Hi Lorrie! I didn't know this was a Stephen King book - is this the new Tom Hanks movie? Had no idea the film and book were connected - where have I been?

Saw Stephen King interviewed not long ago - did you know he is losing his eyesight? He has macular degenerative disease.

Gosh, we have a lot of books scheduled for January! Can we get enough people to read and participate? Wow!

Of course, the weather is so bad - at least where I live, that reading is the hobby of choice.

Hi, Ella! How nice of you to come calling! No, I didn't know that Stephen King was losing his eyesight. That must be particularly painful news for a man who has been such a prolific writer through the years. I wonder if it has anything to do with the terrible accident he had when he was struck by a van some time ago back in his beloved state of Maine. Yes, this book is the basis for Tom Hanks' new movie, and I understand that the whole genre of the book is a drastic change from King's usual horror fare. My heart goes out to him--stephen King has been a favorite of mine for many years. Lorrie

So many people have inquired about the state of Stephen King's health I decided to publish this response he made to one of his well-wishers:

Stephen King comments on fears that he's unable to write: "I am aware that a lot of people have been concerned about press reports that I am either not writing or not able to write. Most of these reports are the result of material taken out of context in the Dateline interview Tabby and I did. What I said--and I believe the actual interview makes this clear--is that I found it extremely difficult to find my way back into writing after the accident. That battle was fought in July however, and I feel that I won a conditional victory. Since the accident I have finished my book on writing, I have written a novelette called "Riding the Bullet," and have begun work on an original miniseries for TV. This is called Rose Red and is an expansion of a screenplay I wrote some years ago. I have also begun talking with Peter Straub about finally writing a sequel to The Talisman -we jokingly called this project T2, although I doubt if there will be a part for Arnold Schwartzenegger. My endurance is much less than it was, and my output has been cut in half, but I am working. I hope that this sets some fears to rest, and believe me when I say that I am very touched by the expressed concern. I am touched, in fact, that anyone cares at all, one way or the other. Now get out there and do something nice for someone else." Stephen King, 2 November 1999

does SK do this before the story ius even completed....caste the movie. I read the Crighton book TIMELINE and figured Marek was Arnold Schwartzenegger and now King is considering creating a character for him too. Nice to have literary friends.

Claire

Claire, it does look that way, doesn't it? I'm reading Timeline now, but Arnold Schwartzenegger as Marek???? Oh, my aching back! Here I was just forming this real admiration society for Marek, who is muscular, I know, but muscle-bound? God forbid! My apologies to Arnold. Lorrie

Marek gets more musclebound in his head as you go along. he's tarzan in the jungle etc. the muscles put to good use.

Claire

I think I'll challenge you to a joust! You're making fun of my hero! First Ginny wants to bury Kate, the architct, and now you jest about poor Marek. Anyway, I always liked Tarzan.

Lorrie

I did too -- like Tarzan. It was a loss to outgow him. I lived in trees as a kid . . . fell out of a few too, no vines to swing on and never did learn that holler.

Claire

Two of my sisters always fought over who would be Jane, when we played. I always wanted to be Tarzan. Odddly enough, my kid brother always wanted to be Cheetah. Maybe not so odd. Lorrie

After seeing the movie Green Mile, I was considering reading the book. Now that I see there will be a discussion in here, I think I will run out to the Library & see if it is available. Before going to the movie, I had heard it was by Stephen King, & just about didn't go, cuz I do not like his horror things, but glad I did go. Come to think about it, I DID enjoy The Stand (or was it The Last Stand?). Don't know why, but did. Oh well, see ya on the 15th.

Welcome, welcome, Shirley! Im so glad you decided to join us for the discussion of this book. I'm interested in seeing what your reactions are. I haven't read it yet, (I'm a fast reader, though) but I understand this book is a departure from King's usual horrifying stuff. I think a lot of people are unaware that he is an excellent writer of books in other genres. Hope to see you soon!

Lorrie

I read "Green Mile" in serial form when it first came out, as it was intended, waiting for the next book to be published to find out what happened next.

I don't care much for horror as a genre, but I think I have read almost everything SK has written. I think a big part of the charm of his stories is his ability to create such likeable, ordinary, believable characters, and then put them (sometimes gradually) into supernatural situations to see what they do. "Green Mile" is like a lot of his other books in that sense. Think of "Tommyknockers," for example, or even "The Stand." On the other hand, what I DON'T like about SK is his sometimes excessive wordiness. "Green Mile" is an antidote to that; it is relatively lean and uncluttered.

I'll probably drop in here from time to time!

Hi Katie and all.....I saw The Green Mile the other day and wasn't prepared for John Coffey's special gift (will say no more for those who don't know).That was because I hadn't realized it was based on a Stephen King book. And that, as Katie said, is the beauty of his writing - his characters. I think one of his finest books is The Stand which takes you through the most bizarre and supernatural situations and makes them believable because you have come to know and care about his characters and when you can identify with them, everything that happens seems natural. Same thing is true about "Stand By Me" (originally "The Body"). Who didn't know kids like that and the kind of things they did? Basically his books boil down to Good vs.Evil and unless I'm mistaken, Good always prevails. This should be an interesting discussion.

Katie: Nice to make your acquaintance, there aren't too many of us from the San Diego area. Have you visited the California folder under Geographic Locations?

Gail (from Oceanside)

About 8 months ago a friend of mine in CA talked me into buying the GREEN MILE. I purchased it. Then realized I do not have a way to listen to it. My book reader is provided by the Library of Congress and only works for their tapes. Anyway, was surprised they made a movie of it already and all. Guess I had better look around for a way to listen to it. Good reading you all.

Katy and Gail: This is great! I'm so glad to see you coming in like this. I can't wait to get started on this book--it's starting to create quite a bit of interest! Listen, anyone, even if you've seen the movie, don't hesitate to join us, except that I'll throttle the first one who spills the beans before the rest of us have read about it. It will be fun to see how the movie differed from the book, too. I agree with you both that Stephen King makes his characters believeable, especially young boys. (I also liked "The Body"). A lot has been written about King personally, but I like to believe, as one interviewer said, "It's almost as though he's still a kid at heart."

Joan, good to hear from you! I'm hoping you'll be able to find some way to listen to this book! Can you borrow a tape player from someone? That sounds interesting. Keep in touch,please!

Lorrie

Thanks Lorrie, don't usually come in here but saw the Green Mile thing and had to pop my head in for aminute.

I saw this passage from "Bag of Bones" and thought it very interesting. I'd like to share it with you.

"This," he writes, "is how we go on: one day at a time, one meal at a time, one pain at a time, one breath at a time. Dentists go on one root canal at a time; boatbuilders go on one hull at a time. If you write books, you go on one page at a time. We turn from all we know and all we fear. We study catalogues, watch football games, choose Sprint over AT&T. We count the birds in the sky and will not turn from the window when we hear the footsteps behind us as something comes up the hall: we say yes, I agree that clouds look like other things - fish and unicorns and men on horseback - but they are really only clouds. Even when the lightning flashes inside them we say they are only clouds and turn our attention to the next meal, the next pain, the next breath, the next page. This is how we go on."

Beautifully written, I thought. What say you?

Lorrie

Lorrie, your quote reminds me of another Stephen King story, "Misery." On one level it is a ghastly, gruesome, horror story, but on another level, it is a story about being a writer. The hero, held hostage by a crazy woman who takes him in after he is injured in a car accident, is a writer. His captor insists that he write a book for her. And despite his pain and terror, the writer finds that when he sits at the typewriter and begins to write, he "falls into the page" and forgets everything but the story.

Katy: That's so true! And didn't he do a story one time where one of his characters in his novel comes out of the book somehow and does mayhem? I can't remember the name of it. Lorrie

SK is a very good writer. He just has to make a living and he's discovered that horror stories pay the bills. Beautiful quote. Maybe we should focus on his writing more than the story, although I thought the story (the green mile) was very well done too. It wasn't HORROR. Proves he can do it any which way doesn't it.

Claire

Claire, I agree, but there's one thing I'm skeptical about--King wrote a recent book about the Vietnm war---I can't think of the name of it, but it was very well received, and had good reviews. Except for a lot of veterans who didn't think King had the actual experiences to write about the emotions those guys were feeling. I wonder--it takes an awful lot of imagination to feel someone else's pain. To a lot of them, he was just a 4F'er.

Lorrie

Lorrie, Claire and Gail: So glad to see you all here. I went to the bookstore today, looked through some of the books up for discussion and found the Green Mile. Got it in paperback for a little over $5.00 and started in on it when I got home

I never thought I would read SK, but I remember the enthusiasm about his work on the part of a boy I used to tutor. He was thrown out of school for misbehavior. They wouldn't let him on school grounds, so we had to work at the public library. I loved talking with him. He was a very bright boy. Now, I wonder what happened to him.

Did SK also write Stand by Me? I saw the movie and it was excellent. As for the GM, I just got through the discovery of the murder and was horrified, but the writing is so good and those of you with whom I have so much in common are here, so I'll keep going.

Charlotte

Lorrie, the novel you mentioned is "The Dark Half", in which the author/hero's alter ego comes to life and commits all kinds of mayhem.

