From the Bookshelf of class of 2014…

Cell

Stephen King

Why we're reading this: People don’t know what is behind technology. Our phones, computers, and other pieces of technology can n…more
[close] People don’t know what is behind technology. Our phones, computers, and other pieces of technology can now be tracked by people. Everything you do can be monitored. The book Cell by Stephen king is a perfect blend of horror and an insight of technology. Stephen King jumps straight into action as cellular devises start giving of what is known as the pulse given off by a master computer which causes people to turn into crazy zombielike creatures. It starts out in the city of Boston where Clay Riddell is stuck between all this corruption and only a few survivors are left to defend themselves against these mindless crazies who develop extraordinary telepathic powers and become a lot more intelligent. Clay is stuck with some survivors like Tom and Alice who help him along the way. Clay’s only desire is to reach his son, but he has to penetrate deep into the heart of the origin of the pulse.

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Jul 30, 2012 demigod 95 rated it liked it

When I originally picked up "Cell" by Stephen King I assumed it would be just another zombie horror book. That is exactly what is was. It was interesting and sometimes exciting but It lacked true substance and the characters qualities were very week. Although a rather large novel at almost 400 pages, I still never quite understood the characters or there reasons for many of their actions.

I believe that Stephen King was using the fact that we live in a new era of technology and innovation. True When I originally picked up "Cell" by Stephen King I assumed it would be just another zombie horror book. That is exactly what is was. It was interesting and sometimes exciting but It lacked true substance and the characters qualities were very week. Although a rather large novel at almost 400 pages, I still never quite understood the characters or there reasons for many of their actions.

I believe that Stephen King was using the fact that we live in a new era of technology and innovation. True to his master of horror reputation he delivers a novel that possibly shows the dark side of what all this new technology can do. The protagonist of the novel does not own a cell phone and is saved because a virus is transmitted through cell signals and infects anyone who uses a cellular device turning them into a zombie. I believe he is trying to show that a person who disconnects himself from all this technology will always remain true to humanity and the world as it is. A human that uses technology as a crutch in life will in some way or form be disconnected from society and humanity and be closer to a non human device than to other people. Another theme I saw is that a leader will always rise in a group setting. The zombies formed pack like groups in which all were equal and acted as one entity. With this programming installed into their brains a single zombie stood out and became a leader because he was the strongest and smartest of them all.

I do not think that Stephen King looks upon technology as a positive thing. In his short biography on the front cover it clearly states that he does not own a cell phone and never will. In the book, cell phones turn humans into killing machines and I believe that is evidence enough to his distaste in what innovation is doing to our society. There was also a homosexual man in this book who was the supporting character and one of the main protagonists. The author made him so weak and helpless that I could not help but notice King's stereotyping in this novel. It made me believe that he thinks of homosexuals in a negative way and doesn't see them in any sort of leadership position.

What made me uncomfortable was that fact that I wasn't uncomfortable. I realized how desensitized I have become. Reading about people eating and killing each other seemed normal because I had seen it on television many times before. I even feel as if a zombie apocalypse did indeed occur, I would be able to handle it because I have read and seen so many things in which humans defeat the zombies. I also became a bit weary because I kind of felt like this could actually happen. What is to stop an intricate signal from infiltrating the human brain? With the way technology is moving forward I don't see a reason why it isn't possible.

I would only recommend this book if you have read King's novels before. If you like the horror genre then this is the right book for you. It is an intriguing book that keeps your mind thinking and your heart racing. Do not expect the best storyline or characters because you will feel no connection with them. This is just a quick read for a person looking for a quick thrill. ...more

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May 10, 2012 Jose Esparza rated it it was amazing

People don’t know what is behind technology. Our phones, computers, and other pieces of technology can now be tracked by people. Everything you do can be monitored. The book Cell by Stephen king is a perfect blend of horror and an insight of technology. Stephen King jumps straight into action as cellular devises start giving of what is known as the pulse given off by a master computer which causes people to turn into crazy zombielike creatures. It starts out in the city of Boston where Clay Ridd ...more

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