Just a few more notes:
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Dennis' Family:
The narration from Dennis' point of view remains solid and energetic. We get a glimpse of family that's very all American. Much more healthy than most families presented in a King novel. In fact, Dennis' sister even celebrates her -- gasp -- period. A different world from Carrie White. this family is internally strong and loving. We even get a glimpse, from that awkward point of view, of Dennis knowing when his parents want it.
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By the way, when Labay dies (Christine's old owner), Dennis has an experience that is really incredible. I won't tell you what it is, but it's good!
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This is a young mans novel. King writes brilliantly from the teenagers point of view. He understands that for some school is like prison. Already there is a lot of tension for the stories protagonist, Arnie, who does not come from such a stable family. Arnie is at odds with his parents, school mates and peers. He generally reacts hastily to tension, and epically anything having to do with Christine. This is cliche, I know -- Arnie senses a love from Christine that he doesn't get anywhere else. But he also invests himself in Christine unlike he does anything else.
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What King still (as of Chapter 10) hasn't shown the reader is why Dennis is such good friends with Arnie. It's obvious why Arnie would befriend the level headed, sports jock, cheerleader magnet Dennis. It is not so clear why Dennis feels any kinship to Arnie. Does he see him as something of a project? Don't know. But the dialogue between them is great and very natural. Often Arnie, his needs and temper, dominate their conversation. Arnie doesn't take much interest in Dennis' life.
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Dedication
Slow me! I just realized the book is dedicated to "George Romero and Chris Forrest Romero. And the Burg." Chris is short for Christine. I wonder. . .
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