Do I like everything he writes? No. But with his characters and his Maine, I always enjoy the ride.

I picked up Full Dark, No Stars from the local library this week and was glad to see that it was not only Stephen King, but it was Stephen King short stories.

Even if you aren’t someone who reads a lot of short stories, Stephen King is a great place to start, and this book is a good example of that. King is masterful at weaving a tight, character-driven story that doesn’t disappoint.

Full Dark, No Stars is a collection of four short stories. And while they all contain a hint of King’s traditional horror writing, the meat of the story is really the human condition.

Take “A Good Marriage” – the fourth story in the collection and one of the strongest. We meet Darcy Anderson, a woman who has been in a rather happy marriage for decades when she discovers her husband is in fact capable of some of the most horrific crimes. While the reader gets a sampling of King’s gift for the gore, this story is really about how you can live with someone and never really know them. This story is really all about marriage and relationships. King’s construction of Darcy and her situation is so fluid and believable, I was sad to find this was the last story in the book.

In “Big Driver”, again, King’s main character is female, but this time she is seeking revenge. King takes a unique perspective on a rape victim with a well-known name, and how she tries to seek justice without getting media exposure for the attack she suffered. While there were certain points in this story where I wondered who in their right mind would act in this way, King structures the story in a way to make it almost believable.

The other short stories in this collection, “1922″ and “Fair Extension” are also well worth the read.

I find King to be at his best when writing short stories. They really emphasize his strengths as a writer, his characterizations, dialogues and world building, while not getting bogged down with some of the “fat” of some of his longer works. If you haven’t read any of his short stories, Full Dark, No Stars is a great place to start.

• The Scarlet Letter (1850) – Life in 17th-century Puritan Boston is not easy for Hester Prynne, who conceived her daughter Pearl through an adulterous affair. She wears a scarlet “A” for “adultery” on her clothing as a badge of shame, and refuses to reveal to the town the identity of her child’s father. This novel explores the major themes of sin, guilt, and society.
• The House of the Seven Gables (1851) – The house of seven gables is said to be a haunted New England mansion, belonging to one of Hawthorne’s cousins. This house and Hawthorne’s ancestors who were involved in the Salem Witch Trials provided inspiration the story. A satire, horror novel, and moral fable all at the same time, this novel did not disappoint those who had be anticipating its release due to the success of The Scarlet Letter. Notably, horror fiction author H. P. Lovecraft commended it as “New England’s greatest contribution to weird literature.”
• The Blithedale Romance (1852) – If Hawthorne’s other novels seem too gloomy for your liking, this one is your best bet for getting started with Hawthorne. It deals much less with ghosts of the past and is much more modern (well, as modern as stories from 1852 can be). In 1841, to save some money Hawthorne joined a transcendentalist experimental Utopian community called Brook Farm, which he used as inspiration for this novel about a group of people living in an experimental community.
• The Marble Faun (1860) – Perhaps the least-recognized of Hawthorne’s novels and quite unlike his other novels, The Marble Faun explores the idea of American artists abroad. The story is centered on Miriam, a beautiful painter, Hilda, a simple copyist, Kenyon, a sculptor, Donatello, the Count of Monte Beni, and a crime that links them all together.

We recognize classics because of their timelessness. The Scarlet Letter is still commonly taught in high school English classes and was even recently featured in Easy A, the 2010 high school comedy film starring Emma Stone. However, if you enjoyed The Scarlet Letter, I do not recommend that you see Easy A. (Though, to my surprise, it does have some decent ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.)

1. Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair

The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair happens every November at the Hynes Convention Center. The book fair features an extensive collection of antiquarian books exhibited and for sale, including rare collectibles and first editions. Other activities include author appearances and book signings.

2. Three Apples Storytelling Festival

The Three Apples Storytelling Festival occurs every September in the small town of Bedford, Massachusetts. To get people excited about the festival, the organizers arrange for Preview Performances, where libraries host free storytelling performances in preparation for the festival. They have Family Ghost Stories and Community Stage. There are also author appearances, as well numerous storytelling performances throughout the entire festival.

3. The Boston Globe Children’s Book Festival

Held at the Parade Grounds of Boston Common in September, the Boston Globe Children’s Book Festival aims to bring all lovers of children’s literature, whether young or old, together. There are author and costumed character appearances as well as book signings. Admission is free so be sure to come and witness local and national authors celebrate their passion for children’s literature.

4. Newburyport Literary Festival

Held all over Newburyport in April, the Newburyport Literary Festival celebrates readers and authors alike. There’s Dinner with the Authors and Coffee with the Poets, as well as book signings and author appearances, so be sure to bring the entire family. There’s at least one thing to do for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip to Boston now!

If you’d like us to feature a literary fair or festival, please leave a comment with the details, and we’ll do what we can to accommodate it.

The Connecticut Children’s Book Fair was founded to create a venue to unite all people who love children’s literature, including readers, authors and illustrators. The fair is free to the public and to the entire family. Held for two days at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, the fair features book readings and signings by authors and illustrators. There are story book character appearances, with a chance to have breakfast with them. Scheduled every year in November, the fair runs from 10am until 5pm.

2. Connecticut Storytelling Festival

The Connecticut Storytelling Festival is organized every year by the Connecticut Storytelling Center. Fresh talent is brought in to give the audience a fresh and unique experience.  Workshops and storytelling presentations dominate the festival’s programs. The Connecticut Storytelling Festival is held in April every year in New London.

3. Rabbit Hill Festival Of Literature

This three-day event, held in October in Westport features creative biography and historical event pieces intended for middle school students. The festival features lectures, book readings and book signings with the authors. The entire festival is highlighted by the Saturday Symposium, a panel discussion featuring influential authors and the festival’s theme.

4. Sunken Garden Poetry Festival

The Sunken Garden Poetry Festival is organized by the Hill-Stead Museum to create a place for learning, reflection and enjoyment for the people. The Festival is held at the museum’s Sunken Garden, with poetry readings from renowned poets including Robert Bass and Brenda Hillman. The festival also features the winners of the Connecticut Poetry Circuit Winners. Hear them read during the summer at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT. Line-up changes every year.

Next up: Florida