Cujo by Stephen King
1983 / 309 pgs.  Horror

Another Mr. King classic.  Many know the story. A lady and her son get stuck inside a broken-down Ford Pinto. Outside watching them, a rabid Saint Bernard named Cujo is ready to attack.  A famous scene from the movie of the mother and son inside the car with a large dog slamming the door, trying to get inside the car and kill them.

Like all Stephen King stories, this will not end the way you hope.  That, for me, is what makes reading Mr. King so interesting. You honestly don’t know how the book will end as they don’t end on a bright spot many times.  This story is no different.  What is fascinating is the narration from inside the dog’s thoughts. Mr. King takes us inside Cujo and tries to understand why the dog is attacking and killing the people he once loved. 

At times, the story does drag on, although I did love the ending and not because I reached the novel’s end.  Many times in the book, I kept looking at my time, wondering how much longer I had to read.  The different plots were necessary for the overall story; sadly, the book drone on for many passages.   The best subplot central to the book is with Donna, her husband, Vic, and their son Tad.  Donna and Tad are stuck with a large dog waiting outside in the car.  Also, Vic and his work partner Roger are also pivical to the story as it builds the human element.  It changes the perspective of what is essential and not. The other subplot brings no meaning to the story; this is of Charity and Brett, who owns Cujo.  Although much of the book is about them, there is no importance to the main plot; this is the drag on the whole book, the parts that made me look at the clock.  The rest of the book is incredible.  The entire segment of Donna, Tad, and Cujo is outstanding.  It hits hard if you have kids of your own.  It makes reading the narrative worth it.    

Overall the story is good when you can bear through the rough sections. It’s not on my top 5 King books; however, it’s still a good read.  I wouldn’t say avoid it.  Understand, there is a lot of fluff in the book.  If one can survive reading Moby Dick, one can enjoy Cujo!     

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and an excellent book!

Lopaka