I've delved into quite a number of King titles, yet I've made up my mind to embark on a new journey. I will read them all in chronological order, aiming to have a deeper understanding of the remarkable prowess of this master storyteller. This particular work happens to be his very first full-length publication.

Ultimately, Carrie is not only the namesake but also the protagonist and antagonist of this captivating story. Despite the numerous facets of her deeply disturbed character, she is one whom the reader simply cannot help but take sides with.

My edition commences with an author's note that recounts the story of another bullied girl, strikingly similar to Carrie. This girl, whom he once knew, tragically took her own life. And this tale serves, in part, the purpose of rewriting her story and that of countless others. Here, he bestows power upon the downtrodden. He offers them a means to realize their potential through the character of Carrie. She enacts their vengeance. However, in the process, she also incinerates herself.

This also serves as a poignant reminder of how ubiquitous Carrie's story truly is. How many other teenagers endure such cruel high-school treatment? And how many either internalize their pain and self-destruct or lash out with truly devastating consequences? The answer is far too many. Far, far too many.

5 - MODERN CLASSIC STARS YET AGAIN!!!

Recently, I embarked on a rather interesting endeavor. It's not something entirely new, as many have tried it before, and some have even achieved success. I'm currently reading all of King's books in the order of their publication.

I've already devoured 52 of King's extensive works, and many of them multiple times. However, I've never read them in sequential order. I believe this will be a fascinating way to experience the evolution of his career and the different eras he has gone through.

This time around, I'm not only reading but also annotating and recording my final thoughts in a King-designated Book Journal, courtesy of Clever Fox planners. I'm truly excited about this journey, and you have no idea how much.

Regarding "Carrie," Stephen King's first published full-length novel released in 1974, it's now widely regarded as a modern classic. It has been adapted into film four times, with the original 1976 release starring Sissy Spacek being the most well-known.

I decided to listen to the audiobook for this reread, as I had only read the print copy before. Spacek's narration was fantastic, and it added an extra layer of depth to the story.

The plot of "Carrie" is a powerful and disturbing one. It tells the story of Carrie White, a bullied teen living in the small town of Chamberlain, Maine. The infamous scene in the girls' locker room, where Carrie experiences her first menstruation, sets the stage for the events that follow.

Her peers' brutal reaction to this event, combined with her abusive relationship with her mother, leads to the manifestation of Carrie's telekinetic powers. As the story progresses, we see Carrie's descent into violence and revenge.

One of the things I loved about "Carrie" was the creative use of mixed media. The way King incorporated different forms of media, such as newspaper articles and diary entries, added authenticity and depth to the story.

Overall, "Carrie" is a must-read for any fan of horror or Stephen King. It's a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

A story with very intense passages and complicated plots. It catches a great deal due to the atmosphere and writing of King, who in his first novel already shows himself to be a great one.

Stephen King's debut novel is truly a remarkable piece of work. The story unfolds with a captivating atmosphere that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. The intense passages add a sense of excitement and drama, making it difficult to put the book down. King's writing style is engaging and masterful, allowing him to bring the characters and their stories to life in a vivid and believable way. Even in his first attempt, he demonstrates a level of talent and skill that sets him apart as a great author. Whether you are a fan of horror, mystery, or simply good storytelling, this novel is sure to satisfy.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and engaging story. King's ability to create a world full of complex characters and intricate plots is truly impressive, and this novel is a testament to his talent as a writer.

Okay, let's just all come to an agreement that Stephen King should focus on what he excels at - writing horror - and keep a great distance from writing about his perception of how female anatomy functions. I'm not sure if it was intended to be realistic or not, but I seriously considered putting this book down after the very first scene where Carrie experiences her period in the shower. It was so extremely exaggerated and far removed from anything remotely believable that I winced throughout it.

Anyway, once that cringe-worthy moment was over, I actually found myself really enjoying this story. Carrie White is an outcast. She is constantly the target of ridicule and bullying at school. To make matters even worse, her mother is a terrifying religious fanatic who believes Carrie is her punishment for sinning when she gave birth to her. As a result, she abuses and sexually represses Carrie to such an extent that you truly start to feel terrible for her. Carrie not only has no friends, but she also doesn't really have a proper family. However, she does possess telekinesis powers that activate when she gets angry, which is kind of cool. Her luck seems to be changing when a boy asks her to the prom. But as this is a well-known story, I'm sure most people are already aware that unfortunately, there is no happy ending. What Carrie does in the end is truly terrifying, but I found myself almost rooting for her to destroy everyone who had wronged her. Stephen King did an outstanding job of making you sympathize with this girl - to the point where you almost justify her actions by thinking that they all deserved it.

I really liked how King utilized fictional newspaper reports, court transcripts, and personal memoirs to present multiple perspectives of what occurred. However, at times it felt rather chaotic. Just when I would be getting deeply involved in one of the scenes from prom night, suddenly there would be a court transcript from a random person who had no real connection to the main story at all. Although these elements supplemented the story well, they became a lot less effective when they were constantly being inserted every few pages by people whom I either didn't care to hear from or had already heard way too much from.

This was my very first Stephen King book, and it definitely won't be my last. I went into this expecting to be scared out of my wits, and although I wasn't, it was still extremely thrilling and evoked a whole range of other emotions that I hadn't anticipated feeling. Carrie serves as a scary reminder to be kinder to others. After all, you never really know what they are capable of.

A book that I firmly believe gets unjustly disrespected when the discussion turns to King's greatest works.

These days, it seems that more people are familiar with the Sissy Spacek movie rather than the book. However, upon reading it, one can clearly understand why this story was the very one that catapulted Stephen King into the spotlight.

The coming-of-age genre is something that King truly excels at. But getting it from the perspective of a teenage girl was an entirely new and fascinating experience for me, especially when considering Carrie White's unique set of talents.

This book delves deep into a plethora of themes, including bullying, the turmoil of teen adolescence, the intense desire to be popular, and the age-old adage that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

It is an incredible debut for what I consider to be the most amazing author of my lifetime.

Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/unIeA5KVlus

It is difficult to evaluate this book on its own. After you read "On Writing" and know how important this first book was for Stephen King, it is hard not to have an affection for it. It is also difficult because the story of Carrie is already so deeply rooted in pop culture that you probably already know everything that is going to happen. Perhaps if you had read it at the time, there would have been room to be surprised or have an innovative experience. But we have been so bombarded with movies about the terrible revenge of bullied teenagers that the story of Carrie is not new anymore. Now, in 2016. But what about at the time?

So I tried to focus on the differential of the story. The fanatical religiosity of the mother, the very choice of narrative made through documents and news, and the personal history of the characters that were the pieces for everything to end the way it did. You start the book already knowing what is going to happen. The anguish is to see the inevitable unfolding of this. The part of the telekinesis was the least explained, but sincerely, the story is so short that I did not see the need. In conclusion, I liked the book. I think it was a great start for one of my favorite authors!

More in video there on the channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5_G9...

Carrie is an absolute masterpiece. It's a thrilling ride from start to finish.

I was truly amazed because compared to Stephen King's second book 'Salem's Lot', Carrie is far superior. While 'Salem's Lot' has great character development, it lacks the scare factor and fails to tie up loose ends neatly. Carrie, on the other hand, is absolutely stunning. It's flawlessly crafted and tightly woven.

In the movie versions, Carrie is presented as a strange but still somewhat presentable girl. However, in the book, she is portrayed as a lumpy, sweaty, zitty, and reclusive introvert with no social skills, all due to her strict religious upbringing by her crazy and obsessive mother. The religious stereotypes in the book may be a bit questionable as there are many positive aspects to a Christian upbringing and morals. But King does an excellent job of combining creepy devout misconceptions with dark and brooding resentment, which is linked to telekinesis and its potential for misuse through pent-up rage.

Carrie reads like a freight train, pulling you in and not letting go. It's impossible not to get carried away and enjoy the thrilling ride. I loved it for many reasons - nostalgia, a bit of malicious childishness, the excitement and excellent writing, and the plight of a regular girl who is unfairly treated by spoilt, snobbish richer kids.

For a book that was published 50 years ago, Carrie is still alive, fresh, and invigorating. It's morally disturbing at times and touches on some unpleasant themes, but that's what makes it so captivating. The buildup is amazing, the character development is astonishingly believable, and the finale just keeps getting better and better.

I even find myself thinking of a born-again-Christian Cliff Richard song. The use of witness testimonies, court documents, and published articles adds an extra layer of authenticity and informativeness to the story. This is definitely one of the easiest reviews I've ever written. Five stars without a doubt! Stephen King truly made a name for himself with this book, and it's no wonder it's considered a classic.

Carrie is a complex and poignant story that delves into the life of a teenager, Carrie, who yearns for an ordinary existence but is constantly thwarted.

It's not just her telekinetic powers that set her apart; her mother, a religious zealot, plays a significant role in her marginalization.

As a result, Carrie is bullied at school, and she is on the verge of reaching her breaking point.

The theme of bullying is masterfully explored by the author, as it often is in his other works.

The beauty of this novel lies in its paradox: for the other kids, Carrie's strangeness isn't her telekinesis but rather the result of her mother's fundamentalism.

Contrary to expectations, Carrie is not a rough or青涩 first novel. It is a beautiful piece of art that stands on its own merits, not because of any nascent talent it reveals.

With a vote of 8.5, it is clear that this novel has left a lasting impression on readers.

The story is equally captivating in both English and Italian, as seen in the alternate language versions provided.

Overall, Carrie is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring themes of bullying, marginalization, and the power of the human spirit.

I first read Carrie when I was in secondary school, around the age of 13 or 14. I vividly remember completely ignoring the entire world until I had finished this book. I didn't eat or talk (I was at my nan's that day and I ignored her all day) until I had devoured every single sentence. This reread has been very similar.

I love this book and I love Carrie, but for entirely different reasons today than 20 years ago. On my first read, I was captivated by the whole story. It consumed me, engaged me, and after the last sentence, I was left in awe, thinking, "Wow, what a ride!"

Now, in my thirties, this book has taken on a whole new perspective. I love Carrie because she was let down by everyone. I love her because no one else stood up for her, and I admire her for fighting back against a world that constantly kicked at her during her miserable 17 years. I love Carrie because she was a human, a kid, and I can empathize with her. People who claim that your school days are the best days of your life are simply deluded. No matter where a kid stands in the social hierarchy, they all have their own crosses to bear.

The one thing that I felt strongly during both readings is that I desperately wanted a different outcome for the Prom. Even during this reread, I found myself internally pleading with King to change it. But that's the beauty of Carrie. She gets under your skin, into your head, until she is all you can think about, and you just wish so badly that the sun would shine down on her.

Carrie will always be my all-time most consuming read. My feelings for this girl are overwhelming. It's a solid 5-star book and an all-time favorite.

4.5 stars

It is truly a mean and unforgiving world out there. Carrie, a young girl, simply desires a normal, teenage girl life. She dreams of having friends, going to school, and experiencing all the typical joys and challenges that come with being a teenager. However, fate has other plans for her. She is constantly bullied and mistreated, and it seems as if she will never get the life she so desperately wants.

But Carrie is not one to back down easily. She decides to fight back, using all the strength and courage she has within her. What follows is a story that is 80% sad and heartbreaking, as we witness Carrie's struggles and the pain she endures. But it is also 20% horror, as she unleashes her powers in a terrifying and unexpected way.

The story of Carrie is a powerful and moving one, that will stay with you long after you have finished reading. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that sometimes, the only way to survive is to fight back.

But hardly anybody ever realizes that their actions truly and actually cause harm to other people! People don't improve; they merely become more intelligent. When you grow smarter, you don't cease from pulling the wings off flies; you just come up with better justifications for doing so. Many kids claim they feel sorry for Carrie White—mostly girls, and that's quite a laugh—but I wager none of them comprehend what it's like to be Carrie White, every single second of every day. And they don't truly care.

…

Nobody was truly astonished when it occurred, not really, not on that subconscious level where savage things fester.

I made the decision to reread Carrie in honor of the 50th anniversary of its original publication on April 5, 1974.

As a debut novel, Carrie is remarkable, a harbinger of all that was to follow. So many of Stephen King’s trademarks are already fully evident. The setting of a small town in Maine. The way he pen interior thoughts to reveal the turmoil within a character. The straightforward yet adaptable “what if” plot concept (what if a bullied girl possessed telekinetic powers?). The Easter egg references to other stories (in this instance, a character mentioned in passing who will later be revealed as one of the characters in The Body, also known as Stand by Me). And the richly developed characters, not just Carrie and her dangerously fundamentalist mother, but also less central figures such as Sue and Tommy.

Carrie is a straightforward story: a bullied girl finally snaps. But that simplicity is also the source of the story’s strength. Anyone can identify with the initial bullying scene in the high school shower. The sequence from that scene to the Prom is both entirely believable and engaging. And when Carrie finally commences her vengeance, transforming from a sympathetic victim to a terrifying monster, it’s like a school shooting story but with telekinesis instead of guns. It’s a fast, powerful read. I rate it 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4, but probably only because I’m comparing it to the best of King’s novels. Highly recommended.

Este es mi tipo de terror: un terror más psicológico, más sutil, con una excelente historia. Es todo lo que podría pedir.

El hecho de que esté narrado por científicos, sobrevivientes de la catástrofe del pueblo, con declaraciones oficiales del caso White, para mí fue lo mejor del libro. Esto le dio un realismo escalofriante.

Mucha gente pone como personaje de terror a Carrie, pero yo creo que ella, a pesar de tener los poderes, sólo era una víctima del bullying y del acoso excesivo en casa.

La que de verdad da miedo en este libro es la madre de Carrie, Mrs White. Ella es, probablemente, el mejor personaje que he leído de Stephen King. Es una mujer completamente demente, con creencias religiosas exageradísimas hasta el punto de llegar al fanatismo. Por ejemplo, a los senos de la mujer le dice "bultos cochinos". Carrie no puede dormir con almohada porque es pecado. No puede bañarse en una ducha. Tienen misas en su casa 3 veces a la semana, solo ellas dos. Puede encerrar a Carrie durante días en un armario, sin comida, sin baño, para que rece por sus pecados, etc. Creo que ni Dios la hubiera querido en el cielo a esta mujer.

La mamá de Carrie es hasta ahora mi personaje favorito del Rey del terror.

Recomiendo muchísimo este libro para las personas que quieren comenzar con King, sabiendo que este es un terror más psicológico y con una historia increíble y atrapante.