Spoiler Alert: King's main character is college boy Devin Jones. Devin is in love with Wendy. Wendy does everything but spend time with Devin. Wendy puts Devin in the friend zone. Devin takes a Summer job at Joyland to forget Wendy. He makes some extra cash, meets new friends, and learns responsibility. At Joyland, he & his friends learn about the death (happens a long time ago) of Linda Gray in the Horror House. Like the Scooby Doo mystery gang, they gather clues and Devin finds out who the killer is. Hot dogged between that, Devin saves a little girl's life, gives hope to an ailing child, slam-bam's-thank-you-m'aam the child's mother and meets Linda Gray's killer face to face on top a ferris wheel.
You Can Look Now: The end? WTF??? Noooo! As a reader, I kept waiting for Stephen King to put me in a roller coaster, leave me stuck at the top and then plunge it from it's highest height. Instead it felt like he put me in a kiddie coaster doing loopty-loops.The book was really good, but it was wayyy too sweet. It was a coming of age story! I don't want a coming of age story or SWEET story from Stephen King. I want THRILLS and CHILLS! I wanted people to go missing! I wanted people to runnnn from the theme park in hysteria! I wanted somebody's head to roll, pla dunk, bump, bump, bump roll from the Horror House!
Oh Stephen! Get with me. We have to re-write this! This is too cotton candy. Leave the cotton candy to me. Were you eating a Mr. Softee ice cream cone while writing this? I love you to pieces (no pun intended), but... BTW, does anybody have any Reese's Pieces?
Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet
Stephen King's Joyland is Bittersweet
Hope you enjoyed this book review!
I'll try to do them at least once a month :)
I'll post them all under my book column above.
I'll post them all under my book column above.
as always a good review,
ReplyDeleteit is a long time that I didn't read a book of King,
Ciao
Nicky
Hahaha...this was brilliant!! Strange for a Stephen King book though, has he gone soft on us!?! Might give it a whirl any ways...when I finish my other stuff. We're on the same brain wave as I was going to post book reviews as well like once a month to go with my movies, hahaha! I love that :)) I love reading books others find as well :)) I will check this out :)) Maybe if they make a movie, it would be better. I'm like you, I want to be scared and thrilled when reading a King book :)) Have a great day doll x
ReplyDeleteP.S. I don't like clowns either...only bit of a amusement park I hate, haha! Keep them away!!
ReplyDeleteToo bad it was bittersweet! I was hoping you would say it was freaking fabulous, ha ha! Stephen King is usually a hit or miss author for me. Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteLol Kim you made me so smile! Honestly I cant imaging either Stephen King writing a sweet book so now you made me very curious and need to read it too! I also like thrills and that kind of scary story!:D Kisses dear! xo
ReplyDeleteHaha..love your facial exptession, priceless Kim! I kind of hate this kind of story where an author leaves the thrill/scary parts on the last five pages. I love suspicions/scary type of book but thus far haven't found one that you can capture my attention.
ReplyDeleteKim, he is one of my favorite authors!! you look so cute in these pics!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really into murder mysteries but that stinks that the book took forever to get to the good stuff. On to the next book!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
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HA! You are so cute! I loved this review! You made me giggle :) The only book I have ever read by him was "Hearts in Atlantis", it was really good.
ReplyDeleteInteresting he wrote such a different story, so like a good but not typical book.
ReplyDeleteGinny
Bahaha, oh man, too bad it disappointed you! This was a fantastic review Kim, you have a natural ability to relate your thoughts on something whether it be a book or makeup, in a way that's enjoyable :)
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The Dragonfruit Diaries
Your WTF face is hilarious! Ugh I would be so annoyed if the thrilling part came at the very end! I was reading about Stephen King recently and I know he released a book he started 30 years ago - I wonder if it is this book or something else?
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
i've never read any f his books because i saw the shinning and it was sooooo scary!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha what a great review! Your WTF moment is so funny. Too bad about this book though!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I'm a huge SK fan, but haven't bought this one yet. Great review, although I did skip the spoiler part:D I might wait until it goes on sale.
ReplyDeleteMy fave books of his has got to be The Stand and On Writing....soo good, right?
Oh Kim , your WTF face and the fact that you wanted for people¡s head to roll are priceless -
ReplyDeleteIt's sooo sad to hear that the book was disappointing as Stephen King is a master in his craft.
Amazing review! So great:)
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Very good review Kim...enjoy your evening:)
ReplyDelete~Anne
Oh really nice book!
ReplyDeleteLooks very interesting.xx
www.sakuranko.com
What? Reallly? That long for some action and mostly coming of age? BLECH! I'm with you. Blech! I'm so removing this from my wishlist now. Thanks for your honest review.
