Under the Dome by Stephen King
by Jenners • 05/24/2011 • 4.5 Stars, Contemporary, Fiction, Gothic/Horror, K Authors, Mystery/Thriller, Paranormal, U Titles • 105 Comments
A local blogger has been missing in action since last Thursday when she was caught under a dome with hundreds of other Stephen King characters in King’s 2010 book Under the Dome. Weighing in at just under 3 pounds and 1,088 pages, Under the Dome has been occupying blogger Jenners’s free time since last Friday when she first began reading the chunkster on her Kindle.
Blogger Jenners caught under dome since last Thursday.
“I don’t know what happened,” said a distraught Jenners, who was interviewed in her home surrounded by dust and unwashed dishes. “I started the book and then the next thing I knew, I didn’t have time for anything else. I felt like I was there, under the dome, with the townsfolk of Chester’s Mill.”
Reports from family and friends indicate that Jenners was particularly snappish when interrupted and opted to stay inside and read rather than witness the building of the neighbor’s new firepit. In addition, Jenners’s husband, Mr. Jenners, was quoted as saying: “The housework really went to hell in a hand basket this week. It’s like she didn’t do anything but sit there and read this book. Every time I tried to talk with her or get her cook dinner, she would hiss ‘Shush’ and go back to reading. It was frightening. I haven’t seen her this involved in an epically long book since she got sucked into the Twilight saga two years ago. Lord, that was awful. She read the entire 1,034,432-page Twilight series in a week. Thankfully, the only residual effects of that was a crush on some British actor named Robert Patterson. Oh, and she sometimes calls out ‘Edward’ during lovemaking. Don’t know what that is about.”
After a long hiatus from Mr. King’s works (with the most recent encounter being Mr. King’s most excellent Bag of Bones), Jenners had forgotten how involving and engrossing Mr. King’s stories can be. Despite descriptions of horrible deaths and gruesome goings on, Jenners was riveted by the tale of an entire small town in Maine that was suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by an invisible dome. “From the start of the book when a plane crashes into the dome and body parts rain down onto a cow pasture, I knew that Mr. King was going to suck me in again. Despite the horrible things that happen in the book, I found myself having to go on, knowing that somewhere in there would be good people that I would have to root for and learn their fate.”
Putting the small town of Chester’s Mill under a dome, cut off from the rest of the world, was a premise that allowed King to explore some of his most-loved themes: good vs. evil, the personality of a small town, and how many different ways you can have your characters die. As with most of King’s books, there are good and bad people locked in an epic battle for the soul of the town and their very lives. On the side of good, we have: Dale Barbara (“Barbie”), an ex-army sergeant turned drifter who has just decided to leave town when the dome makes it impossible; Julia Shumway, the local newspaper editor and spinster; Rusty and Linda Everett, a married couple who work in the local hospital and police department respectively; and a group of skateboarding kids led by boy genius Joe McClatchey. On the side of bad, we have: Big Jim Rennie, Second Selectman and used car dealer, whose lust for power is kindled to an out-of-control fire when the dome gives him unbridled opportunities to impose his will on Chester’s Mill; Junior Rennie, Big Jim’s son, who has some rather special girlfriends he keeps in a pantry; and new members of the Chester’s Mill police force, whose willingness to use force to impose Big Jim’s will brings to mind The Lord of the Flies.
These few characters are just the tip of the iceberg. The book itself starts out with a map of the town and a cast of characters (including notable dogs of the town). Although Jenners reported that she was worried about keeping track of so many characters, the pacing and King’s narrative was such that it was easy to remember who was who. “I felt, for a brief time, that I was an inhabitant of the town. I got to know these people. Plus, following around an omniscient and talented narrator like King helps immensely. I love that I even got to go inside Horace the Corgi’s mind several times.”
