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The Talisman (The Talisman #1)

by Stephen King, Peter Straub (Goodreads Author)

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 48,377 ratings · 1,252 reviews

On a brisk autumn day, a thirteen-year-old boy stands on the shores of the gray Atlantic, near a silent amusement park and a fading ocean resort called the Alhambra. The past has driven Jack Sawyer here: his father is gone, his mother is dying, and the world no longer makes sense. But for Jack everything is about to change. For he has been chosen to make a journey back acr

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Paperback, 768 pages

Published March 15th 1987 by Berkley (first published 1984)

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A List for Those Who Want to Run Screaming at the Mention of Sparkly Vampires, Fifty Shades of Abusive Relationships, or Other Assorted Mass Marketed Crap

43rd out of 527 books — 170 voters

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish by Douglas Adams

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

Best Books of 1984

9th out of 93 books — 51 voters

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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

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Jul 24, 2012 Lou rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-reads

Heartwarming journey of self discovery and triumph. Travelling Jack is on a quest to save his ailing mother through worlds within worlds. The story's playing within worlds reminds me of dr Seuss Horton hears a who movie, where actions in one world have repercussions in the other. Jack meets familiar faces and both worlds fate have an effect on each other. He is only 12 years old and he starts to embark on experiences that are painful and heartwarming that mold him into someone unique. He bonds w...more

31 likes · like · see review

May 18, 2013 Dirk Grobbelaar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, books-i-own, horror, fantasy

Tricksy Review

There is so much that happens in this novel, that any thoughts I can cram into one review will always be woefully inadequate.

Don't you sometimes think there's more to life than order?
Don't you want just a little magic?

It is perhaps a good thing to read this book three decades down the line, separated from the hype that so weighed it down when it was first published. 50% Horror; 50% Dark Fantasy. 50% Straub; 50% King, and yet not anything you would have expected from either.

The quo...more

25 likes · like · see review

Nov 28, 2007 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My favorite book of all time! To me, it is just the perfect epic hero's journey story. I love that it takes place in the early 80s; I love the grittiness and ugliness of what happens to Jack as he travels back and forth between this world and The Territories, and I LOVE the character of Wolf.

The first few chapters are a little slow and not very exciting, but they are important and hold crucial story points that will come into play later, so to anyone reading this for the first time, I recommend...more

30 likes · like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Dustin rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: I think everyone should read it, at least once

Shelves: classics, favorites

Recently, a good GR friend agreed that the word 'magical' is a great way of describing The Talisman. In turn, she shared a quote by Markus Zusak:

“Sometimes you read a book so special that you want to carry it around with you for months after you've finished just to stay near it.”

Only now can I not only fully agree, but appreciate the sentiment behind Zusak's words.. although it's uncertain if he was referring to this particular novel. It's incredibly profound, and they describe my feelings tow...more

16 likes · like · see review

Oct 27, 2008 Nikki rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I've never read anything written solely by Peter Straub, so I didn't really know what to expect from a collaboration between him and Stephen King. Honestly, in the end, it just felt mostly like a Stephen King book, but maybe that's because I haven't read any Peter Straub. In terms of the writing on a basic level, The Talisman is a pretty easy read. The flow is pretty good and there aren't any stupidly show-offy words or anything like it. At times it does feel a bit like it could do with some edi...more I've never read anything written solely by Peter Straub, so I didn't really know what to expect from a collaboration between him and Stephen King. Honestly, in the end, it just felt mostly like a Stephen King book, but maybe that's because I haven't read any Peter Straub. In terms of the writing on a basic level, The Talisman is a pretty easy read. The flow is pretty good and there aren't any stupidly show-offy words or anything like it. At times it does feel a bit like it could do with some editing, but overall, I liked it.

I liked the plot quite a lot. The core principle is something anyone can relate to, really: someone close to Jack Sawyer is dying, and he has to find a cure. The way this plays out isn't so realistic, perhaps -- if one object could cure all ills, life would be so much simpler, after all! But that's fantasy for you. The Territories is a pretty average idea of "the other world", which reminds me of Stephen Lawhead's version in The Paradise War, except less Celtic and more... well, American. The worlds King and Straub build up are rich with detail, all the same. The idea of Twinners and the importance of single-selved beings within the story is interesting, and I enjoyed the Jack/Jason thing that spanned throughout.

