Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW ONE:
Title: Rose Madder
Author: Stephen King
Type: Fantasy
Summary:
Rosie McClendon married to Norman Daniels. During their years of marriage, Rosie was not
having a pleasant one. Especially with Norman’s both mental and physical torment.

Finally, after convincing herself, Rosie realizes that she had enough of Norman’s torment and made a decision to leave. Nonetheless, it was not an easy decision since she lived with Norman and the house for a long period of time, she had a sense of belonging then. After questioning herself repeatedly, she plucked up her courage to leave the town she is staying and stole her husband’s credit card.

She had an indecisive mind and intended to return back home after awhile. Luckily, she did not and went to a home meant for abused females, known as Daughters and Sisters. There, she met many friends, including her best friend, Pam. As she finally adapts to the new town, the head of the home, Anna Stevenson suggests that she starts a new life.

Rosie heeded her advice, found a home, a new boyfriend and a new painting. This painting later came to life as it brought Rosie into a fantasy world where she is required to save a baby.

Norman who later caught up with Rosie, found out where she lives and killed many people during the process of investigation, including Anna, Pam and Anna’s ex-husband.

Later, Norman was killed by the lady in the painting Rosie adored, known as Rose Madder. She then start a family with her new boyfriend and have a daughter.

Reflections:

I think the book has a good description of what is happening to Rosie and her new life. I also think the way how Rosie had managed to pick herself up from the sufferings she went through was “applaud-able”. Especially, the part where she confronted to Norman face-to-face and scolded him right off, even though Norman was enraged by what she said.

We could actually learn from Rosie how to stand up against what we do not like, not on the petty stuffs but more on the bigger stuffs, like what Norman did. We should know how to let go of unpleasant past and move on with our lives, even though it takes time to do so. It teaches some life values here but most importantly I know how to describe actions, emotions and descriptions now.

BOOK REVIEW TWO:

Title: The Shining
Author: Stephen King
Type: Fantasy
Summary:

The Torrance family moved to the Overlook Hotel after Jack Torrance lost his job as a teacher. Jack took the job as a caretaker. As Jack is an alcoholic, his wife, Wendy wanted to have a divorce with him. However, later after Jack’s determination to quit drinking, the notion of divorce is shelved.

Their son, Danny Torrance, is a physic who is only 5 years old. As they went to the Overlook Hotel, Danny had an ominous feeling about there. The cook, Dick Hallorann, who also has physic ability can read what Danny is thinking too. He warned Danny of the hotel and told him to call for him if he ever needs help, not physically but mentally.

Jack who later went mental after the devil in the hotel took control of him, attempted to kill his wife and son. He attempted to kill Wendy, Hallorann and most importantly Danny. As Danny was what the devil wants. Luckily for them, Danny managed to cajole his dad to let him go as his dad managed to come to his senses.

Danny and his mum together with Mr. Hallorann escaped and start a new life away from the Overlook Hotel.

Reflection:
In my opinion, the ability of Danny to overcome his fears of his powers was his courage to do so. I guess not many of us are able to. We would always run away from our fears and in hope of not facing it. We should instead learn to overcome and live with it, instead cringing at it.

The description of them Danny and Wendy, escaping from the devil and the injuries they had suffered was vivid and lucid. Especially the part where Jack ran after them with his hammers. Actually, Danny had foretold this scene before but he had always forgotten about it. Whatever Danny foretells becomes reality, it makes him petrified at the thought of having this ability.

The most poignant part was actually that Jack had overcome the devil within him and told Danny to remember that he loved him:
“Doc” Jack Torrance said. “Run away. Quick. And remember how much I love you.”

Some of the scenes are blood-tingling and breathtaking. It is worthwhile reading Stephen King’s book. It actually let me learn more than what I should have.

Lynn