The Store Overall Impression

[Debra]

Put your overall impressions about The Store here.

[Debra]

I finished this book in basically a day. Quite a page-turner. I'm not going to write my impressions yet; waiting for others to get started.

[Debra]

I thought this was a creepy, well-written book that has stuck in my head for a long time. It has that haunting quality about it. And it's perverse in so many ways, just WRONG! Wrong or not, I really was pulled in to this one.

[Ava Catherine]

A really chilling book that made me think about all the apathetic people in small town, USA. What could plausibility happen if people give up the right to think for themselves? I thought about this book a long time after reading it because it really got to me.

[Debra]

Yes, and also makes you think about all those small-towns, USA that die when "civilization" comes to stay. That's why, lately, I've become more intent on supporting local small businesses. I may have to pay a bit more, but I always get quality.

[Janice]

The mark of a good horror story is how long it stays with you. I'm still thinking about the book and was telling someone about it yesterday.

I was at the library last week and decided to check out the books for sale. I found The Summoning, another Bentley Little book that looks equally creepy. I sacrificed a whole $1, and brought it home with me.

[Debra]

I love those book sale finds! Good catch!

[Almeta, co-moderator]

Was telling a friend of mine about this book and he insisted that he knew this plot.

Yep!!! Here it is http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-...

Ironically, he is a night manager at Walmart!

[Almeta, co-moderator]

My Review:
I was very impressed by Bentley Little. He left no retail/service sector untouched by The Store.

I have his other books on my To-Read shelf, and will read them all. He'll probably tackle another sector of my, up til now, safe life.

Frankly, I'm a little scared!

[Janice]

Bummer, I can't watch that video in Canada.

[Almeta, co-moderator]

Janice wrote: "Bummer, I can't watch that video in Canada."

Bummer. If you have a way to get your hands on South Park episodes, this one is South Park: Something Wall Mart This Way Comes.

I am somewhat a fan of cartoons, however I find South Park often too crude for my tastes. (Or too crude for me to actually admit my smile.)

[Debra]

Looks like the episode is a Family Guy one. Must be from the same people as South Park.

[Almeta, co-moderator]

Debra wrote: "Looks like the episode is a Family Guy one. Must be from the same people as South Park."

Hmmm. I don't see Family Guy characters.

[Debra]

Weird... I did. I'll have to look again when I'm home from work.

[Tom]

A BIG Kudos to all those who responded akin to the following:
pay a bit more, but I always get quality . . .
Frankly, I'm a little scared! [and rightly so]
So many reasons . . . I am glad to pay a slight premium (often, not at all higher) for quality, and sales staff who know their product.
One after another the scandals emerge revealing Wal-Mart's
ruthless campaign to prevent workers from forming unions. Tell
Wal-Mart enough is enough:
· www.WalMartWorkersRights.org
-When Wal-Mart workers try to stand up for themselves and form a union to negotiate for better wages, more affordable health care, and basic protections on the job, they often endure threats, discrimination, intimidation, and even firings.
· Last year, Wal-Mart raked in $10,000,000,000 in profits . . . 1.3 million employees – including college students, single parents, and the elderly – barely make enough to cross the poverty line.
· If you want media to change, support your local indy media and BUY LOCAL! buy handmade, buy organic, buy from SMALL businesses! And hold THEM accountable TOO!
· Keep in mind that Sci-Fi of today is tomorrow's Science, and couple that with Orwellian brain food. Now throw in the pervasiveness and success of data mining and combine that with the global reach, unlimited funds (hence political and socio-economic power) and unsurpassed Greed of "The Store" and we have a pretty good picture of what will soon come to pass.

[Michelle]

The two large county library systems near me do not carry a copy of this book and I am so bummed! I just found this group and was so excited as I am a loyal SK reader. And now you post that a version of the story became fodder for South Park? That's it. I'm going to the store to BUY a darn copy tomorrow. But, I promise not to buy it at Walmart (not that they would carry it, from what I gather on here!)

[Debra]

Oh dear, someone desperate to get a copy of The Store. Hope you find it. I'd love to hear your comments.

[Janice]

I bought an ebook copy from iBooks.

[Brad]

I had kind of a hard time getting into the book at first. The prologue was great, but then I just had a very easy time putting the book down until I got about half way through - then I finished it rather quickly.

I did like the satirical look at Wal-mart and other superchains. Originally from a small town, I remember when Wal-mart came to town and found a lot of parallels.

I have read a couple of other Little books, he just remains on a lower tier than other authors for me. I seem to enjoy his books, but I just don't get an itch to reach for his books. It seems a little unfair of me to say because he is a great author and I will read more of his books in the future, but his books just don't call to me as much I guess.

[Debra]

I understand exactly what you mean about Little being a good writer, yet not being drawn to snatch up another of his books. I've got some on my TBR shelf, but will not get to them immediately. Now with King, it's entirely a different matter! lol

[Debra]

Dispatch is another favorite of SK. You might try that one next, Amber. I'm glad you enjoyed the book!

[Michelle]

Tracked down a used copy yesterday. So, I'm late for the discussion but still happy I can read it.

[Debra]

Never too late!