The Shining contains themes of addictive behavior which reflect the trouble that Stephen King faced at the time of writing. First, and most prevalent, is Jack’s alcoholism. The audience hears light rumblings about his issues in the early parts of the novel but like Jack’s temper, it seems to be all under control. The Overlook Hotel feeds on his weakness and causes him to become psychologically intoxicated. The violence and abuse that comes with the alcohol could be interpreted as a call for help from King.

Wendy’s behavior through all of this is what I find most interesting. She constantly makes excuses for Jack, even though she knows that he is deranged from the beginning of the novel. She is in denial, just like an alcoholic on the stress that Jack brings to their life. Even when Jack is starting to go off the rails at the hotel she claims to Danny that the hotel can make people do bad things rather than accepting Jack and doing what is best for the family. By letting it get to that point, she puts herself, Danny, and even Jack in the most danger. Her behavior contrasts to that of King’s family, who intervened with his alcoholism and gave him the motivation to put an end to his addiction.

I spent time this year among addicts as part of a program for some trouble that I found myself in. One of the largest differences to my preconceptions was hearing what it was like to have no control over your addiction and how much one can rationalize an addiction to oneself. While it is easy for me to say, “I’ll never let it get to that point,” the people around me once said that, and step by step they let various substances harm their lives and the lives of those around them. While Jack may be evil in the Shining I can’t help but feel as if he doesn’t have the help he needs to deal with problems that he cannot control.

Maledicus is a fun read for someone looking for a story outside the traditional horror story. Dr. French strives to make no character flat with complex backstories inserted whenever possible. This puts the reader in a position to understand the actions of the characters based on their pasts. The emotional connection between myself and the characters is what made me unable to put down the book. For example, Sam’s son Josh’s suicide is Sam’s greatest conflict. He takes the blame for the tragic event which the demon, Maledicus, uses against him. I feel for Sam and wanted to learn more about his son’s situation. The details didn’t add up for Sam to be the cause, and as a reader, Sam seems like a good man who would never put his son in so much pain. For Maledicus to use Josh against Sam is gut wrenching because Sam has been through so much.

Dr. French uses multiple storylines that intertwine with one and another to tell the story. This creates cliffhangers as the storylines switch at the most exciting moments. This kept me engaged as a reader because following the plots required some effort. When the plots started to link together, I found enjoyment as a reader. The side stories gave characterization as well. The tales of Vietnam for Sam and Roosevelt were some of the most intense of the book.

I noticed how Dr. French took pleasure in crafting the world that the story takes place in. “Bethberg, PA” is his hometown part of Pennsylvania with a few fictional twists. Along with the setting, one can see how he gives the characters similar interests to his own. Roosevelt’s interest in cigars, while only a subtle detail, makes him more authentic and makes the book as a whole more sophisticated. I think that this read should stand out as a book that has horror elements but so much more to go along with them.

After finishing Frankenstein I am left saddened. After watching the creation go on its path of destruction seeing him mourn at the loss of Victor frustrates me. It seems like only when the creator is gone that the creation feels remorse. If the two had shown less animosity towards each other when Victor was alive, they could have tried to work something out. So much was lost for no gain. Victor’s great scientific achievement of bringing the beast to life will never be known. Numerous lives were taken and in a way Victor’s life can be included with them.

I am divided on my opinions of the characters, which is an effect of the multiple narrators. Victor is gentle and pure, but for such a bright guy he doesn’t think things through. He let his narcissism get in the way of making good decisions. I want to cut the creation some slack because he had an infant mind but his use of violence was wrong. If the creation was raised by someone who cared for him would he still hate the world? Anytime I try and put myself in the creation’s shoes I feel like his actions can be justified. There is no way for him to find happiness.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton