Black House

Peter Straub and Stephen King have done a followup to The Talisman which came out in 1978 (I think).  The Talisman was a wonderful book about a boy's adventure across country and through a parallel universe territory in a quest to save his dying mother's life.  It's a fabulous adventure and is riveting from beginning to end. 

I read it at the insistence of one of my longest pals of all time, Kit Carson.  He and I started hanging out when we were 15 and shared many trials, trails and adventures.  Now adults, Kit had read the book and, I think saw a bit of our friendship in it.  He called me 'Old Chum,' and begged me to read it -- which I did.  So when I saw this sequel, I had to have it. 

What can I say about Black House?  Well, it wasn't a complete waste of time . . . but it came close.  True, the characters are memorable and wonderfully drawn, from the blind radio personality to the band of good hearted intelligent bikers, but the plot meanders in search of its next event and at times the whole thing spins out of control to the point that resolution is contrived and cartooney. 

I read the first 300 pages waiting to get swept up in typical Stephen King 'can't put it down' fashion.  It didn't happen.  So I read the next 300 pages because I'd already invested so much in the first 300.  Really:  there were times when I'd look over and dread picking it up.  Then I'd read a few pages and go to bed. 

I love and greatly respect Stephen King.  I think he is a much more important voice than most give him credit for.  Read 'Thinner,' or 'It,' or 'The Tommyknockers.'   Or best yet, read 'The Body,' from which the movie 'Stand by Me' was taken.  He is an amazing talent.  But this book . . . well;  find something else to read.  I'm getting ready to start a Pulitzer Prize winner, 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay' by Michael Chabon.  I trust it will be a better read.