One of Rushdie's best.

Somehow managing to span continents and worlds in the way that only Rushdie can do, our character Shalimar the Clown manages to learn dying kashmiri folk art, mujahdeen terrorism, how to join a prison gang, and how to drive a deLorean.

Complex and interwoven, it manages to break down the boundaries between east and west, between good and evil, between political and personal.

Aw heck, read it already.

I don't remember if I've ever talked about my fondness for Stephen King before on the blog. I know that I've mentioned that horror is a genre that from time to time I thoroughly enjoy. There was one summer in particular that I found myself binge reading some of King's works. I read through Carrie, The Tommyknockers, The Shining, and Needful Things that summer but that wasn't where my love affair started. It actually started with It: King's novel about a group of kids who face an unspeakable horror while growing up that comes back to haunt them as adults. I've actually re-read this one a few times simply because I find something new each time that I read it. There are all of the elements of horror as well as a healthy dosage of psychological thriller which King is known for. It's all set in Derry, Maine which I for one would love to visit as it seems to be the epicenter of King's works. It is not for those who suffer from Coulrophobia or the fear of clowns. The nexus of evil in this novel is a shape-shifting entity that primarily takes the shape of a clown so that it can lure children to its lair. (Not sure what kid would willingly follow a clown but these kids seem to be into it.) The main group of children that this book focuses on were outcasts who formed the 'Losers Club' and because of their combined strength they were able to provide a united, threatening front. The book flips between the present day (1984-85) and the past (1957-58) and tells each of the main characters stories. You get to know them and root for them all to various degrees. If you've never read any of Stephen King's books and you want a good place to start then I definitely recommend It. (Warning: There are adult themes and coarse language so keep that in mind.) If you'd like to delve into horror but you're a little overwhelmed with all of the choices then I recommend this one to you as well. :-D (Warning: Likely to induce nightmares for the faint of heart.)

I have no coherent thoughts after finishing this book, or if I do, they are all jumbled up in my head. I am going to have the biggest book hangover. That ending, though!

4 only because Stephen King does have this odd way of writing certain things, and there was one scene I wasn't personally comfortable with.

Overall, his writing style is enjoyable. The story was so much more than the miniseries, which I saw first.

Not relating to the book content at all, but I can't decide which cover I like the most!

Other Stephen King books:

Carrie (5/5 stars)

Desperation (4/5 stars)

I don’t know why I picked up this book. Wait, that’s a lie. The cover got me. Please don’t ask me to explain. It just is.

In all honesty, I wasn’t expecting The Best Book Ever when I picked up The Princess and the Clown and, you know what, I wasn’t at all disappointed. It’s rude, slightly funny and not at all erotic and just what I needed to waste away a few hours while stuck as a passenger in a car. I’m not real good at being a back seat driver. 

Ralph/Jango was once a pretty successful clown with the circus but his act broke up years ago. Now he’s 40-something and entertains spoiled rich kids to pay the bills. This is how he meets Jules, AKA Princess Aurora, another 40-something, nearly washed up performer. Ralph is super professional but there is something about Jules that brings out the pervy in ol’ Jango the Clown.

Hijinks, sarcasm and dirty sex ensue but the sex isn’t all that explicit, it’s just mostly gross, at least if you’re use to reading the stuff I’ve been reading. I found it amusing. Both characters were so prickly, “I’m a horrible person and you’re one ugly motherfucker. A perfect fit if I’ve ever seen one.” that it was funny. But I’m not like most people. So be warned.

Who do I recommend it to? Only you weirdos like me with some time to burn.