Like many of you, I had never read any of Stephen King's books before, and didn't quite know what to expect from "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon." If it weren't for Read Around Maine, I might never have picked up this book, or any others classified as "psychological horror." But now I can't put it down.

I've been struck by how quiet the story is so far - though Trisha is certainly in the middle of a tense and emotional situation, the way it's told is simple and straightforward, just the thoughts of a young girl alone in the woods. It all takes place in the same setting, and now there's just one character to follow, yet there is still plenty to keep us interested - suspense, complex family dynamics and emotions, and enough Red Sox references to make any New Englander proud.

I'm certain, though, as others have mentioned, that this is the relative calm before the storm. I, too keep expecting some supernatural being to jump out from behind the next tree, and the teaser on the jacketflap hints that Trisha's problems have only just begun. That makes me all the more appreciative that the story begins so grounded in reality, and with such a simple premise. We're not reading about ghosts and vampires, or life on other planets (not yet, anyway)- we're following a typically dysfunctional family, one that's so easy to relate to, on a hike in our very own New England woods. I think that will only help to make whatever happens to them next - however far-fetched it may be - seem all the more real for us as the readers.

I'm curious to know, for those who have read King's other works, are his other stories at all similar? Somehow I didn't expect such richly developed, relatable characters, or for the story to begin in such a realistic way.

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