I don’t usually do this, but with a lack of my own work to post about, I thought I would talk a bit about things I am currently reading.
I have just finished The Colorado Kid, by Stephen King. This particular book has gotten mixed reactions due to what I consider its literary sensibility, and what others may consider its flaws, or possibly King’s laziness.
The “story” of the Colorado Kid, which is being told by two elderly newspapermen to a young intern, is identified from the very beginning of the book as a “non-story”–something with no through-line, and certainly no conclusion. I guess some readers didn’t think that this applied to them, or the book itself–but it does.
Exceptionally well written, this book is a perfect example of structure conforming to ideas. King makes his point by writing a story that follows to format of his theme. Anyway, I liked it. King admits in his afterward that he understands many won’t enjoy the book, and I guess that’s okay. Not everyone has to like it.
I will recommend two more books (one being a graphic novel), though I am not going to review them since I am still reading both.
The first is Mcsweeny’s Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories, Edited by Michael Chabon. This is a cool little collections of short stories that defy genre, which in my book is always a good thing. Check it out if you are willing to take the plunge.
The last graphic Novel is called The Nocturnals: Black Planet. Cool dark imagery and interesting plot line. Dan Brereton Paints all of his panels, giving the book a real smooth feel. 
Now, I told you I wasn’t gonna review these. Besides, why the hell should anyone listen to me about these books. If they look interesting, read the back cover; if that sounds interesting, go buy or borrow it. All I’m here for is to draw your attention to titles you may have overlooked that you might actually like.
Go wild.
-oni
Hi-
I finished “The Colorado Kid” not 20 minutes ago!
As a non-writer, I have nothing eloquent to say.
I had no problem with the open ending, but I felt no real sense of the characters of the geezers and the girl.
Perhaps that was the point?
That’s actually a good point Sierrabella. I felt the same blending of character between the two old men, perhaps not given enough to distinguish them from each other.
One thing to consider is the much shorter length of this book compared to King’s other horror novels. Given the length, and the amount of exposition needed for the story, character development did seem to take a back seat.
That lack of characterization may have had a place in the book, as you said, but I would honestly have to read this one again, keeping an eye out for hints of that, to say for sure.
Thanks for the commment.