The characters are lovely. The bad guys are all pretty obvious and twisted, it's true, but the sympathetic characters -- particularly, for me, Wolf and Richard -- are amazing. My definition of amazing tends to be "not perfect, maybe even kind of irritating at times, but somehow I love them so much anyway". Which is the same for both Wolf and Richard. As for the main character, Jack -- well, he fits the bill, too. The only problem with him was that I could never quite picture a boy of his age acting in the way he does. I kept imagining him as older than he actually is -- fourteen, fifteen, instead of twelve. But that wasn't a huge problem for me.

I really, really enjoyed this book, overall. I can see flaws in it, and in places it turned out to be a little too predictable for me, but all the same, all that aside, I loved it.(less)

8 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Fenixbird SandS rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Science Fiction/Fantasy

I did NOT realize it was CO-authored by Stephen King! LEFT ITS CREATIVE MARK ON ME when I read it in Junior High or perhaps earlier? It is a vision of the future where technology is feared as if it was evil (or from the Devil)! The plot goes something like this (as I recall!!).....A young man is time warped into the future."...This book charts the adventure of a twelve year old boy named Jack Sawyer. The young hero sets out from Arcadia Beach, New Hampshire in a bid to save his mother, who is dy...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Rhockman rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasia-heroica

Es un libro muy extenso con buenos y malos momentos; y al ser tan largo por momentos tuve la impresión de haber estado intercalando libros aburridos y libros entretenidos.

De alguna forma invierte lo que suele ser la literatura fantástica para adolescentes; hay un muchacho héroe pero que lidia con el cancer, el acoso, la corrupción policial, el fanatismo religioso, y en segundo lugar viaja por el mundo, lucha con seres fantásticos y recoge objetos mágicos.

Más allá de todo, este libro refuerza dos...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 29, 2007 HT Goodwill rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Stephen King fans, those who like feeling bad when they read

Shelves: wish_i_hadnt_picked_up

Well written? Yes. Good story line? Yes. Creative? Yes. Worth reading? No.

The problem I have with this book (and many of the Stephen King books I've attempted to read) is that everything in it is presented as being mean, petty, twisted, angry, cruel, etc.

When I read, I'm willing to wade through sad, oppresive, heart-wrenching difficulties with the main characters if necessary, but ultimately, I read fiction in the hopes that it is going to help me feel good about life, forget my troubles, forget...more

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 15, 2007 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For people who may not be Stephen King fans, this book may change your mind. Most people think of Stephen King as strickly a horror writer, but some of his best books are not scary (in the traditional "something icky and creepy is hiding in my closet" sense) at all. This book is more about hope and commitment to a cause. Bet you never thought you'd hear someone say that about a King book!!

And those of you who only think of King as a horror author, try reading The Body or Rita Hayworth and the Sh...more

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-adventure-suspense

Weak 3 stars. One long quest/journey. I was not enchanted. At best I was curious. The parallel universe was interesting.

Jack is twelve years old. A wise old man “Speedy” tells Jack about an alternate world called the Territories, with many of the same people called twinners. Jack’s mother Lily is dying of cancer. Lily’s twinner in the Territories is Laura who is Queen of the Territories. Laura is also ill. Speedy tells Jack he can save the lives of Lily and Laura if he gets the Talisman which is...more Weak 3 stars. One long quest/journey. I was not enchanted. At best I was curious. The parallel universe was interesting.

Jack is twelve years old. A wise old man “Speedy” tells Jack about an alternate world called the Territories, with many of the same people called twinners. Jack’s mother Lily is dying of cancer. Lily’s twinner in the Territories is Laura who is Queen of the Territories. Laura is also ill. Speedy tells Jack he can save the lives of Lily and Laura if he gets the Talisman which is located in California. Jack is on the east coast. Speedy tells Jack to start his journey by walking. He also gives Jack a potion that allows Jack to flip back and forth between the worlds. This story is mostly one long journey. Jack encounters evil villains and magical creatures. He also encounters allies. Jack is frequently harmed, yet he survives and escapes. He radiates goodness, love, courage, and perseverance.

This was ok, but I wasn’t excited or pulled in. At best I was curious about what would happen. There is a lot of description - maybe too much - of places and creatures. If I were reading the physical book I might have been impatient for it to be over. But because I was listening to the audiobook I didn’t mind since I was doing other things. But I wasn’t surprised, delighted, or wowed the way I’ve been with other Stephen King books. I wonder if part of the reason is that it was coauthored with Peter Straub. I don’t think I have ever loved a book that was “coauthored.” This may not apply, but I envision coauthors being buddies and not wanting to criticize each other. A sole author is more likely to self criticize, resulting in a better work.

