King and Straub--The Talisman

Many years ago at a book expo in LA I was fortunate enough to meet Stephen King. It was at a luncheon I attended and I couldn't wait to meet him as he was my favorite author. I discovered he was a really nice guy, though I couldn't help but wonder what went on in his head. Since A Shadow of Time came out, that question has been asked by my readers.

I can assure you that nothing creepy rattles around in my brain, except when I'm home alone, a fire going, and the wind is whistling outside my window. Since I live in the Sierra Nevada foothills the wind is accompanied by numerous trees scratching across my roof. That is when creepy thoughts invade my space.

On to the Talisman.

I read the novel in one weekend about eleven years ago, which was quite an accomplishment as the book runs in excess of 600 pages (800 for paperback). However, I couldn't put it down. The second time I read it, it was more for the atmosphere King and Straub created. Details get lost in a fast read. The third time I read it I was able to put it all together into a complete sensory appreciation for the novel. I also ate a lot of ice cream and admit there are a few chocolate fingerprints across the pages. (Ah, the days of remission when ice cream was permissible.)

Reading is my number one pleasure in life. As a child it was my escape and as an adult it brings me comfort. I can no longer  eat chocolate (except on the rare occasion) because of Crohn's disease, but pickles have taken its place. And while pickles are a poor substitute for chocolate, it is one pleasure that doesn't  make me sick.

For me, the longer the book the better. I fall in love with characters, learn from their mistakes, and I get to have adventures I normally couldn't take. I've been to other countries, taken trips around the world and discovered new tombs in the Valley of the Kings. I read about physics, science, and all the other ologys I'll never get a degree in because there isn't enough time in one life to accomplish all my goals.

For me, reading a great book is almost as good as chocolate.

The Talisman.

A quest book filled with depth and breadth of character so strong you'll live the journey.

Twelve year-old Jack Sawyer needs to save his dying mother. In order to do so, he embarks on the journey of his lifetime. What will save her life is on the other end of the continent and he must get there alone and as fast as possible.  Complicating this, is that Jack must also save another woman (a twinner of his mother) who rules a world Jack didn't know existed. Soon, he  discovers The Territories. A place where everyone has a twinner of someone else on Jack's plane of existence.

The journey Jack takes is remarkable. He discovers that when he walks in The Territories he moves faster and farther than in his own dimension, but this comes with more trials and tribulations one small boy can handle. Watching Jack grow from a child to a confident young man is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity.and depth.  He meets friends, enemies, and unearths truths he would rather not have known. 

The Talisman is well plotted, the characters sympathetic and deep. Even the countryside is vividly described and you feel you can almost reach out and touch the plant and animal life. If you have some free time, give The Talisman a shot. It might become your favorite novel of all time. A combination of fantasy, a dash of horror, and suspenseful action, The Talisman is one mighty fine novel.

Happy Reading!

*hugs*

Louann




 

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