ReplyDeleteSmack me but I have never liked Stephen King, but lately I saw an expose of him on CBS Sunday Morning and ...I just may read this book. Between that info I saw (he was interviewed) and your recommendations, hmmmmm. I'll keep ya posted.
ReplyDeleteI love that new coral lipstick! So keep your eyes on my posts in the future, too. hahahahaha
Love your pics and this review! You look so cute! My hubby likes to read King's books. I'll have to share this post with him. He, too, would be less than thrilled to not be reading a thriller--when reading a Stephen King book. Joy & hugs! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteFab review and your WTF face made me LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe only Stephen King book I've read is Misery.. Okay I lie, I watched the movie, ha! But need to get back into reading books.
The plot sounds like something I'd read :)
x
Good review!! Too bad it was too cotton candy for you. I love chills and thrills too but I'm trying to reduce anxiety these days because I have two little boys for that (don't need more adventure.) lol Have a great evening Kim! :)
ReplyDeletexx
Heel in Mint
This is such a good review. I'm actually not a huge Stephen King fan but I appreciate that people enjoy his books! thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletexo,
nancy
http://adoretoadorn.blogspot.com
I love reading and finding new awesome novels. Thanks for the great recommendation
ReplyDeleteyou got me intrigue with this book now. i dont usually read stephen king , i just wait for them to make a movie. But this one i might have to check. Hope they have it on audiobook
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i usually don't read stephen king, but i would expect nothing less that a thriller! kind of a bummer, then! nice review, kim!
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Oh no no spoilers. I am reading a thriller mystery right now too! But the name escapes me.Has the word Girl in it but it is NOT Gone Girl. I HATED that book. Luckily it was on the free table at work. The one I am reading now seems ok so far.
ReplyDeleteHaha did you ever see the episode of Seinfeld about the guys who is obsessed with Elaine and stalks her dressed as a clown?
Ali of
Dressing Ken
This sounds like a book I would love. Definitely adding it to my next book purchases.
ReplyDeleteTracy @ www.sunnydaystarrynight.com
What?? That's it? That doesn't sound like Stephen King. His books are usually so gruesome and twisted with a devastating thriller ending. Maybe he was on crack when he wrote this book? I'm still intrigued though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the spoiler! I LOVE SPOILERS!! Saves me so much time. I read the entire synopsis of Game of Thrones on Wikipedia, and I felt like I got to see the entire series before it even came out on TV!
Christy
Sunnywithasideof...
Kim, this is AWESOME! I haven't read any Stephen King's novels. I'm not into thriller/horror. I'm a chicken. Haha. This is great that you're making this a regular post. I love books! I'm going to LA in two days so I'll talk to you then.
ReplyDeletexo Jo
http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/
you're hilarious. thanks for the review. I haven't read a Stephen king book ever though I have seen some of his movies :) I just started reading Unbroken. It's pretty amazing!
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thanks for the review! I love King's books. I definitely should read one again after a brake
ReplyDeleteOOh Kim, what a good idea to do a book review. I love this post and even with the spolier alert the story line sounds like something I'd love especially with the carnival setting. I wish I had this for my flight back to SF this Saturday. It's going to a long one and I could probably finish this book. hehe
ReplyDeleteHope you're doing well!
xoDale
http://www.savvyspice.com
You are soooo cute!!!^^
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Haha this is such a fun review Kim! :) I look forward to reading more of your reviews :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a Stephen king book I can enjoy! I read the cell one, that was scary enough for me!
I think being a pulp fiction writer like Stephen King can be as hard as being a typecast actor... we come to expect a certain thing from them, and when they don't deliver, we're disappointed; it doesn't matter to us, as readers or viewers, that they might be truly gifted artists who want to try something new and expand their horizons. We want what we know and love! I read another, more sweet Stephen King book - can't remember the title for the life of me - and felt exactly the same as you did about Joyland. And then maybe I thought I was being unfair because Stephen King has every right to write any story he wants. I think I over-analyse sometimes :)
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
Very interesting review on this book, love it!!!
ReplyDeleteWas it a YA book? Maybe he's trying to break into a new audience.
ReplyDeleteAhahahah ah you, so funny!!! You're right!! I expect this from him too!!! His is the king of death, and suspense and thriller!!so really wtf?!?!....but he still remain the king..it doesn't change, a mistake can happen :)
ReplyDeleteVale
www.lavaligiasuletto.blogspot.it
Kim that was the most entertaining blog post I've read since we went bonkers for that banana smell. I love your photos, you are just so cute. Love your pink lipstick and blush too. And the videos! Is there nothing you can't do? What a pain that the cover leads you to think it's a scary story, when really it's not. I've found Stephen King books and movies a bit hit and miss. Hope the next one gives you a real fright hehe.
