Not what you expect:
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This book doesn't start where you expect it to. If you are familiar with the mini-series, the second opening to the book is pretty chopped up. if you previously read it, this is stuff you probably forgot. Because it's not what you expect.
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After George's death, the book starts with the year 1984. This is to let us know that IT is back. IT was spotted while some gay-haters beat a homosexual youth to death. But it appears that the monster himself got a few bites of his own in. In particular, a big chunk of the victims arm pit. This is actually a powerful opening, since it gives the reader an inside look at how police are going to deal with this "clown" story (several people saw the clown, but police ignore this). It also shows that Pennywise enjoys attacking those who are culturally oppressed.
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The next chapter leaps us ahead one year, to 1985. Stanley Uris is the focus of this section -- and his unfortunate demise. Again, the humanizing of the characters is strong. King moves quickly to sketch his characters. Interesting that he chooses to show his hand so early. There will be numerous scenes to come that include Stanley, but he lets the reader know up front that things will not come out well for poor Stan. This would be an out right gamble for any other author -- can this be pulled off? But in the hands of Stephen King, it is a master stroke.
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The turtle?
I might note that there are several references in this chapter to "the turtle" that I somehow missed the connection to. Dark Tower connection? I'm not sure.
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The writing:
Another note on King's narration is in order. On page 37 of the paperback he once again speaks directly from writer to reader, stating, "At the time of this writing, all three sentences are under appeal" Leaving that section of the story open-ended. That is, King does not always choose to write as omniscient narrator, but sometimes acts simply as a story teller who is also locked in time and space and is relying on what information he has at his disposal. It does give the story a deeper sense of reality.
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The reading
Weber's reading is awesome! The voice for Pennywise is no Tim Curry rip-off. But you don't realize just how good Weber is, what a joy he is to listen to, until the scenes with Richard (Richie) Tozier appear. These call for him to do the voice of Kinky Briefcase, WC Fields and so much more.
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