The Stephen King Goodreads Discussion Group is embarking on a comprehensive re-read of his works, starting from the very beginning and going all the way to the end. It has been a considerable amount of time since I truly delved deep into Uncle Stevie’s captivating world. However, at a rate of one book per month, I am fully committed. My objective is to read and review each one with utmost honesty and reflection, giving it my best shot.

“Dreamcatcher” was originally published in February 2001 as a Scribner hardcover. After King’s recovery from being hit by a driver in 1999, he painstakingly wrote the manuscript by hand, in cursive, and completed it within six months. In the book’s afterword, King revealed that his initial working title was “Cancer,” but his wife, Tabitha, persuaded him to change it to “Dreamcatcher.”

In terms of length, my hardcover edition consists of 620 pages, while my Kindle version has 684 pages.

The plotline revolves around four lifelong friends - Gary "Jonesy" Jones, Pete Moore, Joe "Beaver" Clarendon, and Henry Devlin. Every year, they embark on a traditional hunting trip to their cabin in the woods known as the Hole-in-the-Wall. But this year, their trip takes an unexpected turn. It starts to go awry when Jonesy discovers a stranger wandering in the woods during a snowstorm. The stranger is disoriented and behaving peculiarly, with a reddish discoloration that appears to be spreading. Subsequently, Beaver and Jonesy also notice a large number of animals migrating past them without any apparent reason.

Simultaneously, while Henry and Pete are driving back from the local grocer, they nearly hit a woman sitting in the middle of the road, resulting in a crash. The woman behaves similarly to the stranger Jonesy found, mumbling and incoherent. Henry leaves the woman and Pete, who has an injured leg, to seek help.

At the same time, rescuers in helicopters begin to appear above them as the entire area is placed under quarantine, and a mysterious group of army soldiers invade without any explanation. Before the four friends know it, they are not only engaged in a fight against other humans but also find themselves in a battle for their lives against an unknown alien presence.

My thoughts and reflections on this book are a bit complex. To be honest, I struggled several times while trying to get through this novel. The structure and plotting weren’t necessarily bad, but the execution and delivery presented a significant challenge. For me, the writing seemed rather chaotic. Although there were a few scenes that managed to hold my attention, and a couple of them were even riveting, most of them were overly long, rambling, and at times, confusing.

I’m not sure if it’s related to King’s personal remarks about being on pain medicine while writing this novel, but it seems that this could have benefited from better editing and some rewrites to tighten things up. My reading experience was as follows. The first two hundred pages or so started off with some potential interest, with moments that reminded me of the kids from his previous novel “It,” combined with thematic elements from movies like “The Thing” and “Aliens,” and the classic TV show “The X-Files.” I couldn’t help but think of The Cigarette Smoking Man every time Colonel Kurtz was in a scene.

However, for me, the book’s plotline reached its climax before the book was halfway through, leaving the last three to four hundred pages feeling long and drawn out. It’s not a good sign when you can already envision the ending at the midpoint, and it’s even worse when you’ve lost interest in the outcome. I didn’t find the 200-page-long chase at the end exciting or culminating in an intense climax. For me, it was more of a ho-hum, who cares, can we please get it over with, and a sense of relief that it was finally over. I guess the good news is that I have rarely, on very rare occasions, felt this way about any of King’s books, and it wasn’t an enjoyable experience. Enough said on that.

Interestingly enough, following the publication of this book, King told Rolling Stone in a 2014 interview that "I don't like Dreamcatcher very much," and also shared a personal revelation that he wrote the book while under the influence of the drug Oxycontin, which he was taking to manage his pain during his recovery from the accident.

A film adaptation of the book was released in 2003. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, it starred Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant, Morgan Freeman, Tom Sizemore, and Donnie Wahlberg.

Overall, let me keep this simple and concise. This was one of the least enjoyable King books that I have had the experience of reading. Without a doubt, it’s in my bottom five, and more likely in my bottom three. I hope your reading experience was better. Let’s leave it at that and move on to the next one.

It took a whopping seven months, but here we are!

Welcome to my very first 1 star read of 2018.

Oh boy, where do I even begin? This book was just so full of nope.

From the very start, it failed to capture my interest.

The plot was lackluster and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and unlikable.

I found myself constantly skimming through the pages, hoping for something, anything, to redeem this book.

