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Summary: Not really about a car....
Review: ... what this book is, is a character study. The central conflict centres on a disenfranchised teenage boy who is trying to connect with his absent father, and is doing so by the aid of Dad's former compratriots, the officers of Pennsylvania's Troop D. Like another reviewer said, the car/thing is an obvious allusion to "Hearts in Atlantis" and the Dark Tower series. King does an excellent job of developing the tone and language of each of the novel's narrators. The car is an enigma to be studied, and possibly, solved; yet its shenanigans are not the heart of the story. The very real, and very human, characters are.
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Summary: Like a fine wine, Stephen King has mellowed with age
Review: FROM A BUICK 8 is a story typical of Stephen King's later work. In the theme of GERALD'S GAME, DOLORIS CLAIBORNE, BAG OF BONES and ROSE MADDER, Stephen King here is less interested in scaring you or in dealing with huge epic themes, as he has previously done in IT and THE STAND, and more interested in detailing the human relationships and the mundane events of everyday life. Here, he continues exploring previously-established themes of the way in which human beings deal with the unknown and the unknowable, and how people can continue to exist side-by-side with the supernatural. While not told on as large a scale as his earlier work, this book reveals a more mature King; it is a layered narrative with more subtle complexity to it than meets the eye on first glance.One of the pleasures of reading Stephen King's large body of work is watching how he has changed and grown as an author over time. While not as flashy as some of his earlier work, this is a more accomplished novel in which King displays a quiet mastery of his craft as well as a maturity and control that could only come with age.
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Summary: It doesn't really go anywhere...
Review: This book is more frustrating than anything else. Though the plot is fairly interesting and in some parts somewhat suspenseful, the book leaves you with a bucket load of unanswered questions. The car obviously ties in with The Dark Tower series and Hearts in Atlantis, but the finish leaves you with a "what was that?" feeling. Without reading the other books, I would have really felt left in the dark. Read it if you have a lust for King, but if you are a newbie to his world (or worlds, as the case may be), read a few of his other works before trying to tackle this one.
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Summary: From A Buick 8
Review: I have been a Stephen King fan for years. The Stand is possibly the best cross-over SciFi, horror novel that was ever written. I would have to say that From A Buick 8 might be the worst. The only reason I gave this book a single star is because it has King's name. It is a long drawn out read, save your money.
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Summary: Nice concept, but no substance
Review: I hate to agree with some of the other critics who say this book is too long and boring, but... it is. I was able to hang in .. happily.. for the first 200 pages or so... but it gets old rather quickly. Most of the book is just a constant stream-of-conscience recollection of this evil Buick in a garage, and there are layers and layers of smarmy, state-troopers-are-a-family mentality. Which is all fine and dandy, but it's just not what one would expect from a Stephen King book. King is a wonderfully talented author, of course, but-- unless you have a particular interest in state troopers, Pennsylvania, or vintage Buicks, I'd pass on this book.
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Summary: back to reality, please
Review: King needs and editor who can look him in the eye and tell him when a book isn't worth the millions people are about to shell out for it. This should have been a short story, not the endless sleeper I'm struggling to finish.
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Summary: Egad...this poor author's editor must have died
Review: This would have been a nice, interesting short story. I can't believe I stuck around for the whole thing.
Rating:
Summary: Really Really Bad
Review: Out of my great respect for Mr. King I will not elaborate on the ensuing boredom found when reading this book.
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Summary: From a Buick 8
Review: If Stephen King could resist the temptation to put spooky nasties in his books he would be considered a masterful story teller with his character and plot weavings. From a Buick 8 tells a beautiful story about the loss of one man and the effects that his death have on all who knew him. The car is incidental but a lot of fun. I am a resident of "Statler County" and I think that he really nailed us with his spot on characters. However I have never actually seen a bumper sticker that says "I eat Amish" Those familiar with our Amish would know the real reason that that is one thing we'd never say. Keep up the great work there Stevie!!
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Summary: Not His Best Effort
Review: The story is interesting and the characters are realistic and even likable. The problem I have is this is not what we have come to expect from Mr. King. I have been a fan since childhood. I still am. However, this book has left me kind of cold. By any other author, I would have considered this a good book. As a title by Stephen King it's just ok.
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