Read this book! Be aware of the unusual format (see previous reviews) and be prepared to really contemplate what King is trying to say AND do with this novel (also see other previews re: the "several stories linked by a common pulse" approach). This novel is such a poignant love letter to lost innocence and the harsh reality of the growing up of the person and the growing old of the spirit.The best testimonial I can give to this powerful read was that, after all the contemplation, patience, and effort expended to grasp Kings message and follow his journey, I was rewarded, as I read the final chapter, "Heavenly Shades of Night Are Falling", with openly crying (this was in public, and Im a six-foot, 230 lb. guy!!). If this book doesnt have a similar effect on you, then my only guess is that the child in you has died, or at least has not had much say in your life of late.
By the way, if you enjoyed this book on the same type of level I did (see above), I highly recommend 2 other books - one a well-known classic, JD Salingers "Catcher in the Rye", and one which in my opinion is destined to become a modern classic, "Borderliners" by Peter Hoeg, a Danish author.
Very Disappointing for a Stephen King Book....
Challenging, but SO worth the effort