By giving up the pretense of trying to clean house or interact with others, Jenners was able to finish up the book late Sunday night, much to the relief of her family. “Mommy was just interested in reading her book and didn’t want to pretend to be zoo animals with me,” commented The Little One. “Thank goodness we’ll have some clean clothes again,” sighed Mr. Jenners.
After finishing up, Jenners emerged from her reading area looking a bit dazed and confused but satisfied. “It was nice to be plunged back into Mr. King’s twisted imagination again,”she said. “I forgot how much he can draw you in to his story. It was like visiting with an old friend. If I had to give it a star ranking, I’d have to go with 4.5 stars if you’re a fan of vintage King and 4 stars if you’re just looking for a engrossing epic of good and evil and an exploration of what it means to be human. However, if you have a weak stomach, beware that there is lots of death, violence, descriptions of not-nice-ways to die and their aftermath. It was brutal but involving, and I think King has something to say about how even good people can be flawed but can overcome it.”
When asked if she would recommend it, Jenners said she would but cautions readers that the book may cause being up too late at night and neglect of family, friends and household duties. Now that she has her life back, Jenners is focused on getting the housework done, finding out what has been going on with others, and catching up on her blogging.
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You are hilarious (as always)! This happened to me a couple of weeks ago with the Hunger Games Series. My husband is kind and doesn’t say anything, but I know he’s pissed off inside. Haha! I do eventually make up for it.
I am ashamed to say that I’ve never read any Stephen King. I would love to try one at some point. Which do you think is his best?
I could see getting sucked into the Hunger Games! Hey … if you marry a reader, this is one of the consequences.
As for a “starter” Stephen King, I’d recommend Bag of Bones, which is one of my favorite and a good “starter” book. Then maybe The Stand.
It has been a while since I have stopped by at your blog, Jenners, and today when I did I discovered this wonderful post! This was an awesome review of Stephen King’s ‘tome’. I didn’t get into the book because the size daunted me, but after reading your review, I am tempted
I also couldn’t stop laughing while reading your review – it was so humorous! I also love the new look-and-feel of your blog – it is playful and colourful 
Thanks for your feedback! And although the King book is monstrously long, it flies by!
So, I’m not sure that would be the book for me BUT I loved reading about YOU reading it!
Ahhh hahaha, oh my. This is vaguely reminiscent of That Time I Read The Stand.
That fits as this book is vaguely reminiscent of The Stand.
This was so much fun to read!!! I haven’t read a book by King in years and this review made me want to go out and read this one right now! Thanks for sharing
P.S.- The Twilight bits made me giggle…
I was the same way … I hadn’t read King since my mid-20s (and I’m in my 40s now) so it has been awhile. It was fantastic getting back into his stuff … and I think this book is like his “classic” stuff. It was like visiting with an old friend.
Um, I didn’t know Robert Patterson was english. Guess that shows you how tuned in I am.
btw – i love a good Stephen King epic. I may have to check it out. Thanks.
Ya know whats funny, as I read this post, I was bummed that it was on your Kindle, I was hoping you’d be giving it away.
It would have been a giveaway if I’d had a hard copy. But man … I can’t imagine how heavy that book would have been to read in paper form!
I bet you’re practicing all your zoo animal impersonations now! Love your clever take on this review. The comments from Mr. Jenners are great. Happy that you liked the book
You should see my mama cheetah! It would amaze you!
Darn you Jenners!!! Here it is midnight, I have to get up with the kids in 6 hours, and because of your recommendation I cannot put down this book!!!! I bought it today and am on page 240 if that sheds some light into the obsession. Only 800 more pages to go- GAH!!! SOOOO GOOOD!
Oh, and I have been calling out “jacob!” for the past few years. Odd. Must be some sort of a contagious mental illness….?
Ha! You are caught under the dome! I’m so sorry … but I’m not cause it is a wild little trip. So you are Team Jacob, hmmm?
I can see you under the dome! lol.
How funny, I started this one a few days ago…finally….and wish I could just sit and read until the final page….theres not enough hours in the day. I think it might take me several weeks to get through this one.
