Koontzland - Dean Koontz discussion
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Introduce Yourself (if you want to :-)
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Matt R.
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Apr 02, 2010 05:35PM
Hey Jason, welcome. I liked Odd Thomas and hope to dig into the other books in the near future.
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Jasson 'slo', our book for the month of Feb. was Odd Thomas, and I found it at the library and determined that I would read all the books in the series of (at that time) 4 books. I found the character of Odd Thomas very likeable, and yes, funny in a light-hearted way...not like the 20-something-year olds I used to know (in my 20's). He seems to have a quaint morality that not most people have in these days. As for the stories themselves, I was surprised at the varied story-lines, and I think I enjoyed Brother Odd (#3)a little more than I did Forever Odd (#2). However, they were all, not to make a pun, good reads.
message 253:
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Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
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LOL, Dustin!Lori, it looks like it's you and me for Hideaway so far...
Alright then Carol, it feels good to have someone on your side for once. I LOVE Hideaway, it's my number 3 Favorite. I know i've said this once, but if Maciek has anything bad to say about Hideaway, please keep it to himself.
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Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
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IT'S COMING!
It might be a little ODD, it might make you want to HIDEAWAY, it might give you NIGHT CHILLS or leave you BREATHLESS.
It's coming, like the TICK TOCK of a clock, like the WHISPERS of PHANTOMS at TWILIGHT or DARKFALL.
Hopefully, it will make us less like STRANGERS on STRANGE HIGHWAYS. Hopefully, it will cause you to FEAR NOTHING and leave THE BAD PLACE, Maybe even SEIZE THE NIGHT with a good MIDNIGHT read BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON.In Fact, it will likely increase your LIFE EXPECTANCY! (unlessYOUR HEART BELONGS TO ME, because then it would be THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR)
It's coming with INTENSITY, with RELENTLESS VELOCITY. It's coming like LIGHTNING in THE HOUSE OF THUNDER in the CITY OF NIGHT.
It's closer than ONE DOOR AWAY FROM HEAVEN. A reader would do well to watch FROM THE CORNER OF HIS EYE. THE MASK will be removed, THE FACE will be revealed, THE VISION will be seen, but only by WATCHERS!
It's Coming to Koontzland.
IT'S COMING SOON.
Disclosure: it is in no way associated with Stephen King.IT is a book by Stephen King which was later made into a film. Pennywise is not the "it" that is coming to Koontzland.
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Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
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message 261:
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Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
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Maciek will have something to say I'm sure... maybe he'll like Hideaway :-)
Not to discourage your positive outlook, but...I doubt it.
He's one of my favorite people on here, we all have our favorites I have quite a few actually, but I mean it this time! If he doesn't have anything good to say about Hideaway all that he needs to say is, "I didn't care for it." PERIOD! I don't need him to rip it apart, anyone can say thay don't like it, but it shouldn't be torn to bits for those of us that do like it! When I say I don't like a book, or movie I don't dissect it like an eighth grader with a frog. OK stepping off my soapbox. ***walking slowly away***
Not to go off topic here but I did notice Maciek rated a bunch of Alfred Hitchcock books as 5 star ratings recently. For the amount of books he rips apart here it is interesting to see what he rates highly. To each his/her own. One person's 5-star rating is someone's 1-star. Lori, I agree with your view on reviewing a book you do not care for. I have much more to say about books I really like, I hate to waste time typing about a book I did not like unless it is to explain why and then leave it at that.
Hmm... I'm one of those people who finds it easier - and more fun - to review books that I didn't like and pull them apart and explain bit by bit why I disliked them. It's easier for me to point out the things that bothered me than to try to explain just what it was that made me love a book. I love Maciek's scathing book reviews. I don't think that anyone should be discouraged from voicing their opinions, or be limited to saying that they simply did or did not like it. Boring. What's the point in that kind of discussion?
There are a few books I've given in to the temptation to....shall we say, review extremely critically? Mostly those are books that for some reason I had high expectations for or just, wanted to like. My vitriol in those cases is usually due to disappointment, but even there I do try and say something like, if this is your cup of tea, good, but it's not for me. I really don't like to rip books others like, but sometimes it sort of expresses our own frustration or disappointment. I just had an experience like that (not with a Koontz book) and gave a couple of "bad reviews". It was on my mind.
Mike, I agree with you. Most of the ones that I really rip into are ones that let me down after I was expecting greatness. My review of Kushiel's Dart is like that. I'd expected something amazing (after all of the great things that I'd heard about it) and I could barely even finish.
I like when people disagree with my assessment of a book. In fact, when I dislike a book that others have enjoyed I WANT them to tell me what they enjoyed about it, so that I can discuss what I didn't like, and maybe we can each see things from another perspective. I love that. That's the joy in this site for me... Here's a whole community of people who share my love of books!
Matt R. wrote: "Not to go off topic here but I did notice Maciek rated a bunch of Alfred Hitchcock books as 5 star ratings recently. For the amount of books he rips apart here it is interesting to see what he rates highly. To each his/her own. One person's 5-star rating is someone's 1-star."That was the Three Investigators series. It got me into reading, and I'll always have a soft spot for these books. They weren't actually written by Hitchcock, and he doesn't even play a major role in them - he usually appears at the end of the book when the investigators talk to him about the solved case.
Becky wrote: "Hmm... I'm one of those people who finds it easier - and more fun - to review books that I didn't like and pull them apart and explain bit by bit why I disliked them. It's easier for me to point out the things that bothered me than to try to explain just what it was that made me love a book. "
I'm exactly the same way. Besides, if I had high expectations for a book and it didn't fulfill them it's the least I can do - my time won't magically come back ! LOL.
As Becky said, it's fun to discuss books with people because each of us can present vastly different views and arguments about the greatness/failure of one particular title.
Anyone can say that when it's not one of their favorites being ripped apart. They can also say it's alriight to rip up a book because they didn't like it. Untill the table is turned on you, you can say whatever you like. But I know how some people are, because i've done just like Maciek, and others have done, ripped apart something, or someone that a few people liked. Then have those few people turn on me like I killed their dog. Yelling, cussing, name calling, telling me i'm wrong just because I ripped on something/someone those few liked. So I decided if I didn't like something/someone just to say "No I didn't like that book, movie, or person." If i'm asked to elaborate I try to do so in a way that doesn't hurt anyones feelings, or I just say "I can't pinpoint any one thing, I just didn't like it." So to all of you who think it's ok to say whatever you like, be my guest, but remember the the sword is sharp on both sides.
I have had people rip apart books that are favorites of mine - many, many times. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and to voice it. I may not agree with someone's opinion, but you'll never see me name call or get pissy over it. I'll just discuss why I disagree and what I love about it, or vice versa, depending on the situation. I won't go out of my way to offend someone, and I'll try to avoid offense whenever possible, but if I hated a book, I'll say so, and why. If that's a problem, it's not MY problem. :) If someone doesn't like your opinion on something, so what? After all, opinions are like rear-ends... everybody's got one.
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Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
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What an insightful truth :-) Even though I don't always want a person's rear-end in my face. People might get offended when you squeeze by in stadium seating, but what can you do?
Differing Opinions are of course welcome in the Koontzland-Dean Koontz group. I for one, actually would like to know WHY someone doesn't like a book. I like explanations :-) That of course, doesn't mean I have to agree with their opinion or even their explanation.
Becky/Mike – both good points. To clarify, I do not suggest that anyone should be discouraged from expressing their opinions whether they are good or bad. I love to see discussion of books here and is why we all love visiting this group. I find it completely normal that at times we can agree on a great book and at other times there can be a wide range of opinions. Personally, I don’t spend a lot of time writing up a review of a book I did not like. I usually just summarize why (sometimes for my own notes to look back on) and the move on to what will hopefully be a better read. That is just my approach. I definitely am interested in other reader opinions and I always like to red WHY someone did not like a book. Happy reading to all :)
Maciek wrote: "Matt R. wrote: "Not to go off topic here but I did notice Maciek rated a bunch of Alfred Hitchcock books as 5 star ratings recently. For the amount of books he rips apart here it is interesting to ..."Very cool, I am a big Hitchcock fan, so those books do interest me (I believe I read titles similar to those when I was younger in addition to several Hardy Boys titles). Definitely brings back good childhood memories.
Dustin wrote: "Becky wrote: "opinions are like rear-ends... everybody's got one. "What an insightful truth :-) Even though I don't always want a person's rear-end in my face. People might get offended when you squeeze by in stadium seating, but what can you do?"
Very true, LOL! But luckily, the squeeze-by is usually over quickly and we can get on with watching the show. Likewise with opinions we dislike here. We can just agree to disagree and move on to something more appealing. :)
I try to be....polite(?) when I really dislike a book. I suppose I don't always succeed... emotions can be like that. When someone "rips on" a book I really like I'm more than likely to say "why" or something. If they are intentionally being insulting ("if you like this book you must be a mentally challenged, *insert favorite insult here*, with no taste) then I might try to answer...once. If a discussion results fine, if vulgarity, more insults, and foul language ensues, I usually simply ignore them. All you can do.
message 276:
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Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
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"
That's a completely understandable approach. Discussions, opinions, disagreements, different views are fine. Name calling and personal insults should have stopped back in grade/elementary or middle school. :-)
Becky wrote: " have had people rip apart books that are favorites of mine - many, many times. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and to voice it. I may not agree with someone's opinion, but you'll never see me name call or get pissy over it. I'll just discuss why I disagree and what I love about it, or vice versa, depending on the situation. I won't go out of my way to offend someone, and I'll try to avoid offense whenever possible, but if I hated a book, I'll say so, and why. If that's a problem, it's not MY problem. :) If someone doesn't like your opinion on something, so what? After all, opinions are like rear-ends... everybody's got one. "
I second every word in this post. Too bad some people can get really immature and start the name calling.
Matt R. wrote: "Very cool, I am a big Hitchcock fan, so those books do interest me (I believe I read titles similar to those when I was younger in addition to several Hardy Boys titles). Definitely brings back good childhood memories. "
The Hardy boys were much more popular - there were even television adaptations. I've never read one since they weren't published in my country - that's why I hopped onto the Hitchock bandwagon and became a fan of the three investigators. I must locate this stuff and re-read some of the titles. It's been too long.
Becky wrote: "I have had people rip apart books that are favorites of mine - many, many times. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and to voice it. I may not agree with someone's opinion, but you'll never see..."Exactly what I would have said, my mental-clone friend. :-) I would add that I do not get upset if someone voices (even a strong) negative opinion of something I love. I will defend it to the end, but not become upset, because everyone has the right to put forth his/her opinion, no matter what. I would go on to say that I would not want to converse with someone who did become belligerent over a stated negative opinion of something he/she loves. I embrace diversity in all things and am happy to listen to any opinion that is based on reasoning and sound logic.
Mental-clone agreement power... ACTIVATE!(This was literally the first thing that popped into my head. I need to get out more! :P)
Becky wrote: "Mental-clone agreement power... ACTIVATE!(This was literally the first thing that popped into my head. I need to get out more! :P)"
Wow, that was really cheesy. :-D
Jason "plasborgma" wrote: "Wow, that was really cheesy. :-D"Yes. It happens. Sometimes I just can't help it.
