The Most Important Novel

Andrew Arena

Misery By Stephen King

           Paul Sheldon has been forced to write his most challenging novel yet. As a famous author, writing books is routine for Sheldon, except for when his life's on the line. In the book Misery, by Stephen King, Paul has been trapped for months, and the only way out is to finish this book for Annie. At Annie’s house, Paul goes through the following struggles: hunger, thirst, and immense pain. Who is Annie? Annie is a complete psychopath who “rescued” Paul from a devastating situation. However, she has arguably brought Paul into a much worse one. Annie tells Paul that “I think that by the time you finish, you should be up to the...up to the strain of meeting people again…” (King 57). So, Paul gets to work. The only way Paul is finishing this book is if he has Novril. Paul needs Novril. Novril is a painkiller that Annie gives Paul, which he eventually gets addicted to as the story goes on. Paul begins to get angry. Angry at Annie. He starts to take risks. Sneaking around the house, Paul discovers new hopes that may save him. With every page Paul writes, he runs the risk of making a mistake. A mistake that may cost him his life. So, will Paul finish the book? Will Annie keep her promise? Finally, will Paul Sheldon have to kill Annie to escape? Find out in the horror thriller Misery.

           Sometimes the only way to get my attention when reading a book is to scare me. Not knowing what is going to happen next is the number one trait I love in books. There is even a commentator who narrates a crucial part of the novel where “...it’s been a fantastic effort, but I’m afraid this is where it all ends” (King 71). This is why I recommend this book. If a reader likes to be surprised and shocked, they will love Misery by Stephen King. It is a page-turner, and its creepiness makes it impossible to stop reading. Another reason I liked the book was because of the messages it sent out. Paul Sheldon decides to take risks during the novel, and the risks pay off. This shows that sometimes in life risks are important and can help you achieve your goals. Of course you may not be in a situation like Sheldon in Misery, but nonetheless a lot of risks can pay off. The final reason that I like this book was because it was relatable for me. Paul breaks his legs and is in a lot of pain. I broke my leg recently, and I know how that feels. To be in so much pain and still focus on something like writing a book and controlling an unpredictable maniac almost seems impossible. It makes it clear how hard it is for Paul Sheldon and how tiring it must be for him. His life is on the line. Sometimes---when life is filled with overwhelming pain---it seems like death is the best option. In some of the most desperate times in the novel Paul begs for God to “let me out of this or kill me” (King 69). So, I highly recommend this to people who love books that make their heart race. If you are a Stephen King fan, or even a horror fan, this is one of the best books out there for you. If you aspire to create jaw-dropping and unpredictable stories like this one, check out a helpful website by clicking here.