I like your review, very nice
So now you are caught under the dome too!! It is quite the little trip I tell you!
Wonderfully creative review. Thank You so much, and poor Mr. Jenners. I’m sure the housework is still there. Have a great week.
Oh the housework is still there … waiting to be done. As it always is … even when I do it.
you are so clever and made me love your blog
even more . . . not to mention make me die
to read the stephen king!
And as you read Stephen King, you will learn many different ways to die.
I haven’t “let” myself get involved in a book like that in a long time. The descriptions of dirty dishes piling up, laundry needing to be done, being snappish with interruptions….sigh…those were the days!!! I was actually so desperate to just read a book – I dug a dusty old historical romance out from the stuff a friend gave me to donate to the church garage sale…and lost myself in the wagon train ride out west – heaving bosoms and all!
Love your description of heaving your bosoms out on the wagon train!!! You should treat yourself to getting lost in a book … though I’m sure you barely have the time to do so! (At least pick a shorter one!)
Love the way you wrote this review – just hilarious!
Sounds brilliant but I do hate reading gory books with raining body parts and gore.
Well, it is a gory and gross (as much of King’s stuff is) and if that isn’t your thing, I would stay away. But the story really sucked me in.
You read how many pages on your Kindle? The last book that I was that engrossed in was The Tea Rose. Jason has read almost all of King’s books. They are nice for road trips so we can both enjoy. I’m guessing that Jason hasn’t listened to this one yet due to its time committment, so I’ll have to recommend it.
Oh, and your review was awesome. You’ve outdone yourself!
I read The Tea Rose earlier this year but haven’t written my review yet. I really got sucked into that one too but not to the level as I did with the King book. I could see this being GREAT on audio … and a very long car trip. It would be a great Father’s Day gift maybe!
we should have done a buddy read, as I have this on my Kindle, still unread. I skimmed your post in case there was something I wished I hadn’t read in it…LOL
Aww…I wish I’d known. This would have been a great buddy read (and a fast one as I couldn’t stop reading it).
There’s nothing I can say except, “I know!!!”
It is a good feeling isn’t it? (For you … not those you neglect.)
OMG, as usual your post is brilliant, hilarious, AND makes me want to read the book!
A trifecta!
I’m not a huge King fan but I did love The Stand. Maybe I’ll give this one a try. I’m attempting to load up the Kobo for our summer vacation.
If you loved The Stand, I thought that this one was in that spirit. And with the side, it is perfect for an e-reader. (in fact, I can’t imagine reading it any other way. You’d hurt your wrists!)
I’m not a big fan of Stephen King’s writing, but I do love that feeling of being drawn into a good book.
I could see you not being a big King fan. I’m sure he’s too gross for you, but the feeling of being drawn into a good book is universal … and one that I can only have every so often.
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Lol. Hilarious post. I have been like that before, read something and can’t put it down, let alone be bothered for anything else. Sounds like you really enjoyed it. King is a great author, I enjoy his earlier work moreso than his recent work.
I also listed you as one of my favorite blogs in my post today. I truly enjoy reading your blog.
I think this was in the style of his earlier work (his “classic” stuff like The Stand.) It was like visiting with an old friend.
Oh my heck, are you serious?!?! This was better than watching all those people they interview on Fox News. You know the ones – they’re the ones wearing undershirts, housecoats and curlers in their hair when they are interviewed on the late news! “Gosh, Mildred, what do ya think happened to Jenners? She dad-blamed got herself sucked into that eeelectronic box thing in her hand. I knew no good would come of it, I did!” I’m glad that you got out of the dome (or your Kindle) and even happier that you had a good time in there!! Great review – as always!! (Don’t you ever get tired of perfection??)
I love your comment! Totally cracked me up. If this was televised instead of written, I’d be in my mismatched pajamas and with bed head.
OMG I am comment number 55? Are you kidding me? Well, that was about the funniest thing I’ve ever read. You sure know how to take a review and make it Jennersy. I listened to this on audio, and I think I had the headphones on non-stop, except when I was sleeping. To me, it was The Stand Redux, but who cares, right? It is classic Uncle Stevie.
You are right … I thought this was classic Uncle Stevie … getting back to his roots and doing what he does best (big fat epic tales with good vs. evil). And as far as the comments, you have to divide them by 2 because I respond to them all and it counts my responses.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one too and found it very hard to put down. I found myself gasping along with the characters near the end. Amazing book. Glad you liked it. Don’t want to say to much and spoil it for the those who haven’t read.
It really did have so much going on that you just had to keep going and I was so curious as to how it was all going to turn out.
I am impressed by the clever way your wrote this post as well as you reading prowess (is that spelled right?) Sounds like a very cool book that would take me approximately 3 months to read
Now you have me wondering. I’m thinking there might be an n in there … prowness? But that doesn’t look right either and spellcheck is saying no.
Jeez, Jenners, you are just brilliant and I am putting this monster of a book at the top of my summer reading list.
It would be a wonderful summer read.
That’s it–I’m adding your blog to my blogroll, Jenners! I should have done that ages ago. Because you are HYSTERICAL. This MIA post is absolutely hilarious, from start to finish.
I guess this was the magic post then!! I know I’m pretty picky about adding new blogs to my blogroll so I’m honored!
You are hysterical! I am not a Stephen King fan (only read two of his books) but I might try this one just because you were so funny! Thanks for the laugh. I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets caught up in what she reads to the detriment of the house and family!
It is a rare but wonderful thing to get caught up like that (well, wonderful for me, not my family.)
Haha Jenners! You’re hilarious… I love this review!!
Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write.
You are the best.
Aw shucks. I’m blushing.
I’m giggling away over here. You’re so clever — I love these super creative posts of yours! On the topic of Mr. King, I’ve never read him. I’m scared to. Maybe someday.
P.S. Are there really 1,034,432 pages in the Twilight series??
It is so fun when a book inspires a post like this. I always wonder when the next one will come. ; ) And this wasn’t so much scary as horribly disturbing … not sure if that is any better.
And I just made up the number of pages for Twilight. There is a lot though!!!!!
This is one of the most hysterical views ever. Thanks for the giggles. ;O)
Thanks! Once the idea popped into my head, I knew it was perfect for this book and the review just wrote itself.
Having some mixed feelings about possibly getting this for the hubby for our anniversary. Maybe I should hold off until birthday time so we actually get to celebrate and have him no stuck “under the dome”.
I’m sure your family is glad to have you back.
Whoops! Somehow I copied my comment to someone else and sent it to you! ACK!! Is your hubby a King fan? It would be an awesome gift … but you do have to consider the effect it might have on him as he might go MIA for awhile. ; )
I kinda lost interest in his books at one point (preferring Dean Koontz) and haven’t read one since “Cell” . This one sounds really good, though!!
You crack me up. I’ve never read one of King’s massive books, only his short stories and On Writing. I’ve been thinking about trying The Stand as my first “real” King.
His short stories are so good, as was On Writing. The Stand is probably his masterpiece, and this one was pretty darn good too.
What a wonderful book review! I’m going to get that book NOW!
Well, kiss your spare time goodbye then! ; )
oh, sorry; I’ve got to get out of the habit of using the blogroll over at blogger to visit other peoples’ blogs!
Ha! I haven’t read any Stephen King since the 1980s, but this review is enough to convince me to start again. Maybe this summer; my kids are old enough to forage.
I think the last King book I read was in the 1990s too. It was like visiting with an old friend.
ahh, the best kinds of books always take you captive
They really do.
welcome back! Glad you enjoyed it and want to compliment you on a very objective review….I don’t do gruesome, but this review gave me more than enough to be able to discuss/recommend/steer away from for our library patrons.