The best audience for this book is probably teenage boys. There are werewolves, odd creatures, and magical items and places. Strong language is used a few times, but not often.

The ending was typical for this type of story with a final fight between good and evil. I would have liked a more unusual ending, but at least it was happy for the good guys which I liked.

The narrator Frank Muller was excellent. He is one of the best narrators ever - for any book.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook reading time: 28 hrs and 5 mins. Swearing language: strong but rarely used. One instance of a racial slur. Sexual content: none, other than references to male body parts. Setting: 1981 various U.S. locations. Book copyright: 1984. Genre: fantasy adventure suspense. Ending: good for most of the good guys. Bad for the bad guys.

OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Stephen King books, see my 5 star review of Carrie.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2008 Jonathan rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

I thought I would give fantasy a shot, plus it was co-written by another author. Interesting story, but would probably be better as a twilight zone episode cause the writing, of course sucked. Boring all together.

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Lee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-gr-challenge

Not what I expected, but presently surprised. I really enjoyed this book and the wonderful story of Jack Sawyer. The characters in the book were amazing and easy to fall in love with or hate. It is a wonderful fantasy about multiple worlds with a truly engaging story.

I did find it a bit wordy in spots, and thought on many occasions, just get to the point already. I think that may be why it took me so long to read it. I also kept thinking of The Never-ending Story, while I have not read the book...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 21, 2013 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, 2013, horror-read, scifi-fantasy, stephen-king-read

For about a three month period, we follow a twelve year old Jack Sawyer on a journey which will take him across the country, but also to other worlds unknown. Jack Sawyer has had a life unlike most kids his age, and his wisdom, determination, and just all-around kick-a$$ness throughout the entire novel, show even a twelve year old boy shouldn't be underestimated.

I think one of the things I liked best about The Talisman was Jack Sawyer. He's the type of character you can't help but love, not onl...more For about a three month period, we follow a twelve year old Jack Sawyer on a journey which will take him across the country, but also to other worlds unknown. Jack Sawyer has had a life unlike most kids his age, and his wisdom, determination, and just all-around kick-a$$ness throughout the entire novel, show even a twelve year old boy shouldn't be underestimated.

I think one of the things I liked best about The Talisman was Jack Sawyer. He's the type of character you can't help but love, not only because of the things I mentioned previously of his character, but, he's so strong, innocent, and I think the type of kid we all wanted to be at that age. He reminds me a lot of Jake from the Dark Tower series, but I find Jack to be so much stronger and I even grew to love his character.

The journey itself was also really interesting on its own. Not every journey in a person's life is going to be easy. In fact, it may turn out to be even harder than originally thought. Jack's journey is full of hardship, pain, but the rewards he gained during and at the end of his journey, were worth it. I felt as though, sometimes, as I read, I was going through the same trials as Jack. Every time he suffered, I felt like I suffered, or at least my heart suffered along with him. Jack is such a REAL character, not forced, and written so well.

Even though this was a collaboration between King and Straub, I felt this was such a really well-written novel: The writing was superb, but also I felt loose ends were tied, my questions were answered, and I felt as though I went along with Jack on his journey. I feel sometimes all of those things are hard to achieve in novel. But yet again, King (and Straub) shows why he is a master author. The descriptions of scenery, emotion, people, of everything, made me feel as I was apart of these pages myself.

The only "problem" I had with this book was the character Wolf. At first, I found him to be annoying...extremely annoying. But, I loved Jack so much, and I wanted to see where this journey would take him, I decided to put up with Wolf. As I read on, I actually grew to like him. I don't think he brings the story down at all, because he endures a lot himself.

All in all, The Talisman is so well worth the investment to read. I am looking forward to Black House so I can see where Jack travels to next. (less)

13 likes · like · see review

May 30, 2008 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: stephen-king, the-best, reviewed

My only problem with this book is that I can totally tell which lines were penned by the pretentious and long winded (yes, even compared to Stephen King) Peter Straub. I'm fairly certain he wrote most of the first chapter or two, which is why I had this book on my shelf for a couple years before I could ever get into it. Finally one day I decided to power through the bleak and wordy beginning. After that, I only stopped reading for bathroom breaks and food, even foregoing sleep to finish this am...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 16, 2008 Jeff rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Stephen King and the Dark Tower series

Recommended to Jeff by: Taft Babbitt

I played a game while reading this book: I tried to figure out which author, Stephen King or Peter Straub, had written what I was currently reading. Though both authors have an overly descriptive and sometimes long-winded approach, Straub tends to be more so, while King has developed a unique style that is truly his own.

Another thing I like about King's writing is how he incorporates other works into his stories. Whether it's name dropping or mentioning another town, he has truly created a web-l...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 11, 2007 John Wiswell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fantasy readers, horror readers, Harry Potter fans looking to graduate to mature fiction

This is the closest thing to Harry Potter that I'll ever love. King and Straub don't treat their child protagonist like Rowling, Funke or Barker - this kid is in for some real hardship, quickly meaningful companionship, and a truly ingenius world-hopping adventure. Jack Sawyer's mother is dying, and the only way to save her is to retrieve the magical talisman, an artifact in another world - the world Jack lost his father to. That world ("The Territories") turns out to be a microcosm of our own,...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 04, 2008 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2001, age-adult, horror

I think this is one of Stephen King's best books (maybe Peter Straub had a hand in that, but I haven't really loved anything I've read by Peter Straub, so I'm just gonna chalk it up to Stephen King). The story has an epic feel, and the way the characters move between two worlds--ours and what I consider to be the private nightmare world of Stephen King--is really creepy. The Dark Tower series goes into this territory quite a bit. There are scenes that I can still vividly remember now, 7 years la...more

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Sep 01, 2008 Toby rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Boring. Paper-thin characters. Bad writing. Plotted as though King and Straub literally used a Joseph Campbell table of contents as an outline. Having been written in the 1980s, dated.

There were a couple of sections that slid by page-after-page like a good King spellbinder, but the bulk of this collaboration is plodding, trite, and worlds apart (pun intended) from what one expects of King, but maybe this book is too early to be good, or maybe Straub is the urine in the chowder. Either way, I don...more

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Dec 20, 2008 Dustin rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

By far, one of the greatest Stephen King (and I guess Peter Straub) books ever. I remember liking it a lot when I first read it, but on a second reading, having read so much of his other work, especially the complete Dark Tower, I can see this book in a new light.

A deep and thorough exploration of one of the multiple universes that comes into play in the Dark Tower, the drama and excitement, twists and turns make reading this book almost a compulsive exercise. Instead of saying 'it was hard to...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Jason rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reshelved

I've tried to slice it many ways so I could give this book at least one more star, but the fact remains that I started it not quite 2 years ago, read about 600 pages, and never finished it. I just had a hard time caring about the main character, or any of the characters for that matter. The story was OK, but the characters weren't all that believable, and, eh... Well, I still have about 150 pages to go to finish it, but I haven't touched it in well over a year, and I'm not sure if I'll ever get...more

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Apr 27, 2007 Crissy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Remember when you were a kid, and there was a special other world that you could go to any time you wanted, just by concentrating really hard? Maybe in your other world your best friend was a dragon, or an old oak tree that told you secrets, or your detachable shadow... or some other thing that the adults in your world chalked up to "an active imagination." It didn't matter what the grown-ups said, though, because you knew your other world was real.

The Talisman knows about that secret world, and...more

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Apr 13, 2008 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of my favorite stories...based on the adventures of a young boy to save his mother, he journeys through multiple dimensions in a desparate race. I'm a huge fan of "other world" stories and those with strong character development--this has both. It's a traditional hero story, but just packed with life challenges, fear, and tragedy. While I'm not usually a fan of "horror" genres, the ending sequence is so disturbing and gripping that I had to put the book down a couple of times and the...more

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Feb 22, 2008 Kirsten rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-pre-12-07, own

A lot of Stephen King fans I know don't really care for this novel, so I was pleased and surprised when I found myself absolutely blown away. This book is horrifying and dark, but it also gives such a fine sense of ultimate Good that it's hard to resist. There were elements that struck me as being very obviously King or very obviously Straub, but as a whole I felt like it hung together really well. It's got a real intensity of focus; the point is Jack's journey, and the authors rarely succumb to...more

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Jul 28, 2008 Aaron rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of either author or fans of intelligent fantasy

Stephen King is a wholly imaginative writer who has a bit of trouble with his endings. Peter Straub is a strikingly literary writer who often has trouble maintaining his pace through long-winded middles. Can the two of them together write a novel that transcends these flaws?

Yes. Yes, they can.

