This week’s pick is an oldie but a goodie: Pet Sematary by Stephen King, published in 1983.
I love the film version of this one. First up is a British import of the book, which Hodder & Stoughton put out in 2007. The publishing house seems to have replaced it with a newer cover (second one down, dated 2011), which is also pretty neat.
I also really like this other Hodder & Stoughton cover from 1983 although I wasn’t able to find a decent image of it. I’m sure you’ve seen this one and this one — also cool. Here’s a bigger collection of all or most of the designs that were made for the book.
Does anyone know a good online shop where you can purchase vintage books specifically by cover? Amazon isn’t all that dependable — I bought a particular version of Life of Pi and received a different cover than what I wanted. I think Etsy has worked for me in the past, but it doesn’t have the best selection. I’m sure eBay would work, but I don’t know how much is available there, either. Do you ever go hunting for vintage covers? Where do you look for consistent results? I’d like to do some research on this.
[Update: Biblio.com actually doesn’t seem too bad. You can search for rare books — including signed or first editions — or filter results by whether the seller provided a picture, by country, whether it comes with a dust jacket, etc.]
Also: Do you think Stephen King is a good writer? Of course he’s successful, but my boyfriend and I were discussing whether he’s a good writer. He’s obviously a commercial writer — someone who writes frequently and for the common reader, which is why his books are so widely accepted. Literary writers are a different breed. They write with a greater attention to language and conventions like theme — there’s a greater purpose to their writing than just sales and storytelling.
So … thoughts? Is Stephen King a good writer? What are your favorite books by him? And do you have to be a literary writer to be a good writer-writer?
Hana
He’s one of my favorite writers! I like his older works more than his recent stuff. My favorites are The Stand and The Shining.
I have no idea about vintage book sales.
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Stephanie
I definitely need to read The Shining! That’s one of my favorite movies ever. Someone else recommended The Stand to me today as well. :)
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Sarah
No, I don’t think you have to be a literary writer to be a good writer. Stephen King has always had my respect, but I’ve never read any of his books. Sad, I know. I’m probably one of the very few who haven’t read his books. I should give him another try. SO many people love him, he can’t be a horrible writer, right?
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Stephanie
I haven’t read much of King, either, unfortunately! I need to change that. But my boyfriend has, and he has a very interesting view on King’s writing — he doesn’t like that King’s writing is so commercial, I think. He says it doesn’t really add up to anything. But I think reading can just be enjoyable for the act itself. :)
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Sarah
Yes, exactly, I completely agree with that.
That might be the reason I avoid him too? Too commercial? If I do, it isn’t on purpose. But then, I haven’t read Hunger Games, 50 Shades of Gray, OR Harry Potter either (sorry, still haven’t done Harry Potter). So maybe I subconsciously avoid these. Whatever the reason, I’ll try King next year and see what happens. And okay, Harry Potter :)
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Stephanie
Read Harry Potter … but you can skip 50 Shades. ;)
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