One problem I have with many of SK's stories is that they end with half the town (wherever it may be) blowing up, and other mayhem which seems to be put in for the movie version to have a lot of special effects. He is excellent when setting the scenes and developing characters, but the climax almost always is too much! There are some exceptions, one of them being "The Green Mile", and another ""The Body".

I read "the Green Mile" when it first came out in paperback some time ago. I don't know what became of my copy - probably loaned it out - but I really enjoyed it. Would like to see the movie, but don't know if I can sit for 3 hours straight!

Hello, Lou D! Welcome!

Yes, I remember now-it was the Dark Half. I liked it. Listen, even though you've read the Green Mile already, come and join us here when we discuss it Saturday, I'd like to get your opinions. I imagine it's still fresh in your mind?

Lorrie

I don't mean to steer the discussion away from The Green Mile, but if we are discussing its author and the genre for which he is most noted, i.e. "horror" or "the supernatural", there is another story of his which is completely out of that category and that is The Shankshaw Redemption (did I get it right)? This is a beautifully written story of the bonding of two human beings from ostensiby different worlds who are thrown together under the most dehumanizing conditions and emerge with dignity and hope.

Lorrie, Gail, Charlotte and ALL: WOW! I didn't even know SN was reading the Green Mile. When I was in NYS for the holidays, my daughter and I saw this movie. I was very impressed . It is one of the few movies that I wouod like to see again. I have always loved SK and admired his macabre mind. (Not unlike my own.) I do not have the book but would like to follow the discussion.

Hello, there, Alf! This is great! We're getting a fine group of people peeking in her! Everybody is welcome, whether you've read the book or seen the movie! I hope I see all these wonderful folks on Saturday!

Lorrie

Geesh, went to the Library to pick up the book, & they do not have it. When I asked, I was told they have had a lot of requests, but do not stock it yet. Will have to run to the bookstore to purchase it now. Guess I will be getting a late start on reading it.

Not to worry, Shirley! We'll wait for you--I haven't read the whole book yet myself, but what I have read intrigues me.

Charlotte: Yes, Stand By Me was another of King's better books, I think. Only his title was The Body, I think. They changed it for the movie. I always liked the theme song from that movie, didn't you?

Lorrie

Gail:

You gave the title an interesting turn around. I think it was the Shawshank Redemption or Rebellion. A great movie.

Lorrie: Am also glad to learn that Stand by Me was SK's The Body. Never thought I'd go for SK, but I think I'm becoming a fan.

Charlotte

Gail, I think you mean the Shawshank thing, don't you? It looks as though Stephen King is getting more and more away from actual horror stories and going for other themes, doesn't it? Well, he's certainly being hailed by the critics, who thought he could write no other kind of books. Has anyone else heard any more about King's present physical condition? I saw pictures of him and his wife Tabby at the Green Mile opening, and he was using a cane, then, I think. I heard that he was losing his sight to macular degeneration, but I don't know how true that is, If so, it must be horrible news for him.

Lorrie

Lorrie, King is using a cane because he was hit by a car a while back, while walking on the side of a road. (He was walking with the traffic instead of facing it, so he didn't see the van coming when the driver lost control.)

Have any of you people ever read anything by Tabitha King, Stephen's wife? She's a novelist in her own right, amd a very good one. I read a couple of her books and thought she had the Maine characterizations down pat. I imagine it must be hard to be in the shadow of someone famous like that while struggling for your own identity, but who knows? I do know she's very protective of her husband, as you can tell from their official web-site. http://www.stephenking.com

Lorrie

Juat wanted to say hi. I read the book some time ago and hope to see the movie next week. I've read most of King's books just finishing The Girl Who Loves Tom Gordan and in the middle of Hearts In Atlantis. King's books have grown away from simply horror and into wonderful stories that have horror in them. Its like putting on a comfortable old pair of shoes with each new book. Great stuff. I look forward to discussing The Green Mile.

John

John445: You are indeed welcome to this discussion. It looks like you've actually read what a lot of us consider some of Stephen King's best works. I like the way you said ,"Its like putting on a comfortable old pair of whoes with each new book." Great!

Please join in here at any time. I'd like to hear your opinions on this book, and the movie!

Lorrie

John445 Welcome we shall enjoy your input into the Green Mile. A host will send you a welcome letter to help you get around our Senior net discussions.

John: WOOPS! My typo error in post #38 could almost get me kicked off the internet. It almost sounded like something else, and I meant to say "shoes." Sorry about that, everybody!

Lorrie

I didn't know that was one of his SK. One of the best movies I've seen. . . and Another prison movie. He seems to have a feeling for the humanity of the folks locked up there. Would this also apply to the Vietnam Vets? After all the imagination of this man is truly incredible.

Claire

CLAIRE..I didn't realize that the Shawshank Redemption was written by Stephen King either. I thought it was one of the best movies I've ever seen. Truly an excellent writter.

~Samantha~

ATTENTION, ATTENTION! I just read that, on Cable TV on the A&E channel, on Monday, January 17 they will be doing Stephen King on their Biography program. Please check with your local schedules for the correct time.

Lorrie

And the director of the movie, "The Green Mile" is the same that directed the movie "The Shawshank Redemption."   "The Shawshank Redemption" is based on the short story  by Stephen King named "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption."  I first knew that one on "Books on Tape," and it was read by Stephen King.  WOW! What a story!  I'm leaving in a minute to see "The Green Mile."  Hootie

Thanks, Hootie! You mean you're leaving to go see the movie? Tell us how you liked it.

Samantha, I'm so glad you found your way over here. Tomorrow we start talking about the book itself. I'm only into the second part now, but I find it hard to put down. Really good!

Lorrie

Lorrie, I'm back!  The movie was stupendous!  I went with a lady minister friend of mine.  She had some wonderful insights. I'll have to tell  you al  about that later.

Well, here we go! From what I can gather, the whole story is being told by an elderly resident of a nursing home, who is a former corrections officer at Cold Mountain prison, right? It starts out slowly enough, and by the time the characters are introduced,I formed an immediate dislike of Percy Wetbottom or whatever his last name is, as I’m sure I’m supposed to. The narrator, Paul, seems like a pleasant enough fellow, in fact, most of the guards there appear to be decent, even compassionate men.

One thing bothers me–In the movie how in the world do they depict Paul’s painful urinary track infection? I can see where portraying this could be a problem. But in his own inimitable style, King keeps us asking what next? One of the things I like about his characters has always been that to me they seem so real! Just like in the beginning of this book.

Lorrie

I think the elderly man in the nursing home is Paul when he is very old, said to be 108 years old.  The actor [I forget his name] is so well known that it is hard at first to identify him with Paul, played by Tom Hanks.  That transition is not very clear in the movie to me.  
Maybe I need to see it again to understand that!

That character is a real villan! So slimy throughout. Good balance for the GOOD GUYS! SK is a master of counter plots! About the urinary tract infection portrayal, it is done very well in the movie.  There is a bit of trouble with the symbolism at first about the cure.  But maybe that helps rather than disturbs the story.   LOTS of symbolism done effectively!  Maybe I missed some!  It was so good!  I had a very good discussion with my Reverend friend and will relate that later, because to do that here would spoil a lot of it for all of you.  Hootie

Sam, you saw the movie, also?  I'm going out to get the book this afternoon.

Sam and Hootie, thanks for your input! I agree, it's a hard book to put down. And thank you for not giving away anything---a lot of us are only about half way through the book. I have a feeling that the mouse, "Mr. Jingles" will be a major character here. Ordinarily, I hate mice, but this one seems to be really unusual.

I like the way Stephen King portrays the deep respect and love some of his older book charcters seem to show each other. You can grasp that by the way the old man talks about his wife.

Lorrie

Lorrie: I love the name you've given to Percy--Wetbottom. It's so much funnier than Wetmore, which ends up being about the same thing. I can just see him sitting in a puddle of his own urine.

What saves the story is that here we are in one of the worst places anyone can be. These guards are responsible for men who've committed the worst crimes imaginable, yet they are humane, decent people. And of course the magic that's involved lifts the tale well out of the ordinary. Almost finished the book. We're going to the movie tomorrow.

Charlotte.

HOOTIE...No I haven't seen the movie yet, would love to be going with you.

LORRIE.....You are probaly futher in the book, I do however agree that Steam Boat Wille aka/ Mr.Jingles is going to be a major part of the storie. Gotta try to read some more.

~Samantha~

Charlotte,I'm laughing at your comment about Mr. Wetbottom! This is great, at least not everybody has read the book all the way through. I have some more comments, will pick you up later. Do you have trouble getting online during the evening hours? I do. It's probably because I have AOL but I hate to have to change.

Lorrie

I had hoped to see The Green Mile movie by now, but delayed until next week. Someone mentioned about King writing about Vietnam issues without having been there. I am about 90% through Hearts in Atlantis and the stories are not about being in Vietnam but stories about people affected by Vietnam here in the US.

I think it's around here someplace. maybe tomorrow.

Claire

John, that was me. (or I?) I was quoting from a reader who apparently hadn't even read Hearts of Atlantis. That just shows how people can be mistaken about the contents of a book without reading it. I do know the reviews were good on that book, although I haven't read it yet. Thanks for putting me straight.

Hi, Claire! Can we help you find something?

Lorrie

I can't imagine Tom Hanks playing the guard. It would be hard for me to get past Tom Hanks the actor. I thought of the guard as being much older.

