I have to say it - take some literature. You know how most of you hate new pop music? Thats what Stephen King is to the novel.
Ahhh I don't think I could ever truly be friends with someone who thought Stephen King had literary talent. As far as pulp goes, its as good as any, I guess.
I hate how people act as though because something is popular, it can't be good. Sure, a lot of the pop music today sucks, but what about pop back in the 60's? Peeps are popular, and they are still just as delicious. There is a reason Stephen King is so famous. People enjoy reading his books. He makes his stories interesting and keeps me reading them. Just because he isn't some underground writer doesn't mean he doesn't write good books.
I played the catapiller and hatter in my school play. I associate myself with the hatter more, but the whole thing kinda stuck especally since my jefferson airplane phase.
I don't dislike him because he is popular - my absolute favourite writer is Hemingway - I dislike him because of his absolutely awkward use metaphor, his tacky dialogue, lack of sublety, and his essentially formulaic writing. I could care less if you like him, but know that you aren't reading one of the Greats, thats all. I'd recommend The Sun Also Rises.
I've read some of the classics, and honestly, they mostly don't keep my attention. I like to read for enjoyment, not feel as though I'm forcing myself to. What Stephen King books or short stroies have you read that made you think this about him? If his writing is formulaic, I must be a moron, because I had no idea what was going to occur in Carrie or Cujo or The Green Mile or any others.
Umm, the Stand, one with a bunch of sparrows (The Dark Half?) and Tommyknocker, Cujo, Carrie... I used to read them a lot when I was maybe 13 or so. But this argument isn't worth it - I probably can't convince you Stephen King is pulp literature (not that that is necessarily a terrible thing), and you'll never convince me it is anything but.