My cheesiness keeps life interesting. ;)
Becky wrote: "My cheesiness keeps life interesting. ;)"Indeed it does. :-)
Jason "plasborgma" wrote: "I would add that I do not get upset if someone voices (even a strong) negative opinion of something I love. I will defend it to the end, but not become upset, because everyone has the right to put forth his/her opinion, no matter what. I would go on to say that I would not want to converse with someone who did become belligerent over a stated negative opinion of something he/she loves."Wish all people shared your views. Some people become so upset that it's very funny, but one might wonder why they even start discussing a book if they can't hold down their nerves (you know who you are).
Running solves everything. You can live a stress-free life by incorporating running into your life.
Matt R. wrote: "Running solves everything."Even cheesiness? ;)
Cool, then just keep up the good work :)
Becky wrote: "But... I like my cheesiness. O_o"Then you should never run, obviously. Isn't logic fun? :-D
Jason "plasborgma" wrote: "Becky wrote: "But... I like my cheesiness. O_o"Then you should never run, obviously. Isn't logic fun? :-D"
But... What if I need to fix OTHER things in my life, hence need to run, and it fixes the cheesiness too? :(
Becky wrote: "But... What if I need to fix OTHER things in my life, he..."Then you must decide the value of maintaining the cheesiness in comparison to the value of fixing the other things. :-)
Oh sure. I'm a Libra, I (theoretically) can't decide on things!
Becky wrote: "Oh sure. I'm a Libra, I (theoretically) can't decide on things!"Well, Nicolas Cage is wearing a bird on his head. If you don't understand what that means or how it relates to what you just said, then you should ask Maciek. ;-)
Becky wrote: "Ahhhh. That explains EVERYTHING."It always does. ;-)
I perked up when I saw the name Nicolas Cage...but am mildly dismayed to not see a past reference...I guess it just came out of the air?? (pout)(Nicolas Cage! Where? Where?)
Well, it's a well known fact that if you want to argue with me you should understand that I am speaking the only truth. ALWAYS. There are no exceptions.
*** MACIEK SAID ***Wish all people shared your views. Some people become so upset that it's very funny, but one might wonder why they even start discussing a book if they can't hold down their nerves (you know who you are).
Well, it's a well known fact that if you want to argue with me you should understand that I am speaking the only truth. ALWAYS
You do know that TRUTH is RELATIVE, right?
The term often refers to truth relativism, which is the doctrine that there are no absolute truths, i.e., that truth is always relative to some particular frame of reference, such as a language or a culture. Another widespread and contentious form is moral relativism.
Now I never plan to be belligerent, but then i'm sure no one planed to be so full of themselves either. (you know who you are). I got a lot of shit at the Stephen King group because I defended him everytime someone was dogging him out. It soon became a running joke for myself, and a few others. People kept telling me to quit doing and saying the same thing over and over. Now some of the people who knew, just by the way I was posting, that it was a running joke ask me to come over to the Dean Koontz's group. 1) because of the way I stood up for King no matter what, 2) because on that site there's a topic set for Koontz, and i stood up for him as well.
Now I don't post as much over there any more, not due to any one person, but if they want to bash King I don't want to read about it. Angie's a good mod, and a sweet girl, but as long as we're not belligerent she doesn't get into it. We havn't even read Hideaway yet and all I did was to ask, IMO, nicely that once just once if Maciek didn't like it to not say anything! I've mellowed out alot since coming over to the Koontz group, from the King group. So if you all want to ride the train that's bashing Koontz, be my guest, but i'm not riding it. Yes, yes, and yes, I know you all have the RIGHT to tear him to bits and pieces, to pull him apart and rip him a new one all you want to! But my QUESTION is WHY? I thought this is where we came to talk about the writer we liked/love and his books we liked/loved. And I know he's not perfect, and all his books don't appeal to everyone, but I truly believe we can say why we didn't like a certain book without all the ripping to shreds, and dissecting it like a damn frog!
OK i'm off my soap box, i'll not be repeating this or talking about it anymore, you all do what you got to do,(you know who you are) and i'll do what I got to do.
Koontzland - Dean Koontz
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