The description of the 'green mile' is awesome.

Sage

Hi, Sage! That bothered me at first, too, until I realized that the hero is telling the story in flashbacks when he's an elderly resident in a nursing home. Yes, I can see tom Hanks portraying that guard at a younger age, but I wonder how he'll get that folksy, country way of talking down.

I don’t know about you other readers, but I can remember The Great Depression well. When King’s characters worry about losing their jobs, they have good reason. In those days people would do anything to keep a steady job, if you were lucky enough to have one. I remember one summer job my mother took in a canning factory. She worked there two days before asking a co-worker how much the job paid. She was just so glad to get a job, any job. Oh, yes, those of our generation remember those days.

Incidentally, has anyone noticed the quotation I’ve put up in the heading? I thought it pretty apt, and besides, I’ve always love John Donne’s poetry. Remember “No man is an island, etc?”

Lorrie

But I do nothing upon myself, and yet I am my own executioner"..... John Donne, 1601

unless it is a comment on our mortality...something we all share.

Claire

Claire: I haven't the vaguest idea, but it sure sounded good! hahahaha

A reminder to all to be sure to watch Biography on the A&E Channel Monday night. It's 7:00 (CST) 8:00(EST) They're going to do Stephen King.

Lorrie

LORRIE...could you remind me again late tomorrow afternoon.....LOL...that's the only way I stand a chance of remembering it....!

~Samantha~

I just got finished writing a long message about the book and the movie and SN wiped it out just as I was going to post it. I'm furious. What happened?

Charlotte

Did anyone catch the fella that played John coffee being interviewed on Oprah, Thursday. I can't believe (after seeing this movie) that this guy only stands 6 ft. 5. They wanted to bulk him up when he accepted the role to 350 #s, from his usual 305. What a delightful man he is and of course expressing desire to win the best supporting actor at the oscars. Who the heck was that, who played Willie? I wuld be unable to state who was better in this move. Michael Jetter was superb also. Tom Hanks had the lesser of the roles, I thought. I am dying to see it again.....

Well I'll try again:

Finished the book this morning and went to see the movie this afternoon. I found the book very well written. The movie followed the book almost exactly to the letter. Some of the dialogue was right out of the book. I was worried about seeing some of the horrific scenes, but the shock was lessened because I knew they were coming. Milt did not read the book, so I didn't know how he would take it. He thought the movie was quite good. I found the some of the characters unbearable, but that's the way they are on death row.

Thought breaking it up would prevent being wiped out again. Tom Hanks was excellent. The details about the electrocutions were a good argument for banning such activity.

I thought Hanks' combination of sensitivity and discipline was a good way to handle such criminals. It was too tense to be called entertainment, but there was a good emotional lift during some of it. However, I would not recommend it to my friends who cannot stand the depiction of violence.

Lorrie:

I love John Donne. Have you read his hellfire and damnation sermons? I think James Joyce patterned his sermons after them in Portrait of the Artist.

Charlotte

Andrea:

I wouldn't go see it again on a bet. Once was enough.

Charlotte

The SK interview:

We don't have cable. Would anyone be willing to tape it? Ginny once did it with another book and we circulated it.

Charlotte

Please be sure to see my messages on the previous page.

Charlotte

Samantha, I'll be glad to remind you.

Charlotte: That was interesting about James Joyce and Donne--I'll have to dig up my copy of Portrait from somewhere and compare.

Are you on AOL? Theyve got timers, and if you're on for a certain length of time composing posts or writing long letters, they'll bump you off. Usually they put up a little notice asking if you want to stay on-line, which usually buys you a few minutes more. It's very annoying if you're wriring a long post, for instance.

I'll be glad to tape the Biography of King for anyone who doesn't have cable. Then we can circulate it, as you suggested.

Ive gotten up to just before Delacroix's execution, and I'm already feeling a sense of foreboding! I'm going to bed now but I'll write more in the morning. If you're all like me I do my heaviest reading just before falling asleep---sometimes that's a problem.

Lorrie

Count me in... if it's not too late to join this discussion. I'm off to get the book tomorrow, and I'll read fast to catch up, since you started The Green Mile on the 15th.... I'll be back!

Lorrie:

My techie husband Milt says it's not AOL that cuts me off, but SN. That's why I tried breaking up my message. Last night in a heavy usage time, when I went to Message Boards, they only gave me two folders.

Let me know if you tape the interview and if it's worth bothering to send.

Love,

Charlotte

Lorrie:

Another note: For really long posts, I write them on the word processor and then paste into the message box. Sometimes I take a chance, because I think it's going to be short, but I hate being wiped out.

Charlotte

I haven't read SK's book yet but we saw the movie this weekend. I thought the movie was powerful. If the book reads like the movie and from what some of you say above it does I can't wait to get the book! I don't own many movies. We rent them but I have only ever bought a few I can't wait for this to come out. I want a copy.

Jaywalker!! Great to see your name here. We'll be glad to hear anything you might want to contribute.

What about this new prisoner, Wharton! What a piece of something he is!! Another prison problem, and a psychopath, to boot. The scene where he almost kills Dean is horrifying. Incidentally, I think I'm going to like the guard they call Brutal. He seems to have great presence of mind, and no dumbbell, either!

Charlotte, I do the same thing with my word processor on long posts. That way I'm sure I won't lose it half way through.

Samantha, dear, don't forget to turn on the A&E channel at either 7 or 8 to see the King documentary. I'll be taping it for those of us who don't have cable.

Lorrie

Jaywalker! How nice to see your name here! If you do get the book, please come and join us when we discuss it as we go along. Some of us haven’t finished readin it, I usually read the most when I go to bed, but I love what I have read! This is well-written, and the characters are entirely believable, I think

Charlotte, I do the same thing with my word processor. At least that way I don’t worry about getting cut off half way through. Is there a space limitation on the posts? I never knew if there is.

JEANINE ARNOLD: WELCOME TO OUR DISCUSSION! If you don’t already have a copy I urge you to get one of this wonderful book! Don’t worry about coming in late, not ll of us have finished reading Green Mile all the way through. Even if you don’t join in and let us know your comparisons with the movie. Welcome to our nook!

Lorrie

Samantha, dear, don't forget to tune in on A&E tonight at 7 or 8 o'clock for the Stephen King biography.

Oh oh, I'm duplicating here! Sorry about that, folks, please bear with me. Duh! Lorrie

All along I’ve had a feeling there was something special about John Coffey, and now we know. He cured Paul’s bladder infection with the touch of his hands, and we can readily imagine the disbelief and shock that Paul must have felt.

This whole new image if that gentle giant makes me wonder if he actually did kill those girls? Despite the evidence? Did you feel that?

How did they show that particular scene in the movie? (Coffey grabbing Paul’s hand) Did the music let out a crescendo, a great white light shines down? Or what?

My book hasn't been delivered yet, darn. But I did see the movie, & they showed that part by making it look like a lot of fireflies flying around & between the two. That was the first inkling it was a S King story.

Lorrie, I sure am looking forward to discussing your second paragraph, when the story ends.

I"ll probably make you all mad at me but I DON'T READ THEM --just skim lightly to see if there is anything interesting and usually there isn't. I particularly dislike it when there are long QUOTES from other sources. Enough is enough. . . dodging rotting tomatoes and running for my life.

Claire

Shirley, thank you for not giving the ending away. I think I would have killed you! One time when I was in a movie theatre, (when I used to go to them) a woman sitting behind us was telling everyone how the story was going to progress. (She had seen it before) I was so enraged after a bit, I stood up, turned around, and threw my popcorn all over her! Please keep that in mind, everyone!

Lorrie

Claire, you don't make anyone mad. I wonder how many other folks do the same thing! It's a good thing you're not over at the Timeline discussion. I just posted a four-page quote of an articel I'd read. Just kidding, it was more like two pages. hahaha Lorrie

I realize a lot of you readers have seen the movie, and from what I can gather, you all liked it. I don’t usually like to watch the movie after I’ve read the book, but I think in this case, I’ll go. I don’t usually go to movies, in fact I don’t go out all that much, period. I’m almost completely deaf, and it’s often embarrassing in public to be so impaired. I get tired of the impatience people show when I ask them to repeat themselves, and my hearing aids are practically useless. Their whistling annoys other people, too. So I usually rent movie tapes and then play them at home with my “earmuffs” so I don’t have to have the volume so loud. Well, enough said on that subject. I’d like to mention, however, that the last movie I did see was “Titanic.” I didn’t miss a thing there!

Lorrie

Samantha, don't forget to watch cable TV tonight--The A&E channel at either 7 or 8, with King's biography!

Claire: I'm with you on the long posts, but I'll add something that may make our "hosts" mad at ME. How about the long introductions at the head of the book discussion pages.....repeated at the head of each new page. By the time I've scrolled down to the posts I've forgotten what was on the preceding page that I wanted to respond to. Over in the "Harry Potter" discussion the intro is almost a page long, it goes on and on. Same is true of the "Good War" website. How many times do we have to read the same thing? (claire, I'm running right behind you!)

Purple Sage: I love your signature line! But keep a receptacle handy so you can recycle your brains.

Lorrie: Oprah once had a whole program about "doing a random act of kindness". It was very interesting to see the reactions of those who were on the receiving end; disbelief, cynicism, humor, and some thanks.

About the "evidence" that John Coffey had killed those little girls.....all we see or are told is that their bodies were in his hands, we are not told how they got there. After we learn about his "special power", think about it again.

About his being only 6'5" on the Oprah show, I think they photographed it in the movie looking up at certain angles to give him that height.

WEEELLLLL! REALLY! After all the work and struggle to get an attractive heading in this folder, along comes a smart-alec reader whose name begins with Gail, to denigrate same. I never!

Seriously, though, you have a point, and I'm going to pass it along to the people behind the scenes,

Lorrie

Lorrie, Hahaha! I will look out for the flying popcorn.

LORRIE...I appreciate your reminders, but I'm right at the good part of this book and I don't have a blank tape or one that I want to tape over.....

I'm having very mixed emotions, about how John Coffy is going to fry for being found with the twins in his arms. I think he just found them that way, and being the illiterate he is ..he just can't communicate with anyone..seeing what he was able to do with Pauls problem just because he wanted to help..Remember when they found him with the twins, he said he couldn't help them...

~Samantha~

Lorrie: Oh no, I didn't mean to denigrate your signature, I think it's lovely and something we should act upon every day.

Gail

Coffey found the girls too late to help them. He was big, he was black, nobody would consider the possibility that he hadn't killed them. It wouldn't have mattered what he said. "I tried to take it back, but it was too late," he said, holding the dead girls in his arms. If he had found them sooner, he COULD have taken it back.

Well, Lorrie, I am glad I didn't give it away.

Well....... I got the book today, and have read the first three chapters... I'll be back in a bit and see if I've caught up with y'all yet!

So far, I really like this book, though!

Jaywalker Hi there, I have the book but have not cracked A page yet as I am reading something else at this time and my days are filled so the nights are it for reading but will try to catch up and talk with all of you.

Hold on, everybody! I see there are a couple people who are coming in just a wee bit late after having to wait for the book, so let's not get too far ahead of them.

Well, I sure pulled a boo-boo. I got all set in front of the TV, fresh tape in the VCR, and watched the King biography tonight. It wasn't until the whole thing was over that I noticed I had forgotten to push the"record" button. Duh! Anyway, I was able to see it, but I'm afraid I didn't tape it. I don't feel too bad because, although it was interesting, a lot of it I had read before. I'm beginning to think I might have a memory problem. hahahaha

Lorrie

So much for all my reminders, Samantha!

LORRIE....Haha They are called Senior Moments. At least you owned right up to it.. I fell asleep and i was going to tear the cover off the book!

~Samantha~

Music? There was music? When John Coffey reached out and graped Paul with his huge hands all I remember thinking was Oh No, here it comes. This is were Stephen King is going to turn this to horror. I was at the end of my seat by now and honestly do not remember any music!!!

All the "evidence" against John Coffey was the he was found with the little girls body. We must remember though that this was the 1930's I believe this was down south and he was an uneducated black man. That was more than enough evidence to confict him. When you see how John shows Paul what he "sees" you will then know what happened to the little girls. For those who don't know I don't want to ruin this for you.

I guess I really need to get this book.

The only think I don't remember in the movie was a guard called "Brutal"??

Jeanine

Jeanine: One of Paul's assistant guards was a very understanding and compassionate man named Brutal, I'm pretty sure. Am I right, people? Anyway, the way King pictures him in the book, he's a very likable character, despite his name. They call him "Brute" for short. Wasn't he in the movie? That surprises me. In that "healing" scene with big John Coffee, somehow I thought that the movie version would show a great crescendo of music in the background like they always do.

I am still in a state of shock after reading the part of poor, poor Delacroix's execution!! More about that in a bit.

Lorrie

Lorrie I was in shock reading the execution. I could have done without that scene in my mind. However I know it was needed for the book.

Sage

may be attractive but are they really an art form? I'm with Gail. Now as to the subject of this book, the death penalty. I almost didn't read it I'm so opposed to it. Killing is killing whoever does it.

Claire

That execution, in the movie, was dragged out too long. I know it was probably done that way to get it across to the audience & I do not know, yet, how it was done in the book, but I was getting rather fidgety by the time it was over in the movie.

As far as music going on at the time of the transfer, it was so exciting, cuz you didn't know what this person was capable of, and you didn't know what, exactly was happening, that if there was music at the time, it was part of the drama, and unnoticed.

Still waiting for my book by UPS.

shirley n.

That horrible execution! Oh, that sick, sick, Percy! How he must have hated Delacroix! I’m still reeling from the extremely graphic description of the actual procedure, but hey, that’s Stephen King! I think the suspense leading up to it was just as bad. We all knew something awful was going to happen—the narrator kept telling us that all along. I don’t care what Delacroiz did, no human being should be put to death like that.

Up until now, I’ve always felt that the death penalty was justified, in many cases. But I’ve done a complete turnaround since reading this book and some net research on different forms of executions in this country. Thank Heaven most of the states have done away with the chair, but they say that even lethal injections can sometimes be just as horrifying. If this is the best our Society can offer to off-set the crime rises, then what a sorry state of affairs we’re in!

Sorry about the long post, Claire and Gail, but I feel vehement about this. How do the rest of you feel about capital punishment? I used to think it was fitting, but no more!

Lorrie

I read every word of your RANT on capital punishment. I couldn't agree more except that I never thought it was appropriate at all. . . . . Claire

I think I won't go see it. I'd planned to go tomorrow at noon, but now figure I can use my time to better advantages . . . maybe see something or read something that is ENTERTAINING. . . . Claire

As for the death penalty, I believe it should only be carried out when there is absolutely no question as to the guilt of the criminal. What do most of the victims' families feel? Perhaps if more people read of the horrendous things many of these murderers have done, and could see the victims after they were brutalized, many of the anti-death penalty people might change their minds. I have never heard of an executed serial killer repeating his/her crimes. And why should the taxpayers have to support these monsters for the rest of their lives?

to the death penalty to be applied to first degree murderers who are sentenced to life without possibility of perole. It costs us something to take care of these people, so let them pay their way. Make them become organ doners. They've got two lungs, two kidneys, two eyes and they could get along with only one of each. They could probably give up the speen as well. Whatchathink of that puppy besides SICK SICK?

Claire

Charlotte" Sorry you feel that way re. themovie. I was so caught up in the "bigness" of John Coffee and the wonderful camera shots , picking up all of their emotions, I probably overlooked a lot. That is why I'd like to see it again.

Yes, there is another way. Instant firing squads. Why should they get to keep any organs?

I take "Green Mile" as a strong indictment of capital punishment in general and the electric chair in particular. I haven't seen the movie, and don't plan to. For one thing I don't have three hours to sit in a movie theater. For another thing, I don't need to be convinced.

I do believe there are circumstances under which the death penalty may be appropriate. For example, how do you punish a life-term, no parole prison inmate who murders a guard or another prisoner? And there are some crimes so heinous that death seems the only appropriate punishment. HOWEVER, I definitely agree that there should be a higher standard of proof of guilt for capital punishment: not "beyond a reasonable doubt," but "beyond ANY doubt." That would be a very high standard to meet, and would be met in only a very few cases.

The present use of the death penalty in this country is absolutely barbaric, in my opinion. We have executed the mentally retarded, for heaven's sake.

Well, I can see that most of you are definitely committed to your opinions on capital punishment. I do sense a sort of Old Testament fervor in most of the yea-sayers? I'm only saying that surely there must be an alternative? Has anyone noticed that almost all the people executed in recent years were either of a lower social standing or a minority, or both? When was the last time a convicted "wealthy" criminal walked that Green Mile? And what about the cases of people wrongfully convicted and put to death whose innocence only came out after it was too late?

Lorrie

And what about Ted Bundy?

Shirley, what about Ted Bundy? Surely you don't consider him as "rich?"

Lorrie

Well all as I keep saying I thought the moviie was powerful and I really wanted the book but after reading some of these posts. I think I shall pass on the book. Don't think I have the stomach for Stephen King's graphic description of the execution's.

Youn's guys (as they say here in Pittsburgh) are all talking about the right to excute. I know I could not do Paul's job. I could not live with the death of another on me conscience. I truly believe that only God has the right to say who lives and who dies. Yes I undertand what it costs to keep these people in prison and no I have no better answer to the problem!

Jeanine

Lorrie, re Ted Bundy. No, he wasn't wealthy, but an aspiring young lawyer/politician with a lot of pull. His death was certainly warranted. Either that, or the tax payers could support him for the rest of his life. And, with our laws the way they are, he could have just perhaps worked the law around to his being released. Only to begin again. Horrors!

About Brutal, Also called Brute: His real name was Brutus. He's the tall good-looking guy in the movie, who was Paul's friend and second in command.

Charlotte

think about it. the qualified candidate has this hanging over him for his lifetime and as we get better at transplanting limbs and hands etc. He might lose something there too. mental torture? sure He deserves it. If a mistake was made he can still make it in the outside world and if he already lost a hand, one of his prison buddies can provide a replacement. Except for the price of surgery which would likely be less than a lifetime shelter,support and supervision, this would work. On coming into the prison the criminal gets a blood test and he knows what it is for. I like it better all the time.

Claire

Yep! Nothing like a good old HIV + blood test to stop that thought in its tracks.

Shirley, you think perhaps Ted Bundy would have been capable of manipulating his eventual release from prison? I doubt,IMOHO, if that actually would have happened.

Jeanine: I'm with you. I could never do the job that Paul had to do, and I think at the end, he did get a transfer to another job.

Charlotte: Thanks for the info about "Brute." I'm glad they kept him in the movie. I sort of liked him in the book.

Claire and Alf: Now that's an interesting thought!! But why not? To have some good come out of desperate deeds? At least somebody would benefit, rather than compounding another murder.

Lorrie

Hiv would be a consideration at that. But not all criminals have it and considering the eventual outcome of it's victims, the state wouldn't be taking care of them forever. Do you think they should qualify for expensive drug therapy though. . . i.e. the "cocktail"? I don't . . . . Claire

Claire: I definetly do NOT think they should be afforded the drug regimen. It is expensive and debillitating, thus, maximizing their length of stay in an acute care facility. Which makes for one (or more less beds available to others.) HOWEVER, the States mandate that we MUST care for them.. Wipe their noses, clean their butts, draw their blood and PAY for the expense of their degrees, caps,schooling, ad infinitum--- Most of the prisoners (I said most) LOVE the hospitalizations and the freedom it bestows on them; their own room, TV, guards to shoot the bull with and the nurses to aggravate with their sick humor. Three hots and something better than a cot.... There are a hell of a lot of sick, young people out there who unfortunately are unable to afford this drug therapy. Thank God for Aids counselors and county assistance programs that lend a hand. I do NOT believe that the responsibility should lay with us to treat the incarcerated and the murderous felons. they made their choices and I should be allowed mine. Sorry, this hits a chord in me.

We are called 'humane' because we keep our prisoners comfortable but caged. What are we called when we keep our homeless free but uncomfortable?

In my perfect home land...no child would be abused or hungry and always have a comfortable home. In my perfect home land...prisoners would be made to work and be productive. In my perfect home land...I would have every man wear a condom. But, then I'm not in charge of the world. I wonder who is?

Sage

Not to change the subject back to the book, but I FINALLY received my book late this afternoon. So I will dig into it tomorrow & try to catch up with everybody.

Okay, to get back to The Green Mile. I know a lot of you have seen the movie, so I have a quiz for you:

1. Who played the part of Paul Edgecombe? (That’s easy, we all know it was Tom Hanks. The rest of the quiz you answer.)

2. Who played the part of John Coffey,”like the drink, but spelled different.?”

3. Who played Brutus Howell?

4. Warden Moores?

5. Who played the despicable Percy Wetmore?

6. (This is a yes or no answer) Did Tom Hanks play both the old man telling the story and the younger Paul?

Let’s see how many of the screen credits you actually watched!

Lorrie

Lorrie: I watched the credits, but who can remember them all. I do remember No. 3: David Morse played "Brute". Morse was on the old St. Elsewhere TV program a few years ago, much younger and thinner. No. 6: The older Paul was played by the actor who played the minister on the "Little House On the Prairie" TV series, can't remember his name. The actor whose name I should remember (has a middle name) but don't recently appeared on the Oprah show, a lovely man.

Purple Sage: I think I'd like to live in the world that you described!

Shirley: Never fear, we're really not that far along in the book.

Gail: You did pretty well, considering. Great, I like David Morse. and I know the person you mean who played the minister on Little House, I can't think of his name either. Someone else posted the actor's name who played John Coffey, you're right, he was on the Oprah show. Sorry I missed him. I'm still wondering who played Percy Wetbottom? What a deliciously nasty role that would be!

You're right. How many people even watch the credits? Except if you're in the business, that is.

Lorrie

I saw these two names in a movie review. Michael Jeter, and Sam Rockwell. Do they mean anything to anyone who saw the movie?

Incidentally, Gail, the name of the actor who played John Coffey is Michael Clark Duncan.

Lorrie

LORRIE...Michael Jeeter is that little guy who played on Evening Shade. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I can imagine that's exactly who plays Percy WetBottom, can you imagine Jack Nicholson playing that part.....Creepy and scary!!

I finally finished the book yesterday...I enjoyed it very much, I couldn't get anything done between dozing, and burning through as many pages as I could get thru

~Samantha~

As you might have noticed, I'm mostly lurking in this discussion. I had read the book a fair while ago, so I'm rereading it. I don't have much to say as yet, but do have one small thought about the nasty Percy Wetmore: from what he says about 'deadman walking'when Coffey is brought in, I think he sees the condemned prisoners as already dead, and he treats them cruely because in his mind you cannot hurt a dead person.

I like the little mouse a lot; it adds something special to the whole situation.

Hi, there, Samantha! I'm so glad you're still with us. Believe it or not, not all of us have finished reading the book. I keep falling asleep with the light on, I do that all the time. My husand used to remove my glasses, but he's not here anymore, and I usually find them on the floor in the morning. But it's a totally absorbing book, isn't it?

Lorrie

Nellie, I think we posted together! Good to hear from you. By the way, did you ever see the movie "Dead Man Walking" with Susan Sarandon? I think she played a nun who was counseling a death row inmate. Anyway, that's the term they used all the time whenever he was being moved. I think it's very cold-blooded.

Lorrie

is available at 12:30 and 4:30 and 7:30 locally. I checked and then decided not to see it. The book was graphic enough for me. I don't think I could stand the execution scene.

Claire

can mostly be found here.

http://netscape.digitalcity.com/orangecounty/movies/movie.dci?mid=564070

Claire

SAMANTHA: Believe it or not- Michael Jetter did not play Percy, he played DEL, the condemned prisoner who was "fried." He was remarkable and initially I felt he was miscast because of his Evening Shade role. He proved me wrong. It was a stroke of genius.

NELLIE: I disagree with your take on Percy Wetbottom. Percy sees only one thing- PERCY!! He's a man, short of stature and short of honor. He revels in the embarassment and hard ships of others. He's got a Napoleon complex!! Making others look inferior and/or undesirable only increases his feelings of superiority. His arrogance and sinister attitude only reflects his lack of character. HE is the only consideration. How I loved it, when he GOT his. The concept of "it's not what you know , it is who you know" is well depicted by Percy.

I’m still smarting from the violence of Del’s execution, and I can’t help wondering how a man could be so completely heartless as that awful Percy was. The act of telling Del that their harmless story concerning his mouse’s future was a lie, just before the man was to die, struck me as cruel and devoid of pity. Reading about Percy’s utter lack of compssion was difficult—at times even unpleasant.

Stephen King has that ability. To difine his characters so sharply that they raise an emotional response from the readers. Contempt and hate for Percy, pity for the hapless Delacroix, and a lingering admiration for the simple decency of the other guards. This book is really quite moving.

Lorrie

Claire: Thanks for the link! It was very informative. It's fun to try to match up the actor with the character you think he may have played. Was Gary Sinise the villainous Percy Wetbottom? And was Jeffrey De Munn the Warden? And Harry Dean Stanton, whose name I see in numerous listings, what part did he play? Lorrie

Well, I'm just checking in to say I've made it past Chief's execution, and the arrival of Del.... I'm catching up at least! Not too far behind y'all.

I certainly agree with you about Percy... What a mean LITTLE (as in small minded) man he is!!

Ladies, you must remember that this story is strictly fiction, and should be taken as such. Some of you seem to get deeply involved with the story and characters, but they are only a figment of King's imagination. So please, don't take things to heart.

LOU - You are so right.... But look what a beautiful job of writing Stephen King does, to make the reader forget it's 'strictly fiction'!

Lou, and Jaywalker: Exactly what I said in Post#133. I think you'll find as you read on that this book isn't really about horror at all. Except for the execution part of Delacroix, which can be skimmed over for the faint-hearted, the novel deals with morality, good versus evil, and, I feel that King is making a strong statement about capital punishment, however you may feel about that. I was amused by the antics of that clever mouse, but is he really just what he appears to be? Hmmmmm. Lorrie

I do think this is Stephen King at his best. However, I am not a fan of his - especially his horror stories. Also, this is not just fiction. When I was 14 our class in Civics was taken to Florida State Prison at Raiford to visit Death Row and see the electric chair. It was known as "old sparky". Perhaps, you read about the execution that was botched when the new electric chair was used in 1999 - not as dramatic as The Green Mile but King made all these characters more dramatic to make a point about good vs evil as well as capital punishment. I could not read the book because I knew its content but my husband persuaded me to attend the movie with him. Although he is also from Florida he has never been on death row at any prison or seen an execution chamber for real. When the executions came on I could not watch - after the movie I was nauseated for hours. The acting was excellent and the screen play was a good adaptation of King's story. I will admit seeing Death Row and the execution chamber was probably not a good idea for a sensitible 14-year-old. However, our high school was at Starke, our bandmaster was also a social worker at the State Prison, he conducted a prison band there, they copied music that we used and twice a year the band went to the prison and played several numbers with the prison band. (I was a member of the school band and went with the group on these occasions.) The bandmaster told me later that he did not realize the group would be so tramatized by visiting death row. This was also the first time I had ever seen prison cells and men in them. Lest you think I was tramatized for life, I might add that I worked for 20 yrs as a family therapist for families in crisis. Usually the crisis was a delinquent teen. I did testing and counseling at N.C. Youthful Offender Prison including the maximum security floors. I was never afraid, it was just the horror of being confined into such a small space, having a camera on you at all times.

About the book and the movie:

Did anyone else see the spiritual representations?   Who was the Christ figure?  What was the God power? The forces of Good and Evil are obvious. Just for starters ...  I think Mr. Jingles represented EVERYMAN and the immortality of man's spirit after being imbued with God's Power or SAVED. How else could have amouse have lived so long?  And what about those awful bugs belched up by John Coffee?  And once they reentered a human, the other times they just spread about and disappeared.  I hardly think that Stephen King would have told this story just for the drama with all of those relationships. He is way too skilled for just that! Joyce, I taught Art in San Quentin!  

I am amused that some of you have taken up the mistranslation of Percy's last name. It's Wetmore, though Wetbottom may be more appropriate.

Also, I wonder why King named the other murderer Delacroix. He was a great artist--never a murderer.

Charlotte

So far in these postings I have only read about how awful capital punishment is, but never a word about the killer's victims. One has only to see picture's of a severed head, or cut up bodies, or horrendous things done to bodies by the perpetrators, and wonder why so much sympathy for murderers. Do they deserve better treatment than those they killed?

Well, I finally finished the book last night! All I can say to start with is that it’s been a long time since I wept actual tears while reading a book, and I can imagine how the audience must have been affected while watching this. I won’t say anything more at this point because many of you haven’t finished reading it yet.

But I want to thank all you very nice people who have finished the book or seen the movie, for not giving anything away prematurely. I know it’s a temptation to blurt out exactly what happens, but that only spoils it for everybody else. (Like the time I threw my popcorn at the big- mouth lady behind me)

How far along are you? There’s one character we haven’t talked about much–that’s Billy the Kid, as he calls himself, and what a creep he is, right?

When I first read about the warden’s wife, my first thought was Go get John Coffey, why can’t you bring him to her somehow? Little did I know.

Joyce Thomas: What a fascinating post! I'd like to hear more--much more. I'll get back to you later.

Hootie: Yes, I noticed in the reviews that several people had commented on the religious aspects of the book. I believe they're there to be noticed.

Lou D: I've always said that our justice system is slanted a little toward the perpetrators, rather than the victims. But killing them in retribution is not the answer, in my opinion.

Charlotte: Perhaps King was trying to fit a name to the apparent Cajun background of Delacroix? I'm sure he meant no disrespect to the painter.

Lorrie

I'm sorry, but when someone who is a serial rapist or an arsonist, or a Jeffery Dahmer msp? I can't see putting them in prisons and taking care of them until they die of natural causes...

I realize that this is a fictional book, and I like them least not I would be here..but I've always gotten a little involved with the charactors, because if an author can think of something gross to write about, I can quarantee if it hasn't been done, it will be. I feel IMOHO, there are some people that are just pure evil, and it would turn your stomachs to know about the grizzly things that they have done and I feel like we are doing the world a favor to put an end to them before they could get out on parole, or somehow escape and do something horrible again...

~Samantha~

Yes, but Samantha, does Society have the right to take another man's life? In some respects, life without parole is actually the more severe punishment. I used to feel that way, but lately I've decided that capital punishment isn't the answer.

Joyce: I had to answer your wonderful post. What could that civics teacher been thinking about? Subjecting 14-year old children to such a grisly sight! I can well understand how painful it must have been to see the movie. I think we’re all pretty much in agreement about the present trend of gratuitous violence and sex our children are exposed to, but I imagine that in those days, at 14, you weren’t. I do believe, though, that if you skip over that one scene, you’d enjoy reading the book. It’s very well written, and I’m sure you’d find many of the other passages quite moving, as we did.

Please let us hear from you again. Your comments are welcome, and interesting, as are all of these postings.

Lorrie

Samantha I agree with you. Some people should not be allowed to go on living. Not just because of the high cost of keeping them alive, but because they are so twisted they can never be rehabilitated. After all what are we doing putting people in jail for? Punishment? Rehabilitation?

Sage

Hello all - I read the book, what a year ago or so? Does anyone remember this book was orginally published as a serial? I'm not sure how many episodes were published. SK said it was an experiment as many novels were printed as serials in the 1800's and early 1900's (you know, those other centuries). In my opinion the idea was interesting, but the cost of each serial book added across the entire story would have been more expensive than the one paper back it is today.

I just saw the movie Friday. I've read articles that with movie director's having more control the movies are getting longer. Three hours is long for a movie but this one flew by. The movie even left out the fuller story of Paul's experiences at the retirenment home. Typically King novels have had trouble moving to film, this oen was excellent.

Movie theatres hope movies get longer so there is an intermission - more concession stand sales!

John

JOHN: I'm all for it!! I'd sit there the whole bloody day, if I could to enjoy. I love the cinema and the intermission I honestly NEEDED at this flick, but was afraid I would miss something.

John: In response to your post, I must agree that sometimes the length of time a movie takes is not unplanned, because as you said, they want an intermission. I’ve never minded the lenth of time, tho, provided the movie is engrossing enough. And they tell me this one is. It seems a shame that they left out the part of the old man and his lady friend, and when it comes to the last pages, I believe Stephen King did some of his finest writing yet.

Alf, did you like Stephen King before this book? So many people have changed their opinions on his writing ever since The Shawshank Redemption and now The Green Mile.

Samantha, did you know, as John says, that the movie omitted a lot about the old man in the nursing home? To me, that's a shame.

Lorrie

I like the way he handles the relationships between the two couples in this book—the tender yet passionate love between young Paul and his wife, and the mutually respectful affection betweeen the older couple. There’s not a lascivious note between any of them.

LORRIE..I loved the way S.King handled the relationship between Paul & his wife, Janice,then later with Elaine, at the nursing home. They had so much mutual admiration for each other.It's a shame they couldn't show that in the movie, and what about the special thing in the book, how did they handle that??

Edit: But after such a powerful story, and since it was already 3 hrs. long, I can see why he would leave it out, because Pauls chacterics had been the same pretty much through the story and this would have been an extension of that so too speak.

~Samantha~

LORRIE: I have been an avid SK reader since "The Stand." In the past few years, however, I felt he had become a bit too redundant in many of his novels. The repetition annoyed me. I felt that if I, the reader, didn't GET IT the first time, he shouldn't waste his time being superfluous. Yes, I did read the novellas a while back, but strangly liked the movie much better.

Samantha: The close relationship between Paul and Janice SHOWED in the movie. The love and admiration was obvious in their eyes and in their demeanor. Paul, after all, shared his "eternal" secret with only her.

Fla. was one of 4 states that required condemned killers to be electrocuted. New legislation was passed this month providing the execution by lethal injection (unless the prisoner opts for "old sparky.") It has taken more than 10 years for Fla. to execute the 44 who have been condemned, since 1979. At present, there are 366 condemned killers on Fla. death row. Many have been there between 10-20 yrs. I won't even go into what this new legislation will do for the "appeals" the lawyers will push for.

And yet having said that about serials in my last post - I am an avid reader of SK's serial, The Dark Tower . Actually each book stands on its own and he only releases A Dark Tower book every few years - so its a long wait between each one.

Alf: I, too, have been a Stephen King fan for years, and I know exactly what you mean by redundant. It seems like the words just seem to pour out of this man, and I'm sure it must be hair-tearing for his editor to keep saying, "Keep it lean and mean, Steve, lean and mean!" However, I'm impressed with what seems like a new-found maturity in some of his more recent stories. Many of his former critics are doing an about-face. I sincerely hope his accident has not left him permanently mute.

Lorrie

Samantha: The feeling between Paul and his lady friend in the nursing home was one of camaraderie and respect. From what I could see, Paul retained his love for his wife the rest of his life.

Well, part of the story was what happened to Paul after everyone died. That was a part of the story. Paul lived on and on seeing his wife die, his friends, his enemy, and everyone else he knew. That power was given to him. It would be sad to know all were dying and you were stuck here. Grief is really a hard emotion to feel. Paul must have had many grief filled minutes. Now that he has written the story down, maybe he thinks he can die. I wonder. Also he has many years to think about those that were put to death and he had a part in their deaths. Whew!

Sage

Yes, yes, Sage: Paul's incredible life-span becomes an important factor later. Those last three chapters of this book are, to me, some of the most poignant I've ever read. I know some of you haven't gotten that far, yet, but when you do, pay attention!

I kept thinking all along that that loathsome character, Billy the Kid, had a bigger role in this book, and it appears that he has. Notice how John Coffey pauses at his cell, a look of horror on his face? He knows something about this man!

The scene where they transport Coffey to he warden’s house is touching. Coffee sits in the back of that truck, eyes closed, savoring the temporary freedom, breathing the warm night air, a look of pure enjoyment on his face. A temporary change from the man who has been shedding tears all along about life’s cruelties and injustices. It’s a scene that’s not hard to envision.

Lorrie

I don't know who it was that played Billy the Kid. He did an excellent job and I would not be surprised to see him in contention for best supporting actor. I was very impressed by his performance. The sheer brutality, insanity and diabolic nature of this guy's personality was perfected by the actor.

Alf, now I know I've got to see this movie. I don't usually go to theaters, tend to avoid crowds, but in this case I think I'll make an exception. Apparently the movie people stuck close to the story when they filmed The Green Line, which doesn't always happen. This reminds me---On Feb. 1 we're opening a new discussion here on Books and Literature called "BOOKS INTO MOVIES" and I will be discussion leader. We'll be talking about many books, not just one, but the thing they'll have in common is the fact that they were all made into movies. But that's not until the 1st, in the meantime we can start to wind up the story of those really nice people in this book. I'm anxious to hear what readers have to say about how Billy the Kid meets his end.

Lorrie

Oh LORRIE: You'll be a wonderfuldiscussion leader in this forum. Count me in. DO see the movie. I'm going to see it again. Something I have only done once in my life and that was to resee (4 times) Funny Girl. That too is a classic as this will be.

Did anyone happen to watch the "Practice" on Sunday night? The theme was death row for a convicted murderer. I believe, due to this great movie and book, The Green Mile, we will be witnessing an influx in interest in execution. I hope everyone doesn't belabour the point (like Elian, tho.)

Thank you so much, Alf! I must say, I've been very impressed with all the readers who've been posting here. There have been several expressed opinions on capital punishment, but none of them have been strident or confrontational. I'm proud of you all!

What did intrigue me, though, is the little notice I read that two of the victims' relatives are going to attend the next execution of the man convicted of murdering their sister. And this is in Florida where they still use "The Chair."

Do you think you could bring yourself to witness such a death? No matter how horrible the crime? I'm not so sure.

Lorrie

I could not witness such a death. I thought of that as they were all filinf into the room the first time.

Lorrie, have you got to the part where we all got to see what John Coffey knew about Billy the Kid??

Do you think Paul did a lot of mental suffering? He lived for a very long time, seeing everyone else die first. That was a long time to think about everything.

Why can't I remember Brutus? What is happening to my memory?

Enjoy your reading

Jeanine

LORRIE: See my post #153. the Fla legislation has changed to include the more humane way to execute-- by lethal injection. Dead is dead!!! Yes, this site is a great site for conversation without the confrontation. There is only 1 site that I've been in where confrontation is to be expected! I don't post there anymore.

OHhh-h-h- YES! If the crime was against a loved one, of mine, I would make it my business to witness the condemned ones'demise. In fact, I WOULDN'T MISS IT! That, to me, is closure!!

Jeanine: Do you mean the part where Coffey passes that creep's cell and a look of horor comes over his face? Good suspense there. You know he knows something about this guy. Go back to the beginning of the novel---you'll find a lot more about the other guards there, especially Brutus, whom they call "Brute."

You know, that's an interesting thought. I'll bet it would be sheer pain to have to live on and on after everybody you cared about is gone. I don/t think I'd want that long a life. Would you?

By the way, I must have forgotten that post. Thanks for the update on Florida capital punishment. Incidentally, I hear that some of the lethal injection executions have been botched, too! Something about a allergic reaction to the chemicals. Ugh!

Alf: Well, different strokes for different folks. To be perfectly honest, I don't know how I'd feel if someone I loved was a victim of a crime, etc. Right now I think with horror of witnessing n execution, but who are we to say how I might feel if it were more personal? I just don't know.

Lorrie

As far as outliving all one cares about - that must be a lonesome, stagnant life! No children, grandchildren, etc., or even younger friends? My gosh, I have a number of people I care about that I know will outlive me, and that doesn't include relatives. Anyone who foresees that kind of future should get out and meet new people before it is too late!

Lou D: Exactly! Especially younger people!

Lorrie

LOU D, I have just lost a loved cousin of 47 and I do not expect to out live all for sure. I shall remain as long as posiable (sp?) but do not want any tears for me when I die as if there are tears let them be because I am missed.

ginger

John Coffey's crime was one that would seem to justify capital punishment, especially if you look at it from the point of view of the victims and their family. Problem is ... he didn't commit it. SOMEBODY arguably should have been executed for it ... somebody ELSE.

That's one problem with capital punishment. It is final and irrevocable. Its value as a deterrent to certain kinds of crime is marginal at best. Therefore, it would appear that its primary justification is retribution. How many innocent people (innocent of the crime for which the penalty is imposed, anyway) are we willing to execute in order to get the satisfaction of retribution?

It is more expensive to execute a prisoner than to keep him in prison for life. Most of the reason for that, of course, is the length and complexity of the legal proceedings the convict is entitled to. The purpose of those proceedings is to be sure we have the guilty party. There is a movement to shorten the process in many states, which I think is a terrible mistake. Removal of the right of a federal writ of habeas corpus is unconscionable. The result of that is that a corrupt state court system (and don't tell me there aren't any; they just kicked out ten more cases from the Rampart scandal in L.A. yesterday) can convict and execute a person with no right of oversight by the federal courts.

Katie, How well I know the justice of this country.One person killed her baby by hitting it's head in the commode, got one year.

Another got life for shooting her husband who was in service of the USA, in bed with another woman? That was in the fithies(sp?)

ginger

GINGER - As you know I just lost my daughter who had just turned 46 in Sept. I never thought I'd be burying one of my children, and I sure don't want to go through this ever again!

Yes, the tears are for the living... because we miss the one who is gone. There'll be tears for you, my friend.

Jaywalker, Thank You for letting me know that I will be missed. Your special to me also.

An eye for an eye, etc. but they must be sure?

So Many are put to death and the guilty go free in our country today. What say you?

Today a friend of mine taped an interview of Michael Clarke Duncan (John Coffee ) and Doug Hutchinson (Percy.) They were guests on the Donny and Marie show. What a couple of characters., these two clowns are. That Michael is as gentle and kind as the John Coffee he portrayed. Little- bitty Percy can actually imitate Duncans booming- bass voice. I thoroughly enjoyed them both. Hutchinson (Percy) is a bona fide drop out of Juliard . He attended only 5 months , then went on to train on Broadway.

Katy and Ginger: I was sincerely touched by your postings. I've been there, too, Jaywalker. It seems almost ludicrous to lose one's child, or children, in my case. We never expect to have to mourn for their passing.

Katie: you put it so well in your comments. I feel the same about worrying whether innocent people are commonly executed, and like Ginger says, I don't really trust the system, either.

Oh, Alf, I wish I could have seen that segment on Donny and Marie's show. It sounds very interesting. What does he look like--the guy who played Percy, and is a drop-out from Juilliard? (that's something isn't it?)

Lorrie

LORRIE: It was a great interview. Our Percy is a lovable little gnome. He stands about 5'4 inches tall and of slight build. smiles a lot, talks about mom a lot and recently (NYs eve) became engaged. He took his girlfriend to the beach at 11:45 PM , arranged 12 lighted candles in a circle and at midnight took her hand and asked her "TO STEP INTO THE NEXT CENTURY-- AS HIS WIFE." Boy--- am I a sucker for that sentimental stuff.

Alf: Me, too! It sounds delightful!

I've been rereading different parts of the book, and I wanted to comment on one, in particular: The way Wharton’s punishment was meted out is poetic justice, indeed! Coffey had secreted whatever it was he ‘d removed from the warden’s wife to cure her, and was able, through Percy’s own carlelessness, to ingest it into Percy himself. The shock of this was so great that, half mad, Percy sudenly walks to Wharton’s cell and shoots him, with deadly accuracy.

It all sort of fite, doesn’t it? The evil Wharton is disposed of, and the malevolent Percy left mindless. Except that we still have an innocent man scheduled to be electrocuted for a crime he didn’t commit.

This is high drama indeed, at the Cold Mountain Penitentiary!

I’ve been rereading the scene where John Coffey is executed, and I couldn’t help feeling a repugnance for the shrill outburst of Mrs. Dettrick as Coffee was strapped in. Of course she thought he’d killed her two little girls, but it was horrifying, even so.

In contrast, the almost gentle way the guards went about their grisly business was touching. Brutus’ touch on Coffee’s shoulder, for instance, which seemed to comfort him. After reading this segment again, I can’t really understand why this sort of torture is still allowed, which I believe still is, in some other states.

Incidentally, the only thing Coffey seemed to fear was the dark, and his plea not to have the hood placed over his head was very plaintive. You wanted to run up there and snatch it out of the guard’s hand. And you wanted to shout to anyone who would listen, “you can’t do this–this man does not deserve to die like this! It’s a powerful moment.

It may be worth while to remember that the guillotine was invented to be a humane, painless method of execution. We wouldn't think it was humane today.

Is there such a thing as a humane execution -- or is that an oxymoron?

Katie: Very well put. I suppose it's all relative. If a guillotine was considered to be humane, i suppose it was one step ahead of a burly guy wieding an axe. Somebody told me once that in Utah, when a prisoner goes before the firing squad, the shooters are all behind a sheet-like curtain, so the condemned man doesn't have to see their faces, also that only one or two of the bullets are real, so no one really knows who pulled the trigger. I don't know how true that is.

Lorrie

Hey, everybody! Don't desert me now! We're just getting to the climax! And I wanted to get your reactions to that bittersweet ending!

When Paul returns to work after Coffey’s execution, about his despair and regret, King writes,

"The first morning passed, and the first afternoon, then the first shift back at work passed. Time takes it all, whether you want it to or not. Time takes it all, time bears it away, and in the end there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness, and sometimes we lose them there again.”

He writes this wondrously, with much emotion. We can all feel Paul’s anguish. As a would-be writer myself, I read with admiration the way Stephen King can put into words the feelings that his characters are experiencing. My respect for this writer is increased a hundred fold.

