever read a romance novel you know that dying for love is a big theme.  Maybe werewolves are the more violent and physical kind of longing for love?  

4. King again uses Tarker's Mills as a kind of character.  Thoughts?

King likes his small towns!  I think there's lots of reasons to use a town like a character- partly because a small town is isolated, increasing the fear, but also because most of us can recognize the types of people that live there.  There are plenty of books that I read that could be set anywhere, the towns are so generic- a lot of times I can't even tell where they're set- and I prefer books that have a strong sense of place. 

5. What do you think of King's use of character portrayal? Too much, too little?
Okay, I cannot be unbiased when it comes to Stephen King.  Whatever he wants to write is usually pretty alright with me.  I tend to have blind loyalty when it comes to my favorite things- be they authors, friends or my Starbucks order.

6. What do you think of the Reverand's dream?

This is a hard one to answer, mostly because I've already read the book.  Although, some times a nightmare is just the result of eating too much before bedtime... which also causes weight gain.  So, don't eat before bedtime to avoid fat and werewolf nightmares.  That is all. 

 

'Salem's Lot Readalong Discussion Part 1

Sorry this is up so late folks, but I've been busy the last couple of days- October is my busy month!  So now that we're half way through 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King, I thought we'd take a moment to answer some questions.  Here we go!

 Oct. 18th:  Chapters 1-8 Discussion. 
Also, let me know below in comments if ya'll are up for a Twitter discussion tonight! 

1 .Why did King put the end of the story in the prologue?  Does it make a difference knowing that Ben and Mark survive?

2. Who is your favorite character so far?

3.  Do you think Ben really saw the ghost of Marsten when he was a kid?

4.  Do you think it's a coincidence that Ben shows up in town the same time as Barlow and Straker?

5. Consider the town or city you live in.  Do you think a similar vampire infestation could begin where you live?

6. What do you think will happen in the second half of the book (if this is your first time reading 'Salem's Lot)?

7. What moment has scared you the most?

My answers:

1 .Why did King put the end of the story in the prologue?  Does it make a difference knowing that Ben and Mark survive?
 In some ways I like it, I know no matter how bad things get, Ben and Mark survive it.  At the same time, as the story unfolds and I meet the rest of 'Salem's Lot, I can't help but be sad at their fate. Overall though, I do like the way it started.  Otherwise I think this could be too intense of a read.

2. Who is your favorite character so far?
I've always liked Mark, but this time around I'm really enjoying Matt the English teacher.  I kind of flip flop with Ben- what I like most about him tends to be the people he attracts to him.

3.  Do you think Ben really saw the ghost of Marsten when he was a kid?
You know, I think if you had asked me back when I first read this story I would have said no.  Now?  Yes, I think he did.  I think he needed to.  Partly, because I just finished a re-read of It, and the way that Ben, Mark, Matt, Susan, Jimmy and Father Callahan are being drawn together feels a bit like the Loser's Club connecting. I think Ben's ability to believe Matt's story is critical to the story.

4.  Do you think it's a coincidence that Ben shows up in town the same time as Barlow and Straker?
No!  If Barlow and Straker represent evil, then Ben and his friends represent good.  Maybe it's not always Mother Abigail speaking to you in your dreams (The Stand), and maybe God's not speaking from a burning bush, but I think the force of good drew Ben back to the Lot.  But then... you have to wonder if that same force took out his wife in order to get him in the right state to come home... and this kind of theological thinking is making my headache so I shall stop.

5. Consider the town or city you live in.  Do you think a similar vampire infestation could begin where you live?
I guess it could happen anywhere, but the city I live in is rather large and spread out.  Could it have happened in the smaller Pennsylvania town I lived in during high school?  Yes, I think so.  Especially during the winter months, when the snow can really cut the town off from the rest of the world.  Phew, it's a good think I escaped!

6. What do you think will happen in the second half of the book (if this is your first time reading 'Salem's Lot)?
I've already read it, although it's been years since the last time, so I know a bit of what's coming even though the details are a bit shaky. Also, I've already kept reading so I know what happens in the next few chapters! ;)

7. What moment has scared you the most?
Without a doubt, the moment when Matt goes upstairs to the guest bedroom.  The tension, the bravery, everything about that moment had my heart beating furiously!  I loved that he had Susan continue to talk downstairs (I must remember to use that ploy someday, also I should practice carrying on a one-way conversation because let's face it, I'd be far less likely to be the one checking on that strange noise upstairs).