Horror Aficionados discussion
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The Great and Secret Show
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The Great and Secret Show, by Clive Barker (May 2013)
Sounds like we agree to begin reading tomorrow (Sat 5-11). Lets all take a look at the book and agree on what would be an appropriate pace.What Barker books have we all read?
I have read all of them. But the better question would be how many do I remember? Haven't read anything by him in quite awhile, though he used to be a favorite.
Haven't read him before. I'm reading this in preparation for the graphic novel. Bought my kindle copy so good to start tomorrow. 20 percent a week or something maybe?
I might wanna go a bit faster. 5 weeks is a long time for one book.
I don't mind a read as you want and post using spoilers. Or we could start to read and everyone stop at 25% until everyone is at the same place.
We could also read 30% a week. Same thought. But should finish the book about 3 weeks instead of 5.
We could also read 30% a week. Same thought. But should finish the book about 3 weeks instead of 5.
Ill read at any pace you would like. Going to start tonight after work. Ill see what we've agreed on by then.
Oh and how do I use the spoiler thing. Haven't tried it yet
Type this without spaces between < spoilers > and then put your spoiler here. And again without spaces < / spoilers > to finish it, though if you put the spoiler at the end you don't need the finish.
6%. I've always found it to be difficult to begin Barker's books. Maybe it's that the writing is so poetic. Very quotable, but you have to think as you read. Definitely not a book to read when you're sleepy.I'm noticing some similar themes to other books by Barker like the obsessed seeker chasing a deeper reality just beyond the veil of normal reality. (view spoiler)
I might join in. I haven't read anything by Clive in years...
I am going to start today.
Do you guys want to just post as we read? That way we can read at our own paces. And other readers can jump in later if they want to.
Do you guys want to just post as we read? That way we can read at our own paces. And other readers can jump in later if they want to.
Sounds good. I'm at 6% as well. Loving it so far. I like his writing style and its been a while since I've read a book of this size so I'm hoping it really draws me in
Welcome Tony, I'll add your name to the lst.
Traci L. wrote: "I am going to start today. Do you guys want to just post as we read? That way we can read at our own paces. And other readers can jump in later if they want to."
I think that's a great idea.
16%. Pretty interesting how two totally different story lines have been woven together. The book starts to pick up some momentum in part 2.
I finished part one of Heart Shaped Box, so I'm going to see how far I can get in TGASS tonight.
Finished Part One -
I loved this beginning. The dream world reminds me of something out of Lovecraft. And I love how Barker marries the principles of science and religion together.
I loved this beginning. The dream world reminds me of something out of Lovecraft. And I love how Barker marries the principles of science and religion together.
Seriously, where does he come up with his ideas? Is almost like with each new book he creates a new mythology.22%, almost done with part 3.
I'll be at 50% of Haunted House for my group read tonight by the time I get in from work and can get back to TGASS then.
It's kind of funny. The last time I read this was years ago but two images that I strongly remembered were, Jaffe and his dead letter office - I work in an office and part of my job is sorting and opening mail and I think of this often. The other was Fletcher being blind in one eye from staring at the sun - I think of this sometimes when I get sun spots. Funny the things that stick with you. But I also think they are both good images of who each of them are.
And, indeed. Where does this stuff come from?
And, indeed. Where does this stuff come from?
Finished Part Two -
Crazy, right? Any guesses who was 'claimed' by who?
Crazy, right? Any guesses who was 'claimed' by who?
Traci L. wrote: "Finished Part Two -Crazy, right? Any guesses who was 'claimed' by who?"
Keep on reading.
I'm at 8% now. Been going a bit slower than you guys but hopefully I'll catch up over the next few days. I quite like the writing style and i'm back and forth about the story. It's not really my type of story but I'm mainly enjoying it.
I'm at 8% now. Been going a bit slower than you guys but hopefully I'll catch up over the next few days. I quite like the writing style and i'm back and forth about the story. It's not really my type of story but I'm mainly enjoying it.
It's a really dense story. Sometimes when beginning a new chapter I find myself retreading the opening paragraph several times to figure it out.
Favorite characters so far? I'm enjoying the story line about Grillo (starting at about 25%)
Finished Part 3 -
I'm not remembering what happens now - a few things but not enough to really know - so this is fun.
(view spoiler)
I'm not remembering what happens now - a few things but not enough to really know - so this is fun.
(view spoiler)
I think there's a different feel to this book - I would actually say it is a fantasy more than a horror. Although it has elements of both.
