On the positive side, King has a new book out, one in which he has discarded the worn out horror stories he used to write. Instead, he has served up a novel about a marriage so good and a childhood so horrifying it riveted me to the page.

If you'll stick with me through this column, I'll tell you why King is also a hateful, and even irrational, person.

I promise, you'll take it personally.

But first, I want to continue telling you what's excellent about "Lisey's Story," published late last year.

King begins the book after his main character, famous author Scott Landon, has died and his wife Lisey is dealing with his death. The story flips back and forth in time, slowly revealing Scott as a man emerging from a childhood so monstrous only Lisey's steadfast love is saving his sanity.