Lorrie that is so true to life. I know after a death in my family of someone very close...I thought I would never laugh again. When the holdays happened I was always dreading each one and then they passed. The days passed, the month passed, the years passed and it was easier. The 'darkness' meaning I think, it will always feel like darkness when the event is thought. But oh my, the nights...

Good success with your writing.

Sage

Sage: You put it so well. "But oh, the nights!" It's been over 40 years since my kids were killed, but I still hate to see the Holidays come. And birthdays. It takes one to know one, I think.

I think maybe this is why this book affected me so, particularly the ending. Were you disappointed that it turned out the way it did? Anyone?

Lorrie

Remember the chapter where King describes the symptoms that the poor warden’s wife, Melissa, had to endure because of her illness? I’ll probably be scolded for saying this, but I found that scene to be rather funny. Melissa must have been aghast at hearing those profanities spewing out of her own mouth, helpless to stop, this gentile, refined woman. But with my black sense of humor, I found it hilarious! Now that most of us have finished reading the book(?) I’d like to comment on some of the final chapters. This is where we are treated to some of King’s finest prose–I was truly affected by some of the passages here, from the genuinely scene of Coffey’s execution to the gentle reminiscing of an old man in a nursing home. The poignancy is there. John Coffey’s explanation of why he wanted to die was probably the longest speech he ever made:

”I’m rightly tired of the pain I hear and feel, Boss. I’m tired of being on the road, lonely as a robin in the rain. Not never havin no buddy to go on with, or tell me where we’s comin from or goin to, or why. I’m tired of people bein ugly to each other. It feels like pieces of glass in my head. I’m tired of all the times I’ve wanted to help and couldn’t. Tired of bein in the dark. Mostly it’s the pain. There’s too much. If I could end it, I would. But I can’t.”

Who couldn't be moved by these words!

Lorrie

Lorrie:

I am so shocked by your mention of your children. Though it is 40 years, it should not be passed by without notice. If it is not too painful to tell us what happened, please enlighten us. If you do not wish to, we will understand.

I am impressed with your indomnitable spirit. As Beckett said in, I think it was "Waiting for Godot," 'I can't go on. I will go on.'

Much love and strength,

Charlotte

Lorrie:

Rereading your quote of Coffey's words, I think SK echoes Beckett's sentiments.

Charlotte

Does the ending in the book, with Paul outliving his family, friends, and loved ones, and still staying in that nursing home, the same as the movie? In the book, he has lived a practically painless, disease-free long life, due, apparently to John Coffee's having touched him that day in his cell. His wife was killed but he was not? Does the movie version tell it like this?

Lorrie

Lorrie:

The movie shows him still in the nursing home. He tells his companion that he is 108 years old. In the book I think he was 104. It mentions nothing about his health, only that he has out-lived his family and friends.

Charlotte

This is a book that I put down with regret. It’s so different from what I had expected. I’m still marveling at how an author can take such a simple story (fantasy?) and turn it into a vehicle full of contrasts: a combination of savagery and humanity, justice and injustice, cruelty and compassion, all fused together flawlessly.

From what I’ve been getting from your posts, the film is even more electrifying (excuse the pun) than the book, making it a more linear, intimate experience. But visual impact or not, how could anyone ignore writing like this:

”And a million stars spilled across used-up, picked-out fields where frost glittered on fenceposts and glowed like diamonds on the dry skeletons of July’s corn.”

What did you think of Paul’s feelings as he lay reminiscing in the nursing home? Did the ending of the book affect you in any way?

Wasn't it fabulous? I just started another SK because I enjoyed this one so very much. Lorrie, you're right. His writing is filled with contrasts, as this new one is too. Its called " A Bag of Bones." Pretty scary stuff, just like I like 'em.

Alf: I read Bag of Bones and liked it. You know, it's funny. I was talking to a group of people yesterday about what a good book The Green Mile is, and they all said the same thing. They wouldn't even bother to open the book because "they can't stand Stephn King's stories." Even though I tried to explain that it wasn't just a horror story, it was no use. Talk about preconceived notions. I wish they would simply read a review.

Lorrie

LORRIE: I'll bet cha my first-born that this movie is going to be an oscar winner. WATCH how quickly those people flock to the bookstore after they see the movie. All of the sudden, they'll come out of the woodwork, swearing by all that's holy-- " SK in the master of all!!"

Alf: How right you are! There's been some talk here and there already that the fellow who played John Coffey will be up for an Oscar nomination. Good for him!

Speaking of such, I'd like to notify everybody about our new discussion that's already started called Books Into Movies--It's a very informal discussion, not one particular book, but more in general. C'mon over and join us!!

BOOKS INTO MOVIES

Lorrie

It appears that we've come full circle here, after a fashion. I'd like to hear some more from you readers in regard to the book in general. What you didn't like about it, how it compared to the movie, and whether you wil read anything more by Stephen King.

Let's hear from all you nice people!

Lorrie

Samantha: Good to hear from you. I think we may just do either a Dean Koontz or a Jonathan Kellerman horror story when we finish with Green Line. In the meantime, why not join the discussion going on now all about books that were made into movies. This one sure fits that category.

BOOKS INTO MOVIES

The Green Mile, both in the book and the movie version, retains a sense of spitituality, the possibility of redemption for any man, and the tendency we all have to thoughtlessly dismiss such a notion. John Coffey first appears as an unworthy figure if sympathy, but King quickly strips away the superficial to unveil the haunted martyr beneath. Unlike so many present day prison stories these guards are depicted as decent, sometimes compassionate people, with the exception of one particularly nasty one, Percy.

I think the book also packs a punch because it benefits from being in the right place at the right time. At present it seems as though commercial interest in the spiritual has peaked. People have discovered how intriguing mysticism can be, with popular entertainment, like Harry Potter, or The Sixth Sense.

I hope readers won’t shy away from this book’s rather grim-sounding concept. It’s beautifully written, with sympathetic characters, a simple tale of good and evil.

I finished it, with tears shed towards the end. Those haunting words left a lasting impression. The author says it all, in Paul’s words:

“We each owe a debt; there are no exceptions, I know that, but sometimes Oh God, the Green Mile is so long!"

I haven't read the book yet, but all your comments have been fascinating and I surely will read it. It wasn't on the shelf at the library this am. As one of you commented, probably the movie goers are out looking for the book now. I haven't seen the movie yet either, but your comments make that a must-do also. Thanks for sharing your feelings!

Hi, mem! Welcome to the group! When you do get the book, feel free to come in and comment about it. I'm sure you'll love it. We'll be keeping this discussion open for a while yet.

Lorrie

I finished the book this morning and I, too, was brought to tears several times in the final chapters. Very powerfully written. There are so many analogies to good and evil and spirituality. I found myself just sitting and letting the full impact wash over me as the waves that were crashing on the rocks near where I had parked my car on the Oregon Coast.

Yup, I'm in Coos Bay -- arrived yesterday and leave tomorrow -- and this morning I took my book and drove out to the ocean. To the accompaniment of rain and the storm tossed waves rolling in, I sat in my car and alternately read and looked out to sea. Somehow, the waves crashing on the rocks, and the wind and rain buffeting my car, fit my emotional state perfectly as I read. Bet it was more powerful than any special effects that might be involved in the movie version of The Green Mile.

Oh, Jaywalker, what a wonderful atmosphere you describe, and what a perfect setting to finish this book in. You describe it so beartifully, The crashing waves, the wind bufffeting your car--yes, even the best sound effects of any movie couldn't match that. This is a really great post!

Lorrie

To sort of round off this discussion, I'd like to sk you all what your general impressions of this book were. Did you enjoy reading it? Were you affected by it in any way? Let us know.

We're now about ready to do another Book of Horror in this Discussion place. I was thinking of maybe something by Dean Koontz, or Kellerman, perhaps? Do you have any suggestions?

Lorrie

I love Dean Koontz and I love Kellerman. In fact I have just obtained BLOOD TEST, a novel he wrote in 1987. I'm sure it would be cheaper as it's not at this time on the "best seller" list. Count me in on which ever book that you choose. Have you read SK Bag of Bones? I'm in the last few chapters of it and really am enjoying it. How 'bout that one for discussion, Lorrie? I really enjoyed it after the "Green mile" because he discusses the craftsmanship of the writers mind and pen.

Alf: Great suggestion! I'd like to do Jonathan Kellerman's The Monster, but it's only in hardcover right now, and I don't buy hardcover books unless thet're like half-price or something. That's why I try to do paperback editions of books here, so many people, like me, are daunted by the high price of hardcover books. Okay, everybody, so far we have one vote for King's A Bag of Bones! Any more?

Lorrie

I vote for Dan Koontz's Fear Nothing! An interesting premise there!

Lorrie

The Green Mile is emotionally very satisfying to me. I think it may be the best Stephen King book for folks to read if they are not familiar with the author and his books because it so strongly emphasizes the people in the story. To me all his stories are about the bad things that can happen to normal folks and how they handle them. The Green Mile is a story of heroism; as are all King's stories.

Lorrie: Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz is a nice discussion possibility. But it is actually the first book in a two book story -and I can see the possibility of more. The second book is called Seize The Night and it continues the story begun in Fear Nothing. Do you think we could do both?