The Green Mile - Stephen King

Hi All,

Still finding my feet here, so please tell me if I am posting this in the wrong place and prod me in the right direction!

I am about to start re-reading The Green Mile. Now, I am a bit of a speed reader and I feel that I am missing out on a lot of the detail, subtleties and points that authors make. Hence me joining here!

So, is anyone interested in having a bit of a 'book club' style discussion as we read through the book? Thinking of starting towards the end of this week.

I'm sure this book has been reviewed on here already, but would really like to hear peoples thoughts as they progress through the book.......

My library does not have a copy so have to wait for them to get hold of one from another branch, which should not take more than a week (I hope).

So many of the copies have gone missing. Wonder why.

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Originally Posted by mal4mac

What's enjoyable about bad writing? There are many literary novels that are easily enjoyed, that have King's "Everyman appeal" - anything by Dickens. Tolstoy's shorter novels. R.L. Stevenson's adventures. H.G. Wells' science fiction, Philip Roth, ...

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Well, I have read it before and perhaps I will find the writing less than great this time around, who knows??! And as I said before, suggestions are always appreciated.

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

My library does not have a copy so have to wait for them to get hold of one from another branch, which should not take more than a week (I hope).

So many of the copies have gone missing. Wonder why.

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I'm sure Mr King could offer us some kind of supernatural explanation......!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

I'm sure Mr King could offer us some kind of supernatural explanation......!

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I fear Mal is right... It is all those pesky, irresponsible kids borrowing this book and forgetting to return!

Or another explanation might be that people who find King's books less than worthy are borrowing them never to return. You have read Fahrenheit 451... You know what happens to the books that do not meet the approval!

Yep, bring on the kerosene!

What is the line - the only way for us all to be happy is to all be the same?!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

Yep, bring on the kerosene!

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Just make sure that you do not burn anything other than books!

:D

Just got an email from my library that they have the book ready for me. Hopefully I will collect it tomorrow.

When would you like to start? Assuming you have other books in your hand at the moment...

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Just got an email from my library that they have the book ready for me. Hopefully I will collect it tomorrow.

When would you like to start? Assuming you have other books in your hand at the moment...

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Ha! - I'll assume the same with you! Reading Farewell Summer at the moment - not the longest book in the world, but trying to absorb it a bit more than I usually do!


I'm still aiming for the weekend. But whatever suits....

:party: Sorry - HAD to try this smiley!

"Fiction is the truth inside the lie." ~ Stephen King

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

I'm still aiming for the weekend. But whatever suits....

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I'm ready for the take off.

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

I'm ready for the take off.

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Righto, me too.

Now, I have no idea how this is supposed to work now!!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

Righto, me too.

Now, I have no idea how this is supposed to work now!!

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Oh, that...

Everyday, you read 100 pages and write down a summary of 1000 words in Word (ariel size 12, double spaced), which should be submitted as an attachment by no later than 10 pm daily.

Once we finish the book, you will pick a thesis topic on which you will write a dissertation (20K words) but please don't worry. You will have a month from the day you have finished reading the book to hand this one in.

The Forum Dissertation Committee will then convene within 10 working days following your submission to evaluate it. We no longer invite the writers for an interview, which makes the process swifter and the candidates are informed of the outcome within 15 working days.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions on the matter.

Almost finished Part I and I have to admit that I'm hooked! King is a good story-teller, grabbing the reader's attention and piquing interest from the very first page.

I am glad that the scenes regarding the twins were dealt with carefully and sensitively...

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Oh, that...

Everyday, you read 100 pages and write down a summary of 1000 words in Word (ariel size 12, double spaced), which should be submitted as an attachment by no later than 10 pm daily.

Once we finish the book, you will pick a thesis topic on which you will write a dissertation (20K words) but please don't worry. You will have a month from the day you have finished reading the book to hand this one in.

The Forum Dissertation Committee will then convene within 10 working days following your submission to evaluate it. We no longer invite the writers for an interview, which makes the process swifter and the candidates are informed of the outcome within 15 working days.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions on the matter.

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Well, I feel that despite my newness I should register my objections to some of these frankly ridiculous demands. Surely you cannot be serious?

How can I possibly condense my rambling thoughts into only 1000 words each day?? By 10pm?? Bah, how is one supposed to get feedback before one retires for the evening?