But alas, it was not to be.

By the time I reached the end, I was left feeling disappointed and relieved that it was finally over.

Overall, this was a complete miss for me, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

Maybe 2018 will have better reads in store for me!

I truly adored the beginning of this book. It commenced with such remarkable strength.

The four principal characters are all exquisitely developed, each possessing their own unique personal qualities. For instance, Beaver has his distinct "beaverisms."

Nevertheless, approximately around the halfway point, the story begins to disintegrate and turns into a muddled and repetitive mess. I firmly believe that a good 200 pages could have been effortlessly trimmed without sacrificing the essence of the plot.

It is indeed a wonderful concept, but unfortunately, it suffers from poor editing. This lack of proper refinement detracts from what could have been a truly outstanding literary work.

Despite its flaws, there are still glimmers of potential and moments of brilliance that manage to shine through. However, it is clear that more attention and care should have been given during the editing process to ensure a more seamless and engaging reading experience.

Overall, while the book has its merits, the issues with its pacing and editing prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Stephen King is a renowned author, and this particular book of his has its share of both ridiculous and moving moments.

Personally, I did not enjoy the military part of the story at all. It felt rather dull and uninteresting to me. Instead, I much preferred reading about the childhood experiences of the protagonists. Their early years were filled with vivid descriptions and emotions that really tugged at my heartstrings.

Despite my reservations about the military aspect, I would still recommend this book. It may not be the absolute best work of King, but it does have its redeeming qualities. The author's unique writing style and ability to create engaging characters are still present, making it an enjoyable read overall.

If you're a fan of King's work or simply enjoy a good story with a mix of different elements, this book is definitely worth checking out.

I have been a devoted fan of Stephen King ever since my brother Scott introduced me to the captivating Dark Tower series. My wife, being aware of my passion, is always on the lookout for King novels in the thrift stores she frequents. One day, she discovered “Dreamcatcher” for me. I had no prior knowledge of the story, but about a week and a half ago, I sat down to begin reading.

The story, centered around an alien invasion, immediately piqued my interest. It encompasses various aspects, including four friends who find themselves in the middle of the chaos, the military cleanup operation, conflicts between the soldiers and their somewhat questionable orders, and a plethora of memories and flashbacks. However, the real heart of the story lies in a Down syndrome man named Duddits, who has the power to change everything. This is the first King novel that has come perilously close to bringing tears to my eyes. His remarkable ability to make the reader truly like and care deeply about poor Duddits is truly excellent. I am certain that from now on, I will never view a person with Down syndrome in the same light again.

Presenting realistic and interesting characters is one of King’s notable strengths, and he does not disappoint in “Dreamcatcher.” The four friends, along with Owen Underhill and the diverse cast they encounter during their adventures, are all complex and engaging. Extra kudos go to Kurtz, the insane military leader in charge of the government cleanup. He constantly keeps the reader on edge. Duddits, too, is a remarkable character whom I grew to care about deeply, and he is central to the entire narrative.

King is a master of suspense, but at times, it can be a bit exasperating. He spends a significant amount of time establishing the background and building up the tension before unleashing the full force of the story. The pace is generally good, but there were certain parts that almost had me bored. However, the last few hundred pages had me on the edge of my seat, completely engrossed.

The alien invasion concept in the novel is original, but the idea of four childhood friends with a strange gift being caught in the middle is not entirely new to the author. I found the most engaging parts of the story to be those related to the military cleanup. I also thought that Duddits was a brilliant addition to the story, and King does an outstanding job of getting the reader to empathize with him.

However, I have to deduct some points from the story due to what I perceive as a lack of research by the author and his editors. There are several elementary mistakes, such as referring to a “cook’s third” in an Army unit (which sounds more like a Navy designation), and stating that an H&K Mp5 fires 5.56mm ammunition when it actually fires 9mm. These may seem like small details, but they took my attention away from the story and momentarily disrupted my suspension of disbelief.

King is generally very good at writing dialogue, but there were a few parts that felt weak or overly wordy and preachy. There were moments when Henry, and even the crazy Kurtz (who had a legitimate reason to talk in a crazy manner), seemed less than realistic.

In terms of style and technical aspects, there is no doubt in my mind that this book is an excellent example of a seasoned and veteran author using his skills to produce a superior novel. Most of the Stephen King material I have read has been his earlier works, and it is evident that he has grown and learned a great deal over the years. His use of shifting viewpoints, flashbacks, changes of scenery, presentation of dreams, and the seamless integration of all these elements into the narrative is nothing short of amazing.

Overall, “Dreamcatcher” is a good alien invasion story, but it also offers a deeper examination of the human condition than most escapist fiction. Jonesy’s battle against the alien entity possessing his body, Kurtz’s mad logic, and everything related to Duddits are all amazing examples of fiction writing. My only real complaint is a certain degree of predictability that sets in after the midway point.

At the same time, I think the novel also provides some insights into Stephen King’s mindset. It is clear that he is not well-versed in military matters, and it appears that his editors are not either. This suggests that he may not truly understand the people who volunteer to serve and wear the uniform. As a result, most of his soldier characters come across as raving lunatics. While this may serve the story, it is an example of how he may not be familiar with that particular part of society and may be assigning unfair stereotypes to them.

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King once again impresses with his unique blend of horror and sci-fi.

When I read this, I was completely immersed in the story. The image of Mr Gray is truly unforgettable, and it has remained in my mind until this day.

And let's not forget the disgusting and shocking s**t weasels. Their presence added an extra layer of horror to the narrative.

King's ability to create such vivid and disturbing images is truly remarkable. It makes you wonder what other nightmares he has in store for us.

This story is a must-read for fans of horror and sci-fi alike. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you with a sense of unease long after you've finished reading.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable read.

Right, listen in! Let's get something straight here. Stephen King's Dreamcatcher has a bit of a negative reputation among his regular readers. But is that reputation really deserved? No way! Dreamcatcher is an excellent read and very much underrated. Let me tell you why.

The book revolves around a group of boyhood friends who go for a winter hunting trip. But as fate would have it, this turns out to be a case of wrong place, wrong time as it coincides with an alien invasion. What are the odds?

However, as is often the case with Stephen King novels, the setup that drives the narrative is not the heart of the story. What truly matters is the enduring friendship among five of the best characters this author has ever written. King illustrates this friendship perfectly, and each character is so relatable and endearing that they seem to come alive on the page. Another key aspect is how one or two moments in a person's life can define it, and having the moral courage to make the right decision can shape and change you as a person and as a friend.

So why does this novel receive a lot of criticism? Some people think it's overwritten, but I strongly disagree. There is a great deal of character development, which is essential in creating a strong cast of heroes and villains. I love how King makes the ordinary parts of life so impactful. Special mention goes to Beaver, Jonesy, and Duddits. Wait until you meet them, and you'll understand what I mean. And Kurts, the bad guy, is a full-on psychopath who revels in it. Great stuff!

Anyway, that's enough of my rambling. I don't want to be accused of overwriting. I feel you, Steve, buddy. Just give this book a chance, read it, and join the Dreamcatcher appreciation club.

  "Hearts were made to be broken and minds were made to be changed..."









  "The body is either stupid or infinitely wise, but in either case it is spared the terrible witchery of thought; it only knows how to stand its ground and fight until it can fight no more."

It is way too long for you to hold on to it... at least in my case. A novel that is hundreds of pages long, but otherwise it wouldn't be Stephen King. Four main characters, one by one, who try to save the world from a treacherous alien invasion, and a military commander for whom the mission of his life becomes the punishment of a deserter and traitor (although some would call him a savior), even though, around them, the world is falling apart. And poor Duddits... your heart breaks for his pity. Why is there so much injustice in the world?

The story unfolds with these characters facing various challenges and dilemmas. The alien invasion brings chaos and destruction, and the four friends find themselves in the middle of it, trying to make sense of what is happening and figure out a way to stop it. The military commander, on the other hand, is focused on his own mission, which may or may not align with the goals of the others. As the situation worsens, the characters must make difficult choices that will have far-reaching consequences.

Stephen King has once again created a captivating and thought-provoking story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The length of the novel may seem intimidating at first, but as you get into the story, you realize that every page is necessary to fully understand the characters and the plot. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fight against injustice are explored in depth, making this a truly engaging read.

Although Stephen King novels and short stories are currently enjoying a big screen revival, some of the earlier adaptations are still rather lackluster. Films like "Thinner," "The Stand," and the "Nightmares & Dreamscapes" TV series did not translate well to the screen. I made the error of watching the film version of "Dreamcatcher" before reading the novel. For years, as I browsed the shelves of second-hand bookstores and charity shops, my eyes would notice the presence of "Dreamcatcher," but I never thought of picking it up. My immediate reaction was, "My god, the film was terrible!" However, now that I'm running out of King's works to read, I gave it a chance, and I'm so glad I did.

The plot of "Dreamcatcher" is somewhat familiar in the world of Stephen King stories. Four childhood friends, each with varying degrees of telekinesis and all slightly damaged by real life in some way, meet up for what turns out to be their final yearly hunting trip. A confused stranger, looking deathly ill, enters the camp, spouting nonsense about lights in the sky. What follows is an excellent alien invasion story told in the classic Stephen King style.
There is a slight similarity to "IT" in that the four friends are connected by a heroic act from their childhood and are required to retell and flashback to it years later. However, I preferred "Dreamcatcher" to "IT." For me, "IT" was far too long, monotonous in parts, and a real chore to finish. "Dreamcatcher" is half the size, better written, and has much more action, with very little messing around and build-up.

It keeps the reader engaged from start to finish and offers a thrilling and unique take on the alien invasion genre.

I finished another one of the author's books. You might say I'm either graphically or adhesively attached to him. Well, I'm both. I love his writing, I love his imagination, I love his directness with the reader. I love the emotions it evokes in me. I love its originality, even though he has written so many. And I know there are readers who have read him and didn't like it. That's respectable too, although I would like them to explain to me exactly what they didn't like. And now for this particular book. I liked it very much. It's what we call satisfying. 800 pages full of agony, horror, nostalgia, humor, sadness, affection, love, adventure. Each line stands out for the above. His descriptions are cinematic. You don't have to make an effort to imagine the scenes, he serves them to you on a plate. Unique in that regard. For all of the above, read it!!!!!!

This book truly takes you on a journey through a myriad of emotions. The author's ability to paint such vivid pictures in the reader's mind is remarkable. You can almost feel as if you are right there in the story, experiencing everything along with the characters. The various themes explored, from love to loss, add depth and complexity to the narrative. It's a book that will keep you engaged from beginning to end, and leave you with a sense of fulfillment once you've turned the last page. So don't hesitate, pick it up and start reading!

Jonesy, Henry, Beavier, and Pete are four childhood friends. Every year, for one week, they remember the countryside house in the forest of a small town near where they were born, Derry. One day, a lost and strange man will appear asking for help.

The premise really charmed me and the first 200 pages had me very hooked. However, from then on, King complicates the story with plots that lead nowhere and that bore and overshadow the main plot. From this moment on, the book goes downhill without brakes. Although it has certain high points, it doesn't fully recover, only at times.

What's the best part? Its connection with the losers of It. I loved that.

The ending, once again with King, is not satisfying. It goes straight to my worst King.

Where the hell to begin!

I gave myself almost a week to collect my thoughts for this review, and I’m still not entirely sure I even know how to give it a proper one.

This book was something truly unique. I read that King wrote it mostly high on opioids from his accident, and that is very apparent from the writing and storytelling. It is a complete mess, and to be honest, it is often confusing and jumbled. It’s a 600-page book, and books of that length that aren’t thoroughly planned out have a tendency to go off the rails. King, who admits he often doesn’t truly know where a story is heading, seems to be all over the place, veering off the road before righting the course.

However, there are of course some of King’s biggest strengths present. His ability to build strong characters is remarkable, making you care about them despite the story not being the best. I did, though, find the dialogue to be corny at times. This isn’t something new with King; I’ve always struggled to not roll my eyes at some of the things his characters say. But in this book, it’s at a whole new level. These characters say things that no one, at any point in time, has ever said. What made it an even bigger problem is that the cheesy dialogue his characters often spout flows into the actual narrative, something that isn’t usually the case with Stephen King.

I know it seems like I’m bashing King with a criticism bat here. But let me say this: If anyone else had written this story, it would have been lucky to get 1 star. But because of King’s talent as a writer, he managed to make it far more interesting than any other author could possibly have. With that being said, I would not recommend this book to anyone outside those whose goal is to read all of Stephen King’s work.