Reading Stephen King for the First Time: The Gunslinger
I admit. I have never read Stephen King before, nor many other classically well-known American authors of today's modern culture. Most of my reading history contains Christian literature and supernatural fantasy of Christian origins as well. So I am on a quest to change that, beginning with all the secular classics to broaden my horizons.
I started with Stephen King because I am enthralled by the dark side of storytelling. The heart throbbing, pulsating effect that a twisted morale can inflict. And everyone knows that King's stories are ingrained with darkness.
Now I am not so sure that The Dark Tower series was the best choice for me to be dragged into the Stephen King bandwagon. Reading The Gunslinger was an odd experience if I could put it simply. Maybe I am just not familiar with his method of storytelling, but how he plotted this first book had me in a state of confusion for more than half of the book. It began following the journey of a mysterious "gunslinger", who seemed to be hunting down another obscure character who was referred to as "the man in black". Nothing else was certain. I couldn't be sure what relationship these characters had to each other, or why the gunslinger was tracking the man in black in the first place. Like I said, confused.
I am not saying that the story wasn't good. I do like King's style of writing and his voice in the story. He had very unique characters enshrouded with mystery and suspense. However, I felt that I wasn't given a reason to connect with the protagonist, or a reason to care for his well-being and the accomplishment of his mission. It was very slow-paced, but the characters do grow on you. It just took me awhile to get passed my bewilderment and indifference to finally understanding a little of what was at stake.
So in conclusion, my first experience with Stephen King wasn't a page turner unfortunately, but I am not giving up! I still intend to read some of his other books, and give him another shot. I am more than happy to hear any suggestions, and maybe your own thoughts on The Dark Tower series. To continue the series or not to continue is the question.
~Alyxandra Sarik
I started with Stephen King because I am enthralled by the dark side of storytelling. The heart throbbing, pulsating effect that a twisted morale can inflict. And everyone knows that King's stories are ingrained with darkness.
Now I am not so sure that The Dark Tower series was the best choice for me to be dragged into the Stephen King bandwagon. Reading The Gunslinger was an odd experience if I could put it simply. Maybe I am just not familiar with his method of storytelling, but how he plotted this first book had me in a state of confusion for more than half of the book. It began following the journey of a mysterious "gunslinger", who seemed to be hunting down another obscure character who was referred to as "the man in black". Nothing else was certain. I couldn't be sure what relationship these characters had to each other, or why the gunslinger was tracking the man in black in the first place. Like I said, confused.
I am not saying that the story wasn't good. I do like King's style of writing and his voice in the story. He had very unique characters enshrouded with mystery and suspense. However, I felt that I wasn't given a reason to connect with the protagonist, or a reason to care for his well-being and the accomplishment of his mission. It was very slow-paced, but the characters do grow on you. It just took me awhile to get passed my bewilderment and indifference to finally understanding a little of what was at stake.
So in conclusion, my first experience with Stephen King wasn't a page turner unfortunately, but I am not giving up! I still intend to read some of his other books, and give him another shot. I am more than happy to hear any suggestions, and maybe your own thoughts on The Dark Tower series. To continue the series or not to continue is the question.
~Alyxandra Sarik
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