Suntup Editions - All Books

[sholloman81]

Looks like my copy of the AGE for "The Exorcist" is scheduled to be delivered today. Can't wait to see how it turned out!!!

[sholloman81]

Received my AGE for "A Scanner Darkly" yesterday. Really enjoy the look of this book and think the slipcase that matches it is fantastic. Can't wait to give this story a re-read soon as it has been years since I first read it.

[swintek]

Not really. While it was relatively entertaining, like a forgettable TV movie (as opposed to the cinematic splendor of THE STAND or 'SALEM'S LOT), I just didn't buy the voice. With some of its wizened smugness and atypical references (doc-in-a-box, etc.), it just didn't seem to always fit the protagonist's age of 22 years...it was kind of uneven in that regard. King's a talented writer, of course, but he's also 73 years old, 51 years removed from his protagonist, and -- for me -- I just didn't quite buy the young voice this time around, not like JOYLAND. The open ending (being vague to avoid spoilers) also seemed anticlimactic and unnecessary if he's not planning to continue this as a series, and given that it's a HCC presumed standalone, that would seem not to be the case. A few other nigglings, too, but that's enough. I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10.

I always appreciate your well-considered thought on books, so- thanks for these. Yeah, I've had a hard time with King in his later years, as a lot of others have. It's literally those idiosyncratic, bizarre... crutches, for lack of a better word that he leans on incessantly that pull me out of his stories now. It's funny you mentioned Salem's Lot- as I just re-read it -and Carrie- again in some desperate need of "Comfort King", and finding both even better than the last time I read them. He had that fire of youth and desperation, and, frankly- editing!- that made those early books amazing, soup to nuts. I always think about something my wife said many years ago- "Inspired, brilliant creativity is not infinite". After 50 or whatever it is now books- how could it possibly be? I will always love what he showed me early on in my formative years, and always love the man for it- and will also always keep hope for one last "great" book (or more!). Well, I will read it and see for myself.

[RonClinton]

It's in my TBR Short Stack. It didn't impress you, Ron?

Not really. While it was relatively entertaining, like a forgettable TV movie (as opposed to the cinematic splendor of THE STAND or 'SALEM'S LOT), I just didn't buy the voice. With some of its wizened smugness and atypical references (doc-in-a-box, etc.), it just didn't seem to always fit the protagonist's age of 22 years...it was kind of uneven in that regard. King's a talented writer, of course, but he's also 73 years old, 51 years removed from his protagonist, and -- for me -- I just didn't quite buy the young voice this time around, not like JOYLAND. The open ending (being vague to avoid spoilers) also seemed anticlimactic and unnecessary if he's not planning to continue this as a series, and given that it's a HCC presumed standalone, that would seem not to be the case. A few other nigglings, too, but that's enough. I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10.

[swintek]

Yep, I had the same negative experience from the same bad info. Having now read LATER, I’m not sure I’m particularly disappointed any longe about missing out, but it was still frustrating.

It's in my TBR Short Stack. It didn't impress you, Ron?

[RonClinton]

Man, I was stung by completely missing out on a signed numbered edition, despite being there early, on the correct page (you probably know what I mean), and refreshing, refreshing. The book simply never appeared. Had no such problems on the last go round years ago with JOYLAND. Oh well, lots of others in the same boat on LATER, I'm sure.

Yep, I had the same negative experience from the same bad info. Having now read LATER, I’m not sure I’m particularly disappointed any longe about missing out, but it was still frustrating.

[swintek]

The only difference between the numbered Later and the lettered is a traycase and a line on the signature page. So your thought above is exactly what I was thinking when I missed out on the lettered. Didn’t sting so much. I definitely wouldn’t pursue a lettered with so little to gain.

Man, I was stung by completely missing out on a signed numbered edition, despite being there early, on the correct page (you probably know what I mean), and refreshing, refreshing. The book simply never appeared. Had no such problems on the last go round years ago with JOYLAND. Oh well, lots of others in the same boat on LATER, I'm sure. I got an unsigned HC and it is very nice indeed for the price.

