Stephen King: A Book Discussion Series Led by Stephen Spignesi- The Shining

LITCHFIELD, Conn. - Aug. 23, 2016 - PRLog -- Join Stephen King expert Stephen Spignesi as he leads a discussion of two of King's most acclaimed and literary novels, The Shining on September 18 and The Green Mile on October 16.

Stephen King's books, many of which have been adapted into feature films, miniseries, television shows, and comic books, have sold more than 350 million copies. King has published 54 novels, six non-fiction books, and nearly 200 short stories. Many of his stories are set in his home state of Maine.

In 2015, King was awarded with a National Medal of Arts from the United States National Endowment for the Arts for his contributions to literature. In 2003, the National Book Foundation awarded him the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Additional awards include the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, the Canadian Booksellers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

In his book The Philosophy of Horror, Noel Carroll discusses King's work as an exemplar of modern horror fiction. Analyzing both the narrative structure of King's fiction and non-fiction ruminations on the art and craft of writing, Carroll writes that for King, "the horror story is always a contest between the normal and the abnormal such that the normal is reinstated and, therefore, affirmed."

In this discussion we'll explore two of King's most compelling heroes/antiheroes, Jack Torrance of The Shining and John Coffey of The Green Mile; why it is difficult for many to see horror as literary; and how King's personal experiences influence his writing.

The Shining- Jack Torrance, his wife Wendy, and their young son Danny move into the Overlook Hotel, where Jack has been hired as the winter caretaker. Cut off from civilization for months, Jack hopes to battle alcoholism and uncontrolled rage while writing a play. Evil forces residing in the Overlook – which has a long and violent history – covet young Danny for his precognitive powers and exploit Jack's weaknesses to try to claim the boy.

Stephen Spignesiis a Practitioner in Residence at the University of New Haven and Adjunct Professor at Gateway Community College in Connecticut. Spignesi was christened "the world's leading authority on Stephen King" by Entertainment Weekly magazine. He is the author of six books about Stephen King and his work, including The Stephen King Encyclopedia and The Essential Stephen King. His writing about King has also appeared in several magazines, anthologies and websites. In January of 2000, he appeared as a King expert in the A&E program Biography of Stephen King.

Books will be available to borrow one month in advance. Light refreshments will follow the event. All Oliver Wolcott Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-567-8030 or logging onto http://www.owlibrary.org and clicking on Programs/Adult Programs.