Reader's Review - Stephen King (Insomnia)

I've read a lot of books. They've brought me far away to the land of imagination. I can mention quite a few authors, I really appreciate, but I can't name a single writer, who's comparable to Stephen King. Every time I open one of his books, it feels like coming home. He's writing style is so superior and yet so simple. Each time I read one of his books, I can't help but thinking: 'Why can't I come up with something like this?' The cruel fact is: Stephen King's got the talent. I don't.

This time I've read 'Insomnia' by Stephen King, and I really enjoyed it. The story was as usual well-written, exiting and interesting but not without some obstacles. Let me explain why.

The story was well-written, because Stephen King doesn't write a story. He's telling a story. Just as if he was sitting in front of you, in your favorite reading chair. He's vocabulary is simple, yet varying and he's actually making people in the story talk. He doesn't quote them.

Now, let's talk a little about the quality of the story. I believe I found it exciting, because the action takes place in a common town – it could be yours or mine. Because most of the story takes place in a small area of this town, it becomes just like our own neighborhood – the park, the shops, the streets and all the different types of persons living there. 'Insomnia' is like an adventure in your own backyard… almost. And this brings me to the less flattering part of my review.

I really loved the thought of being able to see other peoples aura. In fact I began to examine the subject and tried to practice, whenever I had a chance. I don't know if I succeeded. Maybe I'm able to see a vague grayish aura, but the bright colors? Nah… I don't think so. Never mind. The story was pretty catching so far, but at some point Stephen King introduced the ability to travel between the physical plane and the spiritual planes. That's were the story lost me. Things became too abstract and weird for my taste. There's a thin line between the moment, when the supernatural stuff becomes interesting and scary and when it becomes comical. I wouldn't say, that Stephen King crossed that line, but it was a close call.

'Insomnia' is far from being one of Stephen King's greatest books, but it is better than OK. And one thing that brings the book above the average is the ending. I might be wrong, but I don't recall having read an ending like this since 'The Green Mile'. It's a very emotional and touching ending – very unlike Stephen King's usually hardcore writing style – and it leaves me with a warm feeling. And that can't be bad after all… can it?