this post was submitted on 10 Jan 2024
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[–] [email protected] 50 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (3 children)

Dean Koontz is kind of like the RC Cola of horror/suspense novelists:

  • See RC Cola in the store
  • “Hmmmm, it’s been a while, but I THINK I liked RC the last time I got it”
  • Purchase and consume RC Cola
  • “I kind of wish this was a Coke, but it’s not that bad, might as well finish”
  • Several years pass, go back to step 1

As a side note, I LOVED Dean Koontz books back in the 80’s/90’s. They were fun and quick reads that are in the “high floor, low ceiling” realm of books.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 10 months ago (2 children)

What is a high floor low ceiling book?

[–] [email protected] 26 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Think of it on a scale of 1-10. High floor means it’s not a stinker, so worst ranking would be in the 4/10 - 5.5/10 range. Low ceiling means it’s not going to be an all-timer, so the best ranking would be in the 6/10 - 7.5/10 range. Basically you’ll never HATE it, but you’re also never going to LOVE it.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Seems more like a description of the author than a particular book.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 10 months ago (1 children)

It could be, all his stuff is extremely similar. He reuses character archetypes and narrative shifts throughout most of his stories.

Early on in his career it wasn't as bad but he's been churning them out for awhile.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

I've never read any of his books. Top 3? Just the titles. I'll go in blind.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

I've only read two of his series but enjoyed both a good deal.

Odd Thomas (first book shares title with the series)
Frankenstein (first book is Prodigal Son)

[–] [email protected] 10 points 10 months ago

Reliably entertaining, but will never be considered a masterpiece.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 10 months ago

Basically moved on from youth novels with both Dean Koontz and Stephen King. The Odd Thomas series was a fun read at that age.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm offended by this, as I much prefer RC Cola to Coke or Pepsi... :/

[–] [email protected] 11 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Dr. Pepper > Cherry RC > Cherry Coke > Cherry Pepsi.

I like cherries.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Faygo Red Pop. It's not really strawberry, it's not really cherry, it's not really anything. It tastes generically red. It's also cheap and delicious.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I tried, yo. I really tried to like it. When I first moved to Michigan everyone was trying to give it to me all the time saying it's the best, but I just can't. Now, their Cherry Soda? Yum.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago

Rock n Rye is great too!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago
[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

But where is Cheerwine?

If there’s one reason to go to the Carolinas…Cheerwine.

I went for a Solar Eclipse but that won’t happen there for a while.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Don't need to go to the Carolinas for Cheerwine. I live in Indiana and got it in my grocery order a few weeks ago. I had never had it before. It was listed as "Cherry Soda". Imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be cherry cola. Gross.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Were you looking for straight cherry flavor, like a Jones Soda?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

I've never had Jones, but "straight cherry flavor" sounds like exactly what I was looking for. I've never been a fan of cola.

On that note, while I agree with Dr Pepper being better than all the others listed, it doesn't even belong on the list as it doesn't have the slightest hint of cola flavor.