Complicated endings

On Oct. 9, the Long Branch Book Club met to discuss, Cell by Stephen King and to celebrate what would have been the late Keith Carter’s 53rd birthday.

The group had mixed reactions to Cell, but all enjoyed Keith’s birthday cakes. The youngest member even helped Keith blow out his candles and make a wish. As for the book, some enjoyed it, while others found it two-dimensional and sensationalized. “It felt like he wrote this to be a movie, which is too bad, because I heard that the movie adaption got terrible reviews,” commented one member.

“I disagree, I loved being in the Clayton’s (the main character) head. His little mental quirks were fascinating, like naming people who’d no longer had names, based on their physical appearance like Pixie Dark and Pixie Light, but I hated the ending. I wanted another chapter.”

“Endings are hard. Any monkey [with a] keyboard can poop out a beginning, but endings are impossible,” quoted one of the members, who is also a writer (Supernatural TV Show Chuck Season 5 E22). “But I think Stephen King did the undeveloped ending that way for a reason. I mean, he wrapped up all the major things, but he wanted us to understand that it didn’t matter if Clayton succeeded or not, just that he would do anything for his son, even to the point of risking making things worse.”

This caused a moment of silence as all contemplated endings, especially with the celebrations of a not-achieved birthday.

All agreed that they enjoyed Stephen King’s writing style and pace of his novel. Most agreed they wanted to read other books by Mr. King. Discussion ranged on other of Stephen King’s novels, but turned to what to read for November.

While J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Letter’s From Father Christmas” almost won, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” a Sherlock Holmes Christmas Mystery by Arthur Conan Doyle was a foot ahead.

“As London prepares for Christmas, newspapers report the theft of the near priceless jewel, the "Blue Carbuncle", from the hotel suite of the Countess of Morcar. John Horner, a plumber and a previously convicted felon, is soon arrested for the theft. Though the police have yet to find the jewel, and despite Horner's claims of innocence, the police are sure that they have the thief. Horner's records, and his presence in the Countess’s room where he was repairing a fireplace, are all the police need.” Wikipedia.com

All are welcome to join the Long Branch Book Club on Nov. 1 to discuss this book and enjoy treats hosted by the Long Branch Food Truck. The Long Branch Saloon is located 315 Saint Lawrence Street in Gonzales. 830-519-4006.