Pet Sematary

    By Stephen King

        I read this classic tale of horror when I was younger, but couldn’t remember most of the story details. This book was written at the zenith of King’s horror period, and this story certainly lived up to my expectations.
       The story involves a typical American family; a mother and father with a son and daughter and cat. The Creed family has moved from Chicago to Ludlow, Maine where Louis is going to be the doctor for a small university. The family moves into a nice home, on a very busy road. They are quickly welcomed into the community by Judd, their neighbor across the street. Everything is wonderful with the family, as they begin to settle in to their new home. However, Louis’s first day at the university is a sign of what is to come. A college student is brought in to the medical center after being struck by a car. The incident resonates with Louis’s daughter, Ellie, as it is her first introduction to death. More importantly, the horrific death resonates with Mrs. Creed. Rachel Creed was exposed to death at a very young age, when her sister contracted and slowly died from spinal meningitis. Rachel was traumatized by the death, and becomes very cross with Louis when he decides to have a frank conversation about death with their daughter. Ellie’s cat is then killed by an Orinco truck on the busy road in front of their house. Judd decides to take Louis to the pet sematary, and to the Indian burial ground which holds a forbidden secret. Soon Louis is struggling with a bigger problem than his daughter’s dead cat. 
         I found this book to be a very interesting read. While the story was sufficiently interesting, what impressed me the most was how relatable the characters were. The emotions and conflicts are so well described that it is easy to put yourself in their shoes. The action wasn’t fast-paced, but the thrill was in the anticipation on what was going to happen next. I would definitely recommend this book; it is a great example of what people think of when they think “Stephen King.” 


Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Bunsen Burners 


Up Next: The Camel Club by David Baldacci