Dreamcatcher indeed

Dreamcatcher is not one of Stephen King's best or most terrifying stories, in fact some parts of it can get quite boring as the characters travel between the second and third acts. But Jeffrey Demunn is one of the best narrators and actors for King's material and it shows here, turning a book that's still a little better than most into a fully realize story with rich detail.

22 people found this helpful

Decent story but WAY too gross for me...

I have read many, many Stephen King books over the years and like them for various reasons. I often choose one of them over something more literary or nonfiction because they are so easy to get immersed in- whatever else you might say about King, he is a very engaging story teller. My work is stressful, and sometimes I just want to head into a completely different reality. This book is interesting enough to finish, but I had some issues with it that I have not had with others. In many of King's books, he spends more time on bodily functions and gross-out details than I would like. I'm not prudish and don't find it offensive, but I get gross-out pretty easily. I have usually set this down to the importance of such functions to boys and men compared with girls and women (forgive the stereotype), and have managed to get past it despite wanting to skip past a few scenes.

This book, however, has so many gross-out scenes that skipping past them would leave you with not enough novel to get what's going on. It's not that the disgusting things aren't necessary to the story- they are. It was, for me, an unpleasant experience to wince my way through it all to keep following the story.

My understanding is that this was the first book King wrote after his terrible injuries when he was hit by a car, and that he wrote it long-hand because he couldn't yet sit up and type. I imagine that he must have been in great pain, and focused heavily on his body, while he wrote this. Knowing this made it possible for me to see some of the more disturbing scenes as being symbolic of what the writer was going through, and that helped.

As with all King novels, I came to like and identify with most of the characters in the novel. The book was interesting because there were two antagonists with interests opposed to each other and to the protagonists. There was a lot going on in the story. Most of it worked pretty well, but there was definitely a feeling that the various threads of story didn't totally match up in tone. Also, various components felt borrowed from other King novels. The flashbacks with the children, the close-knit group of friends, and the magical qualities of Duddits felt like an abbreviated version of the kids in It. The crazy and out-of-control military character was very much like the similar character in Firestarter. (Another loose canon going rogue out of sheer insanity and malevolence- not nearly as three-dimensional as other characters.) The most original element is Mr. Gray, and while I am typically not interested in books about aliens, I thought King did a pretty good job of capturing a completely non-human point of view.

I can't say I exactly liked this novel and I would never read it again because of the gross-out factor, but I didn't hate it. For fans of King, it is worth reading. I would say if you are NOT a fan of either King or the horror genre, this is not the book to pick up.

27 people found this helpful

King Fans Will Love Dreamcatcher

This book follows the typical King strategy. He tells an incredible story in series of small steps, and before you know it you are believing something that a few hours earlier would have been laughable. I think it is the perfection of this technique that has made him one of my favorite contemporary authors.

The audio production is very good, but without "taking over" the story. I can't wait to see the movie, and hope that King had enough involvement in the film to maintain the integrity of his story.

If you like to sit back and be carried along on a bizarre adventure, don't wait any longer, get this audio.

92 people found this helpful

Makes the commute fly by

Like a previous reviewer, this was my introduction to Steven King.

I've long considered myself king of the cynics... especially concerning anything metaphysical, enchanted, or ghostly. I've avoided Steven King books for years. If you are of the same state of mind, don't be put off by this book. It's a true gift for a story-teller to be able to create a tale with "regular guys" and have you pulled along, accepting the unbelievable things that are happening to them.

My only complaint would be the rapid "conclusion" of the book. After listening to almost 20 hours of a book, it was disappointing to have the loose ends tied together in one brief chapter. From reading other reviews of Steven King, I understand that this might be typical: really strong for the first three-quarters, and then kind of trails off.

I think that the stronget compliment that I can give an author is to say that I've purchased more books since. I'm now listening to "Bag of Bones"... and am enjoying it every bit as much.

29 people found this helpful

Great story can't wait for the movie

This was my first King book and I found it difficult to turn off. Since I listen to books while driving, I found myself consistenly below the speed limit just to get more of the book in.

59 people found this helpful

Captures the mind and heart.

Mr. King brought this story from imagination to artful reality. The narration is wonderful...my ears were chaffed by the end of the story!

27 people found this helpful

The Master's Best Work

Well done. Jeffrey DeMunn does an terrific job performing this, the masters best work. The character developement by Stephen King makes each person so real that I not only knew them, I understood them and their imperfections, and I couldn't help but love them. I'd like to hang out with these guys. I just loved this book. I hope you do too.

87 people found this helpful

The Movie Is Better

Where does Dreamcatcher rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's not one of my favorites. I actually think the movie told the story better.

Would you be willing to try another book from Stephen King? Why or why not?

I love Stephen King! I've read every book he has had published. And now thanks to Audible, I am collecting them to listen to.

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey DeMunn’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe I have.

Who was the most memorable character of Dreamcatcher and why?

I like Henry the best. I kind of get where he's coming from. He is able to put his problems aside, to do what's right.

5 people found this helpful

Thrilling all the way

Fantastic characters, story, structure and fundamental idea.
I think this book is better for listening than reading. Excellent narration.
Thank you for a great story!

16 people found this helpful

Gold for a story, Poo for an ending

Where does Dreamcatcher rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

above the middle. The story and narration were great. plenty of humor, adventure, and suspense. A goo balance of suspense and payoff, until the end. I like most Stephen King books, but once again he can't seem to give it a good finish...ala dark tower series. It is great while it's going, but leaves you dissapointed at the ending, no big payoff for hours and hours of dedicated listening, detective like fact finding, and paying close attention etc.

What other book might you compare Dreamcatcher to and why?

The Dome, Also very long and interesting, with a less than stellar ending.

Which scene was your favorite?

All of the flatulence scenes. deep down inside, stephen king is still a thirteen year old, but I guess fart jokes just never go out of style. His elaboration reminds me of the "Barf-o-Rama" in The Body, or Stand by Me if you prefer.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Winter Heart of Darkness? I don't know.

Any additional comments?

I wish Stephen King would end his books as good as he did with his books under psuedonyms like running man and the four seasons, etc

Jeffery DeMunn does an excellent job as the narrator. His voice is clear with good pronunciation. And he does a good New England accent without sounding cheesy or fake.He may or may not be from northeast america, but you'd neve know from listening. I will definitely look for more books narrated by him.

4 people found this helpful