To my mind, if this novel has a flaw, it would be that it isn't long enough. It seems that the latter half of the hero's quest across the nation is summed up in a chapter or two, but that is no matter. Vivi...more

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Dec 13, 2007 Lonnie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fantasy/Horror

This book deserves a re-reading if I can ever get caught up with my other reading. I 1st read this book when I was a VERY young man but I have reference it over and over again when speaking to people about different movies, books, television shows, etc. I am constantly amazed how often I see The Stand rated as someone's favorite book yet this one is not mentioned. In the realm of different worlds this book takes the cake. The different dimensions make being nervous the next time you stand next t...more

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Jul 12, 2011 Brianna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

I LOVE this book! I own it in audio and in paperback... had to buy the paperback version again because I wore my first one out. I've read this book at least 5 times and will probably read it again.

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Jan 20, 2012 Kelly Green rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a syfi horror fantasy and adventure of epic proportions. Not only does it have all of the qualities of Stephen King's best books. It also invokes all of the emotions you could ever look for in a quality novel. Comedy,Horror,friendships,hardships,survival,passion and much more.I recommend this as a must read. Top 5 Stephen King by far. And like I always say about books that I really like. It was one of the best books I have ever read. If you think Harry Potter and all of his merry little...more

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Dec 25, 2008 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is in my top 5 books of all time. It's fantasy, adventure, and horror all in one go. It's nearly an initiation rite in my family to read this. Because of this book, I've decided to name my firstborn Jack, boy or girl.

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Jul 15, 2011 Dani rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my all time favorite Stephen King book and would recommend it to anyone who wanted to try King but is leary of his 'gory' stereotype. This is a fantastic book in all senses of the word. I have passed it on to my 12 year old daughter (granted, she is reading much abover her level, but the material is still within her grasp). I have read this book twice and have also read it's sequel, 'Black House,' which is a bit sub-par in comparison to this book in my opinion.

If you have read or plan to...more

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Dec 05, 2008 ~bizbuff~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: stephen king fans

Shelves: kept-me-up-all-night, thought-provoking, adventure, fantasy-sci-fi

wow! what a long book...this book starts out very slow. it took me forever to get into it and i wasn't sure i was gonna make it. towards the middle though the action picks up and new characters are introduced. my favorite character is wolf. he's a very loveable warm-hearted guy who is easy to get attatched to. the end of this book was one of the most drawn out, exciting, wonderful endings i've read in a long time. every little loose end is tied up and everything you hope will happen does happen....more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Stephen King Fans: The Talisman - Writing Process	5	19	May 16, 2013 09:58pm
Bookworm Buddies: The Talisman - Stephen King May 1st	80	36	May 09, 2013 09:14pm
readforever club: our first book	2	2	Dec 17, 2012 04:14pm
Stephen King Fans: The Talisman Beware - Here Be Spoilers	31	216	Oct 19, 2012 09:41pm
Stephen King Fans: The Talisman - Ties to Dark Tower?	29	200	Nov 16, 2010 11:16am
Stephen King Fans: Part 2 Talisman-The road of trials	48	112	May 14, 2010 11:48am

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About Stephen King

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Stephen Edwin King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his parents separated when Stephen was a toddler, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family...more Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Stephen Edwin King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his parents separated when Stephen was a toddler, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of the elderly couple. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.

Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and then Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.

He and Tabitha Spruce married in January of 1971. He met Tabitha in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University of Maine at Orono, where they both worked as students. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.

Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many of these were later gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.

In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.(less)

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Quotes from The Talisman

“But he had never seen Myrna in practice...never that close up. He had been impressed and a little frightened by the contrast between seeing ballet on stange, where everyone seemed to either glide or mince effortlessly on the tips of their pointes. and seeing it from less than five feet away, with harsh daylight pouring in the floor-to-ceiling windows and no music- only the choreographer rythmically clapping his hands and yelling harsh criticisms. No praise, only criticisms. Their faces ran with sweat. Their leotards were wet with sweat. The room, as large and airy as it way, stank of sweat. Sleek muscles trembled and fluttered on the nervous edge of exhaustion. Corded tendons stood out like insulated cables. Throbbing veins popped out on foreheads and necks. Except for the choreographer's clapping and angry, hectoring shouts, the only sounds were the thrup-thud of ballet dancers on pointe moving across the floor and harsh, agonized panting for breath. Jack had suddenly realized that these dancers were not just earning a living, they were killing themselves. Most of all he remembered their expressions- all that exhausted concentration, all that pain... but transcending the pain, or at least creeping around its edges, he had seen joy. Joy was unmistakably what that look was, and it scared Jack because it had seemed inexplicable.” — 19 people liked it

“Wolf! Right here and now!” — 16 people liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1589581.The_Talisman?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1185553188l/1589581.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1589581.The_Talisman?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Talisman by Stephen King[/url]

The Talisman (The Talisman #1)

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