Blaze

By Stephen King

Blaze is a novel centered around a mentally retarded criminal, on his own since the demise of his partner. The book is concentrated on the formation and carrying out of a kidnapping scheme in an effort to score big.

Once again, King does a great job at character development and making the story interesting because of this development. We feel for Blaze as a troubled youth who is slow because of abuse by his father. We learn of his tough life, and how he met George and began his life of crime. There are obvious parallels to the Steinbeck novel, Of Mice and Men. Blaze is a large, dim-witted soul, and similar to Lenny is lost without George. George, even in death, plays a big role in this book by guiding Blaze. Blaze follows Georges plan for wealth by kidnapping the young baby of a wealthy family.

While the main story carries on, we are given a great deal of information on Blaze’s history. This is typical King-style, and connects us further to the character. The story itself is interesting, and the history provided further endears us to Blaze. We are held in suspense as Blaze attempts the kidnapping, and his trouble with the law. With the help of George, he stays one step ahead of the law.

Overall I would recommend this book, especially for the King fans such as myself. It is not a novel that will blow you away, or leaving you at the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen. Despite this, it is an interesting and well written read.

Rating: 3.5/5 Bunsen Burners.

Up Next: Midnight by Dean Koontz (This is your last chance Dean).

Mr. X

By Peter Straub

First off, I apologize if this review is not as detailed as I would typically write. Having just finished a move, it has been a while since I have read the book. Having immensely enjoyed the collaborative books by Stephen King and Peter Straub, I thought that this book would be a comparable read to what I am used to. Boy was I wrong.

The book revolves around the main character Ned Dunstan and his family. We learn that he was born to a free spirited mother who wasn’t around much, and an unknown father. Because of this he often stayed with foster parents or his aunts. I don’t really remember much detail about this part of the book, and one reason for this is because it was so unimportant. It was not essential to the story and did not help to develop the character or provide insight to the story. The family and friends of the family are so hard to keep track of, I often didn’t know who was talking or being talked about. We also learn that he has supernatural seizures occurring on his birthday about the mysterious Mr. X. The book is further convoluted due to the constant switching between the main story from Ned’s perspective, and Mr. X.

Also, thrown into the story are a few supernatural aspects. The main character has a secret twin brother, who has certain powers (not being easily seen, time travel). The Dunstans have special powers, that are mentioned frequently but not described. (In fact, when these powers are finally explained it leaves you wondering how this even belongs in this book). The book continues slowly revealing the big “mysteries” that the author has created, which are also of little consequence. We follow the trite storyline involving several love interests. One which develops further, but is also incredibly unimportant and uninteresting. Yes, there is a connection…but really who cares. It’s awful.

Most frustrating about this book, aside from the cheesy clichés and the convoluted story, was the ending. We get a conclusion to the “story” and the book basically peters out. It was incredibly unsatisfying and I was pissed by the end of this book.

I am not ready to dismiss Peter Straub, but I can’t help but be unimpressed with him thus far. It made me wonder how much of Black House and The Talisman was actually written by Peter Straub. I hated this book, and would not recommend that you read it. Hopefully I will find a different book by this author and he will be redeemed.

Rating: 1 out of 5 Bunsen Burners

Up Next: Blaze by Stephen King

Barefoot

by Elin Hilderbrand

I had never read a book by this author before- in fact I had never heard of her or her writings. Honestly I picked this book this summer because it went with the season and was $7. I am so glad I did.

This touching book takes place in beautiful Nantucket. The author describes wonderful scenery and beaches that make you yearn for a vacation. The story follows three women: Vicki, a wife and mother, has just recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Remembering her idyllic summers in Nantucket as a child, she returns there with her two friends to receive her chemotherapy and relax in between treatments. Brenda, Vicki's sister, has just been fired from her teaching position for having a romantic relationship with a student. She is struggling to pick up the pieces from the romance that left her wanting to write a screenplay and dealing with legal issues. Last but not least there is Melanie. Melanie recently found out, after spending years and tons of money spent on trying to get pregnant, that she is. She also finds out that her husband is cheating on her.

These women are all trying to pick up pieces of their once stable lives. Each has their own problems, while trying to help each other, and enjoy a summer vacation in one house. To help Vicki with her kids, especially when she becomes to weak to watch them, the women hire a young 21 year old man named Josh. Josh becomes the last piece in the puzzle to try and help these women regain control of their families and their lives.

When I first started reading this book, I was confused with the characterization and introductions. It seemed very abrupt and almost too much at once. I was certain I wouldn't like this book from the first 20 pages. Hilderbrand keeps the readers interested and develops her characters throughout the book so you end up caring for each of them individually. Anyone who reads this book or is thinking about reading this book should keep in mind that it has very emotional topics. If you are a sensitive person, please be forewarned. I would recommend this book for someone looking for a superb and heartwarming "beach read". Enjoy!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Up Next: Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong