Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Head in the Sand

Yep, that photo pretty much sums me up lately...head in the sand. Except, like, I'd have more of a gut. And pants on (except on Friday). The picture also reminds me of a tasteless joke from my misguided youth.

Why do the people in ________ (insert country of your choice) bury their dead with their butts sticking out of the ground? .... So they can be used as bicycle stands...

Moving on...my head has been in the proverbial sand recently because I've been immersed in a book. The past couple of weeks, every moment that hasn't been either work or family time has been spent reading Under the Dome by Stephen King. I've been reading his horror stories since I was about 20 or so. However in recent years I lost interest in his stories. But he has won me back with this novel. It's been many years since a story has grabbed my interest like that. If I may so bold to use the cliche...."a real page turner."

This massive tome is over 1000 pages and could be used to inflict serious harm on another human being. I strained muscles trying to hold it up to read for days. I found the first 100 pages or so a little slow as the first day developed, introducing all of the characters in the town after the 'dome' came down. You know that your novel has a lot of characters when there is a three page section listing them and what they do. I think that the book's main message is about the corruption and the abuse of power. There is also a strong environmental message here and a fine display of people thrust into an extraordinary situation rallying together.

FYI, I looked this up on IMDB and at Wikipedia and see that it's under development as a TV miniseries to be aired on Showcase some time in the distant future. I bet that today's special effects could make this visually stunning. Cool...

10 comments:

Gigi said...

You are JUST now reading this???

Okay, I won't spoil the ending....but I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.

That is all.

Except.....

Do you know how hard it is to keep quiet?!?!?!?

Danielle Birch said...

Am still chuckling over the blog title and photo :)

David Barber said...

I guess the weather has improved, Alan. That's a mighty fine tan you have. Oiled up as well...you know how to tease the ladies! :-)

Not read a Stephen King novel for a while. I may have to go and buy this one. Great post.

Hope you are well. Best to you and your family!

Entre Nous said...

From a fellow Ostrich...

Havn't started reaading it yet but at least have it....

Still can't post comments as myself, I'm getting an inferiority complex!

STONEHORSE

Entre Nous said...

Oh now it works on your site through my stats page, go figure....

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

I confess: I started reading that book when I got it for Christmas a couple of years ago... and then I started it again another time.. and again not too long ago.. I'm a huge fan of King and yet I just can't get through it. Maybe I need more hand and arm exercise. Maybe that's what the buff dude in the photo is doing... working out to be able to read Under the Dome.
(Bicycle stands -- HAR!!!!!) You make me laff.

Cate Gardner said...

I've put that book at the back of my to read pile because it's so damn long. I might (might) move it forward.

Alan W. Davidson said...

Gigi- Yep, it sat on the bookshelf for a long time until I got the courage (and bicep mass) to pick it up. BTW, I'm finshed it.

Danielle- I'm just happy that the bronze fellow is facing downwards.

David- Yes, I took full advantage of the three hours of sun we've had this summer. All is well here. Hope you and the girls had a nice vacation.

Joni- Yeah, give it a read. Comments work here because I have the comments set up in a pop-up window.

Cathy- It really does flow a lot better after about page 120 or so. Give it another try. Have Dave, your bronze man-servant, hold the book up for you to read.

Cate- I think that it's second to 'The Stand' for longest book I've ever read. Once you're into the story it really whizzes by fast.

Laurita said...

I have the Kindle edition of this, so thankfully no muscle straining once I get around to reading it. Though maybe I should pick up a print copy to weild.

Alan W. Davidson said...

I'll loan you my copy, should you get the inclination to bash somebody!