A 20000 word dissertation - what, do you only want a brief synopsis of the text and my musings?

And 15 working days to inform me of the outcome? I fear, given that I can't remember what I have had for breakfast, that I may not be able to actually appreciate the criticism of the committee!

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require my thoughts on how this matter should progress.

:wink5:

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Almost finished Part I and I have to admit that I'm hooked! King is a good story-teller, grabbing the reader's attention and piquing interest from the very first page.

I am glad that the scenes regarding the twins were dealt with carefully and sensitively...

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Yes, I have also finished part 1. (it was a slow nightshift, what can I say?!)

I can see Mals point when it comes to his writing style, but I agree that as a story teller, King has got it right.

My problem up to this point though, and this is no reflection on the text, is that the film was too damned good! I don't need the scenes or the characters described to me, as I feel that I know them already!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

Well, I feel that despite my newness I should register my objections to some of these frankly ridiculous demands. Surely you cannot be serious?

How can I possibly condense my rambling thoughts into only 1000 words each day?? By 10pm?? Bah, how is one supposed to get feedback before one retires for the evening?

A 20000 word dissertation - what, do you only want a brief synopsis of the text and my musings?

And 15 working days to inform me of the outcome? I fear, given that I can't remember what I have had for breakfast, that I may not be able to actually appreciate the criticism of the committee!

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require my thoughts on how this matter should progress.

:wink5:

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Dear <insert user name here>,

Thank you very much for writing to us to share your concerns. We cherish such feedback and always look forward to hear from our users.

Your letter has now been forward to the relavant department and they will contact you within 150 working days.

Alternatively, you can call us on 0870 123 00 00* to talk to one of our representatives.

Thank you once again for writing to us.


Literature Network Member Care Team


*Calls to this number can be recorded or monitored and cost £1.50 a minute from landlines. Mobile rates might vary.

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Dear <insert user name here>,

Thank you very much for writing to us to share your concerns. We cherish such feedback and always look forward to hear from our users.

Your letter has now been forward to the relavant department and they will contact you within 150 working days.

Alternatively, you can call us on 0870 123 00 00* to talk to one of our representatives.

Thank you once again for writing to us.


Literature Network Member Care Team


*Calls to this number can be recorded or monitored and cost £1.50 a minute from landlines. Mobile rates might vary.

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Phew, thought maybe my views might be ignored!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

Phew, thought maybe my views might be ignored!

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Never!

Almost finished Part 2 and that little mouse was in my dream, running on the ceiling of my bedroom... But it looked like a mouse made out of icing, cutely grey, pink and white.

I quite enjoyed this section; King uses a little mouse to set up the scene and introduce the characters. Nicely done.

Also, in my edition, there is a short introduction by King himself, explaining how and why this book was first published in instalments. One gets the feel of each beginning and he nicely reviews the story to help readers catch up.

Bath ~ I agree with you that the movie was done superbly (nothing like "F 451") and from what I have read so far, I can see that the casting was great too... Tom Hanks was spot on as Paul. I can almost hear his voice telling me the story as I read through!

Yes, got the intro as well. The 'reviews' are handy, but I'm sure the last version I read just flowed through.....maybe time is playing tricks.....

Finished part 2 last night, and I am liking Mr Jingles - he's not quite in my dreams though! But to be honest, I am still overly distracted by the film. The casting was absolutely perfect. The urinary infection.makes me squirm though!

However I am appreciating the storytelling prowess of King, and I like the way he jumps backwards and forwards in time....it does feel like your grandad telling you an old war story!

Finished Part 3. Poor Mr Jingles! :(

And I had another dream last night... With Tom Hanks in it!

Even though I am already familiar with the story line, I am finding it hard to put down.

I am not sure if I will ever read another book by King but I am glad I am reading this one... King has made a good impression on me.

I just want to comment on Stephen King. I have read many of his books, used to read him all the time. Lately my reading interests have changed and I want to read more classical literature-I go back and forth on this, depending on my reasons for reading.
I think the Green Mile is one of his best books. Granted, I have not read them all. I have not read the GM in a long time, but as a story it is superb. It affected me so much it changed my mind about the death penalty. I think when a story affects me so much and stays with me for so long, it is a testament to the writer.
K Curtis

I too have finished part 3 (in the bath as it happens!).

