Look What I Found - 1st Edition Misery by Stephen King

Paid a visit to a Goodwill store the other day and totally came across what I believe is a first edition copy of Misery by Stephen King for only a dollar.  Now, I know finding 1st edition books of this period of his career are not as difficult as the books during his early period (Carrie, Salem's Lot, The Shining), but it was still a cool find, especially given its condition.  Very little wear and tear on this one.  I also love the inside flap that tells everyone Misery is a love letter to Stephen King's fans.  Having read a lot about King, I guess some took that as an insult.  Personally I think its hilarious and something I would totally do myself.

Making this find even more enjoyable is the fact that it is one of my favorite Stephen King books.  It is also one I will never forget reading.  I began it while a junior in high school shortly before Christmas, and my mother was always looking over my shoulder to see what page I was on.  She couldn't wait for me to get to the hobbling scene, one that was much more intense than the movie had portrayed.  She also wanted to see my reaction to the thumb removal scene given my hatred of electric meat knives (they totally freak me out and I can't stand to even be in the house when one is used during Thanksgiving).  Both left me completely shaken, as did several other scenes in the book.

And now, thanks to having a new edition, I think I shall read it again.  It has been over a decade since that first read, so going through it again will probably be a great experience.  In the past I never used to re-read books, but now, having picked up a couple Stephen King books for the second time in recent years, I'm realizing I forgot quite a bit from the books, so reading them again is very enjoyable.