I have only read his Books of Blood, Volume 1. I love his films and art. I've been wanting to read more of his work. My copy of The Fog by James Herbert hasn't arrived yet. I have a copy of this, so I may join in after I finish my current read.
Traci L. wrote: "I think there's a different feel to this book - I would actually say it is a fantasy more than a horror. Although it has elements of both."Definitely. How are you picturing the Jaff?
For some reason Ming the Merciless from Flash Gordon keeps popping into my head
Amy wrote: "I have only read his Books of Blood, Volume 1. I love his films and art. I've been wanting to read more of his work. My copy of The Fog by James Herbert hasn't arrived yet. I have a copy of this, s..."Welcome, Amy!
Ming... Lol.
For Fletcher I picture a cross between the actor Peter Fonda and the racer Kyle Petty.
For Fletcher I picture a cross between the actor Peter Fonda and the racer Kyle Petty.
1/3 of the way done and I'm now totally hooked. Some of the more esoteric ramblings from earlier have become more clear in recent chapters.
About Fletcher's addiction to mescaline - I think he was addicted to the illusions and dreams the drug gave him more than being addicted to the drug itself. Everything about Fletcher returns that he is the dreamer.
Favorite character?
Howard. And Fletcher.
Howard. And Fletcher.
Poop! I left my book at school and have to read something else tonight.Grrrr...
I'm falling behind it seems! I'm only at 6%, but I'm hoping to read for a couple of hours tonight.This is only my second Clive Barker novel, but I think that I am going to enjoy this quite a lot.
Be patient with it. This book. Has a steep learning curve, but really catches its stride after 150 or so pages.
Finished Part Four -
Another character to add to favorites, Tesla.
So if the Jaff takes people's fears from them... does Fletcher take hope? Or something like it.
As much as I like the book I am not feeling the romance at all. Which shouldn't surprise me, in the introduction Barker compares it to Romeo and Juliet - my least favorite Shakespeare play. And Jo is just... well useless. Her only role seems to be daughter, sister, and lover. There's not much more to her.
Another character to add to favorites, Tesla.
So if the Jaff takes people's fears from them... does Fletcher take hope? Or something like it.
As much as I like the book I am not feeling the romance at all. Which shouldn't surprise me, in the introduction Barker compares it to Romeo and Juliet - my least favorite Shakespeare play. And Jo is just... well useless. Her only role seems to be daughter, sister, and lover. There's not much more to her.
It hasn't really been explained yet whether the Jaff and Fletcher remove those elements to the detriment or benefit of their subjects/victims, has it?Sounds like the Jaff uses a combination of fears/secrets, while Fletcher needs hopes/dreams. Very yin and yang.
For some reason, I can't help but inflect a southern twang on all the dialogue between Momma and Jo-Beth. The dialogue just begs for it.
I stopped for the night at the end of part two.My favorite Kindle software feature is the dictionary. It's been used several times to verify the meaning of some of Barker's choices of words. LOL
I am looking forward to finding out where this is heading.
Andrew wrote: "It hasn't really been explained yet whether the Jaff and Fletcher remove those elements to the detriment or benefit of their subjects/victims, has it?
Sounds like the Jaff uses a combination of fe..."
I think Fletcher takes faith and the Jaff takes doubt or fear. The Jaff seems to need non believers. But there is something of secrets as well - or sins.
Sounds like the Jaff uses a combination of fe..."
I think Fletcher takes faith and the Jaff takes doubt or fear. The Jaff seems to need non believers. But there is something of secrets as well - or sins.
I keep reading the Iad as "the lad" - every single time! I'm hating this name. Also, the characters have tied a "torch" around their necks. Barker is English but his characters are American so this made me laugh.
Finished - I remembered how much I love this book. But I was disappointed in the last section. (view spoiler)
Wow Traci, Nice work! I've fallen behind due to exam week at school. Hope to finish over the weekend. Based on the first half, I'd agree with your rating.
Oh, man - I hadn't realized you guys already started! LIke I said I'm halfway through, and started it awhile ago, but still remember being completely gripped by the Jaff's opening story. Loved the idea of the dead letter office, the Jaff tapping into the secret patterns of America's subconscious (as does Fletcher, in a different way). I was wondering if Barker got the Dead Letter office idea from Herman Melville's short story, Bartleby, but that might be a stretch . . .
The group includes:
Andrew
Kev
Traci L.
Anton
Tony
Amy
All are free to join in. Happy reading!