ReplyDeletevery nice review Kim :) I've never read stephen king cos I dont like horror on books (I got scared) but this one sounds okay, worth giving a try sometime :=)
ReplyDeleteYou know what, I've never read Stephen King-- just not my thing. Now, his son's work is AWESOME!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing! i've been looking for a new summer read.
ReplyDeleteps - check out my awesome Jack Rogers giveaway!
Thanks for the review! I love a good read every now and then, but I might pass this one by. I do love amusement parks though!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! I think I will definitely pick this up for a holiday read!
ReplyDeleteOHhhh sounds like a great summer read! Thanks for the recommendation, love Stephen King! xx Kat
ReplyDeleteLove and Ace
OHhhh sounds like a great summer read! Thanks for the recommendation, love Stephen King! xx Kat
ReplyDeleteLove and Ace
Hmmm, might skip this one. I have so many books on my summer reading list!
ReplyDeletealways, koru kate
Hey Kim, I forgot to ask you which biographies would you recommend me reading? I haven't read one in a long time. The last one I read was Barbara Walters which I really enjoyed. I usually buy my books at Amazon, Costco or Chapters. Thanks!
ReplyDeletexo Jo
http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/
Haha!!!! Thanks for the review! By the way you made it sound I will definitely pass on this book lol!
ReplyDeletegreat review Kim..you always make them so fun and engaging.
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Dawn
Seriously, the world's most adorable book post, right here! I am so deep in summer reading right now, it's just the best, isn't it?
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
Now I want to read it, ahhhhhhhhhh
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This sounds suitable for my easy-to-scare self. I prefer misteries to thrillers, I think the last thriller I read was "the third twin" by Follet and I clearly remember some sleepless nights!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Coco et La vie en rose
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Ive actually never read any of S King's thrillers. thanks for this really thorough and informative review, as long as there are no clown killers, I don't mind reading it!
ReplyDeleteKim, you have to be the cutest book reviewer ever! Love your expressions! This one sounds like a real departure from Stephen King's usual thrillers. Well at least he's got range :)
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Kim, can I just first of all start by saying how adorable I find you? Again, thanks for the well wishes *hugs*
ReplyDeleteAmusement park doesn't seem like the conventional Stephen King content, but I did read a lot of his books in high school, and I do love amusement parks like you, so I may check this out. I loved your review, though I did skip the spoiler parts in case I do read it :)
WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM
A nice review! Sounds like a very interesting book to try out this summer! I love roller coasters :D
ReplyDeleteHihi. I don't like clowns either. And gahd, even your book review makes me giggle. lol. *imagining Stephen King eating a Mr. Softee ice cream cone* rofl.
ReplyDelete(^^,)
i like stephen king thrillers so i might have to look into this! :D thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnimated Confessions
I guess that is a perfect theme for Stephen King's summer book. The joys and thrills in the Amusement Parks plus some love story in between. As you wrote, exactly like Cotton Candy. Brilliant review Kim!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks for your honest review!
ReplyDeleteHehehe, perhaps he is trying to appeal to a younger demographic? Like the boxcar children...
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
ha,ha...who would have known that King is getting too sweet...so weird.
ReplyDeleteLove your review.
Thankfully I read your review Kim! I've been looking at getting the book since I love Stephen King but it has been some years since I've read one. I might give it a miss and read one of my old favourites. Thanks for the insight. You've saved me some reading time and I'm sure a little disappointment.
ReplyDelete- Mandi
www.findmeamuse.com
haha will not be buying this book then! although i dont really read horror it scares the shit out of me :D
ReplyDeleteI have never read anything by Stephen King - shame on me - so maybe this one makes a good start!
ReplyDeleteI am currently busy with the Game of Thrones book, the first one of The Song of Ice and Fire series and I'm totally addicted. Even though I've watched the tv series, the book gives a deeper insight into the characters, their thoughts and motivations.
I'm really enjoying having a book back in my hands after a long, exhausting year. So, I'm happy to read good reviews and recommendations :)
Just finished Joyland, and like you, it was not what I was expecting. Perhaps that has to do with failure to read the synopsis of the book. I had even wrongly categorized the book as Horror at first. Way wrong.
ReplyDeleteMoving on to Charlie Huston's new book to get my thriller fix.
I purchased this in old-style paperback, since I intended to read it on the beach this summer. It was a good read, & I'm glad that this wasn't available as an e-book, since somehow that would've taken away from the 'SummerRead' experience for me.
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