HEART-SHAPED BOX by Joe Hill (Stephen King's boy!)
09-21-06, 10:34 AM
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HEART-SHAPED BOX by Joe Hill (Stephen King's boy!)
I recently got my hands on a review copy of Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill. A week ago, I learned that Joe Hill is actually Joe King (Stephen King's son) writing under a pseudonym. I'm about 100 pages in, and I can report that it's pretty creepy so far, a nasty little revenge tale involving a ghost. I would even say that it has a nice early-King vibe.
It comes out in February, so watch for it.
Here's a link to Joe Hill's blog, and some cover art.
Here's an interview with Hill, as well as a pic that's reminiscent of Dad.
It comes out in February, so watch for it.
Here's a link to Joe Hill's blog, and some cover art.
Here's an interview with Hill, as well as a pic that's reminiscent of Dad.
09-21-06, 10:55 AM
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Jason, I think the ads are text sensitive, so they'll all be King books or movies or some such.
But man, this looks like one kick butt book. I sure would like to read it before February.
But man, this looks like one kick butt book. I sure would like to read it before February.
09-21-06, 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by bishop2knight
Jason, I think the ads are text sensitive, so they'll all be King books or movies or some such.
09-22-06, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by abrg923
How old is his son?
09-23-06, 02:25 AM
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However good or bad the book might turn out to be, am I alone in thinking it a shame that his publicists/publishers seem to have had so little faith in his ability to sell without leaking details of the familial connection?
Maybe they could have let the book out there for a few weeks and then used this tactic. At least he would have known whether he'd earned any plaudits/brickbats in his own right.
Maybe they could have let the book out there for a few weeks and then used this tactic. At least he would have known whether he'd earned any plaudits/brickbats in his own right.
Last edited by benedict; 09-23-06 at 02:29 AM. Reason: Clarity
09-23-06, 04:16 PM
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Yeah, I don't know the details about the leak, but it is a shame. However, he has one previous book available (20th Century Ghosts), and that one did pretty well--at least critically--before the secret was revealed...
09-23-06, 05:04 PM
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I disagree that it's a shame -- the purpose of a publisher is to sell books. If they can sell more books by dropping Dad's name, why not do it? The book remains whatever it is, regardless. Whatever publicity the book does or doesn't get, the words on the page are the same.
As for garnering critical plaudits... It's much more likely to work the opposite way. If people are going to give a biased critique based on his family ties, they're more likely to savage a book by Stephen King's son than they are to praise it.
I think most critics try to be fair about stuff like that, though.
As for garnering critical plaudits... It's much more likely to work the opposite way. If people are going to give a biased critique based on his family ties, they're more likely to savage a book by Stephen King's son than they are to praise it.
I think most critics try to be fair about stuff like that, though.
09-23-06, 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by djmont
I disagree that it's a shame -- the purpose of a publisher is to sell books. If they can sell more books by dropping Dad's name, why not do it?
10-05-06, 11:23 PM
#12
Originally Posted by benedict
However good or bad the book might turn out to be, am I alone in thinking it a shame that his publicists/publishers seem to have had so little faith in his ability to sell without leaking details of the familial connection?
Maybe they could have let the book out there for a few weeks and then used this tactic. At least he would have known whether he'd earned any plaudits/brickbats in his own right.
Maybe they could have let the book out there for a few weeks and then used this tactic. At least he would have known whether he'd earned any plaudits/brickbats in his own right.
10-06-06, 08:00 AM
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Joe Hill's writing is excellent - being King's son or not. 20th Century Ghosts is a compelling read that far exceeds the majority of what passes as horror fiction these days.
Haven't read HSB yet, but it's in my TBR pile.
Haven't read HSB yet, but it's in my TBR pile.
10-07-06, 02:03 AM
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Joe Hill is actually Richard Bachman's son.
01-09-07, 01:09 PM
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Finished this book a couple days ago. It's pretty good, if you're interested in a ghost story. The guy can definitely write, although it takes it a good 100 pages for the story to get revved up. I probably would have quit it if I weren't reviewing it, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because it does get good.
02-04-07, 07:09 PM
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The book still doesn't come out 'til next week, but in case anyone's curious, my review ran in the Chicago Sun-Times this morning:
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainmen...hill04.article
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainmen...hill04.article
03-05-07, 01:53 AM
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I enjoyed this work a lot. I did think I was going to end up disliking the novel (due to my hate of the Florida and Georgia characters), but they were redeemed for me as the novel hit its midpoint to end. I suppose its no mistake that the more Judas came to care more for them -- and ultimately understand them -- that I, too, came around.
Now I only wish I could find a copy of Hill's first book.
Now I only wish I could find a copy of Hill's first book.
03-05-07, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Brian Jones
Now I only wish I could find a copy of Hill's first book.
http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Joe-...3106578&sr=8-2
03-05-07, 10:48 AM
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Surviving is by a different Joe Hill (who is, no doubt, enjoying the benefit of increased sales due to misidentification!).
This Joe Hill has one other book (20th Century Ghosts), and that one is hard to find.
This Joe Hill has one other book (20th Century Ghosts), and that one is hard to find.
04-12-07, 01:11 PM
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Just got started on the book. I have to say, he's a lot better than his father at setting up a story. Stephen King can have a tendancy to fill up a hundred pages with mind-numbing backstory before finally getting into the action. With this book, you have about 20 or so pages of setup, then the ride begins. I do find myself wondering if it'll run out of steam due to him hitting the ground running, though.
11-09-07, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by djmont
This Joe Hill has one other book (20th Century Ghosts), and that one is hard to find.
Amazon Link
Thought I would throw this little info out there for those who wanted to read Hill's previous work after enjoying his latest novel.