Tag Archives: Mr. Mercedes

Stephen King: Beyond Horror

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Stephen King turns 79 today. Maybe I should wait until next year to write this post for his milestone birthday. But I can’t guarantee I will read any of the legendary author’s works over the next 365 days (although I want to) so I am writing it today.

Stephen King celebrates his 79th birthday today. I have read a few of his non-horror books over the past couple years.

An icon. How else can I describe Stephen King? Well, some people might put a modifier before the word “icon” with the word “horror” but that would be selling him immensely short. Although King is the king of the horror (pun intended), he is also an overall master of literature.

Stephen King established himself in the horror genre but over the past couple decades he has written novel after novel about plots and topics that aren’t scary. Although I really enjoy a good spooky book, I am a big fan of King’s recent work as well. His contemporary stuff is detailed, engaging, and super funny.

Over the past couple years, I have read three Stephen King books that were all terrific. In case you need a good reading recommendation, here are the ones I picked up off the library shelf…

Billy Summers – The story of a former Marine sniper who continues his work as an assassin in the civilian world. Only taking jobs that target the most evil humans and that pay lucratively, Billy accepts an offer he can’t refuse…only to wish that he refused it. This was a serious page-turner and I was impressed with the character development of Billy—definitely someone you don’t want to mess with.

Before I returned “Billy Summers” to the library, I had to snap a quick photo in my car.

Mr. Mercedes – A retired cop who is deeply depressed is brought back into the game when he starts receiving letters from a serial killer. This detective novel includes a love story as well but what really stood out to me was how sadistic Stephen King can get with his villains.

Me clutching my library copy of “Mr. Mercedes.”

Later – Cue the “Sixth Sense” references but this book is about a boy who can see dead people. Only in this story, the dead people can not just talk but they can only tell the truth. When the boy becomes the favorite resource of a corrupt cop, things get very interesting. Although this seemingly has elements of King’s signature horror storytelling, it is more a crime novel…and it is also a relatively quick read by King standards.

Sorry, I didn’t snap a photo of my hand holding the actual book. But “Later” was a mix of crime and creepy.

Happy birthday, Stephen King! Anyone out there read a King novel recently? Or is there a certain work that I must read? Please let me know. Don’t Blink.

BOGO Thursday Rundown

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Good evening and thanks once again for choosing to read Don’t Blink. Even if you do choose to only come for the Thursdays, you are always welcome. Let’s begin this rundown…

Latest Chuck E. Cheese Outing – I have written a lot over the past several years about my family’s acceptance of Chuck E. Cheese. We have taken our kids there frequently over the years and even held a birthday there. Our “home” Chuck E. Cheese in the Spokane Valley recently went through an update and it looks great inside! I took the kids for a visit on President’s Day to play the new games and have some fun. I am glad to report that Sloan and Beau did indeed have fun, but it did come at a price. The unlimited hourly rate for a child is now $32. If I didn’t have a special BOGO offer, it would have been $64. Those prices make any of the area trampoline parks seem like cheap entertainment.

Sloan and Beau with the mouse himself at the Spokane Valley Chuck E. Cheese on Monday, Feb. 17.

100th Day of School – It was the 100th Day of School at St. Mary last week and the Pre-K4 class decided to dress up as centenarians. Sid dressed Beau in suspenders and dusted his hair with powder. Our son also brought in 100 Lego pieces for the occasion. If you remember, Sloan brought in raffle tickets when tasked with bringing in 100 items.

Beau dressed up as an old man on the 100th day of school.

Stephen King – When you think of Stephen King, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably horror. But believe it or not, he also writes thrillers and crime novels too. After completing Billy Summers not too long ago, I decided to read another non-scary book of King’s—Mr. Mercedes. When you don’t have to worry about giving yourself nightmares, you will be surprised at how great King’s writing is. With superb character development, plenty of humor mixed in, and masterful storytelling, his books really are page-turners. I completed Mr. Mercedes earlier this week and might consider reading the other two books in the trilogy.

Me clutching my library copy of “Mr. Mercedes.”

Post Office Birthday – On this date in 1792, President George Washington established the U.S. Post Office. What a glorious day! Although USPS has fallen on tough times lately, I never cease to sing its praises. The fact that you can slap a stamp on a letter and have it delivered anywhere in the nation has always fascinated me. In fact, it has done more than just “fascinate” me, it has pushed me to action. I love to send cards and letters and do so on a very constant basis. Almost 12 years ago, I even offered a promotion within this blog that resulted in many of my readers receiving personal mail from me! Also, back in 2021, my recommended gift of the holiday season was a book of stamps. There is nothing else to say but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USPS!

I love USPS.

Mr. Walker Steps Out – My kids and I read so many books together that it has to be a special story to really stand out. Well, Beau and I read a pretty creative one earlier this week. Called Mr. Walker Steps Out by Lisa Graff, the story chronicles the “life” of a “person” who serves as the walk icon within a traffic light at a random intersection. One day, he becomes bored with his job and walks out of the light box. He strolls around town and enjoys his newfound freedom. However, after a while, he wanders back to his former intersection just in time to witness the makings of disaster. He jumps to action and saves a little girl crossing the street. The icon climbs back into his box with a greater appreciation for what he does.

Beau stands next to “Mr. Walker Steps Out.”

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That covers it for tonight. Thanks for taking the time to read my randomness! If you aren’t too busy, write a quick letter to a loved one, place it in an envelope, throw on a stamp, and drop it in the mailbox. Don’t Blink.