[jeffingoff]

I agree with all of this as well, and am of the same mind on Lettered editions, mostly. My mantra has always been: The nicest edition available- at a "reasonable" cost. There is deliberate wiggle-room in that mantra, and I use it accordingly. That's why lettered's that offer nothing more than a letter in place of a number on a limitation page are an very easy pass for me (even if in a traycase, with an extra piece of art I can probably view online somewhere). Additionally, it's why ARC's or Proofs have always held ZERO interest for me. A trade paperback of a book I can get in hardcover? Without the art? No thanks. Rarity is way down my list. It's all about the book quality, and story.

The only difference between the numbered Later and the lettered is a traycase and a line on the signature page. So your thought above is exactly what I was thinking when I missed out on the lettered. Didn’t sting so much. I definitely wouldn’t pursue a lettered with so little to gain.

[swintek]

Same with me. While I wouldn't say I'm of the quantity-over-quality mindset (if I was, the limited-edition hobby would be a poor choice when cheap mass-market trade editions abound), I am content with getting the nicest edition that still allows me to purchase other nice editions, and not empty the budget in one fell swoop. That's why lettereds have never held an attraction for me...the diminishing returns math on it just doesn't work for me.

I agree with all of this as well, and am of the same mind on Lettered editions, mostly. My mantra has always been: The nicest edition available- at a "reasonable" cost. There is deliberate wiggle-room in that mantra, and I use it accordingly. That's why lettered's that offer nothing more than a letter in place of a number on a limitation page are an very easy pass for me (even if in a traycase, with an extra piece of art I can probably view online somewhere). Additionally, it's why ARC's or Proofs have always held ZERO interest for me. A trade paperback of a book I can get in hardcover? Without the art? No thanks. Rarity is way down my list. It's all about the book quality, and story.

[RonClinton]

Your thought process is exactly what I go through. I'm always tempted by those high end books, but I start to think about all the other books I could get in lieu of just one super high-end books. I guess it all comes down to what a person really wants in their collection. I go back and forth all the time.

Same with me. While I wouldn't say I'm of the quantity-over-quality mindset (if I was, the limited-edition hobby would be a poor choice when cheap mass-market trade editions abound), I am content with getting the nicest edition that still allows me to purchase other nice editions, and not empty the budget in one fell swoop. That's why lettereds have never held an attraction for me...the diminishing returns math on it just doesn't work for me.

[Sock Monkey]

I have had the same thoughts on the lettered. I have even debated entering a lottery if any copies remain. Then logic kicks in and I tell myself 1. You will not spend that much on a book 2. If you did spend that much on a book think of what else you could get. I will settle for the Artist and Limited editions.

Your thought process is exactly what I go through. I'm always tempted by those high end books, but I start to think about all the other books I could get in lieu of just one super high-end books. I guess it all comes down to what a person really wants in their collection. I go back and forth all the time.

[Martin]

I'm on that fence. I love KPB, but I already have Jack & Jill and Sour Candy will be coming out from CD, leaving only two novellas in the lot. And I just bought two rather expensive books (both at the same price as the AE or higher) and a I just stumbled upon a VERY expensive book I've been looking for. Decisions, decisions.

This is the first time that I've liked all three editions that Suntup is offering. Usually one or two leave me cold, but all three of these look fantastic. And I absolutely love the look of the lettered edition. If I had the $1500 available, I'd love to get that one and have a very high end edition of KPB's work.

I have had the same thoughts on the lettered. I have even debated entering a lottery if any copies remain. Then logic kicks in and I tell myself 1. You will not spend that much on a book 2. If you did spend that much on a book think of what else you could get. I will settle for the Artist and Limited editions.

[Sock Monkey]

I'm on that fence. I love KPB, but I already have Jack & Jill and Sour Candy will be coming out from CD, leaving only two novellas in the lot. And I just bought two rather expensive books (both at the same price as the AE or higher) and a I just stumbled upon a VERY expensive book I've been looking for. Decisions, decisions.

This is the first time that I've liked all three editions that Suntup is offering. Usually one or two leave me cold, but all three of these look fantastic. And I absolutely love the look of the lettered edition. If I had the $1500 available, I'd love to get that one and have a very high end edition of KPB's work.

[Martin]

Miine would be exactly the opposite order. Viva la diferencia!

I do think I need to read Sour Candy again. I do not think my frame of mind was right when I read it. My ranking may change.

[RonClinton]

My personal ranking of the three would be:
1. Jack and Jill
2. Blanky
2. Sour Candy

Jack and Jill and Blanky are close though.

Miine would be exactly the opposite order. Viva la diferencia!