Pet Sematary

I love Stephen King and strive to aspire to the title of “constant reader”.  But alas, I haven’t read all of his books, (though I’ve read many!!), and don’t feel like I’m yet worthy of that honor.  However, I’ve read enough of his works to know that Pet Sematary is truly one of his best.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told to stay clear of this book.  I was told it is too disturbing, and that the terror and heartbreak it induces never really leaves.  And I’m a pretty sensitive 25-year-old woman.  (Which is probably why people were so concerned with me reading this book.)  But to be completely honest, this book did not have any sort of negative or scarring effect on me.  Was it disturbing?  Yes.  But not any more so than every other Stephen King book focused on a dark power.

I became engrossed in this book quickly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the lead-up to the main climactic events.  The main character, Louis, is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever gotten to know in book-form.  King does a brilliant job of creating Louis in such a way, that almost anyone can feel his emotions and understand why he does what he does.  Which is just one of the reasons I find this to be one of King’s top 3 books (and trust me, that says a lot coming from me). 

And I think this book really has a way of resonating with anyone who reads it.  Because we’ve all lost people we’re close to.  And we’ve all had those moments where we so desperately think, “They can’t be gone!  How can they be gone?  I just saw them yesterday.”  And we all have those hopeful and fleeting experiences where we think we hear their bracelet dangling or their particular shuffling walk come through the door, only to be disappointed as we remember that they are gone, and that they will never come through the door again.  That’s why this book is so impactful.  It hits home with something we all have in common.  Loss, and the relentless pull our loved ones have in our hearts, even after they are gone.

I encourage everyone to read this book, regardless of whether or not you’re a parent, regardless of whether or not you’re sensitive, and regardless of whether or not you like Stephen King.  It’s a good and powerful book to have in your repertoire.  It really gets you thinking, and the good that comes from these deep thoughts is what stays with you after reading it.  Anything disturbing stays within the pages of the book when it’s closed.

And that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Love you muchly,
Sissy Golden Hair