Scher, I think you may have given mal some more ammunition with your 'poor Mr jangles' quote!

Although I do agree! Despite not dreaming of Mr Hanks. And I may not read much more.of Mr King either, my mind has been opened up to (and this is perhaps in defence of mal) more 'literary' works. This book is a good story and I am enjoying it, but I do feel, that despite the excellent storytelling , um, perhaps other authors can offer more?

I liked the way he describes the resemblance between the reporter and his wife, how the aftermath of pain and sorrow can mark faces and make people look like family......like is maybe the wrong word. Perhaps appreciate is a better word.

But roll on part 4!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

but I do feel, that despite the excellent storytelling , um, perhaps other authors can offer more?!

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http://www.online-literature.com/for...ad.php?t=64919

:D

I think the key is having a healthy diet (books from variety of genres and eras)... There is a time and place for almost every book.

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

http://www.online-literature.com/for...ad.php?t=64919

:D

I think the key is having a healthy diet (books from variety of genres and eras)... There is a time and place for almost every book.

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Sounds good to me! Will have a look at the link.....

The tension has been built up so much that I had to put the book down before the execution to catch my breath. Very cleverly done.

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

The tension has been built up so much that I had to put the book down before the execution to catch my breath. Very cleverly done.

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Yep, just sat here for an hour this afternoon and ignored everyone whilst I read part 4. The scene has been set up well for Del and Percy......

Shoes?

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Shoes?

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Hmm, no idea , that bit lost me.....

Done! (Having that bath today gave me an opportunity to do some extra reading today).

"We warned that little punk good," Catlett told me. "Warned him until his head was bleedin, his shouder was dislocated, and his *** was damn near broke."

:smilielol5:


- Don't know why but I was expecting something big to happen at Coffey's execution and with Brad as well...

- Bus-accident scene was disturbing.

- I am glad King did not opt for transfering Coffey's ability to Paul or make them do something heroic in an attempt to help save Coffey.

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Originally Posted by ;1082300

Done! (Having that bath today gave me an opportunity to do some extra reading today).

"We warned that little punk good," Catlett told me. "Warned him until his head was bleedin, his shouder was dislocated, and his *** was damn near broke."

:smilielol5:


- Don't know why but I was expecting something big to happen at Coffey's execution and with Brad as well...

- Bus-accident scene was disturbing.

- I am glad King did not opt for transfering Coffey's ability to Paul or make them do something heroic in an attempt to help save Coffey.

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Well, at least the warning they gave Bill worked!:rolleyes:

Agree with the above, but Paul did get a taste of Johns abilities (he could hear Brutal thinking) - actually, one of my favourite quotes in the book - 'i before e, except after c...most of the time anyway; I guess there's exceptions to all the rules'

Brad did kind of fizzle out, didn't he? But I liked the comparison to Percy......and having recently had to deal with an elderly relative in a care home, I think he got Paul's feelings spot on.

And I am pretty sure that the sandwich wrapped in string was an afterthought!

But a good story, I think, if not endowed with what one would call 'classic literary prowess', and I enjoyed it!

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Originally Posted by Abookinthebath

Agree with the above, but Paul did get a taste of Johns abilities (he could hear Brutal thinking)

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Yes, but it was a temporary thing... Because of their contact.

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And I am pretty sure that the sandwich wrapped in string was an afterthought!

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What do you mean?

It seemed like he needed to find a way to prove Johns innocence - I guess given that the book was written in serial form, it's unlikely to have been slotted in, but it seemed....convenient....

Yes, it was convenient... But I doubt King was writing the chapters as they were going into print; it must have all been drafted or outlined before hand.

The sandwich Coffey had in his pocket was first mentioned by the reporter, wasn't it?

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Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Yes, it was convenient... But I doubt King was writing the chapters as they were going into print; it must have all been drafted or outlined before hand.

The sandwich Coffey had in his pocket was first mentioned by the reporter, wasn't it?

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I think so, took my copy back today so can't check!

Anyway, it didn't spoil the story. The film was distracting me right until the end though.

I'm quite tempted to watch the movie again after reading the book.

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Originally Posted by Scher

I'm quite tempted to watch the movie again after reading the book.

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Yes, I think I might....for about the fifth time!!