Misery review

Another month, another Stephen King readalong ... :-)

This time it was the turn of Misery to be taken out in the carriage and possibly for a dance. Though, of course, Misery is a lady, so home by 11, and no ankle flashes, thank you.

The Misery readalong is hosted by the always lovely Care of https://bkclubcare.wordpress.com/

The book opens with well-known writer Paul Sheldon being given CPR by - as he soon finds out - by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes.

Paul also learns, just as quickly, that Annie Wilkes is not wired right. She is, in fact, out and out crazy.

But Paul is at her mercy and there's nothing to be done except take the painkillers and try to survive Hurricane Annie.

It proves to be harder than it sounds - especially when Annie finds out that Paul has killed off his most popular character, Misery Chastain, the heroine of a series of gothic romance novels.

(Aside: Does anyone else want to read that series? Just me? Okay.)

Annie takes the news ... .... badly. Very badly. So Paul is coerced into writing a new chapter in Misery's life.

I've read Misery before, and I remember The Thing that happens in the book. I also remember that they pulled back on The Thing in the movie, because of how horrific it is. I had, however, forgotten about The Other Thing.

I do remember greatly enjoying the book first time around, and it's just as good. It's the mark of a great storyteller who can keep you riveted by little more than a crazy ex-nurse and a very unwilling patient for about 350 pages.

Paul's fight for his life, and of course, for his sanity, takes you on a real spiral. It's like being grabbed by the scruff of the neck and suddenly being in the middle of a car chase. Exhilarating, and you hope that you're intact at the end of the ride.