And for heaven’s sakes….tell the rest of those non-readers to do the housework while you’re reading. LOL
Non-readers don’t understand getting sucked into a book! I’m so misunderstood!!!
And I’m glad the review helped you with recommending this book. It certainly isn’t for everyone!
I can’t just “shush” everyone like that. I envy your power!
To be honest, I don’t quite have that power either. I might have used a little bit of creative license. ; )
I love this review. So clever. I doubt I will read the book as I like to sleep at night but it sounds awesome.
I’m going to have to go to bed early the next few nights to catch up on my sleep lost while reading this book.
That, Miss Jenners, was the most engaging review I have ever read! I am not a big King fan, so I will likely leave that one to you, but I am so glad to hear that you weren’t sucked into the Rapture.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Yep… managed to stay here on Earth. Boy would I have been made if I got sucked up in the Rapture without getting to the end of this book!
LOL! What a great review! I have been considering reading this one for a while, but I haven’t read any Stephen King before and so am unsure. Your wonderful review has pushed me a little closer to trying him. Thanks for entertaining me
Well, you said you like disturbing! ; ) It is so hard to tell how people would feel about King’s books beforehand. If you read it, I would be more than curious to see what you think of it.
Heh, I loved this review and I bet your husband and son are so glad that you’ve finally finished with it! I haven’t read much King, but something about this review entices me more then I’ve ever been enticed with a King book before. It sounds like a very intriguing and unusual premise, and I think I am going to put this one on my list right away. Hopefully I don’t get trapped under the dome as well!
To me, it was vintage King. It is so hard to tell if non-King fans/readers would like it because his style seems so particular to him. The premise is a cool one though.
Love it! I hope to be caught under the dome sometime soon as well. Perhaps you’d like to go back in with me? We can enjoy the brutality while simultaneously acting guilty for enjoying said brutality together.
I think Mr. Jenners would have my head on a platter!! He hates when I get all wrapped up in a book and ignore everything around me.
I love this review. You are my new hero.
This sums up my experience with the book. In fact, with most of Stephen Kings better books. I make no argument for his work as literature ’cause I don’t think it is, but he sure can tell a good tale.
He does tell a good tale. I get sucked in despite myself. I do think it is a shame that he does’t get more respect because of the genre he writes in.
Jenners, you had me at “caught under the dome”! LOL
This was great and reminded me a lot of my first reading of THE STAND. Oh, my, what an epic wonderful book. I need to read this one, I know.
Not to make you nuts or anything, but did you know King has a new 960 page book coming out in November. Title is 11 22 63 (the date of JFK’s assasination). About a man who can go back in time and try to change that particular moment. I will confess that I am intriuged. A lot.
I hadn’t heard about that one. I imagine that I will be there for it … now that I’m back into Stephen King mode. The last time I read one of his books was the 1990s I think!!! And The Stand .. I remember that well!! It was another one that caused me to ignore the world around me while I read and read and read.
It was great. I was totally wrapped up in it too when I read it. No one was reading it when I was reading it though so I couldn’t even chat about it.
You were on it pretty quick if I recall. It was a book that you want to talk about with others … like “Can you believe that so and so did this???”
You are too funny. You almost make me want to read this but I refused to get sucked into Stephen King.
Wait until your little one gets big enough to read on his own and starts reading series books!
I do think that people already know whether they want to read a King book … though I do think he doesn’t quite get the respect he deserves.
Brilliant, truly inspired – you should be on the stage.
I don’t think my awkward personal manner would translate well to the stage. ; )
What a good review. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I need a book like that for next week while I await Brian’s return.
It will definitely help the time go by faster … I was so involved in it.
ROFLMAO! Jenners, you are priceless!
: )
“Oh, and she sometimes calls out ‘Edward’ during lovemaking” You seriously crack me up!
Sounds like a good read.:)
Well, if by “good” you mean you hear about lots of horrible deaths and what meth can do to your body and mind, then yes … it was excellent!!! : )