Talia's Taking on 52 Books in 2020

[Talia Harper]

I've never participated in reading challenges (outside of elementary school!) and I'm excited to have joined a Stephen King Dark Tower challenge through my group on FB and, now, this group as well! The FB challenge is to read the DT series throughout 2020, but I'm striving to read 52 books this year, so I'll be reading ahead of that group. I've read a few books so far this year and I'm currently on track as far as progress! Wish me luck!

[Talia Harper]

I'll begin by posting the books I've already read in 2020. I'll keep them to separate comments but I'll list them here so it's not too cumbersome to read!

1. The Gunslinger
2. Rose Madder
3. Carrie
4. The Drawing of the Three
5. DANCING WITH DEATH: An Epic and Inspiring Travel Adventure
6. The Waste Lands

[Talia Harper]

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The beginning of Stephen King's epic journey to the Dark Tower. I've heard a lot of people say they struggled getting into the book or getting through it, but I personally couldn't put it down! It is a slower burn, so if you're looking to read this series, keep in mind that each book serves as more of a chapter in the journey rather than a self-contained story (some exceptions to that, however). If that's not enough, rest assured the next books really pick up the pace and there's no struggle to stay hooked!

[Talia Harper]

Rose Madder by Stephen King

You'll start to notice a trend in who I enjoy reading. I've been a Constant Reader since my librarian conspired to allow me to read what my teacher would not: The Shining at age 12. Since then, I've been enchanted by Stephen King's diverse storytelling and character development.

Rose Madder is a story about survival and empowerment. Rosie, a woman who's survived 14 years of abuse at the hands of her police officer husband, snaps to reality one day at the sight of a drop of her own blood and she leaves him on the spot. (view spoiler)[ The journey that ensues mingles our world with that of King's multiverse, as Rose finds a painting (or does it find her?) that transports her to a place where she may put old and new demons to rest. (hide spoiler)] A story of survival and harnessing inner power, this one did not disappoint.

[Talia Harper]

Carrie by Stephen King

Oh, my dear Carrie. This was King's debut novel, and he really drove it home. Most are familiar with at least the films, but (as usual) they are wanting compared to the book. This was a difficult read for me, but not for the usual reasons (slow burn, can't get into it, too verbose, etc.). This was hard because of how much King makes you feel every character. He makes you face up to the fact that even the worst villain may simply be a product of their environment and that they, too, are human; that they, too, could be us - should we take a wrong turn. It was also difficult because it seemed there were so many opportunities for it to go so right but, as King makes clear throughout, fate had different plans. True horror can be found in the mundane, and King has a way of finding the scariest themes in the unlikeliest of places.

[Talia Harper]

The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King

The second installment in King's Dark Tower series, The Drawing of the Three has a quicker pace than The Gunslinger, and King really starts falling into his groove. He blew my mind SO many times while reading this book, just with philosophical implications alone! He begins to play with time in this book and he does so very artfully. I devoured this one in a couple of days. If The Gunslinger didn't get you hooked on the Tower, this one will definitely do the trick!

[Talia Harper]

Dancing with Death: An Epic and Inspiring Travel Adventure by Jean-Philippe Soulé

This is a novel which follows author Jean-Philippe and his good friend on their Central American Sea Kayak Expedition 2000 (CASKE 2000), a journey to experience and write about the culture and lifestyle of the native peoples they'd meet along the way. The book is written mostly in journal entries by both the author and his traveling companion, and they highlight quite a few amazing events that take place throughout their expedition but, for me, it felt very detached. I think part of the reason is because, due to the journal entries, the train of thought is never very long. I can see what they were trying to achieve, and I don't regret having read it, but I wasn't able to get into this much and normally I really love a good exploration book. A really great concept, but it just fell flat for me.

[Talia Harper]

The Waste Lands by Stephen King

I've gotten back to my journey along the Beam with Stephen King's The Waste Lands. The third installment in the Dark Tower series picks up with our three protagonists, Eddie, Susannah, and Roland. They are joined by a fourth, although a familiar face to us readers. Our heroes must continue their journey through the Waste Lands, drawing inspiration from different realms to aide them along the way. I really felt King's connection to the Lord of the Rings series in this book. (view spoiler)[ The riddle contest at the end with Blaine the (pain) Train was a great homage to Tolkien and Bilbo Baggins. (hide spoiler)] The book leaves the reader in breathless anticipation at the end, because King has opted to leave us at a cliffhanger (fellow Constant Readers may channel Annie Wilkes at this - I must admit I did, before I realized the next book had just arrived in the mail!). All in all, King serves it up once again, creating imagery that's vivid and characters who are all too real in a world that's moved on. Highly recommend!

[Blagica , Challenges]

I am all about magic this year. I hope